3 Tips for Preparing Your Business Against a Flood

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial storm damage in Guthrie, OK

When storm season arrives in Guthrie,OK, many business owners may begin wondering about how to protect their property from flooding. When proper preparation occurs ahead of time, damage and loss can be mitigated. Here are three tips that may help your business better prepare.

1. Ensure the Exterior Is Properly Prepped

You can help protect your business's property from flood damage by properly preparing the exterior before the storm arrives. This can mean trimming trees with branches that could fall into the building, taking down awnings, making sure doors and windows are closed and sealed, sandbagging if necessary, and any other storm proofing methods recommended for your area. Prepping beforehand can mean less cleanup after. It’s also recommended that you become familiar with the water damage professionals in your area in case flood damage does occur.

2. Keep Backup Files Updated

One of the main risks to businesses when flooding occurs is the loss of electronic equipment and the files stored on them. In many cases it’s the loss of the files that’s the bigger disaster. One of the best ways your company can prevent this is to keep backups at an alternate location or in the cloud. If you have a server, your IT company may already do this for you. If your equipment suffers damage, these backups can be uploaded into repaired or replacement machines.

3. Move Necessary Items and Equipment to a Safe Area

Another way to protect your company from storm damage is to move the items you wish to protect to a safe location. This could be an upper floor or a room at the center of the building that’s away from doors and windows. In the event the building does flood, these items will be less likely to be in the path of any water.

If you're in an area such as Guthrie,OK, that could experience flooding, you may want to consider these tips before the next storm. Properly preparing your business for the weather beforehand can help prevent the loss of files and property, as well as costly repairs

Top Fire Preparation Tips for Homeowners

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Prepare your home in Navina, OK, your family and yourself for a home fire by heeding the above fire safety tips.

Being in a home fire in Stillwater, OK, is a nightmare. You wonder, what could be worse? The answer is not being prepared. In order to act quickly in any emergency, you must understand and practice what to do ahead of time. Fire preparation is no different. To prepare your home and your family, institute the following fire safety tips.

Prepare

The best time for fire preparation is now. If you wait until there is a fire, it is too late.

• Install functioning smoke detectors in your home. At the minimum, this includes alarms outside the sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Maintain your detectors by changing the batteries at least once per year and checking the alarm once per month. If possible, install interconnected detectors that sound at the same time when one is triggered. Teach all family members the sound of the alarm and what it means.
• Plan an escape plan, ensuring that all family members know two ways to exit each room.
• Determine an outside meeting place and how to contact one another.
• Teach even young children how and when to call 911 in an emergency.

Practice

Repetition of fire safety skills increases the chance of acting quickly in a fire.

• Practice the predetermined family escape plan twice a year or more. Start from different rooms of the house or use a stopwatch to make it more challenging.
• Practice how to stop, drop and roll in the event a home fire spreads to clothing.

Prepare your home in Stillwater, OK, your family and yourself for a home fire by heeding the above fire safety tips. If your nightmare becomes a reality, use what you have learned and practiced during fire preparation to lead your family to safety. Once out of danger, consider the next steps to repair your home. Start by contacting a fire restoration specialist to help you through the process of cleaning and restoring your house and personal belongings. Also call your insurance agent, as fire damage is covered under most homeowner’s policies. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/. 

Is Security Fencing Necessary After a Commercial Fire?

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

It’s highly recommended that you install a security fence

Is Security Fencing Necessary After a Commercial Fire?

Suffering a major fire at your business can be a real challenge for you and your employees. Once you know that everyone is safe it’s time to start thinking about the next step — limiting the amount of damage to the property itself. One of the most effective methods is installing a temporary security fence. Fencing will greatly reduce or prevent:

1. Animal Entry
Animals can wreak havoc on a building. While you may not be able to completely keep animals out, proper fencing should limit it considerably. From animal waste to chewed wires, a building can suffer a lot of avoidable destruction.

2. Vandalism
Vandals can cause a variety of problems in a vacant building; the loss can be significant in mere minutes. From broken windows, graffiti, and fire damage to a ransacked property, in general. You may want to consider barbed wire at the top of your fence if you think vandalism is likely.

3. Theft
For some people, your vacated property is an opportunity to steal. A security fence will make it difficult for someone to enter the premises, and next to impossible to exit with stolen items, especially if those items are large.

