Unique Ways to Avoid Flooding on Your Property

8/13/2022 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that the damages of a flood affecting your home are devastating. The cleanup after such an event is almost worse than the flood itself. You are left with the remnants of beloved items. You are uprooted from your daily life and experience higher levels of stress than acceptable. Being able to avoid the catastrophic effects of flooding can restore your peace of mind, and also benefits the environment, if done correctly. Listed below are helpful tools to be used in order to prep your property for incoming water.

Plant a Rain Garden: A growing trend among homeowners is the design and installation of rain gardens. Using native plants with high water tolerance is key. They require almost no upkeep or watering between rainfalls and are helpful to our natural environment. Directing water from known flooding areas of your property, or planting directly on the location, these gardens retain and absorb excess water. Even a small addition of a rain garden has a huge impact on the water level on your property after a flood.

Heavier Mulch Will Help You Out: When mulching with lightweight materials, the odds of a misplaced mulch mess being handed to you is significantly high. Light materials are known to scatter in flooded conditions and to clog drainage ways. Hardwood mulch is heavier, making it more difficult to spread and is known for their low maintenance appeal.

Install a Green Roof: Now hear us out. It may seem excessive, or out of your budgets capabilities even, but you may be pleasantly surprised. The cost and labor needed to install these futuristic roof covers has been significantly reduced over the most recent years. As long as you have a flat or gently sloping roof you are in the clear. Not only do green roofs elongate the life of your roof, studies show it also increases insulation and reduces energy costs.

A Driveway That Drains: Second only to roofs, driveways are the biggest contributor to storm water run-off. Most commonly, swayes with drainage ports are installed on each side of your driveway, although it is not the most effective. Using spaced gravel or even grass greatly reduces the effects of flood water run-off. They are not only visually pleasing but a benefit to the environment.

Flooding can happen suddenly and with little warning. These simple and effective actions could save you a disaster on your hands. As always, SERVPRO of Rock County is here to help you, when all else has gone wrong.

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of Rock County is ready!

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rock 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.

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.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Calgary, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 2,000 Franchises across North America and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the Country.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 608-754-7202.

Tips for Heavy Rainfall

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall can cause damage to your property, here are a few tips to get you through the season with hopefully minimal damage.

Home and Business Tips

• Look into purchasing flood insurance. Call your insurance agent make sure flood insurance is right for you.
• Install rain gutters and other drainage systems. Clean out rain gutters frequently, proper water flow will direct water away from your property.
• Fix any leaks ASAP, a small leak can quickly turn into something greater.
• Extra roof protection. You can spend a bit more to install a rubber roof underlay, a waterproof barrier that goes under the shingles and protects the roof from water intrusion. This will also help with insulation in the wintertime.

Rainy Driving Tips

• Don’t use cruise control. This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase, as you will have less control over the vehicle.
• Slow down and leave room in front of you. Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water.
• Posted speed limits are the recommended speed during ideal conditions. Do not feel pressured to drive at the posted limit during a rainstorm, but do not drive too slowly either. As other drivers may have to make dangerous maneuvers to avoid you.

Tornado season is approaching

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Both tornado watches and tornado warnings are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ National Weather Service. However, there are critical differences between the two alerts. 

Tornado Watch 

Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Be alert to changes in the weather, account for all family members, and listen to local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. Move cars inside and keep car and house keys with you. If time permits, move lawn furniture and equipment inside to minimize flying debris. If a tornado siren sounds, stay inside and take cover.

Tornado Warning

A tornado has actually been spotted or is indicated on weather radar in your area. This means danger is imminent and you may only have seconds to take cover.

In the event that your home or business sustains damage caused by the high winds of a tornado, SERVPRO of Rock County can help!  24/7/365 emergency service is available for board up, tarp up, and water mitigation.  Call us for help at 608-754-7202

Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures are inevitable in Wisconsin.  When freezing temperatures hit, here are some helpful prevention tips:

• When you know temperatures will be dipping below freezing, allow water to run in all the sinks at a slow, constant drip. It only needs to trickle, and that tiny amount of water will keep the water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
• Open up the cabinet doors in the bathrooms and kitchen. This will allow the heat from the home to circulate and warm up the pipes.
• Keep the garage door closed to keep garage pipes from freezing.
• Keep your house at a warm, consistent temperature both day and night.
• If you leave your home for extended periods of time, do not set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees.
• If you do end up with frozen pipes, a hand-held hair dryer or heat lamp can thaw them.

