Avoid Water Damage When the Snow Melts

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage as a result of frozen pipes, SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder is Here to Help make the damage "Like it never even happened."

We are so grateful to see spring on the horizon! As Coloradans, we appreciate the winter season, but it is nice to see the seasons change and the warmer weather return. With that, it is important to do all you can to avoid water damage during the spring thaw.

When the snow starts to melt and the ice begins to thaw, it is crucial that you are ready to handle the excess water to keep your home and property dry.

Keep the Water Moving

The best way to keep water out of your home and away from your basement is to encourage it to flow down and away from your property. Make sure your gutters are clear and free of debris, ice chunks or snowpack. This may be hard to do if your gutters are frozen solid right now, but once it starts to break up, get up on a ladder and clear it all away!

Heavy snow accumulations and ice dams can also be detrimental to your roof. Try to keep snow off of your roof by removing it after each storm, and do a full investigation of your roof and shingles as soon as you are able. This allows you to catch any damage quickly so you can address the situation right away.

Be Prepared

As the snow begins to melt away, we are at risk of all different kinds of scenarios! Since we are in the foothills of the mountains, runoff can quickly become a problem and flash flooding is possible at any time.

Make sure the storm drains near your property are clear of blockages and get anything up off of the ground that you don’t want to get wet. Even just an inch of water where it shouldn’t be can cause devastating effects.

Anything that is not waterproof or tied down should be placed up high in your garage or moved inside your home, and certainly do not leave any personal keepsakes or possessions in a position to be ruined.

Preventing Further Damage

If you do end up walking down into your basement and discovering standing water, don’t panic! While the situation may seem overwhelming right now, your SERVPRO of Greater Boulder team can handle the cleanup. Give us a call right away, and we will work hard to ensure your home is returned to its pre-damaged state.

The faster you call us, the better chance you have of avoiding long-term or structural damage to your home. Over time, lingering water or moisture can lead to mold growth, degradation of your beams or walls and even destroyed concrete over time. We are ready to handle your water disaster any day of the week!

Did the melting snow make its way into your home? We are here to help.

Tips to Stay Safe in Case of a Residential Flood in Boulder County

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help with flooded floors and basements in Boulder and Superior CO.

Damage inside of a house is always frustrating but one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can deal with is a residential flood. In the middle of a disaster like a flooded home, it can be hard to figure out where to start when it comes to cleaning up and restoring the damaged area. That is where SERVPRO of Greater Boulder comes in. We are ready to help when called and highly trained in property damage restoration and water damage specifically. 

Here are some steps that can be taken in the event of a flooded home/room to keep you and your loved ones safe:

• Make sure the floor is secure before you start walking through the water or wet areas
• If there is an exposed plug underneath the water, do not walk in that area because electricity can travel through water
• Call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder to help clean up the flooded area
• Wet floors might be slick so walk slowly to avoid falling and sustaining injuries

https://www.ready.gov/floods

We want to make tough situations as easy as possible for the homeowner and reduce the amount of stress they may be feeling. Call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder for help with water damage at (303)494-2000.

Water Damage Testimonials in Boulder County, CO

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder has teams to care for your individual water damage needs.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is a trusted leader in cleaning and restoring water damage in Boulder County, CO. Homeowners in the area know that they can call our teams 365 days a year for assistance with damage due to flooding, a damaged pipe, leaky roofs, or any other cause.  Here are a couple of happy customers that SERVPRO of Greater Boulder was able to help.

“So thankful for a company like this when I need it most! We came home from a weekend away, to the sound of running water behind an exterior wall and into the unfinished crawlspace. The pipe had burst in the frigid temps, and was running for who knows how long. A quick call to Shilo, and Kris was at my door in minutes to pump it out!! I couldn’t ask for better responsiveness or care. Thank you so much, SERVPRO Greater Boulder!! You are definitely the ones to have on speed dial!”

-Ginny C.

“We had a major flood in our very large basement. SERVPRO came out quickly and did a 100% outstanding job in getting the water out, taking the baseboards and drywall out, removing the furniture that was damaged, and saving what could be saved. They were in constant communication. A flood is terribly upsetting and SERVPRO did a great job in mitigating the stress. We totally recommend them.”

-Marshall W.

Call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder 24/7 at (303)909-7325 for help with water damage in your Boulder County home. 

https://www.SERVPROgreaterboulder.com/water-damage-restoration

Restore Your Business and Documents After Water Damage Strikes in Boulder, CO

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Act fast when water damage strikes to salvage damaged documents and other important belongings in Boulder, CO.

