Recent Posts
Preparing Your Home for Severe Storms | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties has your back when you experience water damage.
Wind, hail, rain, floods and tornadoes… there’s no doubt about it—it’s summertime in Arkansas! Weather can range from quiet rainstorms to dangerous tornadoes at this time of year, so being prepared for both options is crucial for your home and your safety.
Severe weather season in the Conway area tends to bring strong storms with high winds, clapping thunder and the occasional tornado. When a tornado touches down, quick action is key to staying safe, so you should already have your home prepped and ready to go.
Advanced preparation is the way to go when it comes to severe weather! We explain some easy ways to get your home ready below, so read on to learn more.
Regular Home MaintenanceAs a homeowner, you work hard to keep your home clean and your yard looking nice. Did you know that your daily tasks and chores actually help protect your home from storms?
Trim your trees and remove dead branches from your property to help reduce your risk of impact damage when the wind picks up. Cleaning out your gutters and setting up your downspouts can help you avoid significant water damage. Keep your yard free of excess clutter, and try to pick up your property at the end of every week and put things away.
In addition, you should be inspecting your home on occasion for signs of wear and tear. Gaps or rotten wood around window panes can easily invite water into your home, and missing or broken shingles can pose trouble for your attic and walls when the rain starts to fall. Repair these issues as soon as you discover them!
Additional UpgradesThankfully, preparations for storms don’t cost much money, but there are some additional things you can do to secure your home even further.
Storm shutters are a good choice for our area, as high winds and tornadoes can easily break windows and cause destruction. They can easily be closed when a storm warning is issued and can protect your home from significant damage. If your property is covered in trees, investing in gutter guards can help you avoid clogged gutters, which can help you avoid water damage in your attic or basement.
Adding braces or reinforcements to your outbuildings can help secure these spaces, and gutters can even be installed on them as well to help keep your equipment inside nice and dry.
Once your home is ready, tune in to the local weather reports and heed all warnings that are issued. If the next storm leaves you with home damage, SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here to help you completely recover.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Basic Grill Safety For Your Backyard BBQ | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to get your space back in shape.
If the summer season is your favorite time of year in Conway, you are not alone! We love the warm sunny days and extra time spent with friends and family just like you do. One of our favorite summer activities is to host BBQs and grill up some burgers and hot dogs.
While grilling may be more common at this time of year, it also brings about the rise in grill fires, which sometimes lead to house fires! In order to reduce your risk of starting an accidental fire while you are grilling, you have to prepare your space and be responsible for the flames.
Read on as our SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties team explains some easy ways to stay safe and fire-free while you are whipping up your famous BBQ ribs or grilled chicken.
Setting Up for SuccessThe first thing you need to ensure is that your work space is safe and set up outside. You may be thinking that is obvious, but this also includes avoiding your garage and any roof overhangs completely. A grill that can’t vent properly is a health hazard and if it is underneath anything combustible, the heat could start your house on fire.
A good place to set up your grilling spot is a concrete pad or the center of your driveway if it is level. A 10-foot radius from your siding or wooden railings of your deck add an extra layer of protection. Aim to keep pets and kids out of this barrier as well.
Next up, it is time to inspect your specific grill. If you have a charcoal grill, check the drum for any dents or deformities and clean out any ash from the tray catch. If you have a propane grill, be sure that all gas lines are secure and your propane tank isn’t dented or cracked. A leaky tank or gas line is a huge safety concern and can also lead to a dangerous fire situation.
Manning the GrillNow that you are ready to grill, stay there and grill! Don’t leave your post while you have food on the grill and the flames are hot. Keep a water source like your hose nearby just in case, and consider having a spray bottle on hand to knock down small sparks or a wandering flame.
When you are done grilling and ready to shut everything down, hand off the plate of food and start shutting off burners and closing propane tanks, or scatter the coals and close the vents to cut off the oxygen supply. Once cooled, remove the ashes and put them in a metal can nearby. Check on your grill one more time before going to bed to ensure everything is off and your grill is cool to the touch.
We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer season here in the Conway area! If you do wind up suffering fire damage, remember that SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is always here for you.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties for a fast restoration.
The Steps Following a Water Disaster at Your House | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties right away.
We all rely on the constant flow of water in our homes on a daily basis. We pump water through our pipes to wash our dishes, rinse our clothes, make dinner and even brew that perfect first cup of morning coffee. Water is an incredibly powerful resource that we have the privilege to have in our homes.
