Lightning Safety Tips

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months.  Stay safe with these basic tips:

• Have a safety plan, and cancel or postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.
• If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects (this includes electric wires, fences, etc).  Seek shelter in a substantial building, or a fully enclosed vehicle.
• If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows.  Do not use the telephone, and consider unplugging computers, power tools, and television sets.  Lighting may strike exterior electric or phone lines, and send jolts of electricity to inside equipment.
  
  

If a storm has damaged your house and you need help cleaning or repairing the interior or exterior of your home, don't hesitate to give us a call.  You can reach SERVPRO of Eaton County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 517-541-1170.

Water Under Ceramic Tile

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Tile can withstand small quantities of water but if your home has been flooded and you are thinking of leaving the affected tile untouched, there are a few important things you should know. Water that has found its way under ceramic tile can cause mold growth. If that mold is not taken care of it can become very dangerous. Mold spores can lead to health effects and will eventually compromise the structure of the tile itself.  

This is where your insurance company steps in and tells you to call SERVPRO of Eaton County. Our trained professionals will come in, asses all damage and identify potential future problems that you may not have even known to check for. Our Project Manager will work directly with you and your insurance adjuster to repair or replace all damaged areas.  

With 24/7 on-call technicians, we are faster to any size disaster.

517-541-1170

Steps to Take After A Basement Flood

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Few things are more stressful and disgusting than basement flooding. Whether it’s one inch or one foot of water, the effects can be detrimental to your home. And while damage to things like carpet, drywall, and furniture are immediately noticeable, something more serious could be lurking underneath your floors.

Five Things to Do After Basement Flooding

Whether it’s just a couple of inches of water or a few feet, you must respond quickly to basement flooding. Here are a few things you’ll need to do:

1. Kill the Power

If there’s standing water in your basement, then you shouldn’t attempt to walk or wade through until you’ve shut off the power and made sure that open circuits aren’t covered by water. This can obviously be an electrocution hazard and isn’t something you want to mess with.

If you’re unsure of whether the electricity is cut off, can’t get to the circuit board, or simply don’t feel comfortable with the situation, then don’t attempt to go anywhere near the water.

2. Get Rid of the Standing Water

The next order of business is to get rid of the water. The longer the water sits in your basement, the more damage it will cause. Make sure you put on a pair of sturdy shoes or boots and pants that cover your legs. You never know what’s lurking underneath the water and don’t want to risk hurting yourself.

If the standing water is high, your first step is to get a bucket and start manually removing the water (be sure to dump far away from the home’s foundation). Once you extract most of the water, you can use a wet vacuum to suck up the moisture from the floor.

3. Call in the Professionals - Like SERVPRO of Eaton County

Once the standing water is removed, you should call in the professionals to take a look. Depending on the extent of the damage and how meticulous you want to be, this may include calls to an electrician, a flood cleanup crew, and a general contractor.  Fortunately, a single call to our office at 517-541-1170 can handle all of those repairs

Any carpeting or absorbent materials that were affected will need to be ripped up or replaced. If appliances spent any time sitting in the water, they should be looked at by a professional before being used.

4. Call Your Insurance Provider

Once all of the time-sensitive issues have been handled, take a few minutes to call your insurance provider to let them know about the problem. If the flooding happened as a result of one of your home’s plumbing systems, then your home insurance policy may cover some or all of the damage. However, if the flooding was the result of a natural disaster, then you’ll most likely need flood insurance. Regardless, place a couple of phone calls to see what can be done.

5. Protect Your Home

As soon as everything gets repaired and restored, you should begin taking proactive steps to protect your home from similar issues in the future. The ground next to your basement and foundation should slope away from the home. Gutters and downspouts should slope away too while discharging water a minimum of five feet away from the home. All windows and vents should be sealed and your basement walls should be waterproofed with an appropriate product. If flooding is common, consider installing special French drains or even a sump-pump.

