Recent Posts

Tips for Pipe Burst Season

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

BRRRRRR! Baby, it's cold outside! Winter is upon us and while we may look forward to drinking hot cocoa or playing in the snow the weather fluctuations can be a real harm to properties including, frozen pipes. Prevent the freezing of pipes by following these recommendations:

  • Make sure you drain water from a water sprinkler system or a swimming pool. There are typically manufacturing directions on how to do so.  
  • Drain and detach any water hoses from exterior spigots. 
  • Check your basement, crawl space, attic, and garage for any uninsulated pipes. Make sure to keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines located there. 
  • Check under kitchen and bathroom cabinets as well. Open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate the plumbing. Consider installing specific insulation for pipes. 
  • Let water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes since this will help prevent them from freezing. 
  • If you will be gone from your home during cold weather, don't allow your thermostat to be below 55 degrees.   

What happens if, despite all your good intentions, you suspect a frozen pipe?    

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, chances are that your pipe is frozen. It will most likely be located near an exterior wall or where your water service comes into your home.
  • Apply heat to the pipe with an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (make sure nothing flammable is close by). You can also wrap the pipes in towels soaked with warm water. DO NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene, or propane heater, for any other open flame device.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and water begins to melt, it will then begin to flow through the frozen area. It will also help to melt additional ice in the pipe. 
  • If you cannot thaw the pipe, aren't able to locate the frozen area, or can't get access to it, call a licensed plumber.
  • Be sure to check all other faucets in your home because chances are if you have one frozen pipe, most likely you have others as well. 

Finally, if you do have a pipe break, call us at 816-246-5566. We will respond quickly and get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Plan for Your Business

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Up to 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. This usually happens because the amount of damage was too large and too expensive to recover from, or there was a delay in the process. Your business should be prepared to minimize the damage to your business so that doors can open back for business.  

There are a few things you can do to make sure your establishment is ready.

Continuity Plan

A business that does reopen after a disaster must have a preparedness plan. You must identify the components of your business that are essential for it to continue running, as this will allow a restoration and remediation company to focus on the most essential frames of your business first. Also devising a plan with key members of your staff who know who and what should happen in the case of an emergency.

Prepare your Emergency Plan

Have a plan in place. Letting SERVPRO prepare an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) will help minimize the damage by having a quick response to an emergency. Knowing the intricarcies of your building allow us to be fully prepared for any emergency.  Something as simple as just knowing where the shutoff valves are can save you from extensive water damage and eliminate a headache in the case of emergency.

Review Your Insurance

Make sure you are familiar with your insurance. You need to know who to call when you need answers regarding your business. Understanding your policies will help you be able to know what is not covered and reassess if your needs require more coverage.

Cyber Security

The physical damages to your property is important but also internal damage to important too with files and data. Be sure to have all your data backed up.

It is key to have a plan for emergencies for your business to ensure that a restoration and remediation company can provide effective, speedy recovery. As we know this is critical for your business. If you experienced a disaster give us a call today!

Are You in a Flood Zone

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

If you’re in the process of buying a house or you’re looking for a new homeowners insurance policy, you might be familiar with what a flood zone is and the importance behind knowing your coverage.

Zoning for Floods?

A flood zone is an area in a specific geographical space that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined has a risk of flooding. There are four primary types of zones, which correlate to the severity or category of excessive water events that can occur in that area.

  • Moderate to Low-Risk Areas
  • High-Risk Areas
  • High Risk – Coastal Areas
  • Undetermined Risk Areas

How to Find Your Zone

Each area’s zones are depicted on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map, also known as FIRM, which can be found online at https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance-rate-map-firm. You can also contact your local municipality or look on their website, most cities will have zoning information available online. You can try searching for the term “flood elevation certificate” for faster results. 

Some people may think that these zones can only be found next to a large body of water or along a river or stream, but that’s not the case. Houses that are nowhere near a body of water can experience a flood if there’s a large rainstorm. It varies on slope of properties and other variable factors.

Emergency Preparedness

Knowing what kind of flood zone you live in can also be helpful for storage options and emergency preparedness. If you live in a high-risk zone, for example, you probably don’t want to put boxes directly on the floor, but rather on a shelf. It may be high priority to increase the number of your emergency supplies. 

If you weren’t aware that your home is potentially at risk for a flood, and a storm causes water-related damage, you should contact a storm damage specialist in your area to determine your best course of action and get the damage repaired as quickly as possible. 

If you have flood water enter into your home, feel free to reach out us, so we can help assist you to make it "Like it Never Even Happened".

How to Choose a Reputable Restoration Company

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

Here Are Some Ways To Vet Potential Companies

After your business in Harrisonville, MO, sees fire, water, sewage, or mold damage choosing the right restoration professionals is one way to ensure your peace of mind. Here are some ways to ensure you choose the right restoration companies.


