Be Aware: Black Ice

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Understand the risks & take precaution when driving in the winter!

Driving during the winter can be a daunting task. If you're someone that white-knuckles the steering wheel at the sight of a snowflake, the thought of driving on roads covered in snow and ice may seem improbable. Black ice can lead to many accidents as it goes undetected throughout the cold months. Know the facts about black ice & the best practices for driving in the winter.

WHAT IS BLACK ICE?

It's just regular, clear ice that blends in with the pavement. Being unable to see it is where the danger lies.

Be sure to keep at least a 5-second following distance between yourself and other cars. That way, if you do hit black ice, you will lessen the chance of injuring yourself or others, and it will give other drivers a chance to slow down and react to what is going on.

IF I HIT IT, WHAT DO I DO?

1. Don't hit your brakes!
2. Decelerate by taking your foot off the gas pedal.
3. Hold onto the steering wheel firmly.
4. Keep your steering wheel pointed in the direction you want to go.
5. If you feel your car sliding, don't over correct. The momentum can cause you to hit other cars.
6. If possible, and if it is safe, head for a path of traction, like snow, grass, dirt, or salt sprinkles (the blue ones meant to melt the snow).

We know that winter dangers don't just lie on the road. If you experience a disaster at your home or business, like a burst pipe or a fire, be sure to call our pros at SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland to handle all of your restoration needs!

Commercial Water Removal: Technology Matters

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the best technology to quickly and efficiently dry your home after a water damage loss.

There are potential causes of water possibly flooding your business. Sometimes a pipe breaks or sprinkler systems default and go off overnight causing water to spill into the building all night long. In other scenarios, severe weather possibly causes unwanted, indoor moisture.

The extraction process is a vital step in mitigating moisture damage. SERVPRO's of North Richland and Ashland counties commercial water removal technicians always use the industry's best equipment during extraction. We implement the best procedures to complete the job in a way that does not negatively affect your business.

When first arriving at an emergency water situation our team ensures the work area is safe for our technicians, your employees, and customers. We fix as many hazards in the area as possible. Areas that are not safe to access are blocked off, and danger signs are posted.

Then, the source of the problem is repaired so that water is no longer pouring into the building. If the issue results from faulty sprinklers or a pipe break, a plumber is called and fixes the problem. If rainwater enters due to a broken or exterior wall, we board up the hole in the structure so that no more moisture enters.

Next, we begin the extraction process with either a portable or truck-mounted extractor. Portable extractors are used for places that can be awkward to get into, or if parking a van at your business is not possible. Portable extractors weigh 40 to 90 lbs., hold 5 to 12 gallons of wastewater, and their vacuum power has 140 inches of water lift.

Truck-mounted extractors are used for severe projects that contain large amounts of water. The van that has the extractor gets parked close to an entrance to your business, so that the vacuum hose can be pulled in for extraction. Truck-mounted extractors weigh 500 to 1,100 pounds and have storage tanks that hold from 60 to over 100 gallons of waste. The vacuum lift capabilities for these extractors are more powerful, having between 185.71 to 198.98 inches of water lift.

Sometimes, we complete our extraction work during hours when your business is not open so that extraction does not hinder your normal operations. We may need to extract the water one small section at a time, so part of your business stays open. We work with you to ensure that your business is being properly restored, but we also make sure that you are back up and running as quickly as possible.

For professional help removing moisture from your place of business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland.

Be Aware of Winter Weather: Preventing Winter Storm Damage

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is "here to help" no matter what Mother Nature throws at us!

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categorizes a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain.  In Mansfield, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break. The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves, or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

1. Don’t delay. Call us as soon as you notice your water damage. The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause. As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
3. Get textiles off the floor. Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay. Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be. What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
4. Begin documentation. Start with the point of origin and all affected areas. While our technicians will also take pictures, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast. Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland Counties

We can be reached 24 hours a day at (419)207-8449

“Like it never even happened.”

Know the Facts: Mold Growth & Remediation

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is there to help when you suspect mold in your home or business!

