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Is Your Staff Prepared for the Weather? | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to get you back in action.
We know how busy you are as a business or commercial property owner in the Pewaukee area. Your days are full of daily operations, team meetings and managerial duties. Your thoughts are also always consumed with planning for the unexpected!
Severe weather is a very real threat to our area, so having a plan in place for a variety of scenarios can ensure everyone on your staff stays safe by reacting appropriately.
Our team explains some easy ways below to ensure your employees are prepared for the possibility of severe weather, so read on to learn more.
Understanding the Storm RisksWe love all four seasons, and that’s why many of us live here! However, each season can bring severe weather with it and can result in widespread damages. Summer and early fall storms can produce high winds and tornadoes, and winter storms can knock out power lines or make travel impossible. In any case, your staff need to be prepared!
It is also important to understand your building’s flood risk. Flood zones can look different across the area, and it can help you determine whether purchasing flood insurance is necessary. It can also prompt you to react quicker if a flood warning is issued for our counties.
Communicating EffectivelyCommunicating with your staff is easier than ever before. We are all constantly connected, so being able to talk to each other during an emergency is a huge benefit of our current technology.
If severe weather is forecast or is on the horizon, you can fire off a quick text or email to your staff to explain evacuation routes, safe shelter locations or any other directions that you need to address. This can ensure a smooth transition from a regular work day to an emergency response situation.
To Stay In or Go Out?Every weather emergency is different, so it is your responsibility to understand what is coming your way and take appropriate action. If you need to evacuate quickly, your staff need to know where your emergency exits are and need to be able to find them quickly. Take a building tour to show them and be sure to label these exits clearly.
If a severe weather situation warrants staying put, you need to have your safe shelter location ready to use. This includes having food, water and any other emergency supplies that will keep your team safe and comfortable while the storm passes.
In order to ensure everyone reacts calmly and smoothly, you need to practice this plan. Run these various scenarios throughout the year, and your team will be much more confident if and when the real situation arises.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Storm Preparation Tips for the Pewaukee Area | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
Summer in the midwest is certainly one of the best seasons across the country, in our opinion. The sun is out, the temperatures are (finally) warmer, and we are enjoying our cabins and cottages as often as possible.
Even though the summer season can be great, it is also a time of potentially dangerous weather. The heat and humidity can quickly bring wind, hail, heavy rain and tornadoes to the area without much forewarning.
In order to be prepared, you have to prepare! Storms can cause widespread damage if you are not taking the steps you need to in order to get your property ready now.
Preparing the outside of your home is an easy way to reduce the risk of suffering storm damage, so check out our tips below to learn more.
Seasonal Storm PreparationIf you are a homeowner, you already have a list of routine yard maintenance that you need to stay up on. The good news is that a lot of what you are already doing is helping prepare your home for storms.
Trimming your trees and removing yard debris like dead branches helps reduce your risk of suffering impact damage when the wind picks up. Cleaning out your gutters helps minimize the risk of suffering water damage, because the rainwater will be able to flow down and away from your home.
Once these tasks are done, focus on the entry points into your home. Check the seals around your doors and windows for signs of rot or deterioration, and do an inspection of your roof after every storm to check for broken or missing shingles.
Home Improvement PurchasesThankfully, most storm preparations can be done cost-free. However, there are some great products and equipment on the market that can help secure your home even more if you desire.
Storm shutters can be installed over your windows to protect them from breaking and leading to water and wind damage inside your house. If you live on a property with a lot of trees, gutter guards are good investments to help keep leaf debris from clogging up your gutter system.
Pole sheds and other outbuildings are also at risk of suffering storm damage. You can buy bracing or ties to secure the roof to protect it from damage, and depending on the size, you can invest in a gutter system for it as well.
Once your home is prepped and ready, stay current on the local forecast and always listen to warnings and alerts. If you do still end up suffering damage, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here to help guide you through a fast recovery.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Firing Up Your Barbecue Grill, Safely | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to get your space back in shape.
It’s sweet summertime, and we are right with you enjoying the sunny days and time spent outside with family and friends. The summer season is the perfect time of year to dust off your backyard grill and grill up your favorite burgers and hot dogs, but before you tie on your grillmaster apron, be sure your grill and equipment are ready to use.
Improper use of a grill, whether it is charcoal or propane, can quickly lead to dangerous conditions and a potential fire situation. Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team wants you to enjoy your backyard BBQs without the risk of a fire, so read on to learn more.
