The 3 Best Sandbag Alternatives

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Absorbent barrier

Sandbag Alternatives

Sandbags are an old-fashioned flooding management solution. Each sandbag is messy to fill without specialized equipment and is only suitable for one-time use after coming into contact with contaminated water. Check out three reusable sandbag alternatives that are easier and faster to maneuver into place and may be more effective at blocking flood water.

1. Absorbent Barriers
Several manufacturers make porous alternatives to sandbags. These flat bags absorb water and swell to create a barrier that blocks the flow of water. Absorbent barriers have the advantage of being the most lightweight and easy to store flood control method. It is possible to deploy these barriers in a matter of minutes. Some manufacturers guarantee that barriers can be used to block water for months. Some absorbent barriers can be dried out and reused.

2. Water-Filled Barriers
Nonporous water-filled flood dams are another reusable solution. This type of barrier requires some preparation, as it is necessary to use a hose to fill these cofferdams with clean water. These barriers can be left standing as long as necessary to limit flood damage before being emptied, cleaned, stored, and reused.

3. Flood-Proof Fencing
Another popular sandbag alternative is fencing designed to stand up to flood water. Flood fencing can create a higher barrier than other water-filled barriers. The setup time for this fencing may exceed water-filled cofferdams and other sandbag alternatives, but should be easier than filling and stacking large quantities of sandbags. Though this flood control equipment is costly, it can keep an entire property or area from flooding.

Each of these sandbag alternatives is useful for certain applications. If you own commercial property in Lyons, CO, you may want to invest in one or more solutions for controlling flooding. Buildings in flood zones may benefit from using any of this equipment to reduce the severity of storm damage.

3 Tips for Reduction of Odors From Water Damage

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts after storm damage in Niwot, CO.

Ways To Reduce The Unpleasant Odor From Water Damage

Even after you or a professional cleanup and restoration service from Niwot, CO has removed any standing flood water from your building, there might be disagreeable smells. They may be the result of sewage loss from pipes or the street, mold growth from leftover moisture or bacteria carried in by gray water or black water. There are some actions that can help reduce or eliminate the unpleasant odors that arise from water damage.

1. Make Sure Everything Is Actually Dry
Any excess moisture can serve as a breeding ground for mold growth and mildew. The microorganisms emit musty scents akin to dirty socks or dirt as they progress through different stages of development. It can also harbor stink-producing bacteria. It is important to remove as much water as possible by opening windows, wringing out or trashing soaked textiles, drying off surfaces, and using fans and dehumidifiers.

2. Use Common Remedies
If the smell clings to a room, there are certain substances you can place in open containers around it to try and absorb the odor from the air, including:

• Cat litter
• Vinegar
• Baking soda

These are available for purchase at many general stores or shopping centers and have deodorizing capabilities. Baking soda can also be sprinkled on carpet, rugs or fabric-covered office furniture and vacuumed up to remove both liquid and nasty fragrances.

3. Disinfect Affected Surfaces
Sanitizing anything the water has touched can help ward off or kill mold in its beginning stages. Even if there is none visible, it might already have begun to release spores and infect porous materials. While bleach may seem like the obvious choice of cleanser, it generally only affects surface mold, not the filamentous roots or spores. Vinegar and warm water solution or soap and warm water mixture will prove more effective at removing the fungus.
While floods often lead to less than pleasant odors due to factors like mold growth and bacteria, the smells can be completely removed or at least mitigated. There are also professionals trained at disaster cleanup you can contact.

3 Actions You Can Expect During Storm Damage Restoration

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24 /7 to respond quickly to your emergency, including Residencial Storm Restoration. Call us!

Three Things To Expect During Storm Damage Restoration

Strong storms in Erie, CO, can leave behind severe damage in and around your home. Flooding is a common problem with powerful storms, and repairing issues on your own is not always the answer. Calling in a storm restoration team for tear out needs, water removal and more can help you feel more confident in the aftermath, and there are a few actions you can expect your technicians to make when they arrive.

1. Damage Inspection

Before your technicians can take action, they will likely first assess what type of problems severe weather caused. This includes noting which rooms took on water damage, the condition of the walls and ceilings, and performing flood cuts in the walls to identify which sections may need replacing.