How Does Mold Spread in My Home?

Molds will grow where conditions allow. Molds require two things to grow – a food source and moisture. Food sources can be anything from dry wall and insulation to carpeting or mattresses. Moisture can come from many sources, including high humidity levels, leaky pipes or appliance hoses, neglected or inadequately repaired roofs, improperly maintained air conditioners, landscape and drainage problems, etc.

Should I be Concerned About Mold in My Home?

Yes. Indoor mold growth is unsanitary and undesirable. If you can see or smell mold inside your home, you should take steps to eliminate the cause by cleaning up and removing the mold. If left unchecked, mold growth can cause health effects and structural damage to your home.

What Can I Do to Prevent Mold From Growing in My Home?

Since mold needs a food source and moisture to grow, the best thing you can do is to prevent moisture problems that allow mold to grow.

• Maintain lower levels of humidity in your home (preferably between 30-50%) by: venting bathrooms and dryers to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation by adding crawlspace and attic vents; using exhaust fans when cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning, etc.
• Add insulation to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, pipes, exterior walls, roofs, or floors.
• Inspect your home regularly for indications and sources of indoor moisture such as leaking pipes, appliance hoses, showers, tubs, sinks and toilets. Replace plastic hoses with steel-reinforced hoses. Check windows, doors, attics and ceilings for leaks or evidence of water stains or odors, particularly after rains. Fix plumbing, flashing, and roof leaks right away.
• Don't carpet bathrooms, basements, kitchens or other areas prone to moisture. Clean bathrooms often and keep surfaces dry.
• Cover dirt in crawlspaces with a moisture barrier plastic sheeting.
• Prevent water from entering basements and crawlspaces by repairing holes and cracks in walls and foundation. Use landscaping to direct water away from your foundation.
• Clean and maintain your gutters and make sure drainpipes carry water several feet away from your home.
• Watch your utility bills. An abnormally high water bill could signal a water leak.
• Before you travel, turn off the water at the main valve. Have a trusted friend or neighbor check the inside and outside of your home periodically while you're away.

Where Does Mold Like to Live?

Just hearing the word “mold” can cause us all to cringe. It’s odorous, unsightly, and even dangerous to our health. Mold growth can appear quickly, so knowing where to look and what areas are best to practice preventive measures in can help give you peace of mind.

Here are the top three areas to check regularly for mold growth:

The Bathroom

Everyone knows that mold likes water and wet areas, making your bathrooms a hotbed for mold growth. Most bathrooms are cleaned thoroughly at least once a week, this is a great time to check for mold. Look in the least traveled areas, such as corners of the linen closet, behind the toilet, under the sink. If there are, or have been, any leaks in these places in the past, these areas are in danger until they are fully dry. Investing in a dehumidifier for your bathroom can assist in the prevention of mold growth.

The Kitchen

This area of your home is also a watery place; it is used more than any other area in the house besides the bath. Watch out for spills and leaks. Clean them up immediately to ensure that they are not attracting mold spores. Spores are always in our air and cannot be removed, the trick to preventing mold growth is not giving them a place to land and settle.

The laundry room

Because the laundry room houses large appliances, it also has nooks and crannies that are not cleaned often. Add to that the humidity in the air and possible unseen leaks or drips, and you have a recipe for the establishment of a mold colony. Pull the washer and dryer out from the wall regularly, and make sure the areas behind them are clean, dry, and disinfected in order to prevent mold growth.

Other areas to check frequently for mold include hall closets, garages, and basements.

Our team at SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland Counties is always here to help you with any issues related to mold remediation in your home or business. Large-scale cleanups after flooding and fire are our specialties.

SERVPRO uses different cleaning methods for each unique surface to remediate mold

Mold is often undetectable in Ohio homes until it has become a significant problem. Not every type of mold has that distinctive, ‘musty’ odor and if the growth started behind a wall or in the attic, the smell is not noticeable until the mold has grown into a large colony of spores.

