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Making Insurance Claims Simple, Thanks to SERVPRO® | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
Facing down the reality of a disaster can be really scary, especially if your friends and family are involved and their safety is at risk. While you focus on getting everyone to a safe location, it is a grim reality to watch your home or property suffer serious damage.
Even though it is true that your safety and the safety of those around you is always the most important thing, that doesn’t change the fact that at some point you will have to turn your focus to recovering from the disaster situation.
That’s where our team comes in! We are proud to be here for all of your restoration needs as well as the other, more complicated parts of recovery, like navigating insurance claims.
The Road Toward RecoveryAll home disasters are different, but they are all impactful and come with their own considerations. Your first priority should always be keeping your family safe, and then you should make sure to check on your neighbors if the disaster spread further than just your own home.
Once everyone has been communicated with and no one needs emergency services, now is the time to turn your attention to recovery. The longer you wait, the worse your home damage can become. This can lead to more expensive repairs or even situations that become permanent in your home.
Get us on the phone right away and then take some photos of the damage that you can see. While we work on getting together a restoration team and your recovery plan, you can help this process along by documenting the damage for your insurance company. You should also take any minor steps to prevent more damage, like shutting off water valves or turning off electricity to the affected area.
Recovery and DocumentationOur team is proud to be a one-stop-shop when it comes to your restoration needs. We will focus first on securing the damaged part of your home by boarding windows, laying down tarps and protecting your belongings. Our highly trained team can help you recover from whatever disaster situation you are involved in, plus we come with the added benefit of helping you navigate the confusing world of insurance claims.
Our team will prioritize cataloging your possessions and be sure to list any losses, and we will also take our own professional photos at this time. All of this, combined with the images that you took, will give your insurance company a great place to start when it comes to your claim. We will also be sure to work according to the insurance inspection standards to help lower your potential costs overall.
Your home or business matters to us, and we want to be there to help you recover. Contact us day or night for immediate restoration assistance, and we will help you take care of every aspect of your recovery.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Preparing for Floods With Confidence | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
When tackling a tricky task, how do you approach it? Do you take it all on at once, or do you break it down to the basics and accomplish a little at a time? Sometimes taking things back to the beginning can help you tackle your situation with more confidence.
This is certainly true when it comes to preparing for severe weather and flood emergencies. Floods can be really impactful for our community, so knowing what to do when we are faced with flooding conditions can help you stay in control.
We explain some easy-to-follow flood prevention tips below to help your property stay dry when the spring rain comes to town.
Understanding Your Flood RiskFloods can happen when Mother Nature brings significant rain to our community, but that isn’t the only way that we can experience floods. Broken water lines, overflowing toilets or tubs, and leaky appliances can all pose serious issues for your home. In addition, our close proximity to Pewaukee Lake and other minor waterways can increase our risk of flooding from time to time.
We especially need to be aware in the springtime during a typical season as the snow melts and the runoff makes its way through our community. Do you know if your property is in a flood zone?
Whether your property is in a designated flood zone or not, it is still important that you know how your yard and home will react when it rains heavily or if we are in a flash flood watch. Low-lying areas can quickly fill up with water, so make sure you have your downspouts on and pointed away from your home and consider adding more length to the spouts to move the water even farther away from your home.
The tree coverage in our community is a blessing in many ways, but having so many leaves around your property can easily pose issues when it starts to rain. Leaves and other yard debris can quickly clog up a gutter, which can lead to pooling on your roof that can infiltrate your attic. Adding gutter covers can help keep that debris out so the water can flow where it needs to.
Additional PreparationWhile understanding your specific flood risk is important, we all know that Mother Nature has a mind of her own and that any one of us can be surprised by flooding issues at any time.
If you do suffer from a flood at any point, it can be really frustrating while also being informative at the same time. You can take steps like investing in a professional yard grading to help prevent it from happening again or you can do simple things like landscape around your home with mulch to help absorb excess moisture.
It can also help you keep a closer eye on the inside of your home. You should be checking your windows and doors regularly for signs of moisture and replacing any worn seals right away. In addition, you should also have your sump pump professionally inspected every season to make sure your equipment is ready to work no matter the season.
Start with the basics when it comes to flood prevention, and you will be amazed at how much of a difference it can make! Remember, our water damage restoration team is always here if you need us.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
The Stinky Reality of Unexpected Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
One minute you are going about your day at work or at home and the next, you are hit with the overwhelming smell of what is undoubtedly sewage. While you rush to cover your nose and mouth, you are most likely also trying to track down the source so you can figure out what is going on.