2. Water Removal

Removing flood and standing water will probably be a priority for your restoration crew because the longer it sits, the faster it degrades. This type of storm restoration and mitigation is crucial for your home because outdoor flood waters or even water that comes from a sterilized source and then becomes standing water usually contains a lot of bacteria. Leaving the water to a crew that has the experience and tools to clear and dispose of it properly can reduce the cost of damage after a storm.

3. Storm Restoration of Building

After a powerful storm, your storm and flood restoration company technicians will begin to remove damaged furniture and other items from the home to sort and assess. They will tear out damaged drywall and carpeting to prevent mold growth, which can occur as soon as 24 hours after a flood.

When powerful storms strike Erie, CO, damage your home and you require tear out services and water removal, knowing what to expect when restoration technicians arrive can help you understand what to expect and allow you to feel more confident about the outcome.

Steps To Take For Storm Damage Recovery

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can happen when you least expect it. SERVPRO has teams ready to respond 24/7/365. Contact us about your storm restoration emergency.

Steps To Recovering From Storm Damage

After the wind and rain of a severe storm die down, the scene of destruction may seem overwhelming. You may wonder what to do while you wait for help to arrive. You may wonder what steps you need to take to put your life back together. If your property has been damaged by downed power lines or wind-blown tree branches, there are several steps you can take. Use the following storm tips to guide your actions.

Think of Safety First

Storm conditions can cause dangerous situations:

• Collapsed roofing or walls
• Standing water in the basement
• Shattered glass or exposed nails
• Damaged gas lines

In many situations, it's best to arrange for a temporary place to stay while your home is repaired. Contact property restoration professionals who can secure your property from further damage and take the first steps toward reconstruction.

Record the Damage

When you have approval to safely enter your property, make photographic records of the damage. Include as many pertinent details as possible in these records. For example, you might write down the brand name and age of your appliances. Thorough records help ensure that you get adequate payments from the insurance company.

Understand the Specifics of the Damage

The steps you take may vary if the storm damage includes flooding or if it led to fire and smoke damage. Consult professionals in your area to get tips regarding safety, cleanup, and local laws. You may also get valuable advice about how to protect yourself from secondary damages.

Check Out Federal Disaster Relief

If the extent of storm damage was severe enough that the federal government has declared a disaster area, you may have access to low-cost loans. This funding can help you get your property back into its pre-damaged condition. You will need to provide specific documents and file those with the federal government to secure these loans, so be sure to keep your paperwork as safe as possible.

These storm tips should help you get started on the journey of getting back to normal. Work closely with Longmont, CO, officials for a safe, orderly process.

4 Residential Flood Proofing Tips

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

When these homeowners came home to find their basement flooded after a water pipe burst, they were sure to call SERVPRO.

4 Flood-Proofing Tips For Your Home

Homeowners can follow these four flood prevention and safety tips to promote flood safety and keep water out of a residence in Berthoud, CO. While it is helpful to flood proof a property in advance, residents should comply with evacuation orders to preserve personal safety.

1. Enhance Drainage

It may be possible to significantly reduce the flood risk of a property by hiring landscaping experts to adjust the grading or slope to ensure that water flows away from the foundation. Adding fill to a property located in a flood zone may enable a homeowner to obtain an amendment or revision on the Flood Rate Insurance Map maintained by the National Flood Insurance Program, which may reduce the cost of flood insurance coverage.

2. Invest In Reusable Flood Barriers

Owners of homes in areas that frequently flood may want to invest in sandbag alternatives for flood safety. Choose from water-filled cofferdams or self-stabilizing fence barriers. Absorbent single-use alternatives are also available.

3. Install Backup Prevention Equipment

Flooding can overwhelm a municipal main and result in sewer backups. A homeowner can hire a plumber to determine whether preventative mechanisms such as a backflow valve, standpipe or overhead sewer could be effective solutions for flood proofing a basement.