However, water also has the potential to be really problematic in our homes if it winds up where it shouldn’t be. In addition to burst pipes and appliance malfunctions, Mother Nature can also send rain from above to wreak havoc. In fact, we have had a really volatile storm season so far that has left many of our community members struggling with storm damage and resulting water damage.
While it is always better to take steps to avoid water damage altogether, sometimes it’s just not possible due to accidents or the forces of nature. Thankfully, SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here to help!
What to Do FirstDiscovering a water leak can sometimes be a shock, especially if there is a lot of it or if it is flowing into your home quickly. You need to act just as quickly to control the situation before it gets worse. Water will seep and leak into every available crevice in minutes, and it can be impossible to dry up on your own if it gets under your floor or behind your walls.
If the water leak is due to a faulty pipe or appliance, shut off the water supply by closing the appropriate water valve. If your home was damaged in a storm and the rain is coming in, you may just have to wait it out with a bucket to catch the drips until the threat has passed.
Remember, wading through standing water in your home is never a good idea. Live electrical wires or sharp debris may be lurking under the surface. Go around or avoid the area entirely.
Now it’s time to call SERVPRO. Our team is here 24⁄7 to respond to your call for help, and we are ready to respond as soon as you reach out to us.
Our Thorough Drying and Cleaning ProcessOur first phone call with you will involve a lot of questions to help us better understand your situation. While we are chatting, start taking some photos of the damage. This will help us create a more robust plan for you, and it will also help make your insurance claims process easier.
Once our team arrives at your door, we can get to work cleaning and drying out your space. We will bring in air movers and blowers to get things dried out, and we will also focus on saving your possessions. Soft materials can often be dried out completely with the right training and tools, so we work quickly and efficiently to avoid irreversible damages. After everything is dry, we will clean, sanitize and deodorize the space.
We can also handle any repairs that are needed! Even just a few drops of water can cause warped walls or wood, so we will pinpoint each area of your home that requires repairs and jump right into action. We won’t stop working for you until you are 100% satisfied with the final product.
You can rely on SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to take your home from wet and soggy to dry and repaired in the blink of an eye. Call us to get started today.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Assessing Your Storm Damage in a Safe Way | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to restore your space in no time!
The storm season can be a tricky one to navigate at times. Some storms are predicted days in advance and give us time to prepare, while others can develop quickly and take us by surprise. In either case, strong storms have the potential to leave behind serious destruction in a matter of minutes.
Taking steps to prepare can reduce your risk of the more serious damage, but sometimes that’s not always possible around here. Tornadoes can pop up quickly at any time between now and early fall and strong thunderstorms can bring rain, hail and wind that whips across the Conway area.
Safety should always be your top priority no matter what type of storm situation is brewing, so be sure to keep everyone inside and away from windows until the threat has passed. After the coast is clear, be cautious moving about your home.
Taking these steps below can help you navigate any damage situation safely and more efficiently.
Immediately Following the StormRemember that even though the first storm system has passed, you may not be in the clear. Storms can come in waves and the second round can be just as intense, if not even more intense, as the first one. Keep your weather radio near and be sure your safe shelter location is ready at a moment’s notice.
Contact your loved ones as soon as the storm is over to ensure everyone’s safety, especially if a member of your family was out of the house during the storm.
Once your family has been deemed safe, go check on your neighbors. Be cautious moving around any damaged building, but checking on them can help everyone seek safety in an emergency.
Take as many photos of your damage as possible. This will help us document the damage and create our recovery plan for you, but it will also help us navigate your insurance claim process more efficiently. After that, call SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties to get the restoration process started.
The Minutes FollowingIt is important that you prioritize safety as you walk around your damaged home. Loose nails, boards and other hazards could be sticking out and could injure you. If you are assessing the damage yourself, be sure to carry your cell phone with you in case you run into any trouble.
Do what you can to prevent further damage while you are waiting for us to arrive. We pride ourselves in being quick, but laying tarps or boarding up windows on your own if it is still actively raining can help you avoid more significant damage.
Our restoration team works directly with your insurance company to make sure your claim is being handled correctly, and we can also help you navigate the relocation process if you need to live off site while your restoration occurs.
Storm damage can be devastating, but rest assured that SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties will help you recover right away.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
Tips for Responding to Flooding Situations in Your Home | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties on the case!
