Recent Storm Damage Posts

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Unexpected Water Losses

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

leaves in a gutter It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods.

One of the biggest fears as a homeowner with a basement is your basement flooding whenever it rains. A valid and legitimate fear, this situation causes a myriad of repairs. All sorts of damage including ruined flooring and carpeting, rotted drywall, destroyed furniture, and the worst of all, mold growth can occur. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly, and your basement can even flood in dry weather.

Issues with your foundation drainage is a big cause for a flooded basement and flood damage in your home. However, the main reason for water in your basement is overflowing gutters. It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods. Quality gutter guards and even using an expert to clean your gutters out routinely keeps debris and leaves out of the gutters so they can function properly.

When your gutters do cause flooding in your basement, it can be quite overwhelming. You need to have professionals, such as SERVPRO, come to your home to help you get all the water out and repair the damages.

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the water has nowhere to go. It overflows over the gutters to the ground next to your house, only a couple feet from the foundation. As the ground is settling and moving, it stresses the foundation of your home which causes cracking, letting water enter your home. Hydrostatic pressure might force water in through the concrete. The main solution is to keep your gutters clean.

Flooded basements create not only a lot of possible damage but plenty of stress for you as well. At SERVPRO, we understand this, so we move quickly to get to your home after you reach out to us. We have the professional and industrial equipment to get all the standing water out of your home and use fans and dehumidifiers to finish the drying process. We have moisture meters to find any hidden water or mold growth as well.

When SERVPRO of Fairfield County is finished restoring your home after your basement floods, it is "Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at (740) 756-7003 so we can get started as soon as possible.

Leave The Roof Tarps To Us!

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

blue tarp on roof This residential home needed a tarp after a recent storm.

Here at SERVPRO of Fairfield County we want to take the hassle and stress out of the board up and roof tarping of your home due to a disaster.

Whether your home or business was damaged by a storm, or other structural disasters, boarding up or tarping a damaged property is a burden that you as a homeowner shouldn't have to handle. Incorrectly boarding up or tarping your home can result in further damage, making the situation worse. Whether the further damage be from moisture or animal intrusions.

Our dedicated team of professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to help with in case you come across unexpected damage to your home or business.

Our trained and certified professionals are here to board up or tarp your damaged property, remediate the original damage and provide you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”

Are You Covered?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

insurance policy form Rest easy during a storm knowing your insurance policy has you covered.

Bad weather can spring up without much of a warning. Most of the time when a flash flood or bad thunderstorm is threatening your area, you barely have enough time to find shelter. As a homeowner, it is important that you think about these moments before they occur.

Do you have the correct insurance policy? Is your home going to be covered in the event of a disaster? Is the amount of coverage going to be enough to restore your home? Thinking about these questions before the storm damage occurs can make your life after the storm much easier.

Before you do anything else, stop and make sure your home is covered for the following:

  • Water and Windstorm Damage
  • Debris or Tree Removal
  • Sewer Backup Due to Flooding
  • Sump Pump Failures Due to Flooding
  • Additional Living Expenses In Case A Storm Forces You Out of Your Home

Once you have the proper home insurance coverage for storm damage, you can feel safer during the event of a disaster. Seeing your home damaged after a major storm can be heartbreaking. The best thing you can do for your family and your home is to begin the storm damage recovery immediately.

Our SERVPRO of Fairfield County Team is here to help after every storm. We are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year!

Who Should You Call After A Storm

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

wet ceiling from water damage This home experienced water damage due to cracks in the roof which lead to water making its way inside the home.

Who Do You Call?

When a storm comes down quick and fast, it often finds the cracks in the roofs, or the storm floods a part of your home and remediation is often needed. Most homeowners do not think about who their remediation company might be if needed. Most people may never experience something like this and the idea of a contractor coming into your home is sheer terror. With all the nightmare stories that exist about contractors, it is no surprise!

We Will Put You At Ease

Here at SERVPRO of Fairfield County, we want to put your anxiety about hiring someone to come and make repairs to your home. We are here to help you get your home put back together and walk you through the entire process. We want to make sure that you have the confidence when you hire us that we will get the job done efficiently and correct the first time. Things are going to happen, how we react to them and how we prepare for them is the difference.

Call our SERVPRO of Fairfield County Team today at (740) 756-7003 for all of your storm damage needs. We are always here to help!