4. Anchor or Elevate Critical Components

If flooding is anticipated within days or hours, homeowners should make every effort to promote personal safety while limiting losses. Anchor or elevate critical components such as fuel tanks, generators and HVAC units. Raising indoor electrical components can also reduce electrocution risks. Relocate as many appliances as possible above the anticipated flood water level.

These safety tips can reduce the likelihood that flooding will result in extensive damage and losses at a residence. In any case, flood safety is the primary concern. If a residence suffers damage, mitigation and restoration specialists can quickly arrive on site in Berthoud, CO.

Three Steps for Preventing Flood Damage During a Storm

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

There are many maintenance steps you can take to keep your home safe during storms and under normal conditions.

Flood Damage Prevention In A Storm: Three Steps

There are many maintenance steps you can take to keep your home safe during storms and under normal conditions. These include

• Cleaning the gutters and storm drains
• Repairing any cracks in siding or foundations
• Replacing windows and doors that cracked or warped

However, if a storm is coming and you have time to prepare for flooding and other potential risks, you'll need to focus on preventing or minimizing potential storm damage.

One: Know the Risk of Floods

You can get valuable information from your emergency management office or the building department. Ask for the projected flood elevation of your neighborhood. The community may also have a website with this information. However, it's best to get this information before the pending storm. If you wait, those phone lines are likely to be busy, and it may be very hard to get the information you want. If you're not sure what to do with this information, contact a local flood recovery company.

Two: Find and Plug Basement Floor Drains

It isn't unusual for flooding to lead to sewer backups as storm water enters the community water system. As a storm approaches, avoid some flood damage by plugging or capping any floor drains, toilets, sinks, and showers with a plug or cap. If the floor drain ha a ball in the pipe, that drain plug may do the job. Again, work closely with flood recovery professionals to ensure good seals on these drain openings.

Three: Turn Off the Electricity

Shut off the electrical breakers and unscrew the fuses. Even if the water doesn't reach electrical outlets, reduce the potential for electrical shocks. If you have a furnace, freezer, washer, dryer, or other appliance in the basement, there's a risk. As much as possible, remove all appliances from the area to protect yourself and the appliances.

What other advice have you heard about protecting your home during flooding? Can you think of other tips for preventing flood damage?

Flood and Disaster Planning: Protecting Your Building from Flood Damage

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can be detrimental to businesses, especially when that damage results in operational interruptions.

Flood And Disaster Preparedness: How To Prevent Flood Damage To Your Building

The risk of flooding is worrisome enough without tacking on the losses caused by potential flood damage. For businesses, continuity of operations is essential to both profitability and longevity, which is why protecting assets from natural disasters, like a flood, may be the most crucial element of business planning. Read below for some disaster planning tips.

1. Install Preventative Measures

Storm damage can be detrimental to businesses, especially when that damage results in operational interruptions. Companies can minimize these risks by installing preventative measures, like sump pumps and backwater valves. Additionally, with the creative use of landscaping and exterior structures, businesses can erect barriers and drainage levels around exteriors to help prevent flooding.

2. Elevate Essential Equipment

To minimize potential flood damage, businesses should elevate essential equipment. Computers are not the only pieces of fragile equipment. Boilers, generators, and other major appliances should be lifted to protect against floodwater contamination and mold growth.

3. Move Business Operations

If currently operating in an area prone to flooding, it may be worthwhile to move operations to a less risky locale. While there is an expense of moving, there can be many benefits. Aside from the possibility of lower insurance rates, a business can benefit from the security of eliminating a substantial risk of business interruption.

4. Call for Professional Evaluations

If operations are well-established and a move could potentially disrupt and hurt the business, then it may be beneficial to call for a professional property evaluation in Longmont, CO. Many restoration companies offer these evaluations to help a company decide on both appropriate preventative steps to take in securing the business and an emergency readiness plan in the event of a disaster.

Flood damage can be a significant worry of business owners, especially in this area, but taking precautions to secure the business can help alleviate that stress. By installing preventative measures, elevating equipment and preparing a readiness plan, business owners can drastically reduce the risk of damage without having to move operations.

Be Smart and Implement These Bad-Weather Prep Tips for Safe Operations

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure your business is ready for bad winter weather. Call SERVPRO if you need more information.

