Recent Posts
Preparing Your Summer Home for Cooler Weather
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you happen to have any type of water damage during your time away, SERVPRO® is always here to help!
Now that summer is coming to an end, it is time to start preparing your vacation home for cooler weather.
As you are packing the car and getting ready to head out, do a quick inspection of your home to ensure you can leave knowing you have prevented winter disasters. Turn off the water main and drain the existing water from sinks, toilets, and outdoor spigots. Once the water main is switched off, turn on faucets, spigots, and flush toilets until water no longer flows out. Also check the following:
- Pipes under every sink.
- Water heater.
- Seals around windows (in case it rains).
- Appliance hoses: washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker.
- Sump pump. Dump a bucket of water into the sump pump to ensure it is working. Make sure to listen to its motor running as well.
- Toilet tanks. Look for cracks that may worsen and leak while you are gone.
Give a set of keys to a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor and have them check on your home periodically while you are gone. The number of times they should check in depends on the length of your trip, but it should be at least twice a week. Once water damage occurs, letting it stagnate for days at a time can multiply the cleanup costs tremendously. Show your house sitter all bathrooms, where the water main is, and other areas at risk of water damage. Leaving a check list for them will make sure they do not miss any subtle leaks or moisture.
Leave heating and cooling systems running as normal. These allow air flow through your home and prevent humidity from building up. They also will keep pipes from freezing if there is a sudden temperature drop, which is more of a risk during the fall and winter months than in summer.
If you happen to have any type of water damage during your time away, SERVPRO® is always here to help!
Don’t Let Stormy Weather Interrupt Your Highland Park Team | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park to get you back in action.
As a business owner, you know the value of preparing your team for any situation that comes their way. However, amidst all your daily commercial challenges, it’s easy to overlook the importance of preparing for weather emergencies.
Training your team to respond appropriately when severe weather hits Highland Park is essential to protecting your business. It might be a hard topic to approach, but it’ll help keep everyone safe in the eye of the storm.
Use this guide to keep your Highland Park team informed when dangerous weather threatens your commercial building.
Know Your RiskTo create a perfect workplace storm-ready plan, you’ll need to evaluate the weather threats that are most prevalent in your area. By gaining insights into the common risks your area faces, you can tailor your storm-ready plan to address those challenges head-on.
Your Highland Park team should anticipate a variety of weather threats year-round. Tornadoes, snowstorms, flooding and rainstorms can all strike your business unexpectedly and cause costly downtime.
Knowing your flood risk can help you be prepared for one of the many Highland Park weather threats. Keep up with any upcoming weather emergencies, and have a method of receiving weather alerts as soon as they are sent out.
Make a Plan to CommunicateBeing able to communicate with your employees is the key to keeping everyone on the same page in the middle of a storm. Fortunately, there are numerous options available to establish a reliable workplace communication system to make sure everyone reacts responsibly.
Keep everyone in touch with a system that enables you to send out real-time weather alerts so that your team can stay informed even in the event of an urgent situation. With effective communication, your employees can make informed decisions and respond efficiently to changing conditions, minimizing risks and improving their ability to navigate the storm safely.
Plan Your EvacuationWhile you hope it never happens, your staff might have to evacuate the building in the middle of a workday. Be sure to show your team where to go if an evacuation is needed by running a drill each year.
During some weather emergencies, Highland Park residents may be told to shelter in place. Make sure to establish a secure room in your building where everyone can take refuge until the storm passes. Even during non-storm events, having a location where your crew can shelter in place will be critical.
Don’t let a Highland Park storm catch you and your team off-guard; instead, plan ahead of time to avoid downtime and keep your entire crew safe. Preparation might be the sole thing that keeps your business afloat after a tragedy!
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Is Your Home Prepared to Handle Storms? | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park has your back when you experience water damage.
Here in Highland Park, we see it all, weather-wise! We experience all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from the teens to the upper 80s. And that means we are no strangers to storms, either. Storms can sweep through here quickly, bringing intense rains and heavy winds.
Because of that, it’s important to ensure your house is set up to withstand the weather. Wondering how to do that? It starts with a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn more.
Preparing Your House for StormsPreparing your home for storms doesn’t to be complicated. Many storm-proofing tasks can be incorporated into your regular routines. And in fact, many are probably already on your maintenance to-do list!