Classes of Damage

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

water damaged carpet Our SERVPRO technicians are trained handle any size and any class disaster!

If you have ever endured storm damage to your home, SERVPRO is here to help.  Our employees are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) to ensure that the technicians have the expertise in restoring your home. 

In cases where there is flood damage to your home, the IICRC categorizes four different classes of destruction as follows:

  • Class 1:  The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
  • Class 2:  With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.
  • Class 3:  This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 
  • Class 4:  This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

If your home is ever in need of restoration services from flood damage, call SERVPRO of Fairfield County at 740-756-7003.

What Are Ice Dams?

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

ice dam diagram If your home experiences damage caused by an ice dam, call our SERVPRO of Fairfield County team.

For homeowners in Ohio, winter can bring a number of problems, from burst pipes to leaky roofs. Another issue you may not be aware of is the formation of ice dams. While it may not seem like much of an issue on its own, it can cause extensive water damage to your home which can then create more problems. Here are a few things that you should know.

1. What Are They?

As you may be able to guess from its name, an ice dam is a formation that keeps water from properly moving from your roof. They occur when snow melts and then refreezes into harder ice. They often form on the edge of the roof which can make it difficult for water to drain properly but can also show up in other areas. When this happens, the trapped water can begin to back up and cause damage to the roof and ceiling underneath it.

2. How Do You Prevent Them?

These formations occur because of melting and refreezing snow, so one tip for ice dam prevention is to keep the temperature of your roof cold enough to prevent melting. This is most easily done by keeping the temperature in your attic low. Proper insulation can help as well. Another method of prevention is removing snow from your roof immediately after a storm.

3. How Can You Remove Them?

If you already have an ice dam on your roof, then you should remove it as quickly as possible to prevent it from causing any damage. One way to do this is by using an ice melt product. Hot water steaming can do the trick as well.


While a winter storm and cold weather can often create frustrating problems, you do not need to handle them all on your own. Our SERVPRO of Fairfield County team is always here to help!

Protect Your Property From Storm Water

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Storm water runoff is rain that has not been soaked into the ground, so it flows over the ground until it finds somewhere to go. 

Ideally, the water would find a stream or river to flow into, but this is not always the case.  Sometimes the water will flow straight into your home. Water damage is never fun, and trying to get rid of water as well as clean up the rest of the mess a storm has left behind can be a real hassle. 

The best way to handle storm water runoff is to make sure it doesn’t happen to begin with.  If you are up for a bit of landscaping, you can optimize your yard to keep storm water away from your building.

  • Swales: Simply put, a swale is just a type of trench meant to carry water and redirect it away from something important.  If you decide to install swales in your yard, make sure they are redirecting somewhere that the water will not cause damage such as a stream or pond.
  • Rain Gardens: These gardens are designed with plants that are able to take up excess water to keep it from flowing freely.  They also help filter the water so that the water that does reach ponds and rivers tends to be cleaner than water that has just flowed over driveways and roads.
  • Draining Driveways: Driveways are one of the largest contributors to storm water runoff.  Installing drainage areas on the sides of the pavement or using gravel can help minimize the amount of water that becomes runoff.

Sometimes there is so much runoff that no matter what you do, your house may suffer from some water damage.  If that is the case, call SERVPRO of Fairfield County today at (740) 756-7003 to see how we can help return your home to normal!

Prepare With a Winter Storm Kit

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is in full swing and our cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage and power outages to your home or business.  When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Fairfield County is always here to help and want to give you tips on a basic emergency kit in case the unpredictable happens.

In a crazy year filled with the unexpected, one thing that 2020 showed us is to always be prepared.  Here are some basic you should have in your Emergency Storm Kit.

Basic emergency supply kit should include these recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Also look at ready.gov for more ideas on emergency kits! 

Ohio is well known for its constant changes in weather, making our homes and businesses an easy target for winter storm damage.  That is why we here at SERVPRO of Fairfield County are ready to help 24/7. We will work around the clock to get your property back to pre loss condition.