Use These Bad-weather Preparation Tips To Keep Your Operations Safe.

If your business is in an area prone to bad weather such as excessive snowfall, icy roads, flooding or other natural disasters, you need to be smart and plan for bad weather. Not only can inclement conditions be dangerous for your employees, but it can also be devastating to your building’s structure. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize damage, protect employees and keep your Longmont, CO, business operating as usual even in an intense snowstorm. Here are a few key steps:

• Develop a business operations plan
• Invest in the right protection
• Remove snow
• Watch the weather

Have a Continuity Plan in Place

Some winter storms have been known to last for weeks at a time, and many are so severe that they prevent individuals from driving. While you cannot ask your employees to head to the office in the middle of a blizzard, you can ask them to work from home when the roads are icy and visibility is poor. Have a business plan in place that everyone can adhere to on snow days. This plan should include who is responsible for what when out of office, how work should be submitted and how and how often data backup should be performed.

Invest in Protection

Your business should have storm windows, storm doors, new and working gutters, lightning rods and storm drains. You should also invest in a generator or other source of backup power so that, at the very least, your heater can continue operating in a snow storm and prevent a pipe burst.

Remove snow

Snow that is allowed to accumulate on the roof or sidewalks can be dangerous to your building, employees and customers. Hire a snow removal company to keep your roof, sidewalks and areas around your building clear.

Watch the Weather

When a storm is in the forecast, shut the storm windows and doors, unplug appliances and electronics, back up your data and send your employees home. By planning ahead, you can prevent costly losses and unnecessary injuries.

Make sure your business is ready for bad winter weather. With the right planning, you can continue operating in a snowstorm.

Preparing Your Business for Snowy Weather

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you with any storm damage, you can trust in us and our services.

Snowy Weather Preparation For Your Business

Even if you’re accustomed to experiencing a snow storm now and again during Erie, CO, winters, handling the threat of snow and ice can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to run a successful business. With the chilly precipitation comes a number of challenges, such as:

• Getting to and from work
• Deciding whether or not it’s safe for employees to be out and about
• Commercial property damages

Additionally, there’s always the question of whether or not you should even open up shop for the day or not. Fortunately, even the most snow-inexperienced business owner can expertly prepare for an upcoming snow storm by following a few key steps.

Watch the News

While keeping an eye on a local news channel might seem like an obvious step, it’s one that business owners underestimate time and time again. If you have any suspicion that there might be snowfall during the workday, keep your ears peeled for updates and information on approaching storms. It’s a great way to plan for early dismissal.

Working From Home

Deciding that it’s not safe for employees to get to work doesn’t have to be the end of the world. In fact, in some cases, it might be appropriate for them to work from home for the day rather than risk an icy drive to your commercial establishment.

Prepping the Premises

If you’re sure that you’ll be experiencing snow or a freeze, take the time to prep your business for the challenges the weather will bring. For example, leaving faucets in bathrooms and break rooms running at a drip can help you avoid a pipe burst down the line, and salting the sidewalk prevents future slipping and sliding from those trying to enter your building.

Regardless of how often it a snow storm occurs in Erie, CO, it’s imperative to remember that safety should always come first, no matter what. Keeping an eye on the weather and knowing when caution is best can help you protect your valued employees and your business during the chilly winter months.

Understanding the Flood Cut: What Is it and What Is its Purpose?

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Flood cuts after storm damage in Lyons, CO.

The goal of hiring a Lyons, CO, flood damage restoration team is to restore your home to pre-flood condition, not make it worse. Yet, it is not uncommon for remediation experts to suggest a flood cut post-flooding. To many homeowners, a flood cut sounds like the exact opposite of what needs to be done—after all, how can tearing out a section of drywall make things better? The truth is that in many situations, a flood cut is precisely what a home needs.

If your water damage remediation team informed you that it needs to tear out a portion of your wall in order to make everything better, don't argue. There are several reasons a team might perform a flood cut, including:

• There is wet insulation behind the drywall.
  
• There is a high risk of contamination.
  
• There is a high risk of microbial growth.
  

What Is a Flood Cut?

