Tips for Storm Planning With Your Family - SERVPRO of Gillette/Sheridan

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

Don't be left in the dark about storm damage.

Storms can be a scary experience for anyone, but especially for children and pets. The sound of thunder, lightning and tornado sirens can leave you feeling unsure of where to start when it comes to your response. However, with proper preparation, you can keep your family calm and collected during storm situations.

Our team has put together some simple tips to help you incorporate storm planning into your family routine, ensuring everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. By following these steps, you can take control of the situation and make sure your loved ones stay safe during severe weather.

Learning the Sky Signs

We can all easily tell the difference between a cloudy day and a sunny one, but recognizing when severe weather is approaching can be a bit trickier. Teach your kids to keep an eye on the sky when they are outside and to look for rotating clouds, a dark or green sky, or rumbling thunder and lightning.

In addition, your kids should know what a tornado siren sounds like and when one might be activated. A great time to do this is during a testing day! Have your kids simulate a regular day and then time them to see how long it takes to get to your safe shelter location once the test siren goes off.

Preparing for Incoming Weather

Has your family discussed your storm emergency plan? Doing so can help everyone understand what is expected of them during a true emergency. Locate your safe shelter location and work together to prepare your emergency kit.

Once you choose your safe sheltering area, keep it free of clutter and consider moving a heavy object like a table or desk into the room to act as additional protection. Have a little fun by building a fort under the table with your kids and huddle together inside.

You should also let your kids help pack up your emergency kit! Start by gathering the essentials and then let your kids pick some special snacks to go into the bag. Let them each choose a durable water bottle as well.

Let your kids add a flashlight into the bag for themselves and let them label theirs with their own name. Don’t forget extra batteries, matches and any necessary medications. Finally, let your kids add games or activities into the bag that will keep them entertained while they have to shelter in place. It may seem unnecessary during an emergency, but we promise that you will be grateful for the distraction if you are stuck inside for a long period of time.

Keeping the Kids Calm

When severe weather strikes, it’s natural for children to feel scared and apprehensive. As a parent, it’s important to ease their fears and help them feel more confident during these situations. One way to do this is by educating them on the actual probability of experiencing severe destruction or being directly hit by a tornado. In most cases, damage is usually limited to the roof, siding and surrounding areas and doesn’t result in total devastation.

Reassure your children that they are safe, and remind them of the steps you have taken to prepare for the storm. To keep their minds off of the weather, engage them in fun activities and try to narrate the events in a lighthearted manner. For example, you could turn the storm into a game of “indoor camping” and encourage them to build a fort in your safe shelter location.

By incorporating these tips into your severe weather plan, you can help your children feel more prepared and confident during storms.

Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.

3 Major Storm Threats to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan your first call.

Whenever you get a severe weather alert on your phone or from our local weather channels, it can be nerve-wracking! Storms can cause widespread damage if they are severe enough, and no one wants to be on the receiving end of storm damage.

Wind, water and impact damages are some of the most common storm damage complaints we see, so let’s unpack the risks associated with all three!

It’s never a guarantee that you will experience damages after a storm, just like you can’t be sure that your home will be fine. Whenever Mother Nature is involved, there is risk for damage. It all depends on the strength of the storm, your location in town and the materials with which your house was constructed.

In Gillette, Sheridan, we see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter storms throughout the changing seasons. When it comes to each system, it is important to have a plan in place!

Wind

Wind associated with tornadoes can cause some of the most widespread damages, but so can straight-line winds from thunderstorms! If the downburst of wind is strong enough, wind speeds can easily reach over 100 mph.

When wind blows that quickly, it can bend trees with ease and throw around heavy objects without much trouble. And the wind itself can rip shingles off the roof. If an incoming storm comes with a wind advisory, it is best to stay inside and away from windows in order to stay safe.

If you are given enough of a heads-up before the storm hits, take the time to clear any yard hazards like dead branches or tree limbs and tie down that patio furniture or pull it into your garage. Removing any potential hazards can help you avoid damages!