Have water damage from a frozen pipe? Call SERVPRO of Rock County (608)754-7202

Helpful Tips on Running a Generator

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

During a storm where there is a power outage, generators come in very handy. When using a generator you need to take many precautions. We at SERVPRO of Rock County would like to give you a few very helpful tips on safely operating a generator.

• Position generator outside and away from any structure. Running a generator inside can cause fatal levels of carbon monoxide. Keep generators at least 15 feet away from your home/business to prevent exhaust from entering.
• Disconnect to the power source coming into your home/business. Power from the generator could be sent back into the utility line causing hazardous conditions for utility workers.
• Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Grounding your generator helps prevent shocks and electrocutions. Refer to the OSHA guidelines for grounding requirements.
• Plug equipment directly into the generator. Use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord, which has a wire gauge that can handle the electric load of any connected appliances.
• DO NOT plug generators into a wall outlet. Never try to power a generator from a wall outlet or main electrical panel. Only a licensed electrician should connect a generator to the main panel by installing the proper equipment according to the electrical codes.
• Make sure you have enough fuel to run your generator. Always turn off and let the generator before refueling. Inspect and maintain your generator regularly.

What to do when you get hit by a storm

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

When a severe storm hits your property, countless thoughts run through your mind. Is everyone safe? What items are damaged? Will insurance cover the costs? 

Take a deep breath and follow these steps to get everything back on track:

1. Keep you and your family safe. Be careful to avoid hazards like splintered wood and broken glass. In extreme cases, this might mean staying in place until emergency crews can arrive.
2. Examine and document the damage. If it’s safe to do so, take a lap around your property and see what’s damaged. Take as many photos as possible to document the scene — this will help you file the appropriate insurance claim down the line.
3. Prevent additional damage with our board-up services.  Boarding up open windows and doors will prevent the elements from causing further harm to your home or business while the restoration process gets underway.
4. Work with a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Rock County to repair the damage. An experienced team will make sure that everything returns to normal as quickly as possible by handling all exterior and interior fixes.

In the event your home or business sustains damage call the experts at SERVPRO of Rock County we are available 24/7 365 days a year.  Our team is highly qualified to help you get through this difficult time.  608-754-7202

Devastating Storms

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can be a powerful and unexpected force of nature. As we all might not get to see first hand when a big storm hits, but we all come together and can sense what a devastation it can be. Whether it be from snow, wind or heavy rains, storms can be devastating to your property in many different ways. When facing property damages after a storm, the scene may not be safe for you to remain living. If power lines were downed you may lose electricity and along with it the ability to heat or cool your home. SERVPRO of Rock County has over 30 years of home and commercial building restoration and know how to mitigate any type of storm damage. We are available day and night to answer your call for help.

Unique Ways to Avoid Flooding

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that the damages of a flood affecting your home are devastating. The cleanup after such an event is almost worse than the flood itself. You are left with the remnants of beloved items. You are uprooted from your daily life and experience higher levels of stress than acceptable. Being able to avoid the catastrophic effects of flooding can restore your peace of mind, and also benefits the environment, if done correctly. Listed below are helpful tools to be used in order to prep your property for incoming water.

Plant a Rain Garden: A growing trend among homeowners is the design and installation of rain gardens. Using native plants with high water tolerance is key. They require almost no upkeep or watering between rainfalls and are helpful to our natural environment. Directing water from known flooding areas of your property, or planting directly on the location, these gardens retain and absorb excess water. Even a small addition of a rain garden has a huge impact on the water level on your property after a flood.

Heavier Mulch Will Help You Out: When mulching with lightweight materials, the odds of a misplaced mulch mess being handed to you is significantly high. Light materials are known to scatter in flooded conditions and to clog drainage ways. Hardwood mulch is heavier, making it more difficult to spread and is known for their low maintenance appeal.

Install a Green Roof: Now hear us out. It may seem excessive, or out of your budgets capabilities even, but you may be pleasantly surprised. The cost and labor needed to install these futuristic roof covers has been significantly reduced over the most recent years. As long as you have a flat or gently sloping roof you are in the clear. Not only do green roofs elongate the life of your roof, studies show it also increases insulation and reduces energy costs.

A Driveway That Drains: Second only to roofs, driveways are the biggest contributor to storm water run-off. Most commonly, sways with drainage ports are installed on each side of your driveway, although it is not the most effective. Using spaced gravel or even grass greatly reduces the effects of flood water run-off. They are not only visually pleasing but a benefit to the environment.

Flooding can happen suddenly and with little warning. These simple and effective actions could save you a disaster on your hands. As always, SERVPRO of Rock County is here to help you, when all else has gone wrong.

