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?