Water

No one wants water in their home, and that’s especially true when it comes to water damage after storms! Basement flooding can be catastrophic, and it can also be a perfect environment for mold to grow.

If you choose to do any landscaping close to your home, make sure that it is angled away from your foundation so that water doesn’t flow backward into your basement. You can also research what it takes to build a rain garden in your yard to help encourage water to flow into a productive place!

Keep your gutters clear and properly functioning as well. If your gutters get backed up, the water will pool up on your roof and can seep into the eaves of your house.

Impact

Perhaps the scariest of all is “impact damage.” If large trees or other heavy outdoor objects get tossed into your house or roof, it can be incredibly destructive and costly.

Do your best to keep your property clear of any obvious hazards and remove any dead or dying trees promptly. Doing these things won’t eliminate your risk of impact damages, but it can significantly reduce it.

If you do suffer storm damages, the cost to overcome them can be severe. In 2021 alone, Americans experienced $145 billion in damages. That’s painful for your house and your wallet!

At SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan, we are your trusted professionals when it comes to storm damage repair. Call us day or night, and we will be there for you to get started on your restoration right away.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Choose SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is only a phone call away.

We are an independently owned and operated SERVPRO location, so we fully understand the unique struggles business owners deal with on a day-to-day basis. In addition to the intricacies of running a business, having to plan for potential disasters can seem overwhelming as well.

Predicting natural disasters and severe weather isn’t a perfect science, but being prepared for them can help you be ready to tackle any storm or situation.

In addition to sustaining potential damages to your business, the reality of suffering damages to your home is also a possibility. Regardless of your situation, we are here to help.

The first step to preparing your household or business is to create an emergency plan. Creating an emergency plan can help you be ready for any sort of weather we encounter in Gillette, Sheridan.

When creating an emergency plan, doing some research about what could affect us here can also be beneficial. The American Red Cross has built an informative website that gathers data across the region that can help you prepare for different scenarios. In addition, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has an emergency preparedness website that can help you plan for your response to severe weather more locally.

You are likely to experience some sort of storm damage in your lifetime. In each case, it is crucial to start any sort of needed restoration quickly to make sure that there are no long term damages or issues down the road.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan?

No two weather situations are alike. While severe weather and weather events that require restoration are very common, we know that each situation is unique.

In fact, more than 14 million homes are at risk of experiencing flooding each year, but damages done to homes in every region of our country can vary greatly. This is why our crews are specially trained to handle damages of every shape and size.

We are available 24 hours a day. When it comes to damage restoration, we are serious when we say that it is important to act quickly. The longer you wait to address the issue, the worse the problem can become. That’s why we are available to answer your call day or night.

If you suffer water damage, that timeline is even more crucial. Lingering moisture can lead to mold and mildew and make your situation even worse. If you discover water damage, remove the most fragile and vulnerable items in your home and then call us right away.

We provide more than damage restoration. On top of restoring any damages you incur, we can help share the load of your entire restoration process.

We can help you pack up things to prevent more damage during the restoration process, and we work with insurance companies often to help navigate difficult claims. We want to make the process as pain-free and smooth as possible for you.

No matter what kind of disaster you are facing, your local team at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is here for you. Our years of experience and training will leave your home or business in good hands, and we will get you back to normal as quickly as we can.

When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Understanding Different Storm Alerts | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

f you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan.

Did you know that there are 42 different kinds of weather alerts that can be issued for a variety of different weather scenarios? All of the alerts are also broken down into different subcategories as well.

When you are in the midst of a severe storm or potentially dangerous situation, knowing how to respond to various weather alerts is incredibly important.

Thankfully, we don’t need to know about each of the 42 alerts, as we are landlocked and don’t have marine or tropical storm threats here in Gillette, Sheridan. However, it is important to know the few threats that are the most common in the Midwest so that you can be prepared for any type of severe weather scenario.