Effects of Thunderstorms

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

When we think of severe weather, the damaging effects of thunderstorms can be easily overlooked. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunderstorms can be responsible for multiple causes of property loss. High winds, flash floods and lightning strikes are all possible when severe weather hits. It is essential to be prepared for whatever nature brings. Having an established ERP ( Emergency Ready Plan) for you business is a time and money saver. SERVPRO and our team of experts are ready day or night to assist you. We have the ability to formally create your ERP so you can be prepared for when the unfortunate happens. When disaster strikes, it can be upending, frightening and confusing. It puts your life on pause. Let us help you through the worst of it. 

Storm Damage Repair

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damages can occur at any time of year during any season with a wide range of results from the effects they have on your property. Repairing the aftermath of their destruction can be time consuming, tedious and potentially dangerous. Storms can produce the ability to uproot trees and down power lines creating a situation that could result in serious injury. When faced with storm damages of this magnitude, it is essential to utilize a well established and highly regarded restoration company to assist in the mitigation and restoration of your property. Advanced with state of the art equipment and expertly trained personnel we are able to arrive quickly on the scene and immediately begin the process of repairs, keeping you and your insurance company informed and involved. Give us a call today.

After the Storm Passes: Storm Restoration Services

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Living in the Midwest poses more than a few weather related issues that can potentially effect your home or business. From flooding to tornadoes nothing is off limits. Having a plan for when disaster strikes can save you time and money when facing the daunting task of after storm restoration. Inclement weather can take a toll, not only on your home itself but also on the ground of which it stands. Uprooted trees can pose a risk of damaging your home and can create havoc underground by damaging power lines and sewer pipes. SERVPRO has the unique ability to arrive on scene and begin the mitigation process immediately. By assessing and fixing the issues that storm damages has caused saves you the trouble of having to utilize multiple repair companies to get the job done. SERVPRO is always available to answer your call and your questions. 

Storm Damage Awareness

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm event that has caused property damage there are a few steps that can be taken immediately to assess the situation. First and foremost be sure that your surroundings are safe. be cautious around broken glass and any loose nails that may have become dislodged from nearby facilities. Take note of any unusual smells such as gas, as there may be a leak as a result of the storm damages. Surveying the damages inflicted on your home or business will help expedite the insurance claim process. Documenting damages with photographic evidence also helps speed up the process. Assess your roof for damages such as loose shingles, punctures or holes. All can result in bigger issues down the road. Beware of faulty foundation, as heavy rainfalls can make debris and downed power lines a dangerous scenario. 

Preparing Property For Wind Damage

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

When strong winds threaten your home or business, there is precious little time to do what you can to avoid damages. Having a roof that can withstand strong winds is an absolute must which requires ongoing and early maintenance. Ensuring the shingles are securely in place and nailed down tightly is essential. Be sure to weatherproof your building by having it properly sealed, preventing wind from entering trough cracks and crevices. Anchoring outdoor storage units and items such as garbage cans and patio furniture is of good practice to prevent lost or damages items. Always store your vehicles in a garage if possible and void parking under or near any trees in the surrounding area. These few tips can save you a bundle of money and a headache in the future. 

Preparing for Stormy Weather

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Living in the Midwest, we have grown accustom to dealing with all types of weather related issues. From ice storms in the winter to tornadoes in the spring, we need to be ready for anything. A few simple ways to stay ahead of the game is to have emergency supplies on hand, and to have a plan of action in place for you and your family. Be sure everyone in your household has a list of emergency numbers in a safe place, and not just on your cell phone. If power outages occur, you may lose battery on your phone without the ability to charge it. Outfitting your vehicle with quality tires is another useful tip. During icy weather they will come in handy. Having an emergency tool box filled with first aid items, water and non perishable foods is beneficial to have in your home and vehicle. Staying prepared is always the best course of action to take before an emergency occurs.

A Summer Storm

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Summer storms can arrive suddenly and violently, causing not only damages to your yard but potentially your home as well. Lightning is a major contributor. With an intense electrical surge, power can be lost and transformers can be blown. Lightning is a deadly force which can also be the ignition source to fires within your home and business. Thunderstorms generate both lightning and can produce heavy rainfalls. When heavy rains hit after a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, flooding can be imminent. The ground will have become to dry to be able to absorb the excess water. Flooding can bring down power lines, uproot trees and can damage the integrity of the foundation of your home. SERVPRO have the tools needed and a team of trained professionals to help mitigate the damages and begin repairs, getting you back on your feet faster. 