Sewage leaks are always frustrating when they occur, but they are unfortunately a reality for many Americans every day! Knowing what to do when this happens to you can help you stay in control and recover faster.
The First Few StepsSewage backups happen whenever the wastewater in your pipes cannot flow in the direction that it is supposed to. Normally, water will flow down and away from your home via the pipe system in place, but if it gets clogged or blocked somehow, that wastewater will be forced backward into your sinks, tubs and toilets. Sewage can also start to leak out of any pipes if there are any loose connections or holes in the lines themselves.
No matter how the sewage leak started, tackling it quickly is crucial. Water is categorized into varying levels of toxicity, with white water being the least toxic and black water being the most toxic. Can you guess which category sewage falls into? Sewage most definitely is categorized as black water because it can harbor really dangerous bacteria, viruses and microbes that can be detrimental to your health.
Since sewage is considered a toxic substance, do your best to stay out of the water. If you are able to access the shutoff valve for the pipe without getting wet or messy, do so right away to stop the flow of water. Once the situation is partially under control, give us a call and then start opening up windows and turning on fans to let the fumes escape.
Where the SERVPRO® Team Comes InWhen it comes to cleaning jobs, we are highly trained and ready to work. Our team will start our conversation with you by asking all kinds of questions to better understand your situation. Once we have a good idea of the scale of the cleanup, we will pack up our trucks with the right equipment and we will be on our way to you!
While you wait for us to show up, snap a few photos of the situation. While these photos most likely won’t be on any holiday cards any time soon, they are necessary for your insurance company to understand the scale of your situation. They will help make your claim that much smoother.
Our team will work quickly to identify the problem that caused the leak, and we will tend to any repairs so that the situation can’t happen again. Simultaneously, we will start cleaning up the area by removing the sewage and wastewater. You can bet that we will be decked out head to toe in the latest and most protective safety gear!
We can also employ our deodorizers at this time to remove any traces of that stinky sewage smell. Finally, if the lingering water caused any sort of damage to your property, we can address those repairs as well.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the stink! Contact us right away so we can take control of your sewage leak and help you recover faster.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.
Upgrading Your Weather Alert Systems This Spring | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex help you get from April showers to May flowers.
Spring weather is right around the corner if you can believe it! After the weirdly dry winter we experienced, we would bet that many of us are looking forward to spring rain showers and rumbling thunderstorms.
However, the arrival of spring weather means that severe weather season is on the horizon as well. Being prepared for severe weather like high winds or even tornadoes can help keep your family safe, so we explain some easy ways to make sure you are alerted and informed of any incoming weather.
Staying ConnectedMany of us spend our entire days surrounded by screens, so it should be no surprise that phones and TVs remain one of the most common ways of receiving weather alerts. Wireless Emergency Alerts are national alerts that can be issued directly to your phone, so check to make sure your notifications are turned on for this. You should also update any weather apps that you have to send you alerts based on your location.
Keep in mind that you should choose wisely when it comes to weather apps. Not every app should be trusted as many of them tend to inflate forecasts or over exaggerate them for likes or engagement. Stick to the nationally recognized organizations or trusted local sources instead.
That being said, TV stations and local weather authorities are also great resources when it comes to staying informed in real time. You can tune into one of our local stations to watch storms move across the area and you will be able to heed any warnings or sheltering recommendations as soon as they are issued.
When the Power Goes OutWhile the TV, phones and laptops can be really helpful during severe weather, they are only useful when we have power or if your devices are charged. Once the power goes out, it can put you in a really vulnerable position if you have no other ways of staying connected.
This is why you should have at least one other way of receiving alerts that does not rely on electricity in order to work. To start, you should know where the nearest weather siren is located and if you are able to easily hear it from your home.
In addition, you should also invest in an NOAA weather radio. Having a hand-crank or solar-powered radio in emergency situations will ensure you can still get the information you need in order to stay safe and stay informed.
We hope you all are ready for another exciting spring weather season! Remember that we are always here for you if your home or property suffers from storm damage. We will help you recover quickly no matter your situation.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
Recovering From a Serious Disaster at Your Business | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
2/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
Picture this: You have worked hard at work all week, it is Friday afternoon and you are about to leave for the weekend, but suddenly an employee of yours comes rushing in saying a water main broke and water is now pouring from the ceiling.