Issuing Alerts

Before a weather alert is issued, many different factors and a lot of research goes into creating the forecast. Forecasters use a variety of tools to help create their predictions on the severity, location and length of each storm system.

The National Weather Service is in charge of weather forecasting across the nation and is responsible for issuing any warnings or alerts. In order to help keep the alerts localized, six regional offices across the country are in charge of specific areas. Our forecasts fall under the purview of the Central Region in Kansas City, Missouri, along with sub-offices located closer to home.

Meteorologists and weather forecasters within the NWS utilize all kinds of research from satellite radar, sensors, solar activity and seismic patterns. While not every point of data is used in each scenario, their goal is to be as thorough as possible to provide the most accurate prediction.

The Importance of a Watch vs. Warning

The most basic alerts to understand are watches and warnings. This is a universal language that is used in almost all weather alerts.

When a watch is issued, that simply means that the right conditions are present for a storm to become severe. Watches cover large areas and should make you be aware of any changing weather. When warnings are issued, on the other hand, that means danger is present and you should seek shelter immediately to protect yourself and your family.

In Gillette, Sheridan, we experience severe storms, tornadoes and winter weather most commonly. When you know how to interpret the alerts for these weather scenarios, you are better prepared for each season.

Your Home During Storms

Understanding weather alerts can help keep you safe, but it can also help give you advanced notice to prepare your home and yard for any impending weather.

Clearing your gutters and securing your outdoor furniture are two things you can do to help minimize water damage and reduce the risk of structural damage to your possessions or home. Also take the time to update your emergency plan and add any necessary supplies to your emergency kit.

If you end up suffering any sort of storm damage, take pictures of what you find and call us right away. SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan will answer your call day or night and we will jump right in to create your full restoration plan as quickly as we can.

The more informed you are about our weather, the safer you will be. Take the time to learn about the different alerts for storms and you will be ready to handle anything that comes our way this season!

 Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

Do You Have a Storm Safety Plan? | SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan right away.

Severe weather can be very frightening. When weather brings lightning, heavy rain, damaging winds and hail, it can be dangerous to your home and to your personal well-being. Plus, considering that there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, storms are common.

The unique topography of the Black Hills can spin off tornadoes and help kickstart severe weather when the cool air is disrupted. In fact, the Gillette, Sheridan area is known for some unusual weather patterns. When the weather can change quickly like this, it is more important than ever to be sky-aware.

While we know that we cannot control the weather, we can be prepared for it! Having an emergency kit, a communications strategy and a plan for dealing with the aftermath of the storm are all types of things you can do to be prepared for the impact on your home and your life.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

Having a way to communicate with your family is incredibly important during severe weather, and you should always have a way to receive communications from the news or city authorities. It is also important to know the difference between watches and warnings so you can know whether to simply be aware of your surroundings or take shelter immediately.

Secondly, you should have have multiple ways to receive alerts from officials, like your cellphone and an NOAA weather radio.

Lastly, make sure you have a communication strategy for your household. Locate a specific location in your home that will be your safe area (like a basement or a fully enclosed room) that everyone knows is the place to go to when the weather becomes severe. Additionally, make sure you have a plan in place to communicate with family members who are away from your home during and after the storm so you can reconnect quickly when it is over.

What Should Be in Your Emergency Kit?

Plan to pack the essentials that your family will need to sustain them for at least 72 hours of sheltering, and it should be packed and ready to use in your designated safe shelter area of your home. You should have nonperishable food, water, first-aid supplies and a flashlight with extra batteries.

You should also have anything else your family needs to be safe and comfortable, like daily medication or something that is necessary but would not always be easily accessible.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

After the severe weather has passed, it is a good idea to review your safety plan and make any necessary changes, as well as assess any damage done to your home. Once it is safe to do so, check your property for damage.

Take a look around at your roof and the seals around your windows and doors, as these areas are the most likely to suffer water damage.