The SetupThe first rule that all Sussex homeowners need to follow is that your grill needs to stay outside. That might sound obvious, but that also includes keeping it out of your garage and out from underneath a roof overhang. Your grill needs to be able to properly vent, and anything combustible above the heat and smoke can easily catch on fire.
Now that it is outside, keep it far away from your house and siding. A good rule of thumb is to set it up 10 feet away from the side of your house or wooden railing along your deck. This barrier should also be a kid-free and pet-free zone in order to keep everyone safe.
If you have a charcoal grill, clean out any ash buildup and check the grill for dents or cracks. Propane grills also need a thorough inspection. Check the gas lines for leaks and make sure the connections are secure. A leaky line or propane tank is a huge fire hazard and a potentially really dangerous situation.
Manning the FlamesStay close by your grill while you are cooking and keep a water source nearby just in case. A spray bottle can help tame any flame flare-ups, and you should have your hose or fire extinguisher ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Once your food is done, hand off the steaming plate to someone else to bring inside because your job is not done yet! Turn off the gas and shut off the burners, or close the vents for your charcoal grill to remove the oxygen supply. You should also get in the habit of disposing of ash and embers in a metal can, as they can lead to a fire long after the grill flames are out. Before you head in for the night, check your grill once more to ensure everything is cool.
We hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe summer making memories with your loved ones, but remember that SERVPRO® is here for you if a BBQ turns south at your Pewaukee area home and you wind up with frustrating fire damage to your home or property.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex for a fast restoration.
The Discovery of a Water Leak in Your Home | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away.
Take a moment to think about how often you use water in your daily life. The frequency of how often you turn on a faucet or run an appliance might surprise you! We certainly rely on water to help us get through our days and provide for our families, but that also means the possibility of experiencing water damage is always present.
If water finds itself in a place where it shouldn’t be, like on your floor or behind your walls, it can cause widespread issues and costly damages. In addition to household accidents like appliance malfunctions or busted pipes, Mother Nature can impact your home as well. Heavy rain during those classic Milwaukee-area summer thunderstorms can leak through your roof or flood your basement.
Preventing water damage takes some preparation, but unfortunately it’s not always possible to completely prevent a situation from occurring. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you to make sure your home is dried and restored quickly.
Controlling the SituationIf you come upon a leak or an active flooding situation in your home, stay calm but act quickly. Water has the potential to leak down your walls, into your floorboards and into your ceilings in a matter of minutes after the problem begins, so the faster you move, the better.
Once you have discovered the source of the leak, you should focus on stopping or slowing the flow of water. If the situation was caused by a broken pipe or appliance problem, shut off the controlling water valve and turn off the power in that room. If your roof or walls have been damaged in a storm and the water is leaking in that way, you may just have to catch the dripping while you wait for the storm to pass in order to investigate safely.
It’s important to remember that flooding situations can be a bit more dangerous as there could be live electrical wires or sharp objects lurking beneath the surface. Avoid walking through the water if possible.
Now that you have initially controlled the situation, it’s time to pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex! Our team will be there right away to help dry out your space and handle your restoration with ease.
Our Reliable Drying ProcessIt is our goal to get started on your restoration as quickly as possible, so we will ask you a bunch of questions during our first phone call so that we have a good idea of the situation. We will also ask you to take some photos of the damage. Fresh images of the damage will help make the insurance claims process smoother, and we can use these images to communicate directly with them on your behalf.
We get started on your restoration from the moment we step into your home. We know that time is of the essence when it comes to water damage, so our team will turn on our blowers and air movers right away to dry up the excess water. We also focus on saving your possessions and drying out your soft materials because we want to restore whatever we can!
When the water is gone, we will clean, sanitize and deodorize the entire space before starting on any repairs. Water has the innate ability to warp and ruin many different areas of your home, but we are fully trained to handle anything from laying fresh carpet to drywall repair. When we are through, you would never know a water disaster occurred in your home.
Even just an inch of water where it shouldn’t be can cause significant issues for your home, so count on us to help you! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you 24⁄7, and we will make sure you and your home are well taken care of.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Tips for Post-Storm Recovery in the Summertime | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to restore your space in no time!
The summer season is great here in the Pewaukee area for many reasons, but severe storms sometimes aren’t one of them. While we may be grateful for the rain if our lawns and gardens are suffering, strong winds and hail can really do a number on our homes.