Make protecting your home a three-part strategy—keep your property clean, make sure your house is secure and secure any potential projectiles.
That means regularly cleaning up your yard, removing fallen branches and other debris. You should also take a close look at your trees and trim them off dead or dying branches often.
Get up on your roof (or have a professional do it) several times a year and after any heavy storm to look for broken or missing shingles. While up there, also look for gaps around the house structure, including the chimney, and clean out the gutters to remove debris.
If you have patio furniture or other objects that remain outdoors, be sure they are strapped down or secured in some other way. This will keep them from becoming airborne during a storm.
Making Your Home StrongerMost storm preparations can be done with without spending extra money, but you may also want to consider some upgrades for added peace of mind.
Purchasing storm shutters can be a good investment, particularly if you reside in a region subject to high winds. You can also increase protection by upgrading your windows to stronger materials that can endure extreme weather. If your property is filled with trees and other vegetation, you may also want to invest in gutter guards to keep the water flowing freely through the gutters and away from your home.
In the unforeseen case of storm damage, SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is on call 24⁄7 to get your house back in order as soon as possible.
A Guide to Grilling Without Fire Hazards | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park to get your space back in shape.
The weather in Detroit is starting to get hotter, and that means summertime fun is here! As the summer season unfolds, we eagerly embrace the sunny days and outdoor gatherings with our loved ones.
However, it’s crucial to prioritize grilling safety to prevent dangerous situations and potential fires. Check out this guide to help you enjoy a delightful summer BBQ experience while ensuring fire-free surroundings.
Security: Proper Grill PlacementWhen it comes to grilling safety, the first step is choosing an appropriate location for your grill. Keep it outside, away from enclosed spaces such as garages or roof overhangs. Not only is it unsafe, but it is also illegal to have grills on your front porch in Detroit, so opt for a more open area instead.
Adequate ventilation is vital, and make sure there are no flammable materials above the grill that could increase the risk of fire. Position the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or wooden deck. Additionally, designate a kid-free and pet-free zone to make sure everyone is safe.
Check your charcoal grill for dents, cracks and ash buildup before lighting it up. Owners of propane grills should check the gas lines for leaks and make sure the connections are tight. It’s critical to take care of any concerns before they become dangerous fire scenarios since leaky lines or propane tanks can.
Managing Grill Flames ResponsiblyMaintaining closeness and having a water source nearby while grilling is crucial as a safety precaution. A spray bottle can help control flare-ups, and it’s important to have a hose or fire extinguisher in close proximity, too.
After cooking, transfer the food to someone else to carry into the house, and remember to turn off the gas or close the vents for charcoal grills to cut off the oxygen supply. Throw away all ash and embers in a metal can to eliminate potential fire hazards, even after the grilling is complete. Before wrapping up your BBQ, ensure that the grill has cooled down completely.
Have a Safe SummerWe wish you a summer filled with delightful moments and safety. However, in the unfortunate event of a fire incident during your grill out, SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park is always available to assist you with professional fire damage restoration services.
Contact SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park for swift restoration assistance when you need it most.
Tips for Responding to a Water Disaster | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park right away.
We are so lucky to have water directly at our fingertips for whenever we need it. It is constantly running through our faucets and taps to wash our hands, prepare dinner and even cool down our drinks.
While we know that water is essential in our lives, it can also be a nuisance if it gets into the places that it shouldn’t be. A flooded basement, busted water heater, a leaky roof from a storm or a flash flood can all impact your home in a big way. Strong storms with heavy rain and flash flooding can happen at any time during the hot summer months in the Highland Park area, so staying vigilant is key.
Preventing water damage all together is always the best case scenario, but it is not always possible to do so. Follow our tips below to learn more about how to respond to a water disaster quickly to minimize damages.
Your Quick ResponseIf your home suffers a water disaster, quick action is key. Water has the potential to seep and leak throughout your floor and down your walls in a matter of minutes, so catching the problem at the source is crucial.
Track down the leak or the problem and stop the flow of water however you can. Shut off the appliance, turn off the water valve or turn off the electricity if it is an appliance malfunction or accident, or set out a bucket to catch the drips if your water issue was caused by storm damage. Once the storm has passed, you can safely go outside to figure out what happened.
Remember, standing water can be dangerous even if it looks harmless. Avoid walking through any floodwaters in your house.