We can all appreciate a good rainstorm at this time of year. Sometimes our lawns really need it, and other times, it can be really refreshing after a long stretch of hot and humid days. But while a soft and gentle rainfall may be calming, more severe weather usually isn’t.
Severe storms can rip across our landscape to dump intense waves of rain on our houses along with high wind and occasional hail. While we can rely on our homes to keep us dry and safe the majority of the time, heavier rain can sometimes force its way into our homes in a variety of locations.
Our SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties team wants you to stay safe under any circumstances, so we explain some easy ways to prepare for intense rain as soon as a watch or warning is issued.
Rain and the Conway AreaStorms are a regular part of summertime in the Conway area, and this year was no different. In addition to mild to moderate rainstorms, we also suffered some pretty extensive damage across our community. Rain has the unique ability to cause a wide variety of damage from ruined walls to flooded yards and basements.
While there is nothing we can do to stop Mother Nature, we can be prepared for the different scenarios when they do occur. Stay connected to the forecast and understand the different potential threats so you can take action right away.
Steps for Staying Safe During a Weather WarningSafety for your family and your home is always a top priority during severe weather. Postpone or cancel any outdoor plans and head home to start preparing, just be sure to avoid any roads that you know tend to flood easily in the process.
Once you are all safely home, start preparing your yard and property. Tidy up any loose items like toys or lawn equipment, and pull your car into the garage. Tie down anything that can’t be easily picked up, like your trampoline and lawn furniture, and then head inside.
Move any fragile or sentimental possessions away from the walls and off the floor of the lowest level in your home and turn off electricity to those rooms just to be on the safe side. After that, all you can do is stay inside and wait it out. If water does start leaking into your home, stay calm and simply call our water damage restoration team for a full restoration.
Protective Measures for Future StormsIt can be frustrating enough to deal with the current damages, let alone think about them potentially happening again. These type of situations can be overwhelming, but they can actually help you fix the problem for good! For example, if you always have water issues in your basement and your sliding door seems to leak water whenever it rains, you can turn your attention to any seal repairs or consider grading your yard to ensure any rain that does fall will flow in the opposite direction of your house.
If your basement always floods when it rains really hard, consider investing in a sump pump. Sump pumps automatically turn on when they sense excess water near your foundation, so they will collect the water and pump it back to the surface.
Water and flood damage are unfortunately always a possibility no matter how much you prepare. Just remember that our restoration team is available day and night to help you recover faster!
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Tips for Safe Fall Bonfires at Home | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
While the temperatures outside may not reflect it, the fall season is right around the corner! We are so excited to welcome in a new season and (hopefully) get a break from these crazy hot temperatures. One way that many people in our community enjoy the changing seasons is by hanging out by a bonfire.
Fall bonfires are a great way to relax and spend time with your loved ones, but they can also lead to extensive fire damage if you aren’t careful.
Our SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties team explains more below about fall fire safety and what to do to keep your fire controlled and enjoyable for all.
Starting Your Fire the Safe WayDo choose a safe and level location for your pit. Portable pits can be moved around to find a flat, nonflammable surface, while permanent pits should be cleared of any nearby brush or logs. You should also make sure any trees are trimmed that are hanging over your pit.
Do keep a source of water ready to use at a moment’s notice. Buckets of water or your garden hose are both reliable ways to extinguish errant flames quickly. If you are too far away from a water source, be sure to keep a shovel nearby if you need to pile dirt or sand on top of the flames in an instant.
Do respect the weather and any local burn bans. High winds or dry conditions can make even the smallest fire dangerous, so choose another day if the conditions are less than ideal. Checking with local authorities is always recommended because burn bans can change by the day.
Maintaining a Safe FireDon’t use any gas or lighter fluid on your fire at any point. Flammable substances can light a quick blaze, yes, but they are really unpredictable and can lead to a rapidly spreading fire or one that becomes too large to control.
Don’t let kids or pets play near the flames. In addition to accidents and severe burns, curious children can easily pick up burning sticks and cause your fire to spread beyond your pit.
Don’t let your fire get too large or out of control. It can be fun to feed your fire and watch things burn, but large fires are much harder to control and extinguish fast, so keep it small to keep it safe.
Don’t go inside until a responsible adult has extinguished the flames and embers. Pouring water over everything is vital until all of the logs and ashes are cold to the touch.
