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Weather Alerts Could Save Your Life During a Disaster | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

a red and white severe weather alert sign If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County.

Our national weather system uses at least 42 different kinds of weather alerts, split between seven categories depending on the type of event. This is too much information for the average person to comprehend in daily life, much less if they’re sheltering from a dangerous storm.

By knowing the meaning of warnings and advisories that could be issued, you’ll be able to make better decisions during extreme weather. In addition, you can take steps to keep your home protected from storms.

A good base of knowledge about severe weather is good to have, but more importantly, we should be aware of the risks that affect our area most frequently.

How Alerts Are Issued

Most people aren’t aware of how alerts are issued. It begins with the weather forecast, a prediction about future weather patterns. However, multiple factors affect these forecasts, and a lot of data is gathered to measure the severity and characteristics of a storm.

The National Weather Service is our country’s primary organization for all forecasting and issuing potential warnings. Across our nation, there are six offices and hundreds of sub-offices that cover almost the entire landmass. Here in Michigan, we’re covered by the Central Region headquarters, which watches most of the northern USA.

The NWS employs multiple types of personnel to observe and analyze geographical, wind patterns and many other kinds of data. The types of instruments used to collect data will vary based on the kind of weather event, but they always focus on providing accurate forecasts for all Americans.

The Most Important Alerts to Understand

The first thing that everyone should know about severe weather is the meaning of a “watch” and a “warning.” These words are frequently used in all kinds of storms, some being tornadoes, flooding and thunderstorms.

watch will cover large regions, like multiple counties or even states. These alerts are indicating that storms are moving your way, and could become dangerous in the coming hours.

warning is typically only used to cover singular cities or counties, although hurricanes can bring warnings for entire coastlines. These are signs that danger is coming very soon, and you should take steps to be prepared for disaster.

You should be aware of the weather that we see here frequently, as this will allow you to prepare for the most common disasters. In Michigan, East Lansing specifically, we see more than 60 inches of snowfall and only have about 170 sunny days per year, so we see storms almost every other day.

Protecting Your Home During a Storm

Besides knowing your emergency alerts, you can make efforts to prepare your home and mitigate potential damage to your property from weather events.

Clearing your gutters and securing your outdoor furniture is a great place to start. Outdoor furniture is often lifted up by powerful winds and then thrown into the home’s walls, roof or windows.

When the storm is gone, you should take plenty of photos or videos of the damage that your home has suffered. Afterward, give us at SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett a call. We’re always ready to jump into action and help you get back on your feet.

Learn the weather most common in your area, and pay attention to weather alerts so you can be prepared for the dangers ahead.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

Why SERVPRO Is the Right Choice for Fire Restoration | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

house roof burnt after fire SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County is always ready to serve you!

A house fire is something that no one wants to experience, but unfortunately, they are a rather
common occurrence. Focusing on fire safety efforts and putting together a fire evacuation plan
are such important elements of keeping your family safe, but it is also important to have a plan
in place for who you will call for restoration in the aftermath.

Having a plan in place for after a fire is an important aspect of preparedness, and if you are
looking for a restoration partner for your home, we are the team you can trust. Read on to learn
more about our fire damage restoration philosophy.

We Are Here for You 24/7, 365
Even with the best fire prevention efforts in place, house fires can happen unexpectedly, but
whenever they do, we are here to help. We have an emergency response line available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, so whether a fire breaks out in the middle of the night or on a
holiday afternoon, you can count on us to respond to you quickly.

When you call us, we will immediately begin assembling a team and creating an action plan to
handle your damage quickly.

We Understand Fire Damage
Every fire is going to be different, but our expert restoration technicians have a deep understanding of what fire damage restoration takes. From addressing charring to water
damage to smoke and soot in the far reaches of the home, we fully understand everything that
makes up damage from a fire and how to address it.

We Aim to Make Things Easier
Fires are a traumatic event, no matter how mildly or majorly they impact your home—and that is
something we fully understand. That is why our goal is to make things as easy as possible for
you throughout the restoration process.