You will most likely react immediately by jumping up and running toward the situation, and you will do everything in your power to secure your building as quickly as possible. After the adrenaline wears off, you will slowly come to terms with your watery reality.
Now what? You call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex, of course! Our team is here to help you recover no matter the kind or scale of damage.
Preparation Tips for Your TeamOf course, the best way to navigate disasters is to be prepared for them. Basic emergency plans can help your entire team stay on track in the face of a true disaster, and they can help protect everyone under your roof.
The first thing you should focus on is to make sure everyone is connected and knows how to communicate with each other in an emergency. A text chain, phone tree or even a loud-speaker announcement can inform a lot of people all at once.
You should also take the time to ensure your staff know where your emergency items are located. Water shut-off valves, fire extinguishers and emergency exits should all be part of your building tour, and you should explain how to use these things in an emergency.
Finally, your plan should include steps for what to do after the disaster situation has occurred. Locate and communicate a backup location for your employees to gather, or be sure everyone has what they need to work remotely in the interim.
Recovering ConfidentlyIf you have a plan, you are already halfway there when it comes to a full recovery! After your situation is secure, get SERVPRO® on the phone so we can handle your entire restoration.
We will take over the cleaning and restoration duties so you can focus on communicating with your customers and staff. Your loyal team and consumer base will want to know when you will be back open for regular business, so you should keep them updated on the progress and stay positive throughout the process.
Our team will also work hard to find ways for you to continue working in your business while we are rebuilding your space. While you may have to adjust how you do things temporarily, keep in mind that this is only temporary and regular life is just right around the corner.
We want you to focus on creating an emergency plan that you can use at a moment’s notice, but we also want you to lean on us when disaster does strike. We will work incredibly hard to help you recover faster and enjoy once again all of the benefits that being a business owner in the Waukesha area provides.
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
A Single Team, Tackling Damage With Confidence | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!
We are all familiar with the adage of “when it rains, it pours” and have heard it at least once when it comes to unfortunate life situations. As far as cliches go, this one is especially true in regard to home disasters and unexpected damage situations.
Whether a strong storm came through and flooded your basement or knocked out power or a dishwasher leak started while you were out of the house, it can be really frustrating to figure out where to start during the cleanup process.
That’s where SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex comes into play! We are here to help tackle any sort of home damage no matter how large or extensive it is.
The Toll of DisastersDisasters can occur in many forms, but they can all be damaging in their own way. Even when you are expecting them, you can’t always control the outcome, so you could be dealing with some serious repercussions in a short amount of time.
Heavy rain can infiltrate your home and lead to flooding, which will warp your walls and floors but can also spark mold growth. High wind can leave your home without power, but it can also tear off shingles or siding with ease. Fires can be extinguished, but soot, smoke and extensive amounts of fire and water damage can be left behind to deal with.
Disasters should always be addressed and evaluated as quickly as possible to avoid compounding damage from setting in. The longer damage lingers, the worse your situation could become.
With any physical toll that your home takes, you will most likely experience a mental toll as well. You deserve to get back to your regular life quickly, which is why you deserve a team that will help get you there.
Total Restoration at Your FingertipsOur team is available 24⁄7 to respond to your home disaster, and we will always answer the phone no matter what day it is. We will immediately start pulling together our resources to help you recover right away.
Our team is composed of certified experts who are highly trained and capable of taking care of your home damage from start to finish. We have years of experience and are not afraid of any sort of project, no matter the scale.
When your roof is peeled off in a storm, we will quickly arrive to tarp over it to protect your belongings and we will get to work drying out your space immediately. If you suffer a flood, we will prioritize removing standing water while drying out your fragile possessions and belongings as quickly as possible.
Total restoration is exactly what we offer! You only will be working with us during your entire recovery period, which can help reduce your stress significantly if you aren’t having to work with multiple companies and contracts.
Our team is ready to help take your home from dreary and damaged to bright and restored in no time at all! Call us as soon as the rain comes pouring in or a house fire starts in your kitchen and we will take care of you.
Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.
Staying Safe Around the Fireplace This Winter | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
We are powering through the winter season so far in 2024 and many of us are dreaming of those warm summer days that seem still so far off. Since we can’t warm ourselves in the sun this season, we have to do it in other ways! Fireplaces and space heaters are utilized much more heavily at this time of year to create those warm and cozy living spaces.