4. Liability Issues
Trespassing is illegal, but you could still be sued for personal injury if an intruder gets hurt on your property. This could be particularly serious if it involves a child. Protective fencing will keep children and others from roaming around on your property.

5. Insurance Problems
Your insurance company will expect you to take every reasonable step to limit additional loss to the affected property. Damage from negligence after the fact probably won’t be covered. Installing fencing will prove that you’re taking precautions to contain the area while keeping as many external hazards out as much as possible.
If your commercial building sustains major fire damage in Sumner, OK, it’s highly recommended that you install a security fence. Then, remediation professionals can work to return your building to its preloss condition.

You Can Replace Your Own Toilet With These 5 Simple Steps

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

Call in a Guthrie, OK water damage restoration team to ensure there is no extensive water damage

Replace Your Toilet with 5 Simple Steps

Whether you're dealing with a leaking toilet or you simply found a toilet with crazy features at your local hardware store that you just could not live without, you may wonder how much it will cost you to have a Guthrie, OK, plumber come in to make the swap for you. Depending on your capabilities, resourcefulness and level of confidence this may be an unnecessary concern. You can replace your toilet five simple steps.

1. Sever the Water Supply

Whether you're making a toilet repair or swapping out an old toilet with a new, you need to be sure to cut the water supply. Once the supply line is disconnected, flush and drain the tank.

2. Detach the Wax Seal

Use a wrench to loosen the bolts holding the toilet, then take a pocket knife or other sharp object and cut the caulk seal surrounding the base of the toilet. Remove the toilet gently. Use a putty knife to remove the wax seal.

3. Caulk the New Base

This step can help you prevent a future leaking toilet, as caulk serves to eliminate gaps between the wax ring and toilet base. It also helps make installation easier.

4. Install a New Wax Ring

You do not want to reuse a wax ring. Place a new one where the old was, and then lift the new toilet into place. Do not press down, as the weight of the fixture will compress the seal itself.

5. Tighten the Bolts

Once the toilet is in place, place a washer over the bolts and tighten the nuts by hand. You can use a large screwdriver or wrench to finish the job. Be careful to not overtighten, as it will crack the ceramic.

If your leaking toilet was leaking for a while, you may want to call in a Guthrie, OK, water damage restoration team to ensure the there is no extensive water damage. Failure to properly clean water damage can result in costly issues in the future.

6 Shutter Styles You May Need for Your Home

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Having your home protected with hurricane window coverings can also save you money in the long run by lowering your insurance premiums.

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricane and high winds, such as Stillwater, OK, you can mitigate potential damage to your home and protect family by installing storm shutters. Having your home protected with hurricane window coverings can also save you money in the long run by lowering your insurance premiums.

Many types of hurricane window coverings are available. Here are just a few of the more popular options.

1. Plywood

Plywood may not be pretty. However, it is usually an inexpensive, readily available option that can cost less than $1 per square foot of window space.

2. Storm Panels

Storm panels are often an economical option that may only need to be installed if a hurricane is imminent. The cost for these panels is $7-$15 per window.

3. Accordion-Style

Accordion-style window coverings can be stored folded up in a box that is secured to one side of the window. They can then be manually unfolded to cover the window when needed. These shutters often cost $15-$25 per square foot of window space.

4. Bahama Awnings

Bahama awnings can provide shade as well as protect windows from damage by high winds. These shutters can be installed on the tops of windows to provide awnings, and then can be unlatched when you need to cover the window. These coverings may cost about $15-$20 per square foot.

5. Rolling

These window coverings are typically installed in a box bolted above the window. A cranking mechanism unrolls the shutters across the length of the window, and then they are bolted down at the bottom. They can also provide effective insulation, helping to save costs of heating or cooling a home at a cost of $20-$30 per square foot of window area.

6. Colonial

Colonial storm shutters are usually mounted permanently on either side of a window and bolted in place. When needed, they can be unfolded to cover the window. Colonial-style window coverings cost about $200-$500 per window.

Expecting stormy weather? The next time high winds are forecast in your area, you can have peace of mind when you have quality window coverings installed for your home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/. 

Keeping Your Home Cooling System Mold-Free

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Most homes have a cooling system, usually a swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler)

Here Are Three Cooling System Basics You Should Know

In today’s climate-controlled homes, it’s easy to forget about your cooling system until it malfunctions. A leaking swamp cooler or dirty air ducts are signs it’s time to check your indoor air quality.