Commercial Flood Damage

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

A flood can cause large amounts of damage to a business. It can damage stock, equipment, machinery, furniture, clothing, and many valuable items. Of course there are floods of varying severity and you hopefully won’t suffer anything too serious, but if you do have a flood at your place of business, you will want to deal with it quickly.

Burst pipes, sudden downpours, a copious amount of melting snow, broken gutters, leaky windows, damaged foundation, sudden removal of large trees near your home…there are many reasons how water can flood your basement. Water flows downhill into the lowest areas and it can make its way through even the smallest cracks and openings. Depending upon the age of your home and the region in which you live, your foundation is most likely either poured concrete or stacked concrete blocks. Sometimes the foundation is coated or shielded with a water barrier material, designed to keep water out. Over time homes settle and shift, sometimes compromising the structural solidity of the foundation. Whatever the reason may be, contact us today to take care of your flood needs!

(517)541-1170

SERVPRO of Eaton County makes floods like this (residential or commercial) look "Like it never even happened." 

Damage to Your Roof After High Winds

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

We have received a ton of calls for roof repairs after all the high winds we have seen lately. 

If your home has taken a beating from high winds, the damage is not always obvious. Damaged shingles may look fine from the street and the issues may not reveal themselves until after some time has passed. 

Damaged shingles can lead to a leak in the roof. The leak will be small and hard to notice but may make its way through your homes siding or roofs waterproof material. These small areas allow moisture and pests to enter your home.

The wind can also cause the roof decking to lift away from the framing. Even the slightest lift can lead to lose screws and nails. If this happens it may take only one more high wind situation to completely lift the roof decking away from the home. 

The damage your home sustains will depend on several factors. These include:

• Direction of high winds
• Type of home construction
• Materials used for roof and siding
• Age of home

 When you have your home assessed for damaged by SERVPRO professionals, they will look beneath the surface to find the hidden damage.

Did you know that wind damage is often covered by your insurance company? 

Check your homeowner’s policy to learn the details about your coverage. Most policies include reimbursement for roof and siding repairs due to wind damage.

If you suspect you have roof damage, give SERVPRO of Eaton County a call today. one of our Project Managers will meet you at your home, asses the amount of damage and submit an estimate to your insurance adjuster. 

SERVPRO of Eaton County

517-541-1170

Water Damage from Contaminated Water

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

What to DO:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

What NOT TO DO:

- Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas. 

- Turn on the HVAC system in there is a possibility of spreading air.

- Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contamination.

-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

          Harmful Waste 

(Sewage, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)

What to DO:

- Stay out of effected areas.

- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.

- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

What NOT TO DO:

- Attempt cleanup of any kind.

- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids. 

Do You Live In a FLOOD ZONE?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding.

After seeing the devastating floods in Mid-Michigan, you may be wondering if your home is a high flood risk. One way to know this is to determine if your home is located in a flood zone. Here are a few things you may wish to know about these zones and how they affect your home.

What Are Flood Zones

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding. This may include being at the bottom of a watershed, coastal areas, areas near rivers, and areas that experience frequent storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sets these risk levels and they should be marked on your local communities Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), which you can look at by going to your local zoning office.

Is Flood Insurance Necessary

In the event your home is determined to be at risk by its position in a flood zone, you may be wondering what, if any, addition insurance will be required. The best way to determine this is to talk to your insurance agent about what is included in your existing plan, and if any supplemental plans are available for additional coverage. It is important to note than in many cases flood insurance is considered a separate policy.

How to Deal with a Flood in the Home

If a storm causes flooding in your home, it is best to contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, as we have the tools necessary to move large quantities of water and can also make any repairs your home may need. The restoration team can also check for any additional problems flood water may cause, such as potential mold growth.

As explained earlier flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to a flood. It is important to note that in some cases having a home inside a flood zone can affect your flood insurance coverage.

If your home does experience flooding, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are here to help! Our team has experience with flood damage and we will work hard to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What to do After your Home Floods?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Ready for any size disaster!