Winter Storm Tips

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Those who are used to warm weather climates may not realize how much damage a winter storm can do. However, a blizzard can create lots of destruction.
In fact, winter storms can cause thousands of dollars of damage. This damage can result from:

  • Ice dams
  • Destroyed roofs
  • Frozen pipes

Ice Dams

As its name implies, an ice dam is a buildup of ice on the roof of your home. It occurs when melting snow refreezes and blocks other snow from draining properly. This can lead to a buildup of standing water that can then leak into your walls or ceilings. Ice dams can even loosen shingles or gutters.

Destroyed Roofs

A winter storm can cause roof damage in other ways, as well. Ice and high winds can rip the gutters or tiles off your roof. These same winds can also blow tree branches on top of your roof. Heavy branches, in particular, can fall through the roof and harm the inside of your home.

Frozen Pipes

Even if there is no snow outside, cold weather alone can be harmful to your house. Freezing temperatures can cause unheated pipes to freeze and subsequently burst. This can lead to severe water damage.

How To Prepare

There are steps you can take to limit damage to your home during a winter storm. Cleaning gutters in advance can prevent ice dams. You should also secure your roof tiles and trim any tree branches that are too close to the house.
Before the storm arrives, you should head to the store and get emergency supplies such as shovels and non-perishable food. Finally, make sure to insulate any pipes that are outdoors or in low-heat areas such as basements and garages.
Even if you prepare accordingly, a winter storm can destroy parts of your house. An emergency restoration services company like SERVPRO of Fairfield County can repair your home and prevent any damage from spreading.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help!

When Storms Hit, SERVPRO is Here to Help

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

It is more common than you might think for severe rainstorms to cause significant damage to your property. High-winds and massive amounts of water easily penetrate roofing materials, light fixtures, and make their way into lower levels of your home. 

Whether you have experienced flood damage in your home before or not, you can benefit from having a local restoration expert inspect your property. Our technicians are IICRC certified and provide you with solutions to help protect or restore your home.

SERVPRO has access to a variety of equipment that makes removing a large volume of water as quick and efficient as possible. With experience dealing with events like this in all shapes and sizes, our personnel can have your home water-free, safely returning water levels to normal sooner than you might think possible.

SERVPRO checks for immediate hazards and helps you locate hidden dangers. It is our job to help you avoid costly repairs, limiting your losses before tragedy strikes. However, if you find yourself in the middle of an emergency, needing immediate help, our technicians are available 24/7 to assist.

We can take control of existing damage, perform any necessary repairs, and get you on the road to recovery fast. With access to water extractors of all shapes and sizes, advanced drying equipment and professionals trained in cleaning and odor removal methods our cleaning and restoration services help you make the most of a dangerous situation.

SERVPRO of Fairfield County is Here For You!

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Abnormal precipitation and violent storms can be a precursor to substantial damages Fairfield County homeowners can experience. Hail is a destructive situation, especially when the balls of ice fall with excessive size and velocity. These situations can damage roofs quickly, even causing damage to more stable and structurally sound metal installations. These same storm systems can break windows, destroy siding, and even damage chimneys protruding from the sealed roof. Once vulnerabilities exist in your home’s exterior, it can be a short and easy path for floodwater to get inside your property. 

While many homeowners might not see the direct path between hailing and flood damage for Fairfield County properties, severe weather systems can carry multiple types of precipitation and storm systems can follow closely after one another. Either scenario presents a situation where runoff and direct rainfall can lead to flooding and moisture damage within your property. Our SERVPRO rapid response team has the expertise in these situations to not only address the damages that a storm can cause to the home but also the likely flooding that exists as well. 

Even with many flooding situations being unique challenges for every home and commercial property that our SERVPRO team works to help, we have a pattern for mitigation that follows closely after the full and thorough inspection of the property. Extraction is a vital element to any recovery because without removing standing water, drying efforts cannot be successful. 

With a production trailer stocked with a full array of drying equipment, we can also quickly address saturation and aid exposed construction materials. Our cleaning technicians can begin the transition between loss mitigation and the restoration of your property. We have certified Carpet Cleaning Technicians (CCT) and other cleaning niches to help quickly make flood effects “Like it never even happened,” for your home. 

As unexpected and damaging as hail can be, the situation can get worse if these conditions permit flooding to occur. Give our SERVPRO of Fairfield County office a call anytime disaster strikes at (740) 756-7003.