A flood cut refers to the process of removing a portion of drywall post-flooding. Typically, a team will remove drywall 12 to 24 inches above the flood line, depending on the extent of damage. The goal is to prevent further water damage to the drywall, assess the scope of damage behind the drywall and replace damaged materials, which may include insulation and electrical wiring.

Why a Professional Is Necessary To Perform a Flood Cut

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that they can perform a flood cut on their own—after all, how difficult is it to tear out a section of drywall? While it might not be hard to cut a section of drywall on your own, you risk damaging wiring or other critical components in the process. Moreover, you risk injury, especially if you don’t know what is behind a section you intend to cut. You should always leave a flood cut to the professionals for these reasons.

A flood cut is a normal process of the post-flooding cleanup process. If you're worried about your Lyons, CO, water damage remediation team performing the procedure, don't hesitate to ask questions. The right team will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Commercial Flood Insurance: 3 Important Facts To Know

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded building in Mead, CO.

Commercial Flood Insurance

Flooding may spring from a multitude of causes, including structural malfunctions (pipes bursting, waterlines leaking, etcetera), storm surges, overflow of existing water bodies and more. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc, climate change has exacerbated weather conditions around the globe. Floods, which are common and potentially devastating natural disaster events in the U.S., are projected to increase in both frequency and severity as sea levels continue to rise and storms worsen. With this, there will be a correlating spike in the need for the services of a professional cleanup and restoration service in Mead, CO, and other expert contractors. It is therefore important to consider commercial insurance, specifically flood insurance.

1. Flood Coverage Is Usually Not Included in Property Insurance
Many individuals fail to realize that most standard commercial property policies do not include commercial flood insurance. This means damage from flooding (water damage) is not covered.

2. If a Business Meets Certain Criteria, Flood Coverage Is Required
Businesses must have it if they are located in a high-risk flood area and possess a mortgage courtesy of a federally regulated lender. An insured lender may also force them to buy coverage. To find out if a building resides in a high-risk flood area, the owner can look at the FEMA flood maps through the organization's Flood Map Service Center online portal. Letters denote the hazard level, with high-risk zones starting with either "A" or "V," where "V" signals coastal areas.

3. Flood Coverage Is Available From the Government or Private Insurers
Some private companies offer commercial flood policies. The NFIP is another potential source of coverage. Managed by FEMA, it was established by Congress in 1968 and offers insurance to business owners among others. This coverage must be obtained through a professional insurer — a business owner cannot simply purchase it from the government.
With the growing weather and climate change threats on the horizon, proper commercial coverage is more important than ever. All structures are vulnerable to the ravages of flooding. Having flood insurance is a vital precautionary measure.

Common Questions New Homeowners Ask About Ice Dams

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

An ice dam can also create massive problems

As the winter intensifies, you might see an ice dam forming above your home in Lyons, CO, after a winter storm. Even though it seems like a harmless addition to the building, it can cause a substantial amount of damage. Learn more about these dams by reading the answers to the most frequent questions about them.

What Are Ice Dams?

These structures usually form during the wintertime, when both freezing temperatures and precipitation take place. They typically form around the edge of your home's roof when snow melts, falls and accumulates around the gutters. The cold air then freezes the water and interrupts the flow that transports it through the gutters and away from the building. The frozen water also creates a dam that keeps the snow on the warm roof and lets it accumulate.

How Do They Affect the House?
An ice dam can create serious damage to your property. Besides damaging the gutters, the snow over the heated roof will melt and seep through the shingles, leading to other issues such as:

• Roof and shingle damage
  
• Ceiling, wall and floor water damage
  
• Appliance and other property damage
  
• Mold and mildew infestation
  
  

Even though this issue initially affects the roof, it can impact the rest of the house. It is important to break down dams when you spot them and prevent them from forming.

What Are the Best Solutions?
After you see ice dams, hire roof professionals to carefully remove snow from the roof and ice from the gutters. If there is water damage already inside, make sure you have ice dam coverage and contact water damage repair specialists to fix it. Prevent future ice dams by ensuring that heat is evenly distributed throughout the entire roof. Increase insulation on the ceiling and seal any leakage to keep warm air from the attic area. A weatherization consultant can also guide you throughout the process.
Though an ice dam can be a nice sight during winter, it can also create massive problems. Research removal and prevention methods to protect your home from them.