After the devastating floods in the Mid-Michigan area, we want to remind you that floods happen unexpectedly and can cause severe damage for your home or business. Storm damage through flooding can lead to property damage and ongoing mold problems, but the team at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt have some tips to help:

SAFETY FIRST: If you have standing water where electricity may be present, make sure that ALL electricity is turned off to the area to prevent electrocution. When in doubt, contact a professional to help disconnect power.

ACT FAST: When you are dealing with water damage, it is important that you take immediate action so that you can rescue as much as you can. Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.

FIGHT MOLD: Getting your space dried out as quickly as possible is crucial to avoiding mold settling in. While things can dry out naturally, this is not guaranteed, and it may not be fast enough to prevent mold. Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem.  

CHECK FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: Sometimes a flood can compromise a building’s foundation. This can lead to bigger problems down the road if not addressed immediately. Contact a trusted contractor to assess your home or business’ foundation after a flood to make sure it is in good condition and make the recommended improvements if necessary.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. We offer 24/7-365 service. We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Here Whenever You Need Us

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

24/7 emergency storm damage assistance is available at SERVPRO.

Storms do not check to see what our schedule is like, nor do they check the clocks. They often come at the most inconvenient time. This is why SERVPRO is a 24/7 business. We do not pass up the opportunity to help in case of emergency.

Whether the storm is a winter snowstorm or a spring thunderstorm we are ready for action during or after hours. This is very important to us because these types of damages and repairs require immediate attention. A quick response is critical in limiting a secondary loss during a storm event.

With any type of storm, water is present and wreaks havoc on one's home or business. Response time is one of our top priorities to ensure water does not become a bigger issue than it already is.

Call SERVPRO at (517) 541-1170 if you experience storm damage.

The Calm Before the Storm

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

When damage strikes, you can be ruined or you can be ready!

When weather experts are forecasting a large snowstorm, many people venture out of their homes and to the store to gather essentials. These essentials include food, water, and heating supplies that are needed in the event that power or other tragic events do not hinder their survival. As a commercial business, you have the opportunity to seize the “calm” before the storm.

At SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt, we offer “our essentials” in the form of an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). The ERP allows us to collect your companies contact information to ensure YOUR business's survival. By having this profile plan available, we are able to have all the emergency contacts, locate water and gas shut-off points, map out directions to exits, determine the amount of equipment and staff needed in a given loss event, and collect any other useful information in case of emergency. 

Benefits

How does this prepare your business? 

1. Creates a quicker response time to speed up the mitigation process
2. Quicker response time = prevention of any further loss
3. Eliminates time discussing important information over the phone which would already be covered in the ERP
4. Ensures the RIGHT people are contacted with updated data
5. Establishes what crew and equipment from OUR team will be necessary to provide the best service BEFORE the loss occurs

We hope that you never have to experience any type of loss, but with access to our amazing Emergency Ready Plan, both parties can be prepared BEFORE the storm hits. 

What YOU can do 

To prepare as a commercial business your first step is to: 

Visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com OR Download our “Ready Plan” app on your mobile device.

Lastly, to follow up and complete your ERP, contact Jim at (517) 541-1170.

When Storms Hit, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are Ready

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 517-541-1170
Photo Caption: Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Eaton County

Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any damage after a storm, contact SERVPRO of ECGLH at (517) 541-1170

What You Need to Know About the Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage

Do you think that post-storm water damage dries without help? If you do not treat this potentially serious issue immediately, take a look at what you need to know about the long-term effects of water damage.

Flooring Failure

Water that seeps into your home and floods your flooring can sink through carpets and padding. The result is a damp rug that is slow to dry. But what happens if the rug feels dry to the touch?

In some cases, you can dry and restore storm-damaged or flooded carpeting. This does not mean you should attempt to save your carpets without help. Failure to properly dry the carpets or the padding underneath can cause additional problems for what lies underneath.

Your regular home vacuum can't pull water from under the carpet's surface. Likewise, a fan or other type of similar drier will not reach beneath into the padding. This means what may feel like a completely dry carpet can hide a wet, moldy, or dirty pad. If you have wood flooring under your carpets, a damp pad could cause serious damage over time.