Strong thunderstorms can easily develop and roll across the state during those hot and humid days during the summer. When the sun shines in the morning, it increases our chances of experiencing a severe storm with high wind, heavy rain and damaging hail. Even the occasional tornado is known to happen from time to time around the Pewaukee area.
Your family’s safety should always be your top priority during these types of situations, so keep an eye on the sky and head inside as soon as the weather starts to turn.
Once the storm has blown through, it’s time to inspect your property for damages. Check out our helpful tips for recovering after a storm below to help you stay on track and stay safe.
Immediately Following the ThunderstormDon’t run outside quite yet! Another storm could be on the horizon, so stay sky-aware and stay close to home until you are certain the threat has passed. Keep your weather radio or phone handy to listen for updates or another storm alert.
If there was anyone in your family or household that was not home when the storm hit, take this time to connect with them to make sure they are safe. Sending off a quick text can bring everyone some peace of mind.
You should also check on your neighbors when you have a chance. The path of storms can be very unpredictable and cause varying degrees of damage in a single neighborhood. Just be cautious moving around any homes or buildings with visible damage.
Once everyone is safe and accounted for, it’s time to start some damage control. Take photos of whatever damage you find and call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away for immediate assistance.
The Minutes and Hours Post-StormIf your home has been damaged in any way, be extremely cautious walking around your home and property. Some damage can be severe enough to affect your home’s structural integrity, while loose boards and shattered glass can be hazards all on their own. Keep your cell phone close by and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
If it is still raining or is really windy, you might need to start securing your home before we even get there. Laying tarps and covering broken windows can help protect your possessions from further damage. We will do this step as well when we arrive but the more you do right away, the better it will be for everyone involved.
We are proud to be able to work directly with your insurance company while simultaneously working on drying and restoring your home. This ensures that your claim is being processed correctly, and you are getting the most accurate damage reports in real time.
We know that suffering home damage during a storm can be scary and overwhelming, but we are here to make sure that your space is returned to exactly the way it was before the storm and we will keep working until you are 100% satisfied with the final product.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
Preparing for Heavy Rain in Our Community | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex on the case!
Rain is definitely a hot topic at this time of year. Some days we are so grateful for a good soaking because our lawns and gardens really need it, and other days we are all glued to the weather forecast hoping that the severe storm skips us over.
Severe weather can be scary any time of the year, but the summer season is a bit different. Rain can wash over our area in intense waves, bringing strong wind and the occasional hail along with it. Sometimes the rain can fall fast enough to overwhelm our homes and leak down our walls.
Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team understands the dangers of intense rain, so we explain some easy ways to prepare your home for any incoming storms we have yet this year.
The Power of RainOur community certainly sees our fair share of thunderstorms from early spring to mid fall. Each storm can bring wind, hail, rain and even the occasional tornado that can cause widespread damage in a short amount of time. If it rains hard enough, Pewaukee Lake can start to rise and low-lying areas or drainage ditches can become dangerous to be around.
Even though we can’t control what the weather does, we can do our part to be prepared for the different scenarios. Stay connected to local authorities and take action quickly when a watch or warning is issued.
How to Stay SafeYour family’s top priority should always be safety, so head for home as soon as intense rain is expected. Avoid roads that flood often and drainage areas as you make your way home. Once you are home safe, start preparing your home. Tie down your lawn furniture and propane tanks, and move your car into the garage just in case the flash flood makes its way to your street.
If your basement often gets wet when it rains, start collecting your fragile or soft possessions and move them to a safe location and shut off electricity to these spaces just to be on the safe side. Once the storm begins, stay calm if the rain starts flooding in. Just stay above the water line and don’t walk through any standing water. All you need to do is ensure your safety and then give us a call for a complete restoration.
Steps to Take to Stay Dry in the FutureWe all know that we can’t completely control the outcome of severe weather and the impact it has on our homes, but we can still learn from every situation. For example, if your basement always falls victim to heavy rain, it may be due to your yard. Getting it professionally graded can help naturally encourage water to flow away from your home instead of backward into your foundation.
You can also invest in a sump pump! These handy pieces of equipment help pull water away from your basement and pump it back up to the surface, where it flows away from your house.
Even if you do everything right, water damage does still happen from time to time. Call our restoration specialists for a complete recovery! We will dry up the water, repair whatever the water warped and even sanitize your space to prevent mold growth.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Top Tips for Safe Fall Bonfires | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
The sweet temperatures of the fall season are finally starting to arrive, and we can’t believe it! This year has gone by fast, but we are not complaining about the fall decorations, pumpkin spice and cooler air that this time of year brings. This season is also the perfect time to enjoy a bonfire out back with your family and friends.