If you do discover damage, calling us at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is the necessary first step. We are the trusted team of professionals who will be sure to provide you with a quick response and a reliable timeline to begin the restoration process in your home.

When your household is all together again after the storm has passed, do an audit of your safety plan. Discuss what worked and what needs to be adjusted, repack your emergency kit and edit anything that wasn’t beneficial to your process. Those adjustments will make sure you are better prepared for the next time you encounter severe weather.

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—get in touch with us today.

Unexpected dangers of a leaky roof

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your roof is leaking call our techs at SERVPRO today!

Roof leaks are detrimental to your home or business. Left untreated, leaking roofs can cause major issues and costly repairs. When it rains, water can seep into the roof, dripping water to the floor as well as eventually resulting in other complications. Thankfully, by being proactive, you can prevent these issues or address them before they become major problems. Here are some unexpected dangers of a leaky roof and how you can stay one step ahead.

LEAKY ROOFS CAN CAUSE MOLD

Mold is one of the most common unexpected dangers of a leaky roof. You may think that some water on the floor isn’t a big deal, but once mold sets in, it can quickly move to other areas of your home, even if the water hasn’t reached that far. Mold spores can be carried through your HVAC system and may result in serious health complications for you and your family. To make matters worse, you may not even be able to see the mold if it’s hidden deep inside your vents or walls. If you have a leaky roof or you spot mold in your home, reach out to a mold remediation company immediately to assess the severity and possible risk to you and your family.

YOUR FRAMES MAY START ROTTING

As water leaks into your home, it sets into your framing. Over time this will cause it to deteriorate and rot. Since most wood inside your home isn’t treated the way outdoor wood is, it can’t handle repeat exposure to moisture. Unfortunately, if you see signs of water in your home, such as ceiling spots or water dripping, then it’s probably already an issue in your home’s framing. You can fix your framing by hiring a professional contractor to drain the water, dry out the framing, and assess the structural integrity of your home. 

DAMAGED INSULATION

Since most water leaks come from the roof, it stands to reason that your attic will be one of the first areas impacted. As water enters your attic, it will cause your insulation to clump up and stop working the way it’s supposed to. Not only will this make your home cold in the winter and hot in the summer, but it will cause your energy bill to skyrocket as your HVAC system won’t be able to keep up anymore. 

SAGGING DRYWALL

Drywall is a great building material, and it’s often used to separate your home’s rooms with walls. However, it’s not supposed to get wet, and leaking roofs can cause unnecessary damage to your drywall. Once water enters your home through a leaky roof, it will steadily drip down and soak into your drywall. This will cause it to become soggy, and it may buckle or fall apart in extreme cases.

Leaky roofs are serious complications, but normal repairs are necessary as your roof deteriorates over time. While repairing your roof may not be a cost you were expecting, it’s far more affordable to address your roof issue than to wait for other related issues to escalate. Don’t let the rain get the best of your home. Hire a professional disaster management recovery group to take a look at your roof and help get your house back into working order.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is here to assess your storm damage and determine the next step. If you need a roofing evaluation or have suffered exterior damage due to storms or other natural disasters, contact us today @ 307-228-1559 and schedule a storm damage evaluation and start on the road to recovery.

Protect Your Home From Spring Storms With These Safety Tips

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Are you ready for another frigid, snowy Wyoming winter to end? If so, you aren’t alone. Between cold temperatures, snow and the continuing pandemic, a case of spring fever is definitely warranted in Gillette, Sheridan. It’s already March, so spring is definitely in sight. If you’re like most of us, you’re already planning what projects you’ll complete this year to improve your home and make use of warmer temperatures.

Regardless of how you’re planning to spend spring, it’s a good idea to make time for home maintenance now, so you’re protected for one of spring’s weather threats—strong thunderstorms. We can’t stop storms from hitting our community. But we can prepare for them. Want to know how? We’ve put together a list of projects that can help secure your home against weather threats.