When water damage strikes it can cause damage to both the property structure and it can also affect the contents of the building including important documentation. When documents and contents for your business get wet from a pipe break or sprinkler system malfunction, the team at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is here to help you restore not only the structure but also the contents. 

We know that when your business is in need it needs to be fixed the right way, right away. 

When you call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder, we have crews available to respond and begin the water removal and drying process immediately.  We will also begin restoring and cleaning any items that can be salvaged, including important documentation.

tOur goal is to help get things back up and running as quickly as possible so that you can get back to serving your customers.  Call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder day or night 365 days a year for assistance with water damage and mitigation at (303)494-2000.

https://www.SERVPROgreaterboulder.com/water-repair-process

American Family Insurance names SERVPRO as Preferred Partner in Emergency Water Removal Program

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder provides emergency water removal so that you can get your home or business back to preloss condition in Boulder, CO.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is one of the leaders in water remediation and we are trusted by our clients to do timely and effective work related to water damage.  

We are proud to have been selected as a preferred vendor for American Family Insurance for their Emergency Water Removal Program. 

From the American Family Emergency Water Removal Program informational page:

“The earlier you begin the water damage mitigation process, the less likely it is that additional damage will occur to your property. Our Emergency Water Removal Program vendors focus on drying affected structural components in place as opposed to demolition — meaning less damage, lower reconstruction costs and generally a shorter period of time necessary to get your home back to preloss condition.

Our preferred contractors are your advocates. They have a common goal to provide a rapid and efficient removal of water problems you might encounter in your home.”

https://www.amfam.com/claims/emergency-water-removal

https://www.SERVPROgreaterboulder.com/water-repair-process

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is committed to providing outstanding service to our clients 365 days a year to make it “Like it never even happened.”  If you are in need of assistance with water mitigation, call (303)494-2000 and we will be there for you quicker than you can say burst pipe! 

How to Get Flood Insurance in Boulder County

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t be caught off-guard if you experience a flood. Know your flood insurance coverage.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder knows that most property insurance does not cover flood damage.

While the rules for insurance vary by state, flood insurance is an exception. Most insurance rates vary by company.

Some homeowners’ policies will cover water damage if the damage comes from:

• Sudden & accidental damage from plumbing, heating systems, or air conditioning
• Sewer or drain backup

The policy might also cover mold remediation, but not if a flood caused the problem.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder shares how to get flood insurance in Boulder County:

• Check whether your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can still get flood insurance if you live in a low-risk area. The insurance will cost less if you live in a low-risk area.
• Find an insurance agent in Boulder County. The NFIP is the only flood-insurance provider, but the government does not sell it. Buy the insurance through an insurance agent. The NFIP sets the rates.  If you need help finding a provider go to FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider
• If your insurance agent doesn’t know about the NFIP, call the help center at 877-336-2627.

***

Links:

https://www.usa.gov/property-insurance

https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance

Tips for Standing Water in Boulder

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Stay safe when flood waters are present.

Did you know that flood water can take up to eleven days to disappear in Boulder?  A flood doesn’t end just because the storm ends. All of the standing water still has to be dealt with or it can lead to all kinds of water damage.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder suggests that if you have to evacuate your office to not go back until you have been told it is safe.

Be careful driving in Boulder.  Remember to “Go around. Don’t Drown!” The water may still be too deep for safe travel.

Floods are not natural swimming pools

• Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the storm water leftovers
• Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick
• Don’t drink the water
• Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock

Flood waters and animals in Boulder:

• Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up
• Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live
• If tap water is unsafe for you to drink, it is unsafe for your pets

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/floods

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html

Possible Causes for Water Damage in Lyons

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready when the unfortunate happens!

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder understands the different causes and categories of water damage in Lyons, CO

An old poem has the line, “water, water, everywhere”.  When you need to say this in your home or office, you know there is trouble. You may very likely be looking at water damage. There are several different possible causes of water damage in Lyons including:

• Leaky dishwashers or washing machines
• Clogged pipes
• Leaking roofs
• Broken toilet pipes
• Heavy rain
• Snow or ice accumulation

The amount of water damage depends on the amount of water and on the cause of the damage.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder knows it is imperative to start the cleanup process as soon as possible. The longer your home or business is waterlogged, the more damage you will see (and the more expensive it will be to repair after cleanup has been completed).

Categories of Water Damage in Lyons:

1. Clean water. It might come from an overflowing sink or a broken appliance. The water does not pose a threat to people. However, keep in mind that any water will become contaminated after it stops flowing.
2. Gray water. This water is contaminated from the get-go. It comes from broken toilets or sump pumps. It might not look dirty, or it might be brown.