3 Tips for Sump Pump Maintenance

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pump in a Lyons, CO home

Tips That Can Help You With Pump Maintenance

Is your home in Lyons, CO, prone to heavy rains? If so, then you probably have a sump pump. This important device needs regular maintenance and check-ups to be certain that it is functioning properly. It is crucial that, in the event of a flood or severe downpour, your pump operates normally and efficiently. Otherwise, your home's basement may flood and risk severe water damage. These three tips can help you with pump maintenance and certify the safety of your home.

1. Run the Pump Regularly
It's important to routinely test your pump to be sure it will function when the need arises. At least once a month, pour a bucket of water into the basin. Look closely to make sure that the float rises with the water level. Shortly thereafter, the pump should begin to run. The water should drain quickly. If this is not the case, check for debris blocking any pipes.

2. Use Vinegar
Experts recommend adding two cups of vinegar while the pump is running during the monthly check to help flush out any debris from the pipes. The vinegar will dissolve most organic blockages enough to move them through the outflow pipe. Be sure to check outside in the drainage area to see if there is any new debris after a flush. This should substantially help issues with slow drainage; however, if it doesn't, it may be time to call a specialist.

3. Contact a Professional
If you're having issues with your sump pump or have general questions, it's best to get in touch with water damage restoration experts. Since the internet is full of misinformation, trying to diagnose or fix a problem yourself could damage your pump. Although some basics of maintenance are covered here, only a specialist should diagnose issues with your pump and make recommendations for repair or replacement.
It's best to be prepared for a heavy rain before it happens. With regular checkups and maintenance, you can be certain that your sump pump will function correctly and optimally in the event of a severe storm.

Key Components of a Business Continuity Plan

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

A continuity plan won't prevent emergencies from happening, but it can give spare you from having to shut down your business or lose money

As a business leader, you should know that it's important to be prepared for all types of emergencies. You hope that a catastrophe such as a flood, fire or extensive mold growth would never occur in your building where you would need the assistance of certified disaster recovery technicians. These types of events could make it unsafe or impossible to continue working in the facility. If the unthinkable happens, and you do face these issues, you need to be ready with a continuity plan. There are essential elements of this plan.

Purchase Business Interruption Insurance

Every company in Mead, CO, needs to have insurance coverage to protect against loss. This includes property insurance as well as supplemental flood insurance and earthquake insurance. Business interruption insurance is another vital plan you should consider. It offers the following:

• Covers the cost to relocate your business if you can't work onsite for a time.
  
• Covers the cost of lost materials, supplies and equipment when there is flooding, a fire or other disasters.
  
• Replaces lost revenue due to having to shut down after an emergency.
  
  

Have a Plan to Stagger Schedules
Even if something such as storm damage affects only part of your building, it may make it impossible for everyone to be at work together at the same time. To help share equipment and workspaces, while still accomplishing all necessary work, consider having employees come in at different times.

Have a Plan to Offsite
Your continuity plan should also include the ability for people to work from home. This would require setting up employees with the right technology and communication, including remote access to files and information. You could also move your operations temporarily to another office.
A continuity plan won't prevent emergencies from happening, but it can give spare you from having to shut down your business or lose money. Put together your plan today so you can enjoy peace of mind and the feeling that you've done your part to prepare.

3 Reasons Not to Wait For Your Insurance Adjuster Before Addressing Flood Damage

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Floor damaged after flood in Erie, CO

The Following Are A Few Reasons Why This Is Not The Case

If your home has been damaged by flood water after a storm in Erie, CO, one of the first things you should do is file a flood insurance claim. Once you have started the process, you may think that you should wait for the adjuster to show up before you do anything else. 

1. There Could Be a Long Wait
In the case of a storm, it is unlikely that your house is the only one that has been affected by flood damage. There are probably many others filing insurance claims at this time. Because of this, you might end up waiting for a while before someone is available to inspect your home.