Storm Cleanup 101

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Strong storm surges are notorious for causing extensive damages to your home or business. When disastrous situations present themselves unexpectedly, SERVPRO will always be there to assist in the aftermath and repair. There are a few steps you can take before help arrives to help expedite the restoration process which may even help save you extra money in the end. Be sure to always document damages, no matter how small, as your insurance may request extensive proof for repairs. If your basement has flooded, ensure your sub pump is working efficiently and let it to the majority of the work. You can help further by absorbing excess water with towels or a wet vac. Keep air circulating by opening windows and setting up fans around the affected area. A dehumidifier is a great investment and helps aid in the removal of moisture from the air. These simple steps can help kick start the clean up process and get you back on your feet, faster. 

A Storm on the Horizon

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Strong storm cells can come unexpectedly and pack a punch if you are not prepared. Lightning alone is responsible for multiple disastrous results. Heavy rains can also be responsible for property loss from the exterior to the interior. It is always in good taste to have preventative measures in place long before those dark clouds roll through. Having a comprehensive plan in place (where to go and what to do) will ensure all members of your family or employees have the same information to follow. Having a safe room, preferably below ground with no windows is ideal. If not available, have a designated room in the center most area of the complex to be provided for shelter. Remain away from all windows or locations that have glass. SERVPRO has the equipment and the expertise to assist you through the restoration process to get you back on your feet faster.  

Are you prepared for the cleanup?

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Disastrous weather affects us all. Creating multiple scenarios in which you will be left with a major clean up on your hands. From flood waters to toxic fumes, anything is possible after disaster strikes. It is important to be prepared for your own personal protection to avoid further catastrophe. Always have a first aid kit on hand when going near the disaster zone. Items that have come into contact with flood waters or soot and smoke resulting from a fire are highly dangerous. Take extreme caution to avoid injury. A simple scrape can progress into a serious infection if wounds are not immediately cleaned after contact with contaminated materials. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration or exhaustion. Practice proper lifting techniques and never attempt to lift things that are excessively heavy.  These very simple steps can prevent further complications for you in the future. SERVPRO of Rock County is always available to assist you in any event you may be faced with. 

Severe Weather vs Chimney

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Severe weather comes in many forms and can cause multiple types of damages to your home or business. Strong winds and heavy rainfall can have a detrimental effect on vulnerable locations of any building. A local resident gave us an urgent call after a strong storm cell had passed through, demolishing parts of their chimney. When we arrived to the scene we immediately began to safely clear the debris and began the repair and rebuild process. Upon further inspection, we were able to find multiple points of entry that had allowed water to seep through, causing extensive moisture damage. Mold is a common side effect of unwanted water. Our crew was able to mitigate the situation and have their home repaired after extensive rehabilitation and rebuilding.

When the Wind Blows..

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Wind is a commonly overlooked aspect of severe weather. Unfortunately, its a force that will not be ignored and packs a wallop to the weak point of your home's structure. Listed below are a few ways to prevent the damaging effects of when the wind blows.

1) Secure the garage door. Strong winds have the potential to do massive damages to your garage. Have an inspection done to test the durability of your door in case a storm approaches. Its always better to be prepared before the worst happens.

2) Shutter the windows. One of the most vulnerable areas to high winds  are sliding doors and windows. Consider getting storm proof shutters or aluminum covers.

3) Secure shingles and anchor any items that can potentially become flying projectiles during high winds.

Wind may not be at the front of the line when we think of stormy weather, but the resulting damages can remain with you for a lifetime. Stay safe and call SERVPRO.  

Lightning Strikes: Damages of Thunderstorms

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

When we think of severe weather, the damaging effects of thunderstorms can be easily overlooked. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunderstorms can be responsible for multiple causes of property loss. High winds, flash floods and lightning strikes are all possible when severe weather hits. It is essential to be prepared for whatever nature brings. Having an established ERP ( Emergency Ready Plan) for you business is a time and money saver. SERVPRO and our team of experts are ready day or night to assist you. We have the ability to formally create your ERP so you can be prepared for when the unfortunate happens. When disaster strikes, it can be upending, frightening and confusing. It puts your life on pause. Let us help you through the worst of it. 