Wildfire SafetyWildfires can start in any manner of ways and can lead to widespread destruction and even death in serious situations. While nature can be responsible for some of these fires, most wildfires are human-caused. You can directly decrease your risk of starting a wildfire with every responsible fire safety decision you make. Doing all of these tasks while you enjoy your bonfire will help keep our community safe.
Fire can be unpredictable, and we know that accidents can occur at any point. Call us right away if your home has been damaged by smoke or flames.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Prepping Your Staff for Weather Emergencies | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
6/16/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage, we're here to help. Call SERVPRO of Conway and Faulkner Counties to help you get back to normal.
Running a business means that you are in charge of many different things. Your day-to-day is filled with decision making and problem-solving, but you also have to plan for the future and all of the “what-ifs” when it comes to your business and your staff.
While most of the issues you will encounter have to do with work-related obstacles, there is always the possibility that a weather emergency will take your staff by surprise. If your team isn’t trained on the proper response, it could lead to chaos really quickly.
Arming your staff with the knowledge they need can help keep everyone safe when a storm rolls into town. Check out our great tips below so you can start preparing yourself!
Knowing What Could Happen
We can experience a lot of different weather patterns here, so it is important to understand our risk level based on the season that we are in. Winter usually brings colder, rainier days, while the early spring and summer can be really volatile and destructive with high winds and tornado touchdowns.
Whenever the rain starts to fall, there is always the risk of flooding. Understanding your flood risk is an easy way for you to begin preparations before an emergency arises. Do your best to understand the weekly forecast and be proactive in your planning.
Planning Your Communication
It has never been easier to be connected to your team, thanks to the development of technology over the last few decades. However, this communication can only happen if you have your team’s contact info! Start by creating a group text or an email chain with everyone’s information so you can quickly send off a message when you need to.
If a storm is on the horizon or if you need to tell your staff about your evacuation routes or safe shelter location, a simple message can help direct your team on where to go and what to do in a calm and concise manner.
Plan Your Way Out or Way in
Different weather systems should prompt different reactions. A potential flooding issue or other impending weather scenario could require a quick evacuation. In that instance, your team needs to know how to get out quickly. Show them ahead of time where your evacuation routes are, and be sure to clearly label your exits.
Other weather situations like severe storms or tornadoes require you to stay put and find your safe shelter location. Get this space ready now by stocking it with food, water and emergency supplies, and be sure everyone knows how to get to it without the use of an escalator or elevator.
Once you are ready, it’s time to practice! Practicing your evacuation and getting to your shelter location can ensure everyone reacts appropriately and stays safe during a weather emergency.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Understanding Our Fire Damage Restoration Process | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
6/16/2023 (Permalink)
House fires are scary events. Call SERVPRO of Conway and Faulkner Counties to help get you back in action.
Imagine this—it’s the end of a busy week and you and your family are looking forward to going out for dinner together tonight. You get all the kids ready, get yourself ready and just barely remember to switch over your laundry into the dryer before you leave. You hit start, hop in the car and head to dinner.
You are settled into a booth with your family, only to receive the phone call no one ever wants to get: Your house is on fire. Thankfully, our local fire department can help put out the flames and control the situation, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an overwhelming task of home repairs ahead of you.
That’s where SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties comes in. We can handle your fire damage restoration process from start to finish, and we work hard to make sure your experience is as smooth as it can be during this time. Check out our restoration process below to learn how we can help you.
The Initial Contact
- We are a part of your team from the minute you call us. We will ask questions about the fire damage and your specific situation so we can start to gather the right tools and equipment.
- We arrive and inspect the damage firsthand. We inspect and test the damage site as well as other rooms to understand the level of fire, smoke and soot damage.
- Our team then secures the rest of your home from further damage, which can include boarding up windows and walls or placing tarps on exposed sections of your roof.
The Removal Process
- Many fire-damaged homes also have water damage due to the water used to extinguish the fire. We can bring in our drying equipment and humidifiers at this time.
- At the same time, we start to remove damaged debris and the residual smoke and soot from your property. Our deodorizers can ensure a complete odor removal throughout your home.
Restoration Time
- Once the debris and soot have been removed, it’s time to start putting your home back together. We start with a deep-clean and sanitization of your space.
- Then we get to start on your repairs! This can include anything from replacing drywall and painting to restoring entire rooms or sections of your home.
We know that suffering a house fire is an overwhelming and scary experience, so we will handle everything from your restoration project to working with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process. SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here 24/7 for you.
