Watching Water Levels

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

ProMaster

With all the rain that Leavenworth and the surrounding areas can get it is helpful to monitor how much rain we are getting and what the river levels are. A good resource is the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The purpose of the flood forecast inundation map's they provide is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. The flood forecast inundation map on their site has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event, such as natural phenomena e.g. sedimentation, erosion, debris build-up, cascading escalating risks or man-made interactions, e.g. flood protection measurements from sand bagging to exercising varying flood operation schema may vary from those modeled in the map. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map.

Safety Tips for Grilling Outside

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO image

It's summertime here at SERVPRO! And while we are happy to officially start the party, we also want everyone to stay safe while engaged in all the fun outdoor activities summer has to offer.  Grilling and backyard bonfires can be great, but if you don't stay safe it can turn in to a disaster. Stay fire safe this summer with these tips from FEMA, but IF you happen to scorch your pavilion a little, we can help to restore it.

• Only use your grill outside
• Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails, and eaves
• Keep a 3 foot zone around your grill to protect your kids and pets
• Never leave fires unattended, including: grills, fire pits, and patio torches
• Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.

Commercial Cleaning

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial cleaning

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County only uses SERVPRO approved products so you always know you are getting the best product for whatever kind of loss you might have at your commercial or residential property.

SERVPROXIDE is an excellent example of SERVPRO's standards for cleaning products as it has many great properties. It is perfect for disinfecting surfaces.

SERVPROXIDE is also EPA registered. This product carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating making it safe for everyday use. SERVPROXIDE is also safe for the environment as it is a 100% biodegradable surfactant.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County is happy to answer any questions that homeowners and business owners might have. So feel free to ask at any point during the cleanup of your loss.

Stopping Water Damage From Spreading

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture meter

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County knows that the faster you attend to a water damage, the better the chances of stopping any secondary damage such as mold. The quicker that materials are dried, the faster water damage stops. That is why we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and employ highly trained technicians that know the best ways to stop your water damage from spreading and creating secondary damage issues. SERVPRO technicians know how to adjust temperature and humidity levels in affected areas to produce the fastest drying conditions to get your life back to normal. Between our employees knowledge and our equipment SERVPRO can make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” 

If you have a water damage at your house or commercial property give us a call at 913-772-1818.

Commercial Building Restoration Work

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO logo

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three types of damage for commercial claims:

Type 1

Type 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include; a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a small warehouse, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Type 1 loss can also be a smaller portion of a much larger structure.

Type 2

Type 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level and/or divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Type 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Type 3

Type 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a mid- to high-rise retail facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

For ways to be prepared for when a loss happens at your business please see our blog post entitled What is an ERP.

Mold Cleanup in Commercial Buildings

6/12/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Building

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County

913-772-1818

Flood Safety

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

Storm

Spring and Summer in the Midwest are always a time for storms and it is important to know how to remain safe during high waters. Especially during flash floods and warnings.

The National Weather Service has some good tips for staying safe during high water and flood conditions.

Flood and Flash Flood Safety Rules:

Heavy rain should be a signal to alerting you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.

If you live or work in flood prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.

Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don't Drown!!

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.

Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.

Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.

Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.

Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.

Flood Watch:

When conditions look favorable for flash flooding, the National Weather Service will issue a Flood Watch, highlighting flash flood potential in and around the specified area. A Watch usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action if water begins to rise or a flash flood warning is issued.

Flash Flood Warning:
issued for a smaller, more specific area. This is when you must act quickly as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

Plan Ahead for Severe Storms

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

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In the United States, there are around 100,000 thunderstorms every year, so these frightening events occur frequently in every state.

With all the crazy weather the Midwest has in the spring and summer, it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. It’s true that we can’t control the weather, but we can do our best to protect ourselves against its harmful blow.

You need to have a severe weather communication in place consisting of the following items:

First, you need to have a way to communicate with everyone in your home and also people outside your home. This way, you can receive weather alerts, such as watches and warnings.

Next, be sure to grab both your cell phone and an NOAA weather radio. Having multiple modes of communication could be a lifesaver.

Last, put together a communication strategy for your household that includes a designated safe area in your home for bad weather and a way for absent family members to check in and let you know they’re safe.

<h3severe-weather-emergency-kit">Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

Every household needs an emergency kit jam-packed with all the essentials. Include food, water, first-aid supplies and anything else you might need.

Make sure it includes at least 72 hours worth of materials because you never know how long you might be stuck sheltering in place.

<h3severe-weather-aftermath-checklist">Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

Once it’s all over, here’s what you need to do:

Talk to everyone about the communications plan and gather feedback on all the elements. This will help you improve the plan in the future and keep you even safer.

Next, go around your home and evaluate it for storm damage, paying close attention to all the vulnerable areas.

If you discover damage, turn SERVPRO so that you can count on a quick response that will bring about peace of mind and get your home back to pre-storm condition in no time!

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ to spring into action.

Planning for when your commercial building has a loss

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

ERP graphic

Are you ready in case of emergency? With SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Program you can be prepared for the unexpected.

If you are at lunch and you receive a panic call from the office because there is a gas leak, or maybe water is pouring out of a broken pipe under the sink, would you be able to direct your staff on how to shut off the gas or water?

Whether you are away from lunch, on vacation, or if it's after hours, wouldn't it be nice to have access to your vital building data and emergency contact information directly from your smart phone 24/7?

SERVPRO has developed an app that organizes this information for you all at your fingertips.

You are probably wondering why SERVPRO would be willing to help your business compile this information for your ERP for free.

SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross' Ready Rating Program, and as a part of our community service, we are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is just one part of your overall preparedness plan, but it's our way to help get you started.

For more information call us! 913-772-1818.

Employee Spotlight

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Employee Spotlight

SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County would like to welcome our newest employee Hilary Gregory! Hilary is a Marketing Representative and the wife of our operations manager Drew Gregory. She has ten years of marketing experience. One of her favorite parts of the job is meeting and interacting with new people every day including clients, customers, and members of the community. She also loves working for a company whose purpose is to help people and she enjoys how every day is completely different - there is always something new and interesting to learn. In her free time she likes to read, go on walks, travel, and spend time with her family. Her favorite Leavenworth restaurants so far are The Suburban and Harbor Lights Coffee! 

SERVPRO is always here to help! Call our office at 913-772-1818.