From providing move-out services if you are in need of temporary housing to working directly
with your insurance company, we can help. You can depend on us to be of assistance during
each and every part of the fire restoration process.

If you need fire damage restoration, SERVPRO is the team you can count on. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.

How to Prevent Costly Damage to Your Business | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

a large commercial building with extensive damage to roof and siding SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services.

Due to their significance in society, it is important to keep local businesses healthy and productive. Between maintaining a positive work environment, training employees and dealing with paperwork, business owners have enough on their plate.

The last thing a business owner wants to worry about is the potential damage natural disasters can cause.

In only the last five years, the amount of damage caused by natural disasters has slowly but steadily increased. On average, the cost of damages has reached over $150 billion per year according to the NCEI.

Flooding and severe storms are common causes of damage in places like Michigan and are expected to happen every year. With 9% of Lansing being floodplains, that area covers over 200 major businesses. When snowstorms occur and the snow melts, flooding is expected to happen.

Below is how to prevent the commonly caused damages when disaster strikes:

Water Damage

Anywhere in the United States, water and flooding can be an issue. But in areas where snowfall is heavy and constant, ice presents a slightly different threat. As the ice melts and turns into water, it can cause severe damage to your commercial property.

When precipitation is heavy, the local rivers can fill up and cause flooding as well. It is important to check the areas around your business that are prone to letting water seep in. One way to reduce these effects is to landscape routes to control the flow of water and direct it away from the building structure.

Additionally, once water does get in, it is imperative to attack it right away. To see where water has affected your building, look for warping and discoloration on your walls, ceilings and even floors. Once wood begins to rot, it can become a very expensive problem in a very quick manner.

Storm Damage

Even at a lower intensity, storm damage can shake trees, cause power outages and launch small debris into the air. At a higher level, storm winds can exceed 100 mph and tear trees from the ground.

Storm damage in Michigan is one of the most common causes of natural disaster damage. Recently, a tornado with 140 mph winds tore through Gaylord, devastating the city.

While the damage can be extreme and wretched, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the damage it can cause to your business and your community. Firstly, secure any loose furniture/decorations outside your business. This signage and furniture can become deadly projectiles.

Next, you should check the areas on your exterior to make sure they’re sealed and secure. Doors, windows and roofs should be inspected to reduce the chance they’ll go flying when these storms happen.

Storm-protective window covers can help prevent the damage caused in the event of an emergency.

Know Who To Call

Whether it’s winter-based flooding or gale-force winds tearing through your area, it’s best to be prepared for anything and everything. Even simple actions of prevention can save money, resources and lives.

In the event that damage does occur, however, we are available 247, allowing us to promptly respond to any kind of disaster. Our expert team can identify the most beneficial restoration plan and implement it in the correct way.

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 247.

When You Need Restoration, We Are the Team to Call | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

man using his cellphone SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County are your restoration experts!

Needing restoration to your home is never going to be an enjoyable process, but when you find yourself in that situation, you can count on us. Whether you need restoration due to damage caused by a fire, a leak, a storm, a flood or another type of issue, we have the experience and the capability to perform your restoration with care.

While it may feel premature to consider this before sustaining damage to your home, it is a wise thing to consider in advance so that you know who to call right away.

We know that you have a lot of options when it comes to damage restoration in Jackson, but we think the SERVPRO team is a cut above the rest. Read on below to find out what makes our approach so unique and why you should choose us for all of your restoration needs.

Why to Choose SERVPRO When You Have Damage to Your Home

We understand the unique situation surrounding damage. While damage from a water leak may feel inconvenient, it is far less traumatizing than the damage that a house fire might cause, for example. We have helped many families in the area recover from serious damage events, and we are here to help you, too. We understand the unique circumstances surrounding an event such as a house fire or flood and will do everything in our power to help you recover.