The longer the moisture sits on the wood floor, the more likely the cellulose fibers in the material will soak up excess water. This can warp the wood and cause permanent damage. While other types of flooring, such as tile, may not warp, the constant presence of water can still cause problems.

To prevent warping and other related issues, contract a professional storm damage restoration company as soon as possible. If you do wait, the professional may still have ways to treat the area and restore your home's flooring.

Faulty Furniture

Your flooring is not the only part of your home that is subject to the long-term effects of storm-related water damage. If water sits on your furniture, it can also cause permanent damage. The type of damage your furniture sustains after a flood or storm depends on what it is made from.

Hard, non-porous plastic surfaces are relatively easy to clean and dry. Provided no evidence of mold growth or bacterial contamination exists, you can wipe the item with your choice of household cleaner and dry it with a towel. But if the furniture in question is made of wood or is upholstered, you will need a professional restoration expert's help.

What happens if you wait to call this professional? Like with carpeting, the water could soak through upholstered items and into the padding underneath. This can result in internal mold growth or damage wooden support frames. This destroys the integrity of the item and can cause complete failure.

Again, like with wood floors, wooden furniture can soak up water and warp. Water can also cause spotting on the surface or swelling. Even though the initial water damage may have happened days or weeks ago, a storm damage professional may still have the ability to restore these items.

Weak Walls

Water damage can extend from the floors and furniture to the walls of your home. Like with other types of water damage, the longer moisture sits on your walls, the higher the likelihood that your home will have permanent problems such as mold growth, warping, or other similar issues.

Like with flooring, a dry wall surface does not always mean everything underneath is free from moisture too. Long-term water exposure can result in seepage through drywall or plaster. The underlying wood and other building materials can warp or rot. This can cause serious or extensive structural issues. A restoration professional can evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan.

Do you need restoration help after a storm? Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County for more information.

The Do's and Don'ts to Follow After a Serious Storm

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

After a serious storm contact SERVPRO of ECGL&H, we will help guide you through the restoration process.

Should you break out the boots and trudge through the post-storm flood in your home? Even though the rising water may tempt you into some DIY cleanup, this strategy could cost you unnecessary time and money. If you have storm damage, take a look at the do's and don'ts to follow first.

Do Wait for the Go-Ahead

Is your home structurally sound or safe to re-enter? Whether your ceilings sag, the lights spark, or your home has another potential risk, you need to stay out and away — at least for now.

Before you re-enter your property, wait for the go-ahead from a professional. In some cases, this may mean you need a green light from multiple experts. These could include an electrician, utility worker, EMS personnel, restoration contractor, or engineer. Provided it's safe to go home again, read on for information on the next steps to take.

Don't Take Risks

Even though the experts may say your home is safe to re-enter, that doesn't necessarily mean you can move back in completely. It's likely you'll need to hire a water restoration contractor to mitigate the damage before you resume daily life in your home. If you're not sure whether it's safe to stay, contact a contractor as soon as possible for a professional evaluation.

While you wait for the contractor to assess, treat, and restore your home, steer clear of standing water, weak floors, and other obvious areas of damage.

Do Take Photos

Your insurance company may not send someone to immediately assess the damage. But that doesn't mean you should start the repairs without documentation. If it's safe to re-enter and walk through your home, photograph the damage. This may include pictures of carpeting, walls, ceilings, appliances, and anything else that has a visible post-storm problem.

If you're not exactly sure what type of damage to document, ask the restoration contractor. They can help you to determine what the insurance company may need to see in order to make a claim. Along with the contractor, talk to your insurance agent. The insurance adjuster may need to see specific types of damage or may want views of details you hadn't thought of.

Don't Remove Water-Logged Items

This may seem like the opposite of what you should do after a storm. But if you don't have experience handling water damaged furniture, flooring, or other items, you can cause more problems than you fix with a do-it-yourself approach.

Wait for a damage and restoration contractor to evaluate the situation before you touch anything inside your home. Even though the water may look fresh, it could harbor microorganisms or pose a health risk — especially if the damage happened days ago.