Check Their Past Work
The best way to check out a restoration company is to look at their previous work. Ask for a list of their previous clients or read online reviews. Check on the most recent projects. Talk to the clients and ask about their experience with the company. Here are some questions that could potentially vet a restoration company:

  • Did the company give you an accurate estimate?
  • Were you satisfied with their work?
  • Was the project completed on time and within your budget?
  • Were there any mistakes?
  • Do you recommend the company?


Verify Their Licenses
Licenses are important in the restoration industry. For intensive jobs that require structural work or plumbing repairs, you will need to have a licensed professional perform the tasks. Choosing a company that is licensed and insured. Additionally, hiring an unlicensed contractor will make you responsible for any issues that occur on your property. In other words, you are responsible for defective work, property damage, or injuries during the restoration project that could occur to their employees, your family or staff. 


Verify Their Certifications
Most people will only ask to see the contractor's license. They will only hold a general contractor's license because there is no specific restoration license. However, most of the fire damage assessment and restoration work is specialized, and the company should have the appropriate certifications for the work they are doing. 


Check Their Insurance
Restoration companies often work directly with a client's insurance adjuster. Therefore, they know a lot about insurance and how important it is. Accidents can happen during a fire damage restoration project, especially if the fire has caused structural integrity problems. To ensure you are adequately protected, ask for proof of insurance.
Choosing the right fire mitigation and restoration professionals can be a challenging task. However, it is also crucial, as they are restoring your property to preloss conditions. 

If you follow these steps, you should find a restoration and remediation professional who can help you make it, "Like it never even happened". SERVPRO of Harrisonville/Belton/Raymore is always there for your restoration, remediation, and mitigation needs. 

Think you're cold? What about those frozen pipes?

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

frozen pipe We're here to help!

BRRRRRR!  Baby, it's cold outside!  Winter is upon us and while we may look forward to building our first snowman, sledding with our children, or sitting by a toasty fire, frozen pipes can become a reality as well.  Prevent freezing of pipes by following these recommendations:

  • Make sure you drain water from a water sprinkler system or a swimming pool.  There are typically manufacturing directions on how to do so.  
  • Drain and detach any water hoses from exterior spigots. 
  • Check your basement, crawl space, attic, and garage for any uninsulated pipes. Make sure to keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines located there. 
  • Check under kitchen and bathroom cabinets as well.  Open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.  Consider installing specific insulation for pipes. 
  • Let water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes since this will help prevent them from freezing. 
  • If you will be gone from your home during cold weather, don't allow your thermostat below 55 degrees.   

What happens if despite all your good intentions, you suspect a frozen pipe?    

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, chances are good that your pipe is frozen.  It will most likely be located near an exterior wall or where your water service comes into your home.
  • Apply heat to the pipe with an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer or a portable space heater (maker sure nothing flammable is close by).  You can also wrap the pipes in towels soaked with warm water.  DO NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene, propane heater, for any other open flame device.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and water begins to melt, it will then begin to flow through the frozen area.  It will also help to melt additional ice in the pipe. 
  • If you cannot thaw the pipe, aren't able to locate the frozen area, or you can't get access to it, call a licensed plumber.
  • Be sure to check all other faucets in your home because chances are if you have one frozen pipe, most likely you have others as well. 

Finally, if the "dreaded pipe break" should happen, call us at 816-246-5566. We will respond quickly and get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Claim

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

water Call us today to help with your water damage.

Anyone who has experienced flooding is likely familiar with the various colors associated with floodwaters: white/clear, gray, and black. These colors are often tied to a category and a classification that specifies the number of safety precautions necessary and the level of mitigation and cleanout. When filing a claim, it is critical to know the category and classification because each ascending level impacts the severity and costs of damage. Therefore, pretesting is used to designate the category and classification of water to ensure that claims and restorative preparations are efficient and accurate.

1. Category One

When filing an insurance claim, category one, or white/clear, water is the least expensive to remedy. The source is sanitary, meaning that there are no harmful bacteria or sewage present. While this category can be a relief, it is still necessary to act quickly to remove the water and repair the damage. If the water sits for too long, it can be contaminated by other items in the area, causing an elevation in category or classification.

2. Category Two

If the water is found to be category two, or greywater, through pretesting, then it is best that you do not go near it. This result indicates that there are organic and inorganic substances in the water and that you may become ill if it is consumed or touched.

3. Category Three

Category three, or black water, is the most dangerous water. The level of contamination includes sewage, chemicals, bacteria, and possible toxins. It is likely that your insurance agent and company will recommend a disaster restoration specialist in the Harrisonville/ Belton/ Raymore area who will probably seal the space as they work to remove the water safely.

Insurance claims require accurate representations of the damage to property. Pretesting provides those assessments for insurers by providing definitive information about the category and classification of the water and damage to your home.

Why the Chemical Mercaptan is a Lifesaver

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

The gas that heats many homes and provides energy for water heaters and clothes dryers is colorless and odorless. When it leaks from pipes or hoses it creates a dangerous situation due to its extreme combustibility. To make gas more detectable, engineers have added the chemical mercaptan, making it easily identifiable by its sulfurous, rotten egg smell. This chemical has helped prevent several of serious fires.