Suffered a house fire? Our SERVPRO® team is here to help.
Here Comes the Wind! Severe Storm Season Is Here | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties your first call.
On a scorching day, a mild breeze can provide a revitalizing retreat from the oppressive heat. Though the wind is invisible, it is an ever-present force that we can depend on, even when it is not ideal.
However, when the wind intensifies and transforms into a powerful gust, it can cause widespread destruction, leaving homes with terrible damage. While strong winds are typically associated with severe storms, they can arise unexpectedly on clear days.
Familiarize yourself with the potential consequences of high winds and how they can jeopardize your property, and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of your family and your home.
The Different Kinds of WindAbout half of all deadly wind events happen alongside severe thunderstorms, making them a hazard that is hard to avoid. Winds brought on by thunderstorms are known to cause much more destruction than tornadoes.
Debris can be dispersed across your yard, and structures can be severely damaged by thunderstorms’ winds, which can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Straight-line winds, a form of thunderstorm wind, can be dangerously destructive, with speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. These winds are not related to rotation, unlike tornadoes, and can cause harm even in places where there is no precipitation.
The combination of various types of winds produced by tornadoes is responsible for their destructive power. East Lansing is vulnerable to tornadoes, which can cause considerable damage on occasion. Aside from tornadoes, strong winds caused by thunderstorms are another risk that residents and businesses in our area should be prepared for.
Wind Damage and PreventionSevere winds can be incredibly destructive, with downed trees, scattered debris and damaged power lines being some of the most common types of wind damage. Even an anchored mobile home is not immune to these effects when winds exceed 80 miles per hour.
Familiarizing yourself with the various types of weather alerts related to high winds and taking preventive measures to secure outdoor objects can go a long way in reducing the impact of wind damage.
Make sure your trees are well-maintained, and remove any dead or weak branches overhanging your home. Don’t forget to secure any loose objects in your yard that could become flying projectiles.
After the winds have died down, make sure to inspect your home for any signs of damage. Be sure to check your roof for problems such as misplaced shingles, and repair any damage before water leaks inside. Turn to our expert SERVPRO team, and we’ll get your home back to its pre-storm state before you know it.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
Teaching Your Kids About Fire Safety | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
f you have children, you know how much work it is to keep them safe on a daily basis! The world is full of unknowns and things are often out of your complete control, but you do your best to teach them about personal safety while also fostering independence. This can sometimes be tricky with sensitive topics without scaring your children with the facts.
Fire safety is one of those topics that if you introduce it wrong, it can cause your children unnecessary stress and anxiety. By introducing fire safety in a fun or encouraging way, you can increase your child’s likelihood of responding quickly and accurately to a fire emergency.
SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties explains how to introduce some of these concepts below, so read on to get some ideas for your own children.
Discovering Where Fire StartsFires can start in many areas of your home, and each instance carries its own level of risk. Start by explaining how fire starts and what is needed in order for a fire to spread, and then let your children walk around your home to try and identify every space that could start a fire. Lead them into the kitchen, utility room and even the backyard by the grill or fire pit.
Show them the matches and lighters that you use so that your children are familiar with them. Once you explain that they are not toys and should only ever be used by adults, your children will be more likely to leave them alone. A single match and a curious child are never a good mix.
Authority FiguresSeeing a firefighter in his or her suit and heavy gear can be an overwhelming or even scary experience, so don’t let this first interaction happen during a true fire emergency. Try to expose your kids to pictures, videos and books about firefighters. You should also attempt to go to any local meet-and-greet events to see our local fire crews in person.
If your child knows what to expect, it can help him or her understand that these people are just there to help and to trust them. You also need to ensure your children are comfortable calling for help.
To do this, put them in their rooms and have them call out their name as loud as they can! Once you can hear them, tell them to army crawl out of their room and toward the front door.
Forming Your Family Escape PlanAll homes should have a robust emergency exit plan. If you don’t already have one, this is the perfect chance to make it a fun game for your kids. Let them go into each room and find all of the ways out, and have them write down their findings. Once you have your list, see who can make it out of your home the fastest!
This is also the perfect time to discuss the use of windows and window safety. While knowing how to open the windows is important in an actual emergency, be sure that your children know that windows are always a last resort and should never be played with.
Once you are done, put it all together and practice getting out of your home! Choose an external meeting location and practice your plan all the way through at least twice a year.
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
24/7 Emergency Service