1. Swamp Cooler vs. Air Conditioner
Most homes have a cooling system, usually either a swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler) or a central air conditioner. Air conditioners use liquid refrigerant, fans, and a series of ducts to force cooled air to all rooms of the home. An evaporative cooler uses water, a cellulose pad, and a fan to cool the air. Because of their smaller size and lack of an extensive vent system, the latter is typically used for one room or a small space. The cellulose pad is constantly being soaked with water, which can lead to mold growth.

2. Humid vs. Dry Air
The home cooling system you should use depends on your location and climate. Homes in areas with low humidity are often equipped with swamp coolers because the air is dry enough to inhibit mold damage. In places with high humidity, such as the Southeastern states, it’s better to use a central air conditioning system because it doesn’t rely on water to cool the air. An evaporative cooler can add too much extra humidity to the air in an already humid climate; a leaking swamp cooler can harbor mold.

3. Clean vs. Dirty Equipment
The best way to keep your indoor air healthy, no matter where you live, is to maintain your air conditioner or evaporative cooler. Inspect visible components for mineral buildup and remove it if present. Check any associated ducts and drywall for signs of mold; if you find it, you’ll need the help of a mold remediation specialist in Ceres, OK. Regularly replacing the cellulose pads in swamp coolers also keeps potential mold under control.
Preventing a leaking swamp cooler or maintaining your air conditioner are key steps to healthy indoor air. When regularly serviced, your cooling system can keep your home comfortable for years to come.

3 Steps To Mitigate Roof Damage To Your Home

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

It’s a good idea to pay attention to what the weather is doing in your area.

Consider These Three Steps

When you live in an area such as Sumner, OK, you may be worried about the local weather causing roof damage to your home. Fortunately, a storm damage restoration service can help with any repair needs you may have. However, there are a few things you can do beforehand to mitigate potential problems. Next time there’s a storm in your area consider these three things.

1. Pay Attention To the Weather

It’s a good idea to pay attention to what the weather is doing in your area. This will help you have time to prepare properly before a storm occurs. If you’re expecting heavy wind or rain you can take steps such as covering over areas of your roof that may be prone to damage with tarps or boards until a professional can make repairs. You may also want to check for debris or loose gutters that could also be knocked around by the weather and damage your roof.

2. Clean Out Your Gutters

You may also want to take the time to clean out your gutters as this also can help prevent roof damage to your home. Debris such as sticks or leaves can clog the gutter and lead to water backup. This water can then overflow onto the roof and cause problems. When the gutters are clean and the downspouts pointed away from the building, this potential issue is much less likely to occur.

3. Trim Back Overhanging Trees

Another way to help mitigate wind damage to your home’s roof is to trim back any trees that might overhang. Look for weak or dead branches that could be knocked loose by the wind. During a storm, these have the potential to fall on the roof causing damage. Taking the time to remove them beforehand may help mitigate the problem.

If you’re trying to mitigate storm caused roof damage to your home you may want to consider keeping an eye on the weather, keeping your gutters clear of debris and taking the time to trim back any overhanging trees. If damage does occur, a restoration service can help with any clean up and repair needs.

The Importance of a Security Fence After a Fire

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

The installation of a security fence could prevent new harm and legal charges.

The Importance of a Security Fence

After your business or commercial properties have been affected by fire, the security of your entire company could be at risk. Naturally, officials from the fire department or public safety will tell you when it is safe for personnel to enter the building or stay away, but what about the equipment, belongings, and buildings? A temporary security fence could be the thing you need to protect against

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Trespassing
• Looters
• Liability
  
  

After emergency teams leave your property, you'll be responsible for the security of the land, buildings, and possessions inside the buildings. If someone gets hurt on that property, even if they are there without permission, you could be liable for those injuries.

Potential Dangers to Intruders

There are a number of potentially dangerous situations after a fire. Although fire damage remediation and reconstruction professionals may be coming and going, other people may trespass while those professionals are away. Those interlopers could be exposed to leaking gas, damaged electric lines, slips on water, or weakened floors. A security fence around your property may keep these intruders out and protect you from legal actions.

Damages Done by Trespassers

If unauthorized people enter your property and cause further damage, your insurance company may refuse to pay for those damages. On the other hand, your agent may recommend installing fencing around the perimeter of your Perry, OK, commercial property. When this is the case, act quickly on the advice of the agent to prevent new damages.