When a homeowner smells mercaptan it is a sign that somewhere in your home there is a gas leak. When this happens, steps should be taken to shut off the gas or get people and pets out of the home and call the fire department as soon as noticed. 

The Best Actions To Take With a Natural Gas Leak

Specific actions can reduce the likelihood of a gas fire in a home or apartment. The goal is to stop the gas leak to increase the safety of everyone in the home. Here are the most effective actions to take:

The stove since this is the most likely source, so checking the appliances should be your primary objective. Many times burners do not light, or go out, allowing gas to leak into the home. If you can find the source of the leak. Once the leak is detected and fixed the issue is resolved.

Increase the ventilation of your home by opening windows and doors. This enables the gas to dissipate and not collect in a certain area, reducing the likelihood of a gas explosion.

Don't use electrical devices, or even turn on lights, as this could ignite the gas.

Evacuate the home and call the fire department once noticing the leak.

The Best Way To Handle Fire Damage

Gas fire in your home is likely to cause soot and smoke damage and loss of property. These soot particles are carcinogenic which can cause health issues if not addressed. Call in a fire remediation team that will respond quickly and clean up the damage in a professional manner.

Is Your Business Prepared?

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

Up to 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. This usually happens because the amount of damage was too large and too expensive to recover from. Your business should be prepared to minimize the damage to your business so that doors can open back for business.  

There are a few things you can do to make sure your establishment is ready.

Continuity Plan

A business that does reopen after a disaster must have a preparedness plan. You must identify the components of your business that are essential for it to continue running. Prepare a plan with the appropriate staff as well. Your staff must know who and what should happen in the case of an emergency.

Prepare your Emergency Plan

Have a plan in place. Letting SERVPRO prepare an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) will help minimize the damage by having a quick response to an emergency. Knowing what and when to do will ensure that the right steps are taken.  Something as simple as just knowing where the shutoff valves are can save you from extensive water damage.

Review Your Insurance

Make sure you are familiar with your insurance. You need to know who to call when you need answers regarding your business. Understanding your policies will help you be able to know what is not covered and reassess if your needs require more coverage.

Cyber Security

The physical damages to your property but also internal damage to important files and data. Be sure to have all your data backed up.

Specific Items You Can Save From Mold With The Right Treatment

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

The presence of mold, whether it comes from water damage or high moisture, can permanently damage your possessions. While there are items you should throw away, such as food and medicine, there are others with sentimental value you might hesitate to throw away. Mold cleaning, especially when handled by mold remediation specialists, can bring back some of these possessions with no health hazards and no permanent damage. Take note of the specific items you can save with the right treatment.

Leather Items

Leather can be an appealing choice for several items in your household. It can have a classy look that also brings extra warmth to the user.

  • Jackets 
  • Furniture
  • Baseballs and baseball mitts
  • Briefcases
  • Purses

It can be difficult to dispose of these leather items if they suffer from mold damage. Thankfully, there are chemicals that can clean and fight the mold's mycotoxin, such as borax and tea tree oil. Ultimately, a remediation technician will make the final call depending on the item and damage. 

Clothing

Nothing can be more frustrating than seeing mold grow over your favorite clothes. Just as with leather, there are a variety of mold cleaning products such as hot water, vinegar, bleach, or borax. There are even specialized laundry machines, such as the Esporta Machine, designed to remove all types of damage from clothes, including mold and mildew. Use these resources depending on the clothing's specifications so the cleaners avoid damaging them. Once again, consult with cleaning specialists for the best solution. 

Paintings

The paintings in your residence may effectively decorate your home but salvaging them from mold growth can be difficult. Painting over the mold is not recommended, as the paint can peel off and the toxins can remain. Instead, consult a specialist that can remove the mold safely with the right tools and chemicals. 

Even though mold can ruin many of your priceless possessions, they are not beyond salvaging. Research mold cleaning professionals and techniques, to bring your prized possession to its former glory.

Benefits for Commercial Clients

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Managers

If you work in the property management industry you understand the value of a quick response and fast turnaround time when it comes to an emergency situation. A quick response time can mean a reduction in the size and scope of the damage, it can also mean the difference between having a chance at saving business-critical documents and equipment for the clients that are most important to you. 

Commercial Client Benefits 

Choosing SERVPRO of Harrisonville/Belton/Raymore for your commercial damage mitigation accrues you benefits not limited to: 

  • Working with you to tailor the solution to you, priding ourselves in accurate and straightforward communication. 
  • Every large commercial loss is supervised by a local commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. 
  • The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. 

Call us Today!

Contact the Commercial Fire and Water damage experts at SERVPRO of Harrisonville/Belton/Raymore when you discover damage at your business. (816)884-2240 to set up an appointment for an inspection and consultation.