Bonfires during a cool fall evening can be so cozy and relaxing, but you can’t let your guard down when it comes to fire safety.
Our SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team explains some easy steps to follow when building your fire so everyone can relax safely and enjoy the crackling flames.
What to DoDo ensure your location is a safe distance away from your home or any outbuildings. Most permanent fire pits are already in the ground, but be sure any wood piles or flammable materials are far away from the pit.
Do keep a source of water ready to use. A full bucket or a hose that is turned on and ready to use can quickly snuff out a growing blaze. If you are camping or don’t have access to water right away, keep a shovel nearby so you can pile sand and dirt on top of the flames if you need to extinguish it quickly.
Do watch the forecast and listen to all burn bans. Windy days or dry conditions can make it really dangerous to light a fire outside, so watch the weather and choose another day if the conditions aren’t ideal. Keep in mind that bans can change in a single day, so check with our local authorities before starting your fire is crucial.
What Not to DoDon’t use any sort of flammable accelerant to get your fire started. Aerosol cans, lighter fluid and gas all light on fire easily, but they are not easily controlled. They have different flash points and can start an out-of-control fire in seconds.
Don’t let your children or pets play near the flames. Fire is unpredictable and so are your kids! Keep them back a safe distance to avoid serious injury or a dangerous situation.
Don’t let your fire get too big. It can be easy to overlook large fires as you are having fun adding sticks, twigs and leaves, but a large fire can easily start things around it ablaze.
Don’t go inside until you have extinguished your fire. Pour water over the fire until the logs and embers are cold to the touch and you are completely sure the fire is out.
Wildfire Prevention TipsKeep in mind that the majority of wildfires are started by humans. Always stay in close attendance to an open flame and keep your fires small.
We are always here for you if your home or property suffers fire damage. Call us right away for a complete fire damage restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Teaching Fire Safety to Your Children | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
Having small children in your home is such a blessing, but it is hard work! Helping them grow and find independence while also keeping them safe feels like a full-time job at times. While it is your job to foster curiosity in your children, it is also important to teach them about the things that are a danger to them, like fire.
Fire safety is an important topic no matter how old you are. Knowing what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out in your home is crucial whether you are 5 or 55.
Introducing fire-safe concepts in an encouraging and light-hearted environment can help prepare your children for the possibility while also preventing unnecessary fear or anxieties.
Explaining the Concept of Fire
Children often learn through experiences or by witnessing cause and effect, which can make it harder to explain fire to a child. You certainly don’t want to just start lighting things on fire in your home! However, you can start by walking through your house to discuss each place that fire can start, like your stove, bonfire pit, grills and even candles.
Discuss how fire can spread and what can catch on fire, and show them the matches and lighters that you use. Your children should know what these are and what they are for to avoid an accident. Without this knowledge, a child might pick up a match and play with it out of curiosity, which can lead to a disastrous situation.
Trusting Firefighters and Authority
Seeing anyone in uniform can be overwhelming for little kids, but especially firefighters and police officers. All the gear and safety equipment can make even the friendliest people look intimidating! You want to ensure your children will trust and respond to a firefighter in an emergency situation, so try to expose your kids to your local fire crew as often as possible.
Attend local meet-and-greet events, take a tour of the firehouse or even just show your kids pictures or books of firefighters in uniform. You should also practice calling out for help with your kids. Have them go to their rooms and hold a contest to see how loud they can shout their names while army crawling through the house.
Planning the Escape Route
Your family should have an emergency exit plan that is easy to access and understood by everyone. If you don’t, now is the time to create one!
Let your kids lead the way, have them find the fastest way out of every room and have them point to all exit points on each level of your home. Take this information and put it into a diagram of your house.
Don’t forget to include your windows in your escape routes! While teaching your children how to open your windows may seem reckless, it is crucial information to have during a true emergency. Show them how they work, but ensure they also know that they are not toys and should never be played with.
Finally, choose an outdoor meeting location like your mailbox or a neighbor’s driveway. Put it all together and do a full run-through of your plan at least twice a year, and ensure that your children know how to call 911 once you are safely outside.
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
Protect Your Home From the Strong Summer Wind | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
6/9/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex your first call.