• Black water. Like gray water, it might not look dirty. One major source of black water is broken sewage pipes. Another source is any water that has been standing still.

***

Links:

http://www.thewaterpage.com/water-damage-effects.htm

Mold Remediation

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can be a real nuisance.

We at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder want you to know how to handle mold in drywall.

Even a tiny bit of moisture can lead to mold growing behind drywall.  In this photo, the mold began growing in the ceiling above the bathtub.  (It is all too easy for mold to grow where there is moisture present, even in our semi-arid Colorado climate).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled that only licensed professionals can clean any surface that has more than 10 square feet of mold. The EPA cannot know how you take care of your home or business, but you will need an inspection if you want to sell. You may not even be able to see all of the mold but the sooner you get rid of it, the less damage it can cause.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is licensed in mold remediation.

Mold remediation means getting rid of the mold spores that become mold as well as fixing the root cause of the dampness.

Mold:

• can start growing on a damp surface within 24 hours
• can destroy the materials they grow on
• can spread and destroy adjacent materials
• grows from tiny spores that travel through the air

 SERVPRO of Greater Boulder can:

• remove drywall
• disinfect certain surfaces
• find the source of moisture
• stop the moisture problem
• do the reconstruction after demolition

All Kinds of Storms Can Bring Water Damage

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

We Clean Up All Kinds of Water Damage

All Kinds of Storms Bring Water Damage

No matter the season, summer, winter, spring or fall, we can get storms here in Colorado.  Water damage in your home or office can come from a window leaking, roof damage or frozen pipes bursting.  

Water damage, if left unmitigated, can become a costly repair as the water can seep into drywall and the framing where you can’t see behind the walls.  Our SERVPRO of Greater Boulder team wants the residents of Boulder County to know that we have years of training and experience dealing with water damage and are always here to help should you need us! 

Specialized Dehumidification and Drying Equipment

After the water has been extracted and removed from the damaged area, we will begin the drying and dehumidification process. We use specialized equipment and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to help prevent further damage such as swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture. Using room measurements, temperature and relative humidity readings, we will determine the type of equipment to use and will track the drying process using specialized monitoring equipment.

Call Us Today

We hope you don’t, but when you have a water damage emergency in your home or business, SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants to and can help!  Our team is specialized and trained to provide the highest level of  water damage cleanup and restoration. Call us today at 303-494-2000. We’ll clean and restore your home or business in Boulder and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Most Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Flood Damage

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Some Flooding Insurance Will Cover, Some Flooding It Won't; How Do You Know?

Did you know that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage?  Fema.gov is a very helpful resource that reminds us: “Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions.”

Rules for insurance do vary from state to state, however, flood insurance is the exception.  

Some policies will cover water damage if the damage comes from:

• Sudden & accidental damage from plumbing, heating systems, or air conditioning
• Sewer or drain backup

We at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder would like to share how to get flood insurance in Boulder County:

• Check whether your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Something especially important to consider if you have a home or business that was just affected by the Colorado wildfires.  The loosened soil makes your property more vulnerable to flash flooding and mudslides.  
• Find an insurance agent in the city of Boulder or surrounding cities in the county.  The NFIP sets the rates, but doesn’t actually sell the insurance; you’ll have to go through an agent to do that. 

Water Loss in Nederland

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage as a result of a hard freeze.

We, at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder, are available 24/7/365 for all of your water emergencies, whether large or small. When water damage occurs, immediate action is critical.  Even a small delay can greatly increase the gravity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Us Today!  (303)494-2000.

With freezing temperatures upon us, the likelihood of a water loss in your home or property greatly increases.  When/if you experience any water damage, we will make sure to help guide you through it.  SERVPRO of Greater Boulder has specific water damage training and years of experience.  Water damage restoration is one of our specialties—in fact, it's the keystone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO professionals may be needed.

We will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Greater Boulder

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm

Flooding

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder tech cleaning out basement in Louisville

Standing water from floods and even smaller puddles in your Boulder area home can become a source of disease and possible electrocution.  All kinds of things can be found in standing water such as animal waste, rotted plants, downed power lines, household waste, sewage and even wild animals.  If the water damage is inside your home, immediately turn off the electricity to your home and watch for any sources that might be contributing to accumulating debris, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

To help reduce your risk to certain hazards associated with floods, SERVPRO of Greater Boulder suggests:

• Don’t drive in flooded areas

• Stay out of floodwater to prevent yourself from getting sick.

• If you come into contact with floodwater,

• Wash the area with soap and water as soon as you can

• Use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer

• Wash clothes in hot water and detergent

• If you must enter floodwater, try to protect yourself by wearing rubber boots and gloves

• Be wary of sharp objects in floodwater.  