As soon as it is safe and the scene is secure, the next thing you should do is call SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park. We are here 24⁄7 to respond to your call for help, and we will jump into action for you whenever you need us.
Our Reliable Drying ProcessWe will immediately start working on your recovery plan as soon as you call us. While we are chatting, we will ask you to take some photos. We will work directly with your insurance company to make sure we are making the most of your claim, and fresh images of the damage will really help.
We will get right to work by bringing in industry-leading drying equipment to suck up all the excess water and dry up any remaining moisture. We will also work on drying out your soft and fragile materials so you don’t have to replace as much in the aftermath. Our team will clean, sanitize and deodorize as we go so your space stays fresh and clean the entire time.
Our team is trained to handle every aspect of your restoration no matter how large or destructive your situation is. We can even handle tearing down extremely damaged areas of your home and completely rebuilding them for you.
Having a professional team come in to help you recover will give you peace of mind that all of the water will be gone and your risk of mold growth will be greatly reduced. Call us day or night, and we will take care of you and your home.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Recovery Tips After the Storm Is Over | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park to restore your space in no time!
Experiencing a summer storm can be scary if it is strong and brings about intense wind and rain. Even though you are safely inside, it can be hard to just wait it out when things are out of your control!
Strong storms are a common part of life in the Highland Park community, and we see our fair share of rain, wind and hail, along with the occasional tornado situation in our area. We all have to be vigilant into the fall season as humid days can easily give way to severe weather later in the afternoon.
If a storm does approach, it is always best to stay inside to ride out the storm. Stay away from windows and hunker down in your safe shelter location until the coast is clear.
Once the storm has passed, follow these steps to stay safe while you are navigating your property.
Steps to Take After the StormDon’t let your guard down after the first wave of storms passes through. Even though it may have stopped raining, it doesn’t mean that another storm cell isn’t on the way! Keep your weather radio powered on and your cell phone nearby in case you need to quickly communicate with your family and head back inside.
Connect with your loved ones to make sure everyone fared OK during the storm, keeping in mind that sometimes service is spotty after a severe weather event. A simple text may be all you can send, but you will get peace of mind that way, too.
Don’t forget about your neighbors! Your neighbors may not have family or friends in the area, so checking on them can ensure everyone around you is safe and doesn’t need emergency assistance.
Then it’s time to head back home and start documenting your own damages. Take pictures of whatever damage you find and then call SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park! Our team will get started on your restoration plan right away, and we will be on our way to you quickly.
Our Recovery Assistance ProcessWhile you are waiting for us to arrive, you can certainly take a look around your property, but be careful. Hidden hazards like broken glass, loose boards or walls, or bent nails can make it difficult or even dangerous to get around, so walk cautiously and bring your phone with you in case of emergency.
Another thing you can do to protect your belongings from further damage is laying tarps over your home or boarding up windows. We will take care of this more extensively for you when we arrive, but this can help stop any residual rain from getting inside in the meantime.
We are able to work directly with your insurance company during your restoration process to make sure you are getting the most out of your claim, so you can sit back and relax as we can take care of your entire recovery process.
We know that storm damage can seem overwhelming, but when we are through, you would never be able to tell a strong storm ripped through your home. We are here for you whenever you need us!
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
Safeguarding Your Home When the Rain Comes to Town | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park on the case!
Rain can come in all shapes and sizes, and some days we are grateful for it and other days it ruins our plans. A soft and gentle rain can refresh our community and cool everything down while a harsh storm can cause all kinds of watery chaos in a short amount of time.
Serious situations can occur when strong storms come to town, even if we do what we can to prepare. Rain can push into our homes and leak down our walls or come rushing into our basements in a flash flood situation.
Our SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park team is here to help make sure you stay safe and dry, so read on to learn some flood safety tips.
The Rain Dangers in Our AreaWe are thankfully protected inland from rising water levels off of Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t vulnerable to flooding issues from time to time. Heavy rain accompanying thunderstorms or the rapid snowmelt from a particularly snowy winter season can lead to all kinds of water troubles. Rain can flood roads, overwhelm city blocks and make its way into our basements in a singular event.
While we understand that this kind of weather is not preventable, you can still take steps to prepare now so that you are ready to take action as soon as the warning is issued. Stay connected to our local weather authorities and follow the below steps to stay safe.