We all enjoy a soft breeze on a warm summer’s day, but we would bet that not many of us enjoy the wind that accompanies a severe thunderstorm or tornado. Those situations can often be scary and even dangerous when they occur.
Wind can impact our homes in a variety of ways, and it can lead to disastrous effects if we are not careful. While we associate wind damage most often with storms, it can even happen on a sunny day if it is blowing hard enough.
Get to know more about the different types of strong winds below so you can keep your family safe and property free of damage.
Varying Wind StrengthsThe majority of damaging winds come when thunderstorms are in the area, and even more so when a tornado touches down nearby.
Thunderstorms can produce a variety of different weather threats, and they can easily kick up winds up to 60 miles per hour. At that speed, yard debris can be blown about and tossed against your home.
Straight-line winds are also problematic! This type of wind has no rotation to it, which means it can occur in powerful bursts and cause widespread damage with a single gust. Straight-line winds can blow up to 100 miles per hour.
Tornadoes are one step above that and can contain downdrafts, straight-line winds and bursts of wind called micro- or macro-bursts. All of these different types can lead to a dangerous and even deadly situation.
We certainly see our fair share of dangerous weather in the summer and early fall. Severe thunderstorms with strong winds can quickly appear on the radar, even when the entire day was previously sunny! This is why it is crucial to understand the forecast whenever you are going outside.
Tips to Avoid Wind DamageWhen the wind blows strongly enough, it can take out trees, toss around heavy yard debris and damage power lines. It can even upend mobile homes and cars if it blows over 80 miles per hour!
In order to have as much advance notice about a developing weather situation, you need to have a way to be alerted to changing conditions. Once the wind advisory or warning is issued, it is time to get ready. Move loose objects inside your home or garage, and tie down the things that are permanently outside, like your grill and propane tanks.
Try to keep your trees trimmed throughout the year, and certainly remove any hanging branches or broken limbs before the wind picks up. A branch can easily become a dangerous projectile at the right speed.
Head to an interior room to ride out the storm and stay away from windows and only leave your sheltering location once you are sure the threat has passed.
Take a walk around your property to look for damage, paying special attention to your roof. If you do discover any sort of storm damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away! We can get your home back together quickly and efficiently.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
Put a Stop to Pesky Water Leaks | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to find the source.
Water damage can be really troublesome for homeowners. Even just an inch of water can cause large-scale disasters and can be costly to recover from. Whether it be a small leak that goes unnoticed for a long time or a singular incident like a flood, water damage is a constant threat.
Because water damage can occur in a variety of ways, it is important to familiarize yourself with where it is most likely to occur.
Learn more about where water damage can occur in your Pewaukee area home below.
Your rooftop. Your roof works hard day in and day out to keep you safe and dry. But sometimes, a gap or missing shingle is all it takes to cause a water leak.
Since we don’t often get up on our roofs on a daily basis, these issues could be missed and not noticed until it is already too late.
A leak that is left to, well, leak, will keep causing damage until it is stopped. The water will seep down into your ceiling, walls and floors and will continue to cause water damage behind your walls. If that happens, mildew and mold growth are not far away.
In your bathroom. In addition to your roof, your bathrooms are also another common place for water damage to occur. The frustrating thing about our bathrooms is that there are many places that could produce water damage here. Sinks, toilets, showers and tubs constantly have water flowing through them.
Be proactive about investigating new puddles or a spot on your floor that always seems to be wet. Even a hole the size of a pinhead along a water line can cause widespread issues eventually. It is also important to ensure that you dry out your bathroom by running your fan or opening a window to reduce lingering moisture.
It’s better to be too thorough than not thorough enough! Don’t overlook the importance of regular routine maintenance and checking your water lines often.
Your water-reliant appliances. We love having access to appliances like dishwashers and washing machines only a few steps away in our homes. It definitely makes daily tasks and chores easier. However, they can also make your daily life miserable if you come home to a flooded utility room or water all over your kitchen floor.
Preventing water damage due to your appliances takes a bit more investigative work. Since we don’t often (or ever) pull our bulky or heavy appliances away from the wall, a water leak can easily go unnoticed behind or beneath your appliances.
Do your best to check under and behind them often for signs of water, and certainly dig deeper if you discover a puddle of water on your floor for no apparent reason. In addition, replace your dated appliances regularly to ensure you are providing your home with the most reliable equipment. If you do still end up suffering water damage in your home, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex can help you with a speedy cleanup.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
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