Protect Your Property With Security Fencing

Fire damage can be a source of a lot of destruction. The installation of a security fence could prevent new harm and legal charges. When it's safe to return to your property, but construction hasn't yet been completed, tightened security may reduce losses due to theft, vandalism and damages that the insurance company won't cover, and legal liability for injuries that trespassers suffer.

Preventing House Fires: Essential Tips for a Safe Home

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

Ways to prevent your home from looking like this.

A house fire can be a devastating event, causing immense damage and putting lives at risk. However, by taking proactive measures and implementing fire prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of a fire breaking out in your home. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you create a safe living environment and protect your loved ones from the threat of house fires.

1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against a fire. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Regularly test the alarms to ensure they are functioning correctly and replace batteries at least once a year.
2. Develop a Fire Escape Plan: Prepare and practice a fire escape plan with all members of your household. Identify primary and alternative escape routes from each room, and establish a designated meeting point outside. Educate everyone on how to react in case of a fire and emphasize the importance of staying low to avoid smoke inhalation.
3. Exercise Caution in the Kitchen: Kitchen fires are a common cause of house fires. Never leave cooking unattended, and keep flammable objects, such as towels or curtains, away from the stove. Regularly clean grease buildup from cooking surfaces and ensure that all appliances are in good working condition.
4. Practice Electrical Safety: Faulty electrical systems and appliances can trigger fires. Have a professional inspect your electrical system periodically, especially in older homes. Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords, and replace damaged cords or appliances immediately. Unplug devices when not in use and refrain from running wires under rugs or furniture.
5. Be Mindful of Heating Sources: Heating equipment, such as space heaters and fireplaces, should be used with caution. Keep flammable materials at a safe distance from heat sources and never leave them unattended. Have chimneys and flues cleaned and inspected regularly, and ensure that space heaters are placed on a non-flammable surface.
6. Store Flammable Materials Properly: Flammable substances, such as gasoline, paint thinners, or cleaning agents, should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources. Use approved containers and keep them tightly sealed. Avoid hoarding excessive amounts of flammable materials.
7. Maintain Dryer Safety: Lint buildup in dryer vents can lead to a fire hazard. Clean the lint trap after every load and periodically inspect and clean the dryer vent system. Ensure proper venting to the outside and avoid using dryers when you are away from home or sleeping.
8. Install Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in key locations, such as the kitchen and garage, and learn how to use them effectively. Choose the appropriate type of extinguisher for different fire classes and have them inspected and maintained regularly.

Preventing a house fire in Stillwater, OK requires a proactive approach and adherence to fire safety practices. By implementing the essential tips outlined in this blog, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in your home and protect your family and property. Remember, fire prevention is an ongoing commitment, so regularly review and update your fire safety measures to ensure a safe living environment for years to come.

Flood Tips

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing yourself and your home is important if you live in a flood-susceptible area. Adequate flood safety knowledge can help lessen injury, damage

While natural disasters are simply out of your control, preparing for a disaster is something you can see to. If you live in an area where floods are possible, there are some things you can do before, during, and after to minimize damage. Here are some safety tips at each stage of a flood.

Before a Flood

Floods are particularly devastating because they happen with little to no notice and can cause significant damage, injuries and even death. Although you can’t prevent this unexpected event, here are some flood safety preparation tips:

• Install non-carpet flooring
• Prepare an updated emergency kit
• Find out where relocation centers are located
• Make sure you have flood insurance
• Store important documents in a waterproof container
  
  

During a Flood

If your safety is not in jeopardy and you have time to prepare your home for a flood, you can lessen the amount of damage that occurs. First, move furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuable items to higher ground. Second, make sure you have your important documents either stored in a waterproof case or bring them with you if you’ll be leaving. Other safety tips include listening to the local radio for warnings and instructions, grabbing an emergency kit with essential supplies to take with you, and shutting off all utilities. If possible, empty your fridge and freezer and leave doors open to minimize damage if they float.

After a Flood

Flood safety is paramount to preventing injury and loss. Never let your children play near floodwaters and never attempt to drive into water of unidentified depth. Once it’s safe to return to your home, the best thing you can do to minimize loss or harm is to contact a water damage specialist. If you feel it’s safe to enter your home, exercise extreme caution because walls and ceilings may be compromised. Check for damage and take pictures for insurance claims.
Preparing yourself and your home is important if you live in a flood-susceptible area. Adequate flood safety knowledge can help lessen injury, damage and death.