• If you are wounded, see a medical professional to determine whether or not you might need a tetanus booster

• Do not eat or drink anything contaminated by floodwater

• Do not let children play in floodwater

If you find yourself dealing with any type of water damage, contact SERVPRO of Greater Boulder right away at (303)494-2000.  We will be there and make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

For further information, click here.

24 / 7 / 365

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Shower line drain back up led to water leaking all over onto carpet in Superior home.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year for any water emergency (disastrous or minor) that you might experience?  In dealing with water damage, time is of the essence!  Even a delay of just a few hours can allow the damage to increase exponentially!  

We Answer and are Ready to Help

303-494-2000

When you call, know that we will do our best to help you as fast as possible, understanding that you are likely upset and stressed!  Be rest-assured that we will guide you through the crisis.  SERVPRO of Greater Boulder has specific water damage training, experience and ultimately, expertise to help you as you navigate - you might even say that water damage restoration is in fact the cornerstone of our business!

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO pros may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Tips to Prevent Water Damage

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

We have the right equipment to help dry your home/business out in the event of a water emergency!

Water damage can happen to your Boulder home or business in many different ways.

In this blog, we will outline some of the most common sources of water damage. It's very likely that you have had water damage at one point or another, or may know someone who has. 

If you think about water damaging your home, you might imagine the cause to be from severe storm.  The unfortunate reality is that most water damages are caused when ordinary household appliances fail.  It's important to know the areas around your home that pose a threat for damage, and what to do after it happens. 

Washing Machines

Washing machine leaks are among the most common causes of flood damage in a home and can result in significant damage not only in the laundry room but also in adjacent rooms and areas.  Some laundry rooms are located on the second floor of homes thus multi-level damage can occur.  Remember to replace rubber and plastic hoses with reinforced steel braided hoses. Check connections periodically to make sure they are secure and replace the hoses every five years.

Sewer and Drain Backups

Sewer water has the potential to cause health issues, not to mention a disgusting smell. This can bring serious issues to the home or business owner. Water that backs up from a sewer is called "blackwater” and can contain all types of harmful contaminants. A professional cleanup company like SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is highly recommended to help in the event that this happens. Call us!  We will respond immediately to make your home safe again.  

Bathroom Leaks 

Bathroom water leaks cause significant damage to a home. This is especially true if the bathroom is located upstairs. The main culprit is usually a supply line to the shower or toilet. We can't see the copper pipes that carry the water inside the walls, but we can see and inspect the supply line to the toilet. It's a good idea to replace the older line with a stronger braided one. These steel braided hoses are less likely to fail and are a proactive way to lessen the chance of having a leak. 

Frozen Pipes

Colorado has beautiful winters and thankfully, we can enjoy fun outdoor winter activities.  We can also experience extremely low temperatures.  When outdoor temperatures drop and stay low and cold for even a few days, homes and businesses are likely to suffer from frozen pipes that then burst because the water inside those pipes freezes.  As freezing water expands, it causes the pressure inside the pipes to increase which very likely can lead to bursting pipes. There are a few ways to help prevent this from happening: 

Be sure to blow out your sprinkler system and detach garden hoses from exterior spigots.  Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics, and crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest. Seal air leaks surrounding pipes and keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.  

The Refrigerator

The copper pipe that brings in water to the ice maker might have a bad or loose connection, or it could be pinched. Like the other appliances in our homes, the fridge has a water supply line with continuous pressure. If that line becomes loose or broken in any way, water will spill out until the source is turned off. It's a great idea to familiarize yourself with where to shut the water off!

Sump Pump Failure

If you have a basement, you understand the importance of a sump pump. Without one, water can seep into your basement and cause lots of damage. One of the most common causes of a flooded basement is a sump pump that stops working. This could be that the pump is old and mechanically broken, but most likely, it's due to a power supply loss. When storms roll through, we can at times lose power to our homes.  That's why it's so important to have a battery backup in place in the event this happens to you. 

Call The Service Professionals 

If you should suffer water damage, whether from a weather-related event or a cracked pipe, overflowing bathtub or toilet, call the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder!  You can reach us for 24-hour emergency service at: (303)494-2000.  You can also click here to contact us online or use our live chat option.

At SERVPRO of Greater Boulder, we have specialized equipment, professional training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home or business to its pre-water damage condition and make it "Like it never even happened."

Flooded Kitchen Floor in Devil’s Thumb?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

We clean and restore water damage in Boulder.