We have the expertise to handle all aspects of damage. When you choose us for restoration, you are choosing a team that can handle whatever elements of your home have sustained damage. We are equipped to deal with fire damage, water damage, mold damage and more, so there is no job too advanced for the SERVPRO team to handle.

We are always here for you. Unfortunately, household damage does not follow a predictable schedule, and it often feels like these things pop up at the worst possible time. The good news is that whenever you discover damage, you can be certain we will be there. We are here 24/7, 365 days a year so you can always get in touch with us.

If you have damage to your home, let us be the team you count on. Get in touch today to learn more about our process or to discuss restoration!

We Can Restore Your Business After Any Disaster | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

man in suit talking on cellphone SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County are your business restoration experts!

A workplace disaster is inconvenient for a variety of reasons. When an emergency shuts down
your business, productivity suffers, and some organizations never recover. Equipment is
damaged, customer contact is lost and you are left to deal with costly damage.

When it comes to your business, time is money! That is why SERVPRO’s quick and professional restoration services are the answer to any workplace damage. We have the tools to
get your Jackson/SE Ingham County business back on track, regardless of the size of the damage.

Discover all the areas of damage that we can help you repair:

Fire damage. Fire damage is a devastating event, especially for commercial properties.
Following a fire, your company is left with damaged property and possessions that must be
repaired or rebuilt. We can begin repairing the damage caused by the flames as soon as you
contact us.

Water damage. Appliance leaks, roof leaks and leaky pipes are all common causes of water
damage within the workplace. Water damage can develop fast, so early restoration is critical to
protecting your business. SERVPRO can quickly be on the scene to address any water damage
to your property.

Storm recovery. Severe weather can have disastrous effects on your business. When damage occurs, productivity is halted, and your office could be left in disarray in some circumstances. We have the resources to clean up and rebuild any damage caused by flooding, hail or severe winds.

Mold remediation. Mold is a hazard that can arise as a result of excess moisture from water
damage or floodwater. Mold can develop on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours after water damage, so fast action is required. SERVPRO can assess your mold growth and provide the
best approach to remediate the damage to your business.

What We Do to Restore Your Business
Every disaster necessitates its own restoration method. We can examine the damage to your
business and come up with a solution.

We can quickly detect and measure moisture in your company’s floors, ceilings and walls using
technologies such as an infrared camera for issues such as water damage or flooding. In some
cases, standing water must be removed; we can collect water efficiently using submersible and
gas-powered pumps.

Mold infestations are treated by our experts by detecting and contaminating mold to prevent it
from spreading. We use antimicrobial techniques to element mold and stop the spread. From
there, we can deodorize and sanitize your entire business to restore it to preloss condition.

Our approach to fire damage restoration begins with an examination of the flame and smoke
damage. Our SERVPRO team then uses specialized equipment to remove any smoke or soot from your business’ ceilings, walls and other surfaces. We may then clean and deodorize your
company’s structure or any items impacted by flames.

SERVPRO is the solution to any workplace disaster. We can quickly remediate any damage and get your business back up and running! Contact us today.

Home Restoration Services Make a Difference | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

insurance document, pen and blue book sitting on black tabletop Contact SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County today. We work with you and your insurance company to get things back to normal quickly.

If you have sustained fire or water damage to your home, there are few things more important than choosing the right team to work with for restoration.

The time after your home is damaged can be disorienting. Many homeowners aren’t entirely unsure of what to do after they discover damage to their homes.

The right first step is to be sure you’re calling a restoration company you can trust. You’ll want to ensure the restoration company you choose will do the job well.

Damage Is a Common Problem

There’s a common misconception about dealing with home damage—that it’s rare.

People hate thinking about it, but the truth is that home damage is very common. Millions of homeowners are faced with situations that damage their homes every year.

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that fire damage impacts one every 350 homes every year. When you broaden the scope and look at every possible cause of home damage (like storms, accidents, and flooding), it’s actually closer to one out of every 20.