Add These Seasonal Projects to Your To-Do List.  How many of these projects are already on your list? Check for problems with your roof. Don’t let the first time you realize your shingles are loose or your roof is leaking be when it starts storming. Check for missing shingles and signs of leaks first. Repair them to keep your home safer.  Look for unsecured items around your home. Patio furniture, gazebos, basketball goals and grills need to be secured and stable. Check for tree limbs that need to be taken down. If limbs and branches are hanging over your home, they need to be removed. Why? Because they can cause damage if the wind pulls them down. You can fix them before they become a problem, though. Cut them down. Check your sump pump for problems (if you have one).

Every homeowner doesn’t need one of these. But if you do need one to regulate water levels in your basement, be sure it’s in good shape before it starts raining. Remove any debris that’s settled in your gutters over the winter. Clean gutters allow water around your home to flow the right way, instead of overflowing and causing water damage.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Weather Hazards That Happen During Spring | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan.

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is a click away if you experience any damage.

While Russia and Canada are the biggest nations in the world, the United States follows close behind in second.

When a territory is large, it can mean that seasonal weather is different for each region! And different weather patterns are known to create different weather threats.

As the spring season is drawing near, it’s important to understand what distinct weather events can happen in certain regions of the United States. Read on to get a good look.

The Pacific Northwest is likely to experience heavy rain during the spring months, which can cause flooding and water damage. Higher elevation areas might still be dealing with snow or ice melting, which can cause problems of its own.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast, including us here in Gillette, Sheridan, deal with the cold winter weather longer than most everyone else! Residents from Maine to the Dakotas will experience extreme cold and even still deal with snowstorms or blizzards up until early summer. We’re quite familiar with the lingering cold and threat of winter precipitation even when it’s officially spring.

The West Coast, on the other hand, has to be aware of excessive heat waves. These can endanger lives and safety, and the intense heat combined with dry conditions can be a fire hazard, too.

The Midwest has its own set of weather hazards in spring. States from Iowa to Texas will have to watch for windstorms, derechos and the risk of wildfires. The wildfires can be easily spread because of the wind and dry season that the middle part of the United States experiences. This area is also home to “Tornado Alley,” where a large proportion of tornadoes occur.

Last, but certainly not least, you have the Southeast. They experience a wide range of severe weather of all kinds, including thunderstorms and tornadoes. States bordering the coast also have to watch for rip currents and early-season hurricanes.

As you can see, it doesn’t matter where you live here in the United States, the threat of extreme weather is real. The weather in Rapid City is clearly going to be much different than those who live on the West Coast. That’s why you must always stay prepared, no matter the season.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Be Weather-Aware During the Summer | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is ready to make things right again.

Awww, sweet summertime! Vacations, long days of swimming, outdoor fun—these are the things that people love about summer. What no one really dreams about during summer are the stormy and gloomy days.

But like it or not, summer months are wetter than most.

In South Dakota, we can see a significant increase in precipitation during our summer months. While the humidity isn’t too bad, the wet days almost triple during the warmer months.

Stay Aware

With stormy weather happening more often, it can be easy to become accustomed to it. But it’s important to remember that stormy weather can become severe and dangerous without much warning.

During storms, you have to be cautious and stay aware. You can do this by installing emergency and weather apps on your phone, watching the news and/or investing in a NOAA Weather radio.

Flooding is possible, and often times unpredictable, but if you think it’s a likely event, stay where you are and wait until the weather backs off. Storms can also cause high winds, which can rip through your outdoor items and cause damage to your home.

Dozens die every year from weather-related incidents, so staying ahead and being cautious will help.

When Lightning Roars, Stay Indoors

If lightning is present, it’s important to stay indoors at all times. And even if the lightning isn’t present, remember that if you hear thunder, lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the thunder.

As much as we hate to admit it, our mothers were right—stay away from windows and avoid bathing or showering during a storm.

Stormy weather is inevitable, so keep an emergency kit prepared and readily available to save you time and possibly lives when a storm strikes.