Restoring a Mansfield home of the effects from mold damage is a task that needs a professional service. SERVPRO keeps a trained crew on 24-hour notice to support our neighbors and customers. We have some of the best-trained personnel in the industry to clean mold from the property and safely remove it from each home.

These technicians first determine the type of surface infested. This inspection decides both the cleaning methods needed and how much time may be required to complete the job. We usually divide surfaces into porous, nonporous, and semi-porous categories.

Porous surfaces are typically building materials and fabrics; drywall and upholstery for example. They are often cleanable, but if the mold is very thick or has grown into the material, we dispose of it. Our cleaning methods for these surfaces involve vacuuming them with special HEPS filters that catch tiny amounts of loose mold, even a single spore.

After finishing vacuuming, we move on to using spray bottles with an antimicrobial cleaner and foaming agents to dampen the surface. Wetting loosens the mold and allows technicians to remove it with cloths and sponges.

Nonporous surfaces are the easiest to clean. This category includes metal and glass tabletops as well as marble and smooth stone kitchen countertops. In many cases, we can remove the mold with dry cloths and sponges. Technicians wipe down the surfaces from top to bottom to prevent accidentally leaving spores at the top or along the sides. If the mold layer is thick, we vacuum it first before dry wiping.

Semi-porous surfaces (concrete and wood decks for example) require methods not acceptable on other surfaces. Affected surfaces may need sanding to wire brushing and other abrasive tools to dig out the mold. The cleaners we use on these surfaces would mar or otherwise destroy glass and metal surfaces. If mold has penetrated the surface of the wood or concrete, technicians may have to sand them down by hand or with a power sander to remove it.

Returning your home to its pre-mold condition is not a quick or easy set of processes. SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County has years of experience in helping our customers through each step to put you back into your home. If you need us, call (419) 207-8449 today to set up an inspection.

Safety First: Thunderstorms & Flooding

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is there right after the storm to start your water damage restoration!

North Central Ohio’s indecisive weather can often bring major water damage into your residential or commercial property. There are often a few different weather-related risks to be wary of that could cause serious damage to your home or business.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can occur anywhere at any time of the day, however they are most likely to happen in the afternoon during the spring and summer months. These storms are created by cumulonimbus clouds, and can produce extreme winds, lightning, and hail. Lightning can be very dangerous as well; in fact, more people are killed by lightning every year than they are by tornadoes.

When a thunderstorm is predicted in your area, there are some precautions you can take:

• If you can hear the thunder produced by the storm from your residence or business, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning.
• Keep an eye out for storm signs such as quickly darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds.
• Postpone any outdoor activities, and avoid driving in storm conditions.
• Find shelter immediately, in the basement of your residence or business if possible, closing all windows and doors securely.
• If you are driving when the storm hits, pull over and take shelter in your car immediately.
• Refrain from bathing, showering, using plumbing, or swimming during storm conditions.
• Ensure that storm drains near your property are kept unobstructed.
• Keep trees around your property trimmed; a severe thunderstorm might cause any straggling branches to break and damage your residence or business.  

Flooding

As the seasons change, heavy spring rains can overwhelm rivers and streams and cause flooding. When water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area, catastrophic flash flooding may occur. It is good to be prepared and have a solid evacuation plan for your family or employees when a flood or flash flood warning is issued.

Some basic flood safety steps include:

• Avoid flood waters at all cost. Just six inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you encounter a flooded road while driving, turn the car around and go another way. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Gather your family or employees, some emergency supplies, and any important belongings and evacuate to higher ground as soon as possible.
• Store your most important items such as photo albums, family heirlooms, and business documents in tightly-sealed plastic containers to ensure that they are well protected from floodwaters. As well consider storing valuables in the attic rather than the basement.

The key when it comes to thunderstorms and floods is to make sure that you have a safety plan in place. Ensure that your family members or employees know to take shelter in the basement during a thunderstorm or to retreat to the highest level of your property during a flood. It is advisable to keep a supply of food, water, flashlights and batteries, and a first aid kit in the case of any emergency.

SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties is dedicated to taking quality care of restoring your home or business after the inclement weather, so that the health and safety of your family and employees can be your main concern when a flood or thunderstorm hits.

SERVPRO is Faster To Any Storm Disaster When It Comes to North Richland and Ashland County, Ohio Homes.

The worst part of a major storm is typically not the storm itself, but the ensuing days after it. If your home is unlucky enough to be impacted by flood damage in South Richland County, it can take weeks to dry out after the storm on its own, and even longer for you to restore the damage without professional help. This is the problem SERVPRO sets out to solve. We cut restoration times to the shortest intervals possible while maintaining effective and thorough treatment solutions, meaning our services are unprecedentedly timely and comprehensive. 

Storms can cause a host of flood damage problems in North Richland and Ashland County, with entire blocks at a time sometimes becoming inundated with water during the worst storms. SERVPRO is always ready after major disasters to help, with a large stock of equipment and machines to best help residents in need. We offer full water removal solutions, including water extraction, assisted drying with air movers, and dehumidifiers. Once water has been cleared from the property, we can then begin work on restorations, applying our professional techniques and training to help save as many materials and belongings as possible from the costly tallies of full replacement. Restoring damaged materials almost always carries a lower cost than replacing them, so we evaluate each item separately to determine an appropriate treatment solution for it. 

We also have the resources to deal with other types of damage simultaneously. Many homes suffer from fire, mold, and other types of damage in tandem with flooding, but our well-rounded portfolio of certifications and training techniques allow us to combat these with ease. Our service helps to ensure that other types of damage do not gain the upper hand in your home or go undetected.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is a locally-owned franchise of a national company that provides professional water and flood damage removal and restoration services. Call us 24/7 at (419) 207-8449.

Cleaning Your Belongings After a Fire

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our crew handles your fire damage restoration needs from board up, to clean up, and all the way through the reconstruction process!

Once a fire takes place on your property, you will likely find yourself experiencing anxiety and concern regarding the condition of your residential living space. Smoke damage to your possessions presents unique challenges to SERVPRO for successful salvaging. For example, the smoke that results from a fire can leave behind a residue that coats your property and causes issues such as warping, rusting, corrosion, etching, discoloration, and staining. Smoke generates unwanted odors that are stubborn to remove. There are four categories of property items that are specifically susceptible to extensive, expensive damage from the smoke and soot that fires generate. 

Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture will often require careful, extensive treatment due to smoke and soot damage. Typically, wood is very porous, which makes it more susceptible to retaining odors, acquiring residue, and taking on staining. Hard surfaces offer a landing point for oily soot.

Carpets, Drapes, Upholstery, and Rugs
Each of these items is recognized for absorbing and subsequently retaining unpleasant smells. Depending on the level of penetration and type of material, the odors generated by smoke soot can be difficult to remove completely. SERVPRO utilizes specialized dry cleaning services for fabrics.

Books
A library replete with well-kept books in good condition can quickly deteriorate into a library full of damaged books. The heat and acid generated by the smoke can degrade book bindings and cause discoloration of the pages. If the books were wet, we have specific equipment and techniques for drying and restoring, if possible.

Artwork
Different media of artwork can be adversely impacted from smoke damage, including antique sculptures, original paintings and framing, and family photographs and albums.  Although you may feel inclined to complete the restoration process on your own, it is always best to contact industry experts to do the job. If you complete the cleaning process incorrectly or incompletely, you could permanently damage or even destroy your valuable artwork. SERVPRO can restore many artifacts, but recognizes limitations and liabilities. We can secure the services of an art museum or a private company for restoration.

Choose SERVPRO Now!
Once your property is impacted by smoke damage, there's only one company to call for professional restoration: SERVPRO. With over 57 years of experience in the industry and our team of IICRC-certified professionals, we are passionate about offering customized services that suit your individual needs and preferences. We offer free estimates, a fast response, and immediate customer service. Don't put up with unwanted smoke damage and odors for a moment longer. Instead, allow us to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Have Smoke or Fire Damage?

SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland Counties is dedicated to responding immediately day or night to your Mansfield or Ashland, Ohio home or business. We offer 24/7 service to Mansfield, Ashland ,and surrounding areas. Call us at (419) 207-8449.

We Clean Viral Pathogens Per CDC Guidelines

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

We have the equipment & training to keep your business safe from viral pathogens.

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is available to perform the necessary bio-hazard remediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties.

We use EPA approved products that follow CDC guidelines for cleaning viral pathogens. If you would like to inquire about our services, we are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is experienced in cleaning office buildings, banks, manufacturing plants, assisted living facilities and single-family homes for COVID-19, other types of coronavirus strains, and other viral pathogens.

We wish all our families, employees and friends to stay safe and healthy. If your home or business is need of a viral pathogen or biohazard clean, SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland will be there for you. 

Is Your Business Ready for Disaster?

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is there to help you prepare!

As a member of the Ready Campaign’s National Preparedness Coalition, SERVPRO® is proud to present the following information.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today.

The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.

A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan.
Your organization’s risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage.
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed, or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover. 

Prepare your Emergency Plan.
Your employees and co-workers are your business’ most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during, and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan.
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in
a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment.
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security.
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open e-mails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.

Developing an Emergency Ready Profile.

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland will work with you to establish and Emergency Ready Profile to help you prepare for disaster at no cost to you.

We Handle the Stress of Your Biohazard Clean!

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO handles your biohazard event with care!

Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances, and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are here to help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Please feel free to call your local SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland. 

419-207-8449

We are here in your time of need to make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

Understanding Water Damage: The Causes & How to React

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will help make your water damage loss "like it never even happened!"

Flooding and the subsequent water damage it causes can be a major pain for business and home owners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with one of our residential water damage specialists to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.

Why It Happens

Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:

- A burst pipe  or other plumbing issues
- Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
- Natural disasters
- Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
- Sewer backups

Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.

How To Clean Up

The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the source of the water damage. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.

What To Know About Restoration

After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.

Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe, or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.

Making a Claim

The process for making a claim for water damage is pretty much the same for flood or non-flood damage.

1. Stop the water flow or leaks if possible.
   • Of course, if your home is flooded by a raging river, that is likely impossible until the water recedes. However, if you have a burst water pipe, you need to take steps to stop the leak. Turn off the water main or get the pipe repaired quickly.
2. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
   • Most insurance companies offer a 24/7 claims number. The customer service representative can help you get the claim started and tell you the exact next steps the insurance company will need you to do.
3. Take pictures and/or video of the damage.
   • You need to have a visual record of the damage to the building and its contents. This is critical for your claim.
4. Make reasonable repairs to the property to secure it from further damage.
   • This includes covering holes in the roof, securing windows with plywood, etc.
5. Start getting the water out.
   • If you have water remaining inside the building, you can start removing it. You can do this yourself or have a water extraction company do it. Keep all receipts since insurance may cover those costs.
6. Don't throw anything away.
   • The adjuster will need to see all damaged property.
7. Write down all your interactions with the insurance company.
   • This includes time, date, who you spoke with, and the details discussed. Always follow up in writing on important discussions.
8. Keep a central file that includes your interaction log, documents receivedfrom the insurance company, copies of the photos taken, and copies any correspondence you send.

As a 24/7 business SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is committed to responding to home and business owners' needs, in the case of emergency. Whether it is water damage from a broken pipe, flooding from a downpour, or any other type of damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is ready to respond “faster to any size disaster.”

Why is speed so important when it comes to flooding?

Because, the sooner restoration begins, the less damage occurs. Given time, water damages become more complex as water flows in your structure and contents. Also, with time, water infiltrating your home or business can give mold the moisture it needs to grow.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County 24/7 to handle your water damage emergencies making them, “like it never even happened.”

419-207-8449