Do Replace Some Items

Even though you shouldn't remove water-damaged items, the contractor should. Along with any standing water, the contractor may remove some items from your home. In some cases, it's possible to restore furniture, flooring, and other home accents. The ability to restore or repair these items depends on the extent of the damage, potential contamination, and the time or cost it will take.

Expect to replace some items — especially anything with severe damage, visible mold growth, or other issues that prevent a full restoration. If the damaged piece of furniture (or other item) is old, low value, worn, or has other damage, you may save time, money, and headaches with a replacement.

Talk to your insurance agent about what this means for your claim. It's possible the insurance company will pay for a replacement. But you shouldn't assume they will without verifying what your policy does and doesn't cover first.

Do you need help with water damage restoration after a storm? Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for more information.

Fall Storms in Michigan

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

Some storms can leave damage to the exterior and interior of your home

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm and preloss condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit our area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 517-541-1170

What happens when you call SERVPRO after a storm hits your Michigan home or business?

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt's steps to help home or business owners after a storm damage: 

(517) 541-1170

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

When you call, our representative will guide you through several questions that will help the SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Professional respond to your water emergency more quickly and efficiently. This initial contact is an important part of a fast, effective restoration.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

They carefully inspect your property’s water damage, determining the type of water damage and the areas affected. This is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

Typically, hundreds or thousands of gallons of water are removed using our powerful pumps and vacuums during the water removal process. The SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Professionals start this process as soon as possible to minimize further damage and to help prevent mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

After the bulk of the water has been removed, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Professionals use specialized equipment to target the water that’s harder to access. They use less intrusive, scientific drying methods to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage also affects your belongings, like furniture, clothing, and personal items. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can clean restorable items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. They also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6 - Restoration

The last step is restoring your home or business back to its pre-water damage condition. The restoration step can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels, or could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding entire rooms of a home or business.

Midland County Flood 2017

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

2017 was a hard year for Northern Michigan. Not only was Isabella County struck with floods that happen once in hundred years but Midland and Bay Counties were affected as well. SERVPRO was honored to be a part of the storm team, disaster relief that was able to provide assistance to these counties in Michigan.

On Wednesday, June 28. In Midland County, the second hardest-hit of the four counties, roads and bridges sustained about $13 million in damage, county officials said.

The Tittabawasee River, which was cresting Saturday afternoon at 32 feet -- the second-highest flood stage reached since recording began, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Local states of emergency were declared in Midland, Isabella and Bay counties, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley declared Isabella and Midland counties disasters, setting the stage for state and federal relief for recovery from the flooding.

Midland and Isabella counties received roughly 4 to 7 inches of rainfall overnight Thursday-Friday of June 22nd and 23rd

Midland Flood 2020

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

The water level in midland reached record levels.

Thousands of Michiganders have been evacuated and relocated between May 18th and May 21st.

Water breached the Edenville and Sanford dams -- which normally contain the Tittabawassee River to create two separate lakes -- gave way north of Midland on Tuesday, May 19th after days of heavy rain.

This is was a particularly difficult time to relocate thousands of Michiganders from their homes, as the "Shelter-at-home"order was still in place. 

SERVPRO was able to send storm relief crews to help with the initial clean up after the water started to recede. 

Do You Live In a FLOOD ZONE?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding.

After seeing the devastating floods in Mid-Michigan, you may be wondering if your home is a high flood risk. One way to know this is to determine if your home is located in a flood zone. Here are a few things you may wish to know about these zones and how they affect your home.

What Are Flood Zones

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding. This may include being at the bottom of a watershed, coastal areas, areas near rivers, and areas that experience frequent storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sets these risk levels and they should be marked on your local communities Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), which you can look at by going to your local zoning office.

Is Flood Insurance Necessary

In the event your home is determined to be at risk by its position in a flood zone, you may be wondering what, if any, addition insurance will be required. The best way to determine this is to talk to your insurance agent about what is included in your existing plan, and if any supplemental plans are available for additional coverage. It is important to note than in many cases flood insurance is considered a separate policy.