Stay on high ground and never try to drive through flooded areas. It doesn’t take much water to carry your car away or knock you over if you try to wade through.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

With the Winter storm warning keep an eye out for broken pipes

4/11/2021 (Permalink)

If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes are more likely to freeze. Water damage can be severe as a result of this. If pipes are not adequately insulated or if temperatures are extremely cold, pipes in crawl spaces and in exterior walls will freeze. Frozen pipe water damage can be easily and safely restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. Harm to your roof and ice Dams are two other possible hazards to consider when the snow/ice melts. What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What Not To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Is your kit ready?

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross encourages that each household and car have a preparedness kit, but unfortunately only 51.5% of US homes reportedly have an emergency kit ready. Kits should include the following:

• water
• canned food
• a can opener
• flashlights
• batteries
• including enough food
• water for each person in your household for 5 days

Start with a power outage kit, grab an old backpack or duffel and add in plenty of bottled water, battery-operated radio and clock, flashlight for each member of your household including extra batteries, non-electric can opener, list of emergency phone numbers including family and friends and a first aid kit.

SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Are you ready for a storm?

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

No one knows in advance when severe weather will strike their neighborhood and possibly damage their home. But there are things you can do right now that will help ensure your home is prepared if the unexpected happens.

The National Weather Service can help you with more than checking the weather for the upcoming weekend. They also offer advice about how to get your home ready.

Trim tree limbs and remove dead branches and bushes. Tree limbs and dead trees can pose a threat to your home during high winds. Moving them away from your home can help spare your windows, roof, and siding.

Keep your gutters free of debris. This keeps your roof (and the rest of your home) safe from water damage during heavy rains. Over time, clogged gutters can cause damage to your home that isn’t related to a single storm, so it’s important to clean them out regularly.

Securing loose items. If you have time, this can help save both these items and your home from damage. These include items like patio furniture and grills.

Shut your doors and windows. This will protect the interior of your home against water damage. Remember, even a cracked window can let water into your home.

Getting Your Family Ready

You can learn more about how to put together a family emergency plan and what weather threats are common in your area by visiting Ready.gov.

While you’re there, you can download their app to your smartphone. This app is a great resource when you’re at home or traveling. It sends real-time alerts about severe weather near you to your phone, no matter where you are.

Cleaning Up Storm Damage

Hopefully, your family will never be hit by a storm. But if you are, expert cleaning can help get your family’s home back in order quickly. Plus, if there’s water damage, it can help protect you against mold later. We are prepared for disaster recovery. 

Are you ready for Disaster

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

When a disaster strikes, it is imperative to respond quickly in order to prevent further damages and complications. Fires, mold infestations and floods from broken pipes, overflows or heavy storms – all such disasters must be dealt with in a timely manner. If not handled immediately you could experience on or more of these issues:

• If water-damaged structures and contents are not dried out quickly and correctly, potential health risks can develop. Mold can begin to grow within the first 24 to 48 hours after the disaster.
• Excessive water can cause: rusting in metals, corrosion in electronic components, cracking, splitting or warping of furniture items, color bleeding or transfer in fabrics, furniture stains and secondary damage to upholstery, drapery, clothing, wallpaper, photos and papers.
• Fire or smoke damaged properties can also experience irreversible damage, regardless of the size of the fire. Soot residue is highly acidic and can pit or corrode the metal in doorknobs, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, etc. It can also etch glass in windows, mirrors and cabinets, causing them to look soiled and cloudy. Moreover, plastics, appliances, fabrics and vinyl windows can become discolored.
• The safety and security of the home can be compromised. Windows and doors may become weak and function improperly, wet materials may collapse and electrical installations and components can be a health hazard when they come in contact with water. Slips and falls are also potential dangers.

If you’re not sure how to act after experiencing water, fire or mold problems in your home or business, for disaster recovery contact SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan at 307-228-1559. We have a team of restoration professionals ready 24/7/365 to help you.

Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help!

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

The longer water is allowed to sit in your home, the more damage it does.

When it comes to water damage, even minutes can make a big difference. Over longer periods, that damage can go from minor repairs and remediation work to a major issue that can result in damage that costs thousands of dollars to fix.

If you’re impacted by water damage, it’s important to choose a team to help you that’s available at any time—when you need them most. The good news is that the SERVPRO® team is available ²⁴⁄₇ if you have a water damage emergency.

We’re ready to help you start the process of restoring your home whenever you need us. All you have to do is call, and our team will answer. Rapid City’s SERVPRO is local. That means we have people in the community who are ready to help friends, neighbors and community members ²⁴⁄₇.

Our team members work with you to create a personalized water damage restoration plan. They use the latest techniques and equipment to aid in the drying and restoration process.

If you combine their expertise with starting to repair the damage as soon as possible, you can save time, money and valuable (or in many cases irreplaceable) family heirlooms. Plus, less expensive repairs and approaching the situation from the place of restoring damaged property—not replacing it—can result in long-term savings on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Water can move fast. When you have water damage, it can permeate the surfaces in your home within minutes—and start doing damage that fast, too.

This timeline explains how water can quickly start damaging your home:

In a few minutes

Water soaks into important papers, hardwoods and carpets. Water causes your wood furniture to start to bleed. Water begins to permeate the drywall.

Within 24 hours

Drywall begins to swell and break down. Metal furnishings tarnish. A musty smell is noticeable.

Within 1 week

Wood, doors and windows start swelling and cracking. Paint blisters. Metal starts to rust. Mold and mildew begin to grow and spread.

After 1 week

Structural warping and safety issues like mold and mildew grow if they aren’t treated.

Our team is always ready to help if water damages your home. We’re here to talk with you ²⁴⁄₇ if you need to learn more about our water restoration process.

Emergency Ready Profile

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Rapid City as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time and can save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Call SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan at 307-228-1559 to inquire about your ERP today!

Sometimes you Have to Call the Experts

Most water damage in the home is in the bathroom or the kitchen. Usually, leaks and spills require mopping up and potentially replacing the wall in front of the pipe that leaked. However, there are times that the leak went unnoticed or occurred in an area of the house, such as the basement, where you may not visit regularly. In these cases, you may need to use different methods to restore your home to preloss condition. 

Dealing with this type of considerable spill water damage requires specialized extraction techniques and equipment. In the winter months, a massive spill requires even more care due to freezing temperatures requiring the house to remain heated so that the water does not freeze within the home or in the pipes. 

Depending on the amount of water and the location of the spill, SERVPRO technicians may need various types of extraction equipment. 

Portable Extractors

Portable extractors like light wants are used for smaller amounts of water extraction or for hard to reach places after technicians complete the heavy-duty extraction, using them in conjunction with truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps. 

Truck Mounted Extractors

Truck-mounted extractors use powerful vacuums to suck out the water, working off the work truck's fuel, requiring no on-site power. For standing water in a basement, this type of extractor is ideal if there is access through a basement door or window as the hose length can be an issue. Truck mount waste tanks hold between 70 and 100 gallons. 

Pumps

Electric submersible pumps and high-pressure pumps are the two pumps most likely used when a basement has more than two inches of standing water. Electrical submersible pumps commonly referred to as sub pumps are the most typical; however, if the basement requires a high amount of lift, the high-pressure pump may be a better option since it gives a stronger discharge. Both pumps do not handle solids well but can move 1000 to 6000 gallons of water per minute. 

Regardless of the type of extraction equipment used, SERVPRO water restoration technicians safely dispose of wastewater according to local and state ordinances. 

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO at 307-228-1559. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Are You Ready for Winter Storms?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Many people are not prepared for the quickly approaching winter season and the winter storms that bring frigid temperatures along with ice and snow.  SERVPRO of Rapid City recommends having a winter checklist for your home or business to help prevent water damage from winter storms.

