Making Time to Protect your Home

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your home and limit your chances of fire by making sure these checks are always completed before leaving.

These days life is crazier and more chaotic than ever. We are often rushing out the door, trying our best to manage work, kids, extra-curricular activities, and our homes. In the hustle and bustle of life, accidents can and do happen - lights get left on, candles stay lit, or the oven doesn't get turned off.

Although some accidents can’t be avoided, keeping a checklist in your home can be incredibly useful when it comes to remembering certain important (and hazardous if forgotten) items.

Protect your home and limit your chances of a fire by making sure the following is always completed before leaving:

• Make sure the oven is turned off
• Turn off/Unplug heating pads
• Blow out any lit candles
• Turn off any space heaters being used
• Turn off/Unplug hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and other hair styling tools
• Make sure electrical cords are not overloaded and unplug them if necessary

In addition to the above checklist, maintaining properly working smoke detectors is incredibly important.

Life is busier than ever. That is why the team at SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties wants to help ensure your home stays safe and protected. However, some tragedies are unavoidable. If you find yourself dealing with a house fire, SERVPRO can help. Give them a call at 765-575-8564. With their emergency services, experience, and work ethic, you’ll be happy to have them by your side.

Get to Know Your SERVPRO Team

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Get to know SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties. They are there for all your cleanup and restoration needs.

The team at SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties is here to assist you in any fire and water restoration project. The team is continually training and achieving certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) and training. Aside from continual learning and working tirelessly to serve their customers, they strive to be involved within the community. Get to know the team that is there for all your cleanup and restoration needs.

Let’s introduce you to your SERVPRO team, beginning with John.

• John Mantor is the co-owner of SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties. He opened the business in March of 2009 with his wife and co-owner Delmy. John studied at Anderson University, graduating with a Bachelors in Liberal Arts.
• Raymond Dickey is the Operations Manager with over 10 years of experience. He spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy.
• Amber Cook is a Content Specialist in Production. She has three years of experience.
• Justin Brown is the Mitigation Manager and has been with this team since July 2016. He served in the U.S. Army for four years after high school.
• Holli Poe is a Lead, Technician, and Content Specialist in Production. She has been with the team since March of 2019.
• Tony Bell is the Repairs Manager with six years of being on the team.

Now introducing the newer members to the SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties team.

• Billy Cross is the Office Administrator. While being new to this team, he has worked in previous positions that will better assist him in this new job.
• Derek Ivey is a Production Technician.
• Gib Hoover works in Sales and Marketing for SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties.

Many members of the SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties team are involved with organizations throughout the community. These organizations include the Breakfast Optimist Club, Secret Families, youth sports leagues as volunteers and coaches, Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, and other various community events.

Members of the team boast a variety of certifications including Water Damage Restoration Technicians, Applied Structural Drying, Fire & Smoke Restoration, Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, Master Textile Cleaner, and Master Water Restorer certifications under the IICRC. In addition, some are also certified as forklift operators and in CPR.

The employees at SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties do their best to keep their community thriving and maintain their certifications. For more information about SERVPRO and their services, call 765-575-8654 or email SERVPRO.henry@gmail.com.

Be Proactive: Storm Protection

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for a massive storm is the key to avoid any extensive damage that will lead to major trouble

Oftentimes, when you live in the Midwest, your nose can sense a storm brewing. Preparing for a massive storm is the key to avoid any extensive damage that will lead to major trouble.

Follow along for some helpful tips in protecting you and your loved ones in whatever Mother Nature will bring.

• To ensure everyone's safety, bring your children and pets to a sturdy shelter. It is better to be cautious than risky.

• If the storm becomes high danger, evacuation may be the most appropriate course of action. Sometimes, your local officials will recommend evacuation as well if the storm causes enough concern.

• As soon as you feel the wind rolling in, move the lawn equipment, such as chairs, tables, or umbrellas, into a sound structure. This way you can avoid any chance of seeing your furniture in your neighbor’s pool.

• Do not attempt to ride out the storm if it is categorized as a three, four, or five. These are considered far too dangerous to be out and about. Please seek shelter.

• It is important to monitor the ever-changing weather patterns that come with living in the Midwest. SERVPRO advises that you check the weather multiple times per day during any chance of storms.

Keeping these steps in mind will add an extra layer of comfort to you as the storms come surging through. In the case of storm damage, SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties provides mitigation to your home or business. This includes any necessary demolition, water removal or extraction, and structural drying. Do not hesitate to give SERVPRO a call at 765-575-8654 or email sp9675@att.net and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Carpet Cleaning for Businesses

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Holli Poe and Raymond's son, Raymond, are in carpet cleaning action at WholeHeart Communications.

At SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties, the team does more than fire and water disaster restorations. Deep-cleaning your company’s carpets is also a service they offer. SERVPRO provides advanced cleaning equipment to bring your business back to top-notch shape. Accidents happen, damage can occur. This is exactly what happened to WholeHeart Communications in New Castle, Indiana.