Unfortunately, there is a direct correlation between an increase in fireplace and space heater use with the rise of house fires during this time of year. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex wants you to stay safe without the risk of starting a serious fire, so read on to learn more.
Preparing Your FireplaceThe warmth and glow that fireplaces provide can’t be beat, but they can be serious fire hazards if they are not prepared and maintained properly. If you have a real wood-burning fireplace, it is crucial that you continually clean out leftover ash and clean your chimney walls to remove creosote buildup. You should also inspect your chimney annually to check for cracking or structural issues.
Keep flammable possessions far away from the grating and off of the mantle, and make sure your smoke detectors are working. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, you should be continually checking the lines for signs of leaks, as even a tiny gas leak can be a huge danger to your family. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector next to your fireplace as well.
Where to Set up a Space HeaterThe best thing about space heaters is that they are easily portable, making you toasty warm wherever your day takes you inside your home. However, that’s also what makes them dangerous.
Space heaters can be quickly tipped over, and a fire can start almost instantly if there is no one present to set the heater back up right away. Choose a hard, nonflammable surface to set it up, and make sure the cord is lying flat on the ground or secured somehow to reduce tripping hazards.
Keep kids and pets away from the heater, ideally making a three-foot barrier for added protection, and keep curtains and other flammable materials far away from the emanating heat. Always turn off and unplug your heater before leaving the room or before going to bed.
Additional Safety MeasuresNot every space heater that is on the market is a safe choice for you to purchase. Just because one is cheaper than another or is advertised as quick-heating doesn’t mean it is safe for you to have in your home. Do thorough research on the specific heater you have in mind and read reviews before purchasing anything.
You should also make sure that the company that produces the heater is reputable and has passed all of their safety certifications. Next, check the features that the space heater comes with. Many of them have safety shut-offs now that will turn the heater off automatically after a certain period of use, which can be a great back up in case you forget to do it yourself.
Finally, you should also take the time to inspect the cord that comes out of the heater. It should be sturdy and well-made and be at least six feet long so you can set it up in a safe location without worry.
Have a happy, safe and warm winter season! Remember that we are here for you if you ever suffer from any sort of fire damage in your home or business. Call us day or night for a quick and reliable recovery.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.
Water Leak? Check These Areas First | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.
Whether you realize it or not, you use water in your everyday life in so many different ways. From the moment you brush your teeth in the morning to when you make dinner after you get home from work at night, water is part of our routine in one way or another. While having easy access to water is a privilege, it can also lead to some serious water damage if a leak occurs unexpectedly.
Knowing where to look for the source of a leak can help you take action quicker and stay in control of any emerging water leak issues. Check the spots below first on your search!
Beneath Your SinksOur sinks and taps are a necessary part of our homes, but they are the location of where almost all of our water flows out from! That means that suffering a water leak beneath your sink can happen at any time if a seal starts to wear away or a connection starts to loosen.
Once the water has started to leak, it can drip and seep into your walls, into your wooden cupboards and under your floors before it is discovered. Check your water lines often by opening up cabinets and going on a hunt.
Underneath AppliancesAnother important aspect of our homes is our appliances, especially those that use water to function. After all, that laundry isn’t going to do itself! Dishwashers, ice makers, washing machines and water heaters use a lot of water to function, and a simple mishap or malfunction in the appliance can lead to serious water leaks.
Water leaks from appliances can be especially troublesome because if they are not caught quickly, water could continually be pumped onto your floor until the cycle is finished or until it is discovered. Get in the habit of checking your appliances regularly while they are running so you can address leaks right at the beginning.
Behind Walls and Under FloorsThe trouble with water is that it can easily leak and seep into virtually every surface in your home. Once it is on your floors, it can get into the cracks in your floorboards or it can leak behind your walls.
Once it gets to a hard-to-reach area, it can be really hard to dry out on your own and then mold becomes a concern. If one of your walls feels soft in a particular area or you discover that your floors near your dishwasher are warping, it’s time to investigate.
Around WindowsCondensation is a normal thing to happen around windows and doors when temperatures change drastically outside, but that condensation can also linger on your windows and drip down onto your wooden window sills. Over time, that water can leak down your walls and warp the structural supports behind your drywall.