Here are a few items to consider:

• Put weather stripping on doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering.
• Insulate water pipes to help prevent them from freezing and possibly bursting.
• Check your roof for possible leaks and loose or broken shingles.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
• Trim tree limbs that are close to the house.
• Clean gutters.
• Stock up on ice melt.

If your property is affected by a disaster, such as water damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan. 307-228-1559

Be Prepared When a Storm Hits

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

No one knows in advance when severe weather will strike their neighborhood and possibly damage their home. But there are things you can do right now that will help ensure your home is prepared if the unexpected happens.

The National Weather Service can help you with more than checking the weather for the upcoming weekend. They also offer advice about how to get your home ready.

Trim tree limbs and remove dead branches and bushes. Tree limbs and dead trees can pose a threat to your home during high winds. Moving them away from your home can help spare your windows, roof, and siding.

Keep your gutters free of debris. This keeps your roof (and the rest of your home) safe from water damage during heavy rains. Over time, clogged gutters can cause damage to your home that isn’t related to a single storm, so it’s important to clean them out regularly.

Securing loose items. If you have time, this can help save both these items and your home from damage. These include items like patio furniture and grills.

Shut your doors and windows. This will protect the interior of your home against water damage. Remember, even a cracked window can let water into your home.

Getting Your Family Ready

You can learn more about how to put together a family emergency plan and what weather threats are common in your area by visiting Ready.gov.

While you’re there, you can download their app to your smartphone. This app is a great resource when you’re at home or traveling. It sends real-time alerts about severe weather near you to your phone, no matter where you are.

Cleaning Up Storm Damage

Hopefully, your family will never be hit by a storm. But if you are, expert cleaning can help get your family’s home back in order quickly. Plus, if there’s water damage, it can help protect you against mold later.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. We’re here to talk with you ²⁴⁄₇ if you need to learn more about our storm restoration process.

What to do After the Flood

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Because flooding events are becoming more and more common across the country, being prepared for how to react if one impacts your home is wise. It is normal to want to clean up quickly when you sustain flood damage, but it is essential to make sure you are taking smart steps and making your safety a priority when you do so.

Tips for Taking the Right Steps After a Flood

Avoid further safety hazards. Getting back to your home in order to survey and clean up the damage is often a top priority after a flood, but it is important to not rush there before the area has been deemed safe. Officials must check for damages hidden by the floodwaters such as electrical wires, animals and other contaminants, and exposing yourself to these can lead to serious injuries.

Air out the home. While the damage from rising waters can be significant, mold damage can be an auxiliary issue that can also pose its own set of problems. While mold will seek out any moisture-damaged space in the aftermath of a flood, airing out your home can discourage its growth and keep the air inside the home healthier for those working on the recovery process.

Document the damages. We understand the urge to begin cleaning up immediately after laying eyes on the damages to your home, but we always urge people to do a thorough documentation first. Make an inventory list of all damaged items and take photos of the rooms that have been impacted. Not only will this be helpful for your records, but it is also a big help if you are eligible to file an insurance claim for the damages.

Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. For those who have purchased flood insurance, setting the policy claim in motion as quickly as possible will help things move much faster for you. Additionally, reach out to your restoration company as soon as you are able to after the flood, especially if they offer a ²⁴⁄₇ service. Leaving water damage unattended can cause it to compound, meaning quick and professional treatment is the best thing for your home.

If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.

Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Snow can Cause Major Damage to your Home!

In Eastern Wyoming, cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. 

SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Winter Storm Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster 

Frozen Pipes

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

 Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger. 

Why Choose a SERVPRO of Gillette and Sheridan ? 

• We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. SERVPRO of Gillette and Sheridan  is dedicated to responding immediately to water emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost. 

• We're Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists. SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan specializes in water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage restoration training that helps you get back to normal more quickly.
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians 

Regardless of the Winter Storm, We Can Help! Give us a call at 307-228-1559!