Water Damage Happens Anytime

It wasn’t a typical morning in Devil’s Thumb. I woke up, went downstairs to start the coffee and stepped into a small shallow lake of water in my kitchen. Evidently while we were asleep, my dishwasher decided to break down and flood my first floor. The water was left standing all night and it had time to go beneath the kitchen linoleum, into the subfloor and travel into my family room and absorb into my carpet and carpet pad and subfloor and even seeped behind my baseboards into the drywall. What a catastrophe! SERVPRO^® of Greater Boulder wants the residents of Devil’s Thumb to know that we have years of experience dealing with many water damage scenarios and are ready to respond to any size water damage emergency.

We Are Water Damage Restoration Specialists

From the moment you call us we can be on site within fours hours to immediately begin the water extraction and drying process. We can help with the insurance process and paperwork and will follow the repairs through to the successful restoration and return to pre-damage condition.

Call Us Today

When you have a water damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Greater Boulder wants to help.  We are on call 24 hours a day every day. We’ll clean provide water damage cleanup and restoration to your home or business in Devil’s Thumb “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-494-2000.

SERVPRO^® of Greater Boulder is Independently Owned and Operated.

Storms Causing Water Leaks in Ara?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

We provide water damage restoration services in Boulder.

Storms Bring Water Damage

Water intrusion caused by a window leaking during a rainstorm can happen with older windows, but many times it is not the window leaking that is the source of the water. It may be due to roof damage causing the water to seep in around the window frame. Water damage, if left unmitigated, can become a costly repair as the water can seep into drywall and the framing structures hidden behind the walls. SERVPRO^® of Greater Boulder wants the residents of Ara to know that we have years of experience dealing with water damage and we are Here to Help. ^®

Specialized Dehumidification and Drying Equipment

After the water has been extracted and removed from the damaged area, we will begin the drying and dehumidification process. We use specialized equipment and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to help prevent water damage such as swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture. Using room measurements, temperature and relative humidity readings, we will determine the type of equipment to use and will track the drying process using specialized monitoring equipment.

Call Us Today

When you have a water damage emergency in your home or business, SERVPRO^® of Greater Boulder wants to help.  Our team is specialty trained to provide the highest level of  water damage cleanup and restoration. Call us today at 303-494-2000. We’ll clean and restore your home or business in Ara “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO^® of Greater Boulder is Independently Owned and Operated.

Prevent Frozen Pipes in Devil's Thumb

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Frozen Pipes in Devil's Thumb

Cold weather is great for winter fun in Devil's Thumb, but not so great for the pipes. SERVPRO of Greater Boulder will remediate water damage “Like it never even happened”, but life is better if you can prevent the damage in the first place. Every year, over a quarter of a million homes and businesses suffer water damage from frozen pipes that burst (Federal Emergency Management Association). SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is sharing these tips to prevent frozen pipes that may lead to water damage.

Keeping Pipes from Freezing in Devil's Thumb:

• Check for exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas

• Wrap uninsulated pipes with pipe insulation

• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to keep cold drafts from freezing the pipes

• Keep indoor temperatures at 55 degrees F, even when no one will be at home or in the office

• If you will have several days of temperatures at or below 20 degrees F, let cold water trickle through an open tap

• Remove outside hoses from their taps

• Open cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens to let warmer area circulate around the pipes

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder wishes you a winter free from water damage or storm damage.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated.

Link: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html

Staying Healthy Amidst Water Damage and Standing Water in Ara

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder wants you to be safe when dealing with standing water in Ara.

Standing water of any kind in Ara can be a powerful source of disease. Floods can be worse due to the amount of water involved. Even small puddles can pose a risk. If you find yourself dealing with any type of water damage, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Greater Boulder and we will be there to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Different kinds of debris can be found in flood water such as dead animals, rotted plants, and sewage, to name a few. If you have water damage inside your home, watch for fragments in the home as well to include rotted food and electrical problems.

Viruses and bacteria can cause illnesses. To reduce your chances of catching something, SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder suggests:

• Washing dirty clothes and towels in hot water. Use bleach if possible
• Remember that you can shake hands with an infected person and get infected.
• Do not allow children to play in the flood water
• Wash children’s hands before meals
• Disinfect toys before letting children play with them
• Use bleach or other disinfectants on hard surfaces
• Keep your hands washed

Cuts and rashes can become infected. Protect yourself and others in Ara:

• Avoid flood waters if you have an open rash or a cut
• Clean cuts or rashes. Cover them with a waterproof bandage
• Clean cuts with soap and clean water
• If a cut becomes red, swollen, or is oozing, get medical attention

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html