2. You Will Waste Time
There are many things that you could be doing instead of just waiting for the adjuster. You could take pictures of damaged areas of your home or make a list of items that need to be repaired or replaced. You could also take this time to go over your flood insurance policy so you know what to expect during the process.

3. Damage Could Worsen
When left to sit, water can cause additional problems such as mold damage, weakened building structure and deterioration. If this happens, more repairs will be needed which will take additional time and money. This can also result in your insurance claim being denied if it is determined that you did not take the necessary steps to prevent further damage.
After you have filed your flood insurance claim, you should do what you can to prepare for the inspection and to prevent your home from becoming more damaged. Contacting a cleanup and restoration company is a good option. These professionals can perform mitigation to keep damage from spreading and can also help document current damage for your adjuster. This will help move the process along more smoothly.

Actions To Avoid After a Flood

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Floodwaters in Erie, CO

Storm season in Erie, CO, can affect several areas of your home. If flood water seeps into your house, there are many things you need to do to take care of the problem. There are also several behaviors you need to avoid. Here is a list of what not to do when your home floods.

Delayed Mitigation

During a storm, your home can undergo significant changes. Several factors can lead to a flooded home:

• Broken windows
  
• Rising groundwater
  
• Damaged roof
  
• Leaks under doors
  
  

Delaying mitigation can lead to mold growth and other secondary damage. To minimize the amount of water damage to your home, it's vital to call flood mitigation experts as soon as you know you have a problem.

Unprotected Contact
When mitigation professionals arrive at your home, you may notice that they put on protective gear before they enter any affected area. Flood water is contaminated with bacteria, so it's important to make sure it does not come in contact with your skin, particularly on or around your face. Don't wade into standing water in your home unless you are wearing the appropriate PPE. Gloves, rubber boots, and protective coveralls are necessary for anyone who enters your home after it floods.

Failure To Relocate
If your house has flood damage, it is probably best for you and your family to relocate to temporary housing. Trying to live in your flooded home can drastically slow down the mitigation process, forcing technicians to work around you. If there is significant flooding, it is also likely that the structural integrity of the house has been compromised. It is much safer to relocate until all repairs are complete.
When flood water invades your home, how you react has a direct effect on the ultimate extent of the damage. Timely mitigation and adherence to important safety measures not only minimizes damage but also gets you back into your home more quickly.

With Content Cleaning, All Is Not Lost

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Porous materials, such as commercial ceiling tiles may have to be thrown away

What Can And Cannot Be Rescued

Everywhere you look is wet. Despite your best efforts to avoid water intrusion, it happened, and now you have to deal with the after-effects. It's not as simple as it seems. You see loss and dollar bills at all corners. How can you make this work? After all, as a business owner in Longmont, CO, you're concerned with providing a safe environment and remaining fiscally responsible. When flooding happens, though, how is that possible? Content cleaning can be a solution, helping you salvage valuables, avoiding those major replacements and escalating tabs. Here are three things to think about as you decide what can and cannot be rescued.

1. Is It Really a Problem?

Category 3 fluid, also known as black water, is fraught with microbial spores. They come in from river beds, oceans, the streets, and sewers. External water, then, is extremely dirty. As it moved inside, it sought refuge in porous items, seeping deep into crevices and pores. The penetration makes it difficult to clean on your own, requiring instead the assistance of a water restoration company in Longmont, CO.

2. What Can You Try To Save?

As you speak with the professionals, ask them about their various content cleaning services. Most likely, they can assist you in sanitizing nonporous pieces. In addition, however, they can work with valuable, difficult items, eliminating the contamination. For example, vacuum freeze-drying is available for restoring photographs and documentation. Scanning can be used to create electronic files. Electrical equipment can be cleaned and sent to specialists for repair. Don't hesitate to ask.

3. What Really Needs To Go?

If something is soaked and drenched, it absorbed a ton of fluid. With that, it gained spores. These possessions need to head to the trash. The flood exposure is simply too much. This would include most of your carpeting, cloth, and drywall.
Try not to feel overwhelmed. Not all is lost. Content cleaning can disinfect some of your most necessary belongings.