Being Safe When the Warnings Are IssuedGetting your home ready and prioritizing your family’s safety should always be your main goals when heavy rain is predicted. Head for home as soon as a flood warning or severe storm is predicted, but be sure to avoid any low-lying areas or streets that tend to flood when the rain comes down.
Get whatever you can into your garage and make sure anything is tied down that you don’t want to float away. Propane tanks, lawn furniture and kids’ toys can all be secured ahead of time in the event of an emergency.
If your basement tends to flood during heavy rain, now is the time to start moving fragile or sentimental possessions out of your lowest level to protect them from damage. Turn off electricity to that space, and then just keep an eye on any developing conditions. Stay above the water line and stay calm if it starts rushing into your house. Eventually, the storm will pass and you will be able to get us on the phone.
Steps to Take to Avoid Future Water IssuesWe all know that weather can take us by surprise even if we are prepared for it. While it certainly can be frustrating to deal with damages in the moment, they can actually teach us more about our homes so we can take steps to avoid more damage in the future.
For example, if your patio door is always the spot that leaks water in your basement when it starts to rain, grading your property around that area of your home can help naturally encourage water to move down and away instead of backward into your foundation.
Another way to reliably stay dry is to invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps have the ability to sense when excess water is in the area around your home and they will kick on to start removing it and pumping it back up to the surface. Then it will flow through tubes to an area far from your foundation.
Even if you do everything right and prepare how you should, water has a mind of its own. If you find yourself standing in a flooded home after a storm, contact SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park for a quick restoration.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Responsible Backyard Fire Tips | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Can you believe that it is already time to start thinking about and embracing the fall season? The summer months are always great in the Highland Park area, but there is just something special about the fall season in the Midwest.
The fall decorations, pumpkin spice, football Sundays and outdoor activities are all great ways to celebrate the changing seasons. One activity that can become cozier during this time are backyard bonfires.
Our SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park team wants you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fall bonfires without the risk of starting a full blaze, so read on to learn more about simple fire safety techniques.
Safety Around Your PitDo choose a location that is a safe distance away from anything flammable. If your pit cannot be moved, simply make sure any brush piles or logs are moved a safe distance away and trim any overhanging trees in the area.
Do have water ready to use at a moment’s notice. A bucket filled with water or a hose turned on and kept close by are both good options. If you are in a remote area without easy access to water, keep a shovel near your fire pit so you can dump sand or dirt over any rogue flames.
Do obey any burn bans, and keep an eye on the weather conditions. Windy days or time periods that are extra dry are not great times to start a fire. Be sure the conditions are right (and legal) before pulling out your matches.
Maintaining Your Growing FireDon’t attempt to revive a dying fire with gas or lighter fluid. These substances are flammable, yes, but they are also unpredictable and could lead to a rapidly spreading fire in seconds.
Don’t let your kids play near the flames, especially if they are unsupervised. Accidents can lead to serious injury or a fire that escapes your pit.
Don’t allow your fire to get too big. Tall flames are much harder to control than smaller ones, so keep your fire small and manageable.
Don’t go inside until a responsible adult has extinguished the fire. This includes soaking the logs and the embers with water until everything is cold to the touch.
The Truth About WildfiresWildfires can start in all kinds of ways, and while nature can be responsible for some of those situations, the unfortunate fact is that most wildfires are human-caused. In order to reduce your risk of starting one, always be near the flames and don’t let your fires grow too large too fast.
We know that fire is unpredictable and can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us immediately for a fast and thorough fire damage restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Biohazard Cleanup Services for Your Business
8/31/2023 (Permalink)
We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations.
The professionally trained experts at SERVPRO® provide biohazard cleanup services that utilize a science based, safety centered standard.
The decontamination of a business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience are important when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.
We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:
- Sewage backups
- Crime scene residues
- Suicide/death accidents
- Homicide cleanups
- Blood cleanup
- Accident cleanup
- Hoarding scenes
- Animal waste/remains
- Chemical spills
- Tear gas cleanup
Our team provides 24-hour service, seven days a week. We have qualified, trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.
Commercial Fire Damage
8/30/2023 (Permalink)
Commercial fire damage restoration presents unique challenges.
Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.
Commercial fire damage restoration presents unique challenges. Every hour spent restoring your business back to its pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. The SERVPRO® team has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.
If your business experiences a fire loss, call SERVPRO®, the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.
24/7 Emergency Service