Don’t worry. Instead, use this information as a motivation to have a plan in place. Knowing how to choose your restoration partner is key.

We want to be our area’s preferred restoration partner. That is exactly why we prioritize our technicians’ training when they join our team.

Education Is a Difference-Maker

We provide excellent service, and that’s on several levels. It includes response time, availability and training. We take special pride in the level of training our technicians to receive.

Members of our team earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides various certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians can use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.

That means that when you call on SERVPRO for help restoring your home, you can be assured you’re working with the best.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

What Fire Safety Efforts Make the Biggest Difference? | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

red fire extinguisher in front of wall If your home or business has been damaged by a fire, contact SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County today.

If you are trying to implement more fire safety around your house, you may be overwhelmed by
how many ways a fire can start—and how many ways there are to prevent them! Household
fires are extremely common and can be rather dangerous, but taking proper fire safety efforts
can significantly reduce your risk levels.

While any fire safety efforts are worthwhile, it is important to understand the impact that yours
have on your home and where your attention is best concentrated. Below, we will share our
most important fire safety tips so you can be certain that you are prioritizing the right things
around the house.

Which Fire Safety Efforts Are the Most Important

Installing and maintaining smoke detectors. Many home fire deaths occur due to fires starting while people are sleeping, and thus those inside get a late notice to escape the home.
Installing smoke detectors in every main area of the home and outside of every sleeping area is
the best way to increase your overall fire safety in the home. While these smoke detectors should be checked monthly, this is an easy and inexpensive way to give your household fire safety a boost.

Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Cooking is a leading cause of household fires, and because stoves, ovens and toasters all pose a fire risk, it is not surprising as to why. Always practicing cooking safety tips, such as keeping flammable items away from the stove, is a great strategy, but it is also wise to keep a fire extinguisher on hand to quickly address any flare-ups that do occur.

Creating a home fire escape plan. In the event of a house fire, there are often only two
minutes to escape to safety, so knowing exactly how to escape is a must. Planning out a fire
escape plan for your home, ensuring that every area of your house has two exits and practicing
your fire evacuation process regularly are all important to ensuring that everyone in the
household is able to get to safety should a fire start.

If you have fire damage in your household, we are here to help. You can get in touch with us
24/7 to learn more about our process or to report damage to your home.

Do You Have a Plan in Place for Your Business? | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee standing in office next to a person reviewing plans If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County will be there to help.

When you manage a business, you not only have full-time job duties, but you also have a never-ending to-do list. There’s no doubt you have a lot on your plate, whether it’s staffing or payroll, inventory or marketing.

But if you aren’t prepared for disasters, all of your hard work could be in jeopardy. You’ve put in a lot of effort to get to where you are now. Don’t you want to do everything you can to ensure that your company can weather any storm?

Because businesses are so busy, it is easy to let some things slip the mind. One of those things oftentimes is disaster preparedness. When a fire, hurricane or any type of disaster hits a business, it’s often difficult or impossible to get it back up and running.

According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses close permanently following a disaster, and a significant portion of those that do reopen close again in less than a year.

When devastation strikes your company, having a strategy in place for what you’ll do ahead of time might be the difference between survival and failure. Three-quarters of small businesses in the United States don’t have a disaster plan in place. Businesses that are prepared for a disaster are the ones who come out on the other side.

SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County assists companies in our area in preparing for disasters by developing a Emergency Ready Plan that is tailored to a company’s needs, location and industry. Your business will be able to minimize downtime if you have a strategy in place since you’ll know what to do if disaster hits.

Natural disasters are already obstacles in and of themselves. Make every effort to ensure that you are prepared to bounce back if one strikes. We’re here to assist you with your Emergency Ready Plan today.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Have You Prepared a Storm Safety Procedure? | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

a dark cloudy sky with lighting strikes off in the distance If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County right away.