Winter Roof Damage Can Cause Flooding

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Through the expected harsh winter, the roof on your Fairfield County home gets asked to withstand a great deal of strain and weight. Even reinforced or newer roofing materials can weaken and slouch under a heavy snowfall, leading to vulnerable points throughout this defense on top of your house. While you cannot control the effects of the weather on the roof of your home, you can work to ensure that it is fully functional and ready for further severe weather systems in the future through annual inspections.

The trouble with regular inspections into the quality of your roof is that many homeowners do not think to have these done before flooding in Fairfield County has occurred and required professional water cleanup for their house. Once a roof gets damaged to the point of allowing water and moisture to pass through, your attic space becomes the first to experience water flow or microbial growth. Our SERVPRO professionals can help.

At the first signs of flood damage on the lower levels of your home beneath the attic space, you should notify our rapid response team. We can arrive quickly to help mitigate the situation as much as possible through emergency board-up services to prevent further water penetration and the removal of contents in your home at risk of exposure and damage from the invading water.

Our emergency response team can also employ our equipment like truck-mounted pumps from our SERVPRO Green Fleet and wet-vacs with extraction wands for pulling up the excess water throughout the affected areas of your house. This removal can help our technicians to adequately inspect the property for a full assessment of sustained damage and the required steps to restore it.

When flooding begins in your home, you do not have a moment to lose. Water damage can spread quickly and begin to affect exposed materials immediately. Give our SERVPRO of Fairfield County team a call at (740) 756-7003 to help you overcome the immediate effects and work efficiently to restore damaged elements of the property.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Storm Damage Remediation?

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Our Technicians have IICRC industry certifications and are trained by corporate professionals to ensure the best job is done. You can always be sure our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

All of our training programs include the following:

  • IICRC Training
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • e-Learnings
  • Continuing Education Classes

IICRC Training and Certification

Our services are certified by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our Technicians study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Training includes 

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

e-Learnings

This is a voluntary program in which employees are educated online through videos and other tools to ensure they are best equipped to handle any emergency

Continuing Education Classes 

These classes are offered to ensure that those taking them are up to date on the latest and greatest methods in the remediation business 

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
  • Restorative Drying for Loss Control
  • Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)

Storm Damage and Your Home

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can happen at any time. Taking some precautions ahead of time can keep you safe and save you time and money. 

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes can cause property damage. You should always check for storm damage to your property especially areas that are the most susceptible like your roof.

TIPS AFTER A STORM

  1. Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Also, if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls, this is a sign that you may have a leak and need repairs.
  2. Look for other signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles, missing fascia, or damaged gutters. Also, assess the condition of your exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles of the roof.
  3.  Some damage may be obvious, such as a tree falling on your roof. In this case, stay out of your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred. 
  4. If the storm produced hail, check for damage to your siding as well. Hail damage commonly comes in the forms of dimples, made by smaller chunks of hail that pound the outer layer of shingles.

SERVPRO of Fairfield County is Here to Help 24/7. Call us at (740) 756-7003

Freezing Rain

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

The Fairfield County area has begun to see its first glimpses of snow and first freezing temperatures of the season. Along with colder temperatures in the air, ground temperatures are beginning to reach the freezing mark as well. When ground temperatures are cold but the atmosphere is still slightly too warm to produce snow, precipitation can fall as rain and instantly freeze upon impact with freezing ground temperatures on sidewalks, roads, or bridges. Freezing rain that creates ice on roadways can pose threats to the safety of drivers and pedestrians. The freezing rain can also form ice on trees and power lines, potentially damaging them in the process. Learning about the dangers of freezing rain and what to do in preparation for it can place you one step ahead when the forecast predicts freezing rain in your neighborhood.

   Unlike snow, which can be shoveled, the ice formed by freezing rain cannot be eliminated quite as easily. Ice requires significantly more time and effort for removal. In addition, the ice resulting from freezing rain often deceives drivers and pedestrians, as ice often looks like water on a roadway or sidewalk. This can pose serious threats to drivers and pedestrians, as they may not be able to see the ice or receive adequate warning before driving in it. Aside from roadways and sidewalks, freezing rain can also impact surfaces such as tree branches and power lines. Ice can form on these surfaces. Enough ice can weigh down upon branches and power lines, potentially causing them to fall or break. Fallen branches and power lines can deprive local homes and businesses of power and heat for unpredictable amounts of time. Homes and businesses can also be at an increased risk of damage if heavy, icy branches fall nearby.