Water, Water All Around: Winter Flood Awareness

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Wisconsin has become a notorious swinging pendulum of back and forth weather patterns. From mild weeks spanning December, to biting cold and heavy snow fall in January, it’s hard to predict what could be headed our way. Naturally in the winter, flooding would be the last concern on our list of worries. But surprisingly, flooding can happen at any time of year, particularly in the cold months. There are numerous reasons as to why an area can flood during winter. Broken water pipes are a known culprit in the freezing temperatures. Sudden snow thaws can lead to a rapid amount of excess of bodies of water looking for a location to settle. Because the ground might still be in a frozen state, the water cannot be absorbed and will run off until it find a stream or lake that can withhold its mass. When this happens, flooding is almost always a side effect. There are a few steps that can be taken to be better prepared for these types of storm disasters.

Insure yourself: Look into purchasing a flood insurance policy if you do not already have one in place.

Know it all: Get familiarized with what your insurance covers and what it does not

A Simple Plan: Always have a flood plan prepared which should include evacuation routes. Have important documents stored in a safe, waterproof location.

Picture This: Take photos of your possessions. It will be very useful for insurance claims should disaster strike.

Flooding can happen quickly and leave lasting and sometimes permanent damages to any home or commercial building. If you find yourself over your head, give SERVPRO of Rock County a call and we will be there to help you every step of the way.

Batten down the hatches: Blizzard prevention

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Winter weather in Wisconsin is undeniably unpredictable and can potentially be deadly. With temperatures that can range anywhere across the scale, from mild and cool to subzero and catastrophic it is essential to know how to prepare for an incoming blizzard and or freezing temperatures. Listed below are steps to take in order to prevent disaster when the bitter cold is on its way.

Stock up shamelessly: When time is on your side and the winter storm has not yet hit, take that trip to the local store and stock up on the vitals. Non-perishable foods, batteries, flash lights, canned heat source, pet food and supplies, candles and medicine that you may need. Having salt to assist in ice on walkways is also a benefit. Emergency foods are a must. A few examples of survival foods:

• Crackers
• Granola Bars
• Canned fruit and veggies, tuna, soup
• Applesauce
• Boxed or canned juices
• Cereal
• Dry Milk

Roger that: Charge cellphones and spare charging units. It is also recommended you physically write down an emergency contact list in the unfortunate situation your phone may lose power. Family members, your power company and any other emergency numbers should be included on this list.

Lock it down: Storm proofing your home is another step to take when an impending storm is headed your way. Apply weather stripping to doors and windows. Covering your windows with plastic sheeting helps keep the cold at bay as well. Keep all unnecessary rooms closed off to help isolate the heat in rooms that are used. Stay indoors and restrict travel for emergency situations only.

These simple preventative measures can help you remain prepared and safe during the bitter cold months. Stay cozy out there Wisconsin!

Preemptive Measures: Unique Ways to Avoid Flooding On Your Property

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that the damages of a flood affecting your home are devastating. The cleanup after such an event is almost worse than the flood itself. You are left with the remnants of beloved items. You are uprooted from your daily life and experience higher levels of stress than acceptable. Being able to avoid the catastrophic effects of flooding can restore your peace of mind, and also benefits the environment, if done correctly. Listed below are helpful tools to be used in order to prep your property for incoming water.

Plant a Rain Garden: A growing trend among homeowners is the design and installation of rain gardens. Using native plants with high water tolerance is key. They require almost no upkeep or watering between rainfalls and are helpful to our natural environment. Directing water from known flooding areas of your property, or planting directly on the location, these gardens retain and absorb excess water. Even a small addition of a rain garden has a huge impact on the water level on your property after a flood.

Heavier Mulch Will Help You Out: When mulching with lightweight materials, the odds of a misplaced mulch mess being handed to you is significantly high. Light materials are known to scatter in flooded conditions and to clog drainage ways. Hardwood mulch is heavier, making it more difficult to spread and is known for their low maintenance appeal.

Install a Green Roof: Now hear us out. It may seem excessive, or out of your budgets capabilities even, but you may be pleasantly surprised. The cost and labor needed to install these futuristic roof covers has been significantly reduced over the most recent years. As long as you have a flat or gently sloping roof you are in the clear. Not only do green roofs elongate the life of your roof, studies show it also increases insulation and reduces energy costs.

A Driveway That Drains: Second only to roofs, driveways are the biggest contributor to storm water run-off. Most commonly, swayes with drainage ports are installed on each side of your driveway, although it is not the most effective. Using spaced gravel or even grass greatly reduces the effects of flood water run-off. They are not only visually pleasing but a benefit to the environment.

Flooding can happen suddenly and with little warning. These simple and effective actions could save you a disaster on your hands. As always, SERVPRO of Rock County is here to help you, when all else has gone wrong.

When Storms or Floods hit South Rock County is ready!

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Rock 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.

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.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit South Rock County 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 

(608)563-5067