After WholeHeart Communications moved into their new office at “The Hub” in downtown New Castle, Christy Ragle, the owner of the public relations and marketing agency, noticed dark stains on their relatively new carpet. Christy called SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties, as she knew she would receive the best care.

When Raymond Dickey, Operations Manager and certified Master Textile Cleaner from the IICRC, arrived at the office to take a look, he developed a game plan. He later returned with other SERVPRO employees, Holli Poe and Raymond's son, Raymond. Holli is a Lead Technician, Production, and Content Specialist with a certification in carpet cleaning from the IICRC.

• SERVPRO's first step was that they needed to identify the proper carpet cleaner to use as Christy was unsure what caused the stain.
• Then, the SERVPRO team made a plan to steam the carpet which would eventually extract the stain.
• Next, SERVPRO’s team used a litmus test to determine the pH balance of the spot. This helps the team determine the proper cleaning solution.

“It’s all about optics,” Dickey said. “We can’t necessarily remove the stain, but optics tricks the eye.” PH balance is the main way you pull out stains or treat carpet. The perfect pH is seven, and anything below that is acidic, while anything above is alkaline.

The team of three was able to smoothly clear all mystery stains left on the carpet and made it “Like it never even happened.” Christy was thrilled to have her carpets look brand new.

“We were getting ready for our open house and our carpets needed some serious help,” she shared. “I knew exactly who to call. The team at SERVPRO knows what they are doing and I knew they would do their best to get our carpets looking as good as possible.”

SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties prides themselves on staying in touch with the best practices for textile cleaning. If your business needs a deep carpet cleaning, give SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties a call at 765-575-8654 or email SERVPRO.henry@gmail.com.

Be Prepared: Emergency Readiness Profiles

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) provide you and your employees with comfort and protection as you go about your workday.

The team at SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties highly recommends every business has an Emergency Readiness Profile (ERP). Whether your business recently moved into a new location, or you have been there for years, it’s important to know where all of your utility connections and safety features are located. If you have been in the same area for some time, it might be time for an update on this information. It is important you and your employees are aware of all precautions.

An ERP outlines all of the necessary safety measures about your location or building. This can include emergency exits, water valve location(s), utility providers, important items to pay attention to, and more. After SERVPRO makes their assessment, all of this guidance is stored in a bright green folder. The SERVPRO team advises that you keep this in a common spot for employees to have easy access. In case you lose your copy or are unable to retrieve it, SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties will keep one in their records. This is a free service provided by the SERVPRO team.

Emergency Readiness Profiles provide you and your employees with comfort and protection as you go about your workday. Knowing you have an ERP in your vicinity will make it easier in case of an emergency situation. Nonetheless, if an emergency does occur, give SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties a call at 765-575-8654 or email SERVPRO.henry@gmail.com, and they will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Do's and Don’ts of Emergency Water Damage

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage in your home or business, it’s best to leave the project to trained professionals.

Today’s DIY culture makes sense when it comes to learning nifty home project tips on decorating or remodeling. When it comes to water damage, however, it’s best to leave the project to trained professionals. If you attempt to fix the damage yourself, you could make costly mistakes. Here are a few dos and don’ts you CAN follow when it comes to water damage.

Do

• Shut off your water source right away. This way you can prevent an excessive amount of damage before it continues.
• Take as many pictures as possible. By taking more pictures, you help prove to your insurance company the extent of the damage to your home and personal belongings. Another tip to prove the date of damage is to place the current dated newspaper in the video or picture frame.
• Contact your insurance company and file a claim. Using the photos, you can help access any potential coverage.
• Remove as much water as you can. Do your best to avoid causing secondary water damage in this process. This could be electrical, structural, or material damage.
• Call SERVPRO immediately. SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties takes pride in earning many certifications related to water damage and restoration. The SERVPRO team is here to help cleanup and restore from your water damage.

Don’t

• Call an unlicensed contractor. This is not the time for a shortcut. Reach out to an experienced professional with the tools and resources you need.
• Walk or tread through the water damage. For safety reasons, avoid this as there could be potential electrical exposure.
• Assume you have removed all the water and dried it. Call SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties for a moisture check since it’s impossible to detect remaining water without specialized tools.
• Turn on the lights. Ensure the light’s globe is not full of water or the fixture is not dripping. This could lead to further damage.
• Start removing materials such as flooring or drywall. If you attempt to remove it before it is approved by insurance, it may not be covered. Much of these materials can be saved through the detailed cleanup and restoration process.

Fixing the damage on your own is not an easy feat and often leads to extensive damage. If you find yourself in the thick of water damage, contact SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties. SERVPRO is faster to any disaster and can make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Post-Fire, Pre-SERVPRO

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you find yourself involved in a fire, give SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties a call at 765-575-8654.

In an emergency situation as hectic and traumatizing as a fire, you will want to help the circumstances as much as possible — it is human nature. However, be sure that what you are doing does not worsen the outcome.

Here are some guidelines on what to avoid and what to keep in mind in case of a fire.