   Taking precautions prior to a storm that is forecasted to produce freezing rain is a key step in ensuring your safety. The first of these precautions is purchasing salt, which can be sprinkled on outdoor surfaces such as sidewalks or driveways that will work to melt the ice faster. Another helpful practice may be to anticipate that branches may fall, damaged power lines may result in the loss of electricity, and the ice may deprive you of the ability to leave your home safely. Making sure that you purchase necessities, such as bottled water, toilet paper, batteries, flashlights, and blankets, before the storm will decrease the chances that you would need to leave your home while conditions are dangerous.

Minimize Flood Damage by Preparing

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Weather in Ohio can change in an instant, and it only takes a small shift in a storm’s track to bring torrential downpours that could lead to devastating flooding. If you are a business owner, a flood can represent a serious threat to your company’s operations. While there is not a lot you can do to stop major floods from hurricanes and other natural disasters, here are some steps you can take to lessen the impact of storm and flood damage. 

Build Barriers to Slow Water Incursion

Water is a powerful force, and it is virtually impossible to keep it at bay, but you can align barriers in the path to slow it down. You can start this process long before the onset of flooding by building a levee, berm or flood control wall if local building codes permit. Have a professional assess your lower floors to see if you should apply sealants to walls or relocate utility boxes. When the rain starts falling, you could enlist help to place sandbags in strategic areas around the structure:

  • Across doorways, right up against the door.

  • In front of garage doors.

  • Around showers and floor drains to prevent incursion of water.

When building sandbag walls, make certain you do not completely surround your building, and use a plastic tarp as a base for extra waterproofing.

Clean Storm Drains and Gutters

In many cases, flood damage happens during normal storms because the building owner did not keep up on maintenance. Gutters, storm drains and other devices are designed to channel water away from the building, which is why it is important to clean them regularly to ensure they are free of debris that could cause a backup.

Minimize Losses, Being Prepared

Why risk significant disruptions to your operations when you could cut down on storm damage by taking some preparatory steps? Should you experience flooding despite your efforts, be sure to contact an experienced remediation company like SERVPRO of Fairfield County to get you back up and running as soon as possible.

Storm Safety

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross suggests everyone know what steps are necessary to stay safe if dangerous weather is predicted for your community. If you are to encounter any damage SERVPRO is here to help. 

Tornadoes can occur anywhere, at any time of the year or day. Safety steps you should take now to be ready if a tornado warning is issued for your neighborhood:

  • Know your community’s warning system.

  • Pick a safe room in your home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. This should be a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

  • Prepare for strong winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

  • Move or secure lawn furniture, trashcans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

  • Know the tornado danger signs: dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud, cloud of debris, large hail, a funnel cloud or a roaring noise.

Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer, during the afternoon and evening. However, similar to tornadoes, they can happen anywhere, at any hour of the day. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people every year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Safety steps you can take if a thunderstorm is predicted for your area:

  • If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning.

  • Watch for storm signs like darkening skies, flashes of lightning or increasing winds.

  • Postpone any outdoor activities. Many people who are struck by lightning are not where it is raining.

  • Take shelter in a substantial building or a vehicle with the windows closed. Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Stay away from windows.

  • Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.

Flooding can occur due to heavy spring rains filling rivers and streams and snow melt. Flash floods occur suddenly when water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area. You should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and head for higher ground when a flood or flash flood warning is issued. Additional safety steps include:

  • Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
  • If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

  • Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of Fairfield County is Ready for Whatever Happens!

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fairfield County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

  • IICRC Training
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • e-Learnings
  • Continuing Education Classes

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Our coverage area includes Lancaster, Pickerington, Baltimore, and surrounding areas.  SERVPRO of Fairfield County is a 24/7 emergency service and you can expect an immediate response time, day or night.  

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit in your area we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 740-756-7003

When Tornado Season Approaches

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

When tornado season approaches, we want you to know some information on tornadoes so YOU can be more prepared. 

Tornadoes destroy anything in their path. They can destroy buildings, flip cars and create mass destruction!

  • They can happen anytime and anywhere
  • Bring winds in excess of 200 mph
  • They can look like funnels

If you are under a TORNADO WARNING, find shelter RIGHT AWAY!