How to Deal with a Flood in the Home

If a storm causes flooding in your home, it is best to contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, as we have the tools necessary to move large quantities of water and can also make any repairs your home may need. The restoration team can also check for any additional problems flood water may cause, such as potential mold growth.

As explained earlier flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to a flood. It is important to note that in some cases having a home inside a flood zone can affect your flood insurance coverage.

If your home does experience flooding, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are here to help! Our team has experience with flood damage and we will work hard to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What To Do After Your Home Floods

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Ready for any size disaster

After the devastating floods in the Mid-Michigan area, we want to remind you that floods happen unexpectedly and can cause severe damage for your home or business. Storm damage through flooding can lead to property damage and ongoing mold problems, but the team at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt have some tips to help:

SAFETY FIRST: If you have standing water where electricity may be present, make sure that ALL electricity is turned off to the area to prevent electrocution. When in doubt, contact a professional to help disconnect power.

ACT FAST: When you are dealing with water damage, it is important that you take immediate action so that you can rescue as much as you can. Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.

FIGHT MOLD: Getting your space dried out as quickly as possible is crucial to avoiding mold settling in. While things can dry out naturally, this is not guaranteed, and it may not be fast enough to prevent mold. Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem.  

CHECK FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: Sometimes a flood can compromise a building’s foundation. This can lead to bigger problems down the road if not addressed immediately. Contact a trusted contractor to assess your home or business’ foundation after a flood to make sure it is in good condition and make the recommended improvements if necessary.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. We offer 24/7-365 service. We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Hurricane Harvey

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

This Hurricane Harvey hit homeowner is using humor to lift spirits as this residential area rebuilds

Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast at the end of August 2017. Coastal communities were devastated by a storm that just refused to quit. 

Harvey made landfall near Rockport, TX as a Category 4 hurricane and dumped 41-60 inches of rainfall in Texas and Louisiana. 

Thousands of water rescues we done by authorities and civilians that traveled from all over the U.S. to help with efforts. 

Our crews were dispatched to help with storm clean up with thousands of calls coming into the Storm Team daily. 

Our crews were dispatched to the Dickinson, TX area and stayed for 4 weeks helping with cleaning and drying out of homes. 

It will take years to rebuild the affected areas but we were happy to do our part to help out.

Flooding in Isabella County

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in Isabella County causes sections of roadway to wash out

In June of 2017, Isabella county and the city of Mt. Pleasant received a record amount of flooding, recording over 8 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. This prompted the quick response storm team of SERVPRO to provide the necessary equipment in helping to resolve these extreme circumstances.

Flood damage to Isabella County, public and private property is close to $90 million, according to a initial assessment announced Wednesday, June 28.

The damage to homes and roads appeared to be hit hardest in Isabella county among the four counties that have declared states of emergency in the wake of heavy rains and flooding

In Midland County, the second hardest-hit, roads and bridges sustained about $13 million in damages, county officials said.

Gladwin and Bay counties also reported damage to roads, but to a lesser extent than Midland County and especially Isabella County.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a large loss of crops, with a financial bearing on farmers and the agriculture economy of an estimated $21 million.

The total damage estimate in Isabella County so far is $87 million. More damages will be reported and updated as additional information is received.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt was able to provide a quick response and was able to assist in storm damage clean up.

Winter Storms in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Ice Build up can cause water damage

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 Franchise Professionals have the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm? Call Today 517-541-1170

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Services
• Highly Trained Winter Storm Restoration Specialists 
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

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 Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

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.

Regardless of the Winter Storm, They Can Help

Cold weather and winter storms can cause significant damage with little warning. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can handle any size disaster. 

• Cold temperatures
• Heavy snowfall
• Ice storms and freezing rain

Storm Damage - Why we are a 24/7 company

3/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt always has a crew on-call and equipment ready for any size disaster

Restoring storm and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your Westland property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

This is important because in many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. We arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.

If you have storm damage call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt anytime at 517-541-1170