1. The first thing you should do after the fire is under control is call your insurance company.

• You will want to have proof that they were contacted on the date of the fire. This will allow you to maximize your insurance coverage.
• The next item on your checklist is to receive a claim number from your insurance company. Claim numbers are important because they are the actual proof that you submitted a claim to the insurance company. These can also be viewed as holding your “spot in line” with the company, and some have different priority levels.
• Then, you should receive your insurance adjuster’s contact information. Whether it is their cell phone number or email, you must be able to reach them. Their job is to authenticate the claim and decide on an equitable amount for settlement.

2. After the fire occurs, leave the clean-up to SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties. Do not start cleaning or disposing of items yourself as this could lead to further damage. This process is best left to a team trained and certified in fire damage. We also recommend that you avoid breathing in the fire and smoke fumes, as this can damage your lungs. These harmful chemicals could lead to further damage on your body than the damage done on the structures.

Following these tips could help you avoid any major trouble in the event of a fire. If you find yourself involved in a fire, give SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties a call at 765-575-8654 or email sp9675@att.net. They’ll make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Preventing Water Damage

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Check all water lines including the shut off and connection points to ensure there are no leaks.

During the months of June through August, the summer is known for its dramatic rain storms. This can lead to significant damage to homes structurally or cosmetically. Much of this damage can be prevented by performing different acts of care to your home systems.

Here are some helpful tips on what you can do to avoid water damage to your home.

• Check all water lines including the shut off and connection points to ensure there are no leaks.

• Clean your gutters out regularly as water must be able to flow freely. Make sure gutters and downspouts are moving water away from your home as puddles of water could damage your foundation. A possible solution to redirecting your water is a downspout extension and elbow. Downspouts should be releasing water at least 10 feet away from your home.

• If you have a sump pump, verify the quality of it. Sump pumps help keep groundwater out of your basement or crawl space. You can test it by filling the sump pit with water and see if water is pumping out. If it does not, double check that the sump pump is plugged in and the breaker is working. Outlet pipes could also be frozen or clogged, discharge lines could be dirty, or the motor might not be working properly.

• Make sure your drain lines are not blocked. If they remain clogged, all the sewage and wastewater will continue to sit. Eventually, they will move into a different drain and begin to come into contact with the floor drains, creating a stench.

• Pay attention to your water bill. A large change in it might correspond with a leak. While some home insurance may cover this, it is important to keep an eye out for any strange occurrences.

• When the temperature starts to drop, winterize outside water accesses. The first step in this process is to shut off the water. Next, detach and drain the garden hose. Drain any remaining water. Then, open the bleeder cap on the side of the water supply valve to release trapped water. Lastly, turn off the outdoor spigot to stop cold air from entering the piping system.

Water damage can be such a headache. SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties is here to help you in any situation, and make it, “Like it never even happened.” Give SERVPRO a call should you experience water damage at (765) 575-8654.

Tips on Water Damage

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Regularly check areas of possible water damage. These areas can go unnoticed, and it’s better to be aware of it before it becomes an issue.

Whether it be a flooded basement after a pipe burst or a summer storm causing significant damage to your home, your personal belongings may be at risk. Keeping your children’s art projects or your cherished basketball jerseys protected is as important to SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties as it is to you. Here are some helpful tips on how to save your prized possessions.

• While storing personal belongings in your basement, keep items at least six inches off the ground to help prevent possible water damage. This will stop any sitting water from soaking in.
• Plastic totes are a lifesaver for belongings when they are in an area with potential water damage. The thicker material provides better protection against the harmful effects of water.
• Be proactive and do not store any possessions near potential water damage sites. These include, but not limited to, pipes, bathrooms, and attics.
• Regularly check on areas of possible water damage from time to time. Sometimes water damage can go unnoticed, and it’s better to be aware of it early so it won’t become a major issue.
• Avoid putting your things against the walls or tucked into the corners. Stacking items close to the wall restricts the air flow, allowing condensation to accumulate and increasing the chance of mold.

Should you find yourself a victim of water damage in your home, there is no need to worry. SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties offers 24/7 emergency restoration services and will clean it up, “Like it never even happened.”

The Power of Science

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s equipment increases the rate of evaporation and certified scientific processes.

Psychometry, the science of drying, measures the properties of moist air. The process of psychometrics is vital to successfully restore a structure from water damage. The team at SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties is trained in psychometry. We adhere to these standards to lessen any possibilities of further damage.

To maintain the guidelines of the IIRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) SERVPRO promises to:

• Search the impacted building and find every structure that is wet
• Compute how much moisture was soaked up in the structures and observe the drying process
• Use professional drying equipment to quicken the process

SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties has been professionally trained to accelerate the process of drying by using state-of-the-art equipment because the natural process can take much too long and cause permanent damage. SERVPRO’s equipment increases the rate of evaporation and certified scientific processes.

Give SERVPRO a call at (765) 575-8654 if you suspect water damage and the team will make it, “Like it never even happened.”