Your friends at SERVPRO of Fairfield County want you to stay safe. So follow some of these tips:

  • If you are near a sturdy building, get inside immediately
  • Go to a safe room or basement
  • Stay away from windows
  • Watch for flying debris
  • Cover your head with your arms

Continue to listen to your local weather station to get updated information. DO NOT leave your shelter until you no longer hear the sirens and your weather station has given you the ok. 

And please always remember that SERVPRO of Fairfield County is here to help you. Call us immediately to help with your cleanup. (740) 756-7003.

Learning Shouldn't Be Paused or Cancelled Because of a Storm.

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Storms or disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we're dealing with a small school campus or an institute of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so the normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore the damaged area while working with you're budgetary constraints. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students, ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. 

OUR EXPERIENCE 

Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups have given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

  • K-12 Schools
  • Colleges and Universities 
  • Dormitories
  • Private Schools 
  • Libraries
  • Daycares/Pre-K Facilities

Call us at (740) 756-7003

Preparing For A Storm

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Fairfield County we are well aware of the devastation a storm can leave on a family. So we want you to be as prepared as possible BEFORE a storm hits. It is very important to always be prepared because storm damage is extremely overwhelming. But taking the time to prepare yourself for the worst WILL help you in the long run.


Here are some storm tips:

  • Keep a water supply and non perishable foods
  • Have a plan ready for your family if evacuation is necessary
  • Make sure to have a portable radio
  • Be sure to have flashlights ready and backup batteries
  • Store blankets and extra warm clothing
  • Consider the needs for prescription medication

If you are a victim of storm damage call SERVPRO of Fairfield County IMMEDIATELY at (740) 756-7003

Watch vs. Warning

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

With the severe weather season underway, now is a good time to go over the difference between tornado and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

WATCH means that the potential exists for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, depending upon the specific type of watch issued. In the case of a tornado watch, this DOES NOT mean that a tornado has been seen or even indicated on radar...it just means that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes in thunderstorms. Similarly, a severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are just conducive for the development of severe weather, and DOES NOT indicate that severe weather has been reported. While no immediate action on the part of the general public is required for the issuance of a watch, citizens should keep up to date on the current weather situation and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.

WARNING, on the other hand, requires more immediate action and should be taken seriously. A severe thunderstorm warning indicates that severe weather is imminent in your area or is already occurring (based on either human observation or doppler radar). The term severe refers to hail greater than or equal to 1.00" in diameter and/or wind gusts that meet or exceed 58 mph. Although these storms can also be associated with dangerous cloud to ground lightning or heavy rainfall that is capable of causing flash flooding, neither of these two items serve as criteria for a severe thunderstorm warning being issued.

Call SERVPRO of Fairfield County for all of your storm damage needs (740) 756-7003

Key Facets of Business Interruption Insurance

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

As a business leader, you have tremendous responsibility to lead your organization. This not only includes building strong relationships with customers and ensuring they’re satisfied with your service, but it also requires a talented staff to produce the results you need. You strive for profitability and growth, but what happens if a natural disaster or other major incident causes a rebuild of your facilities? Fortunately, business interruption insurance can come to your rescue.

How Does It Work?

Unlike property insurance, which can cover your expenses to make repairs to your facility due to an accident or mishap, this type of coverage can help ensure you don’t lose money when you have a closed business because of unsafe conditions at work or it’s impossible to carry on your business affairs for a time for any reason. There are a few ways that this insurance works for you:

• Compensates you for income you lose because you must leave your facility
• Covers you for revenue you would have earned had the disaster not occurred at your office
• Pays for other expenses such as utilities while you are out of the office

Flexible To Meet Your Needs

Business interruption insurance can be essential for your company while you rebuild your office space. It’s important to make sure you work closely with your insurance company and select the coverage you need. You don’t want to choose too little and miss out on the necessary compensation. Luckily, the best agencies should be able to fit your organization with an ideal plan.

Coverage Costs

Some businesses have greater risk of problems than others due to fires or other disasters. If you work in a field that is more prone to incidents such as these, you may expect higher premiums. Also, if you cannot reasonably conduct business outside of your facility, you may have higher costs. 

You should discuss this type of insurance coverage with a seasoned professional. You can have greater peace of mind during a rebuild with this plan in place at your business. 

How To Mitigate Roof Damage Before Help Can Arrive

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you experience storm damage in your home or business.