Gaps, cracks and even structural sagging issues can also invite water inside. Check your windows, doors and skylights for issues any time it rains and be sure they are all shut tight against the elements.
Since it is not possible to completely prevent damage, SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is here to help! Our team will arrive quickly, address any water extraction needs and also handle your repairs. We will make sure you overcome your water damage as quickly as possible.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.
Staying Calm and in Control During a Flood at Work | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/22/2023 (Permalink)
Don't let flooding in your office throw you off your game! Call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex to restore your space to preloss condition.
We all fall into those routines in the morning as we arrive at work, like flipping on lights, unlocking doors and getting the building ready for another day. While we are running around on autopilot, we never suspect to run right into a disaster situation like a flood!
Floods at work can happen at any time and can be caused by Mother Nature or something simple like a busted water line. No matter how it happens, recovering quickly is key to avoiding long-term and potentially business-ending damage.
The First Important Steps
The first thing you need to do is stay calm. Many flood situations can’t be prevented, so it’s not your fault! Try to focus on what needs to happen first:
- Stay safe. We always want you to stay safe! As soon as you discover the problem, keep your employees out of the area and avoid walking through the water yourself. Assess the situation from a dry location, and get us on the phone right away. We will work on gathering a team and packing up our trucks and then we will be on our way to you.
- Control the disaster. Acting fast can help you avoid suffering further damage. Identify the source of the leak and find the controlling water valve to stop the flow of water. If you can’t quickly locate the problem, turn off the main water valve for the time being.
- Start the drying process. Floodwater can be really dangerous, especially if you aren’t sure where the water originated from. Stay out of the water while you are walking around to open windows and turn on fans to start the drying process. Section off the area to keep everyone out until we arrive.
Working With SERVPRO®
We know that the longer there is water on your floors, the worse the situation will become for you. It is our goal to work as quickly as we can to remove the standing water but also the hidden moisture that is lurking behind your walls and under your floorboards.
We will take care of your restoration, all you have to do is take care of your staff and find ways to work while we are getting everything done.
Oftentimes, we are able to close off portions of your building so you can still operate in a limited capacity. We know that every minute you have to be closed unexpectedly can be really hard on your bottom line and on your employees, so we prioritize efficiency in everything that we do.
Once we have your building dry and ready for repairs, we will get right to work fixing warped floors, replacing damaged carpet and hanging fresh drywall. We are here for you no matter how destructive the flood is!
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
Why Having a Local Restoration Team Is Everything | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
12/15/2023 (Permalink)
No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex!
No one wants to think about disaster striking unexpectedly. Homes can be damaged, businesses can be destroyed and lives can be flipped upside down.
Even when we are prepared and know what is coming, it can still be frustrating to see the damage all around you knowing that you can’t do anything to stop it.
No matter what happens in your home, recovering faster always becomes the top priority. That’s where we come in! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex will be there faster to help you recover.
Making the Right Restoration ChoiceExperiencing a home disaster is often an overwhelming experience and can lead to all kinds of emotions and frustrating feelings. This is why having a reliable and friendly restoration team matters! We can make your recovery process much easier.
You want to get back to your normal life as fast as possible, which makes choosing the right restoration team so important. The company you choose should have extensive experience, training and good reviews from previous customers.
SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex does all of this and more! We are also locally owned and operated, which means that we can be there faster no matter what time of day it is. We will respond at 2 a.m. to a serious water disaster or head across town during rush hour to get to you after a house fire.
Our crew will be dedicated to your entire recovery from start to finish. We have a lot of training under our belts that will help us navigate your restoration with ease.
Experience You Can TrustWhile having a local crew come to your home is important, it is also important to have the resources you need in order to completely recover. SERVPRO® proudly comes with the added benefit of being backed by a national leading brand. That means that the size of your disaster won’t matter! We will have the resources and team we need to handle your recovery.
SERVPRO has been in business since 1967 and quickly became an industry leader in the restoration business. Today, there are more than 2,000 locations all around the nation, including ours locally owned and operated right here in the Pewaukee and Sussex area.
Our team is the total package when it comes to restoration and cleaning up after disasters. We have the training you deserve and the experience you can rely on to ensure your reconstruction goes smoothly. Every one of our employees is trained on how to tackle every aspect of your disaster, and we only use the top-of-the-line equipment on your project.
With our rich history and reliable team that loves the Pewaukee and Sussex area just like you do, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands with us.
Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.
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