Winter storms can be rough here in Michigan, but we shouldn’t forget about the severe weather that comes with spring. These storms can cause events like lightning, rain, winds, flooding and hail, all capable of damaging your home or business. It’s crazy to think about, but there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, which is almost 2,000 per week!

In Michigan, we are closely acquainted with extreme weather, but we’re not afraid of it. Disasters like blizzards, nor’easters and even extreme flooding that cost our local community over $2 billion in repairs.

It would be nice to hit a button and get rid of any dangerous weather, but unfortunately, we can’t do that. However, you can— and should—prepare for storms by building an emergency kit, planning a good strategy for communication and taking action to be ready for when storms strike nearby.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

During emergencies, it’s crucial to have proper lines of communication with your loved ones and with your local government. Paying attention to the alerts in your area and knowing the difference between watches and warnings will ensure that you know what the next move is.

Second, it’s a smart idea to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts from officials. Television works great, but storms often knock out the signal, and cellphones always seem to run out of battery right when you need it most. An NOAA weather radio with spare batteries close by is your best bet to stay informed.

Lastly, developing a thorough communication strategy for your family members is key. This lets you stay in touch with loved ones and eases your mind by knowing that they’re safe. For the people in the house, having a specified location to shelter is also important—pick a spot that’s away from any windows like a large closet.

Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

The term emergency kit seems complex, but it can be simplified by thinking about what you and your family members will need for 72 hours or more of sheltering in place. These kits typically include nonperishable food, a lot of water, working flashlights, extra batteries and first-aid supplies.

These kits should be kept in your designated safe room so that you can access them when you take shelter. By taking this extra step, you will be more prepared for the potential disasters that come from storms.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

When you have received the all-clear and it’s safe to leave your safe room, there are a few extra steps in being prepared for severe weather. Addressing your home’s condition comes first, and you need to do a check for property damage.

If you uncover damage during your property check, you can always call us day or night. At SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County, we pride ourselves on being restoration professionals with 24/7 availability to come to your rescue. So when damage happens, reach out to us and have your home or business back to preloss condition as soon as possible.

Finally, after assessing your home for damage, it’s always good to go through your safety plan and look for ways to improve. Explore where things went wrong, or what things went right, and build on that for the next time you face extreme weather. Taking these steps and calling your local experts can help you stay safe and keep your home or business in working order

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24/7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.

What to Know When Making a Fire Escape Plan | SERVPRO® of Jackson/SE Ingham County

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

house on fire SERVPRO of Jackson/SE Ingham County are your restoration experts! If your home or business has been damaged by a fire, give us a call today.

House fires are extremely dangerous for a number of reasons. Not only can they cause serious damage to your home, but they can also spread rapidly when they begin—which can put anyone in the home in harm’s way. While we all hope we will never find ourselves in this situation, it is better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard, which is why a home fire escape plan is a must.

Making a plan for your household is important, as it will help everyone act quickly in the event of a fire so they can get to safety. If you are new to drafting your fire escape, we have included some key things to note below.

What to Know About a Household Fire Escape Plan

Time is of the essence. Because of how quickly fires can spread, being able to escape the home quickly in an emergency situation is key. Everyone in your household should be able to execute an escape route in less than two minutes to maximize their ability to get to safety. This is why having a clear plan of action and running through practice drills is so important.

Multiple exits are key. While there are some places a fire may be more likely to break out, such as at the stove or around a space heater, there is no way to know for sure how a fire could start or begin to spread. For this reason, it is important that every area of the home have at least two exits that are accessible—that way, if one is blocked by flames, someone could use the other route to escape. In some cases, you may need to purchase emergency ladders for second-story windows to make this possible.

Teamwork is a must. Depending on the members of your household, you may want to incorporate a buddy system into your fire escape plan. If you have young children, older adults or pets that will need assistance in escaping, make sure it is clear in advance which member of your household will be responsible for helping them get to safety.

If you have damage to your home due to a fire, we are here to help. We’re here 24/7 to start the restoration process—contact us today.