Heavy winds, torrential rains, excessive snowfall or large hail can all result in significant roof damage. Unfortunately, even if you call a storm damage repair team the day after the damage occurs, it may be weeks or even months before a complete repair can be done. This may be because other homeowners in the area have been affected as well or because your insurance company is slow to process your claim. Whatever the reason, you need to take steps to mitigate damage in the meantime. There are several things you can do to prevent further damage: 

• Tarp your roof 
• Cover broken or cracked skylights and windows with plastic 
• Tarp your siding (if necessary)
• Remove tree limbs and other debris 

Tarp a Leak 

If your roof sprouts a leak in the latest storm, tarp it until the professionals can fully patch and repair it. If it is still raining, you can minimize damage to the interior of your home by placing buckets beneath the leak. Though you cannot do anything to minimize roof and ceiling damage, you can protect your floors and furnishings. 

Cover Broken Windows

Just like you did with roof damage, protect your home and your family from the elements by covering any cracked or broken windows and skylights with plastic. Doing so can also protect your home from loose shards of glass that fall in. 

Tarp the Siding

Wind damage is often not limited to just the roof. If your siding is loose or missing, call in a contractor to tarp off the side to prevent further damage to the interior until a full repair can be done. 

Remove Debris

Finally, any debris that is allowed to sit on your roof poses a greater threat each passing day. If a tree or heavy branch fell on your home, contact your local contractor to remove it and tarp your roof until quality repairs can be made. 

If your home sustained roof damage in the last storm, it is imperative to take remedial action right away. Use the advice above to protect your home until a quality contractor can make permanent repairs. 

Storm Preparation Tips

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

There is a ton of talk right now with Hurricanes and September is also preparedness month. So our blogs will focus on things you can to do prepare for a hurricane or any type of large storm that can effect you (since we are in Ohio not a lot of hurricane threats). 

"

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather the following items and place them in your kit:

  • Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Fill plastic containers, such as soft-drink bottles.
  • Water purification kit or bleach (use eight drops of regular bleach per gallon of water.
  • Essential medications
  • First-aid book and kit that includes:

- 20 emergency bandages of various sizes
- One 5 x 9 sterile dressing
- One roll of self-adhering elastic bandage
- Four various-sized sterile gauze pads
- One roll of 3-inch cohesive bandage
- Waterless alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes
- Medical grade non-latex gloves
- Adhesive tape, 2-inch width
- Anti-bacterial ointment
- Cold pack
- Small scissors
- Tweezers
- CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
- Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers)"

For more information visit: http://www.wral.com/food-and-supplies-checklist-for-storm-preparation/3283070/

Wet Documents from Storm Water

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

In large storms or any type of water flood in your home theres a few things you can do to protect important documents. 

First and foremost use zip lock bags. They will protect documents from water. You can keep anything you deep important in these and just use them from the bags. This way you're prepared if an unexpected flood occurs. 

If a storm is coming you can use your dishwasher for important documents. Your dishwater will not let water inside of it and because it is attached to cabinets it is less likely to be destroyed in events like tornadoes or hurricanes. 

Some items to consider storing are:

"

  • Driver's license, photo ID
  • Emergency contact list or address book (even if contacts are stored in a smartphone)
  • Insurance policies (health, home, auto)
  • Vital documents (birth certificates, passports, wills)
  • Bank account information (account numbers, passwords)
  • Photocopies of credit and debit cards (front and back)
  • Stock certificates, investment information
  • Extra keys (home, safe deposit box, office and car)"

For more information visit:

http://www.wral.com/food-and-supplies-checklist-for-storm-preparation/3283070/

 Lead

How to Prepare for Storms

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

There is a ton of talk right now with Hurricane Irma and September is also preparedness month. So our blogs will focus on things you can to do prepare for a hurricane or any type of large storm that can effect you (since we are in Central Ohio..not a lot of hurricane threats). 

"Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather the following items and place them in your kit:

  • Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Fill plastic containers, such as soft-drink bottles.
  • Water purification kit or bleach (use eight drops of regular bleach per gallon of water.
  • Essential medications
  • First-aid book and kit that includes:

- 20 emergency bandages of various sizes
- One 5 x 9 sterile dressing
- One roll of self-adhering elastic bandage
- Four various-sized sterile gauze pads
- One roll of 3-inch cohesive bandage
- Waterless alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes
- Medical grade non-latex gloves
- Adhesive tape, 2-inch width
- Anti-bacterial ointment
- Cold pack
- Small scissors
- Tweezers
- CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
- Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers)"

For more information visit: http://www.wral.com/food-and-supplies-checklist-for-storm-preparation/3283070/

Tips For Power Outages

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

The following was copied directly from: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/help/outages/what_to_do_if_youlosepower/other_steps_duringanoutage.html

 ·         “To safeguard your equipment and appliances - and to ease the initial load when power is restored - turn off or unplug televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computers, and appliances that use electric motors such as refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners, until power is restored. Leave an incandescent light on so you know when the power comes back on.

·         Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. These appliances are well insulated, so food will keep for hours if opening the door is kept to a minimum.

·         Use a flashlight or battery-powered lantern for light. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.

·         During cold weather, keep warm safely. Put on extra clothes or wrap up in blankets. DON'T rely on gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources. Deadly carbon monoxide gas - which is odorless and invisible - may build up in your home without you realizing it.

To report an outage:

  • First check your circuit breakers or fuses.
  • If no breaker is tripped or fuse is blown, the problem may be in the connection between our wires and your home. Report your outage using one of the following methods:
  • Call our toll-free, 24-hour Outage Reporting Line, 1-888-LIGHTSS
    (1-888-544-4877), or
  • Report your outage online, or 
  • Report your outage via text message.
    Text REG to 544487 (LIGHTS) to get started.

Backup generators can provide an emergency power supply, enabling you to keep important equipment running during a power outage. It’s important to make sure generators are properly installed and operated to prevent health and safety risks for you”

Does Your Family Have an Emergency Plan?

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Does your family have an EMERGENCY PLAN?

Pre-planning for just such a disaster can make the whole process easier to endure.

Additionally,

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Storm Damage on Your Property

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Fairfield County, we understand how badly some storms can affect our customers. Not only do they do damage to the homes and businesses, they also cause a tremendous amount of stress.  We are here to alleviate that stress and restore your home back to the way it once was prior to damage. Not pictured here is the damage from a storm last year on a property.  It left a mountain of debris to be cleaned up. Our crew went in with their tools and sorted the situation to make the home look like a storm never happened. Our customer was very happy with our work. Pictured here is the property after our crew cleaned everything up. Looks pretty good, doesn't it? 

Storm Damage

5/16/2016 (Permalink)

The Benefits of Hiring Professionals After Water Damage in Fairfield County 

In the last several decades, the weather in the U. S. as well as abroad has become strangely unpredictable. In fact, natural disasters like Katrina can occur virtually at any time without notice. Based on the amount of damage done in an area, people may pay hundreds to thousands of dollars in recovery. In specific, flash flooding occurs in a particular field, and much water damage occurs in Fairfield County. People need to find a way to protect their homes from very costly damage. Therefore, one of the first things that the homeowner should do is contact a professional agency for their services.

When a professional enters the home, there are numerous things that they need to do. However, one of the most important is extracting the water from the floors and the carpeting quickly so that they can begin the drying process. For those who want to make sure that the job is done right the first time and quickly, it is essential for the homeowner to hire a professional. Once contacted, these professions survey the damage and then begin the process of clean up. One of the significant parts of this job is water extraction. Water extraction requires the proper expertise and the best type of water retraction equipment possible.

With the right type of equipment, these professionals can extract all of the water out of the carpeting so that the carpets can dry naturally. Also, for those who contact these professionals to do the job, they can save not only time but also money. If the water damage is severe enough, these teams of professionals can help to expedite the extraction of the water out of the carpets and contribute to make or suggest the recommended repairs to deter the formation of mold.

We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

The water damage specialists of Fairfield County from SERVPRO of Fairfield County can get started promptly to get your property in Fairfield County dry and back to pre-water-damage condition. We use only advanced water removal and drying equipment and scientific drying principles. Call us 24/7 for help.

Tis The Season

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

We all have heard the saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers"

Well, maybe Mother Nature is a little early this year, because MAN!!! What a storm the other night. 

Remember to keep your gutters clean so that rainwater can be safely carried away from your house and its foundation. Also, all drains need to be kept clear of all debris in order to so their job too.

Happy Spring Everyone!!