Renter's Insurance Can Help After A Fire

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Having a renter's insurance policy in place can help you in case of fire damage.

A fire at your Crossville, TN rental home can be a major hassle. Having a good renter's insurance policy can help you.

Insurance Coverage

There are many different expenses that can result from a fire. Your insurance policy may cover most or all of them. Insurance policies often cover the following:

• Liability and medical payments
• Contents
• Temporary living expenses
  
  

If you are found to be responsible for the fire, you may be held liable for the damage. In some cases, you may be financially responsible for small medical expenses to third parties. Insurance will cover the cost without establishing liability. Additionally, insurance policies generally cover fire damage to the renter’s personal property, which is sometimes referred to as contents. Some policies will pay what the contents were worth just before the fire, and other policies will cover the cost to replace or repair the items. Although damage to the structure itself is covered by the landlord’s policy, a renter's policy will often pay for temporary living expenses during the fire restoration process. Make sure to go through your policy thoroughly and present any questions that you may have to your insurance agent so that you are aware of the coverage limits and know exactly what is and is not covered.

Home Inventory
To get the most out of your renter's insurance, it is important to create a document called a home inventory. This is a list of everything you would want to replace should it be damaged, the purchase price and purchase date. Take pictures or video of all the items, including serial numbers if present. Add receipts and appraisal documentation if you have them. Be sure to update the inventory regularly, especially after you have made a big purchase. Store the inventory in a safe place, such as cloud storage or an off-site location.
Renters insurance can serve as a big financial relief after a fire at your home. If you need assistance with the restoration of your personal belongings, enlisting an experienced restoration team may be a good idea.

Why Is It Important To Remove Wet Building Materials After A Water Damage Event

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Knowing which material needs to be removed is imperative for proper drying

No matter how you look at it water damage can be challenging for any home or business owner in Sparta, TN. Once the flood waters dissipate, you can start the cleanup and restoration process. Removing saturated materials is a critical phase of this project that you must quickly complete to keep the integrity of your home or business.

Saturated Building Materials

In addition to your personal belongings, your home or business' carpets, drywall and insulation may be severely saturated. All three of these materials have the ability to absorb water. Quickly removing these items is important for several reasons:

• Enables affected space to properly dry
• Lessens the risk of mold contamination
• Wet insulation loses its R-value, diminishing its effectiveness

Risk of Damaged Property 

Flooding makes your home or business more prone to mold pollution because mold thrives in moist environments. Reducing the risk of growth requires a fast and effective approach. Mold can easily hide under saturated carpets and behind wet drywall. This is a big reason why it is necessary remove these materials during your cleanup process.

Ruined Dry Wall

To efficiently remove damaged drywall, make a cut that is 12-18 inches above the highest water level. This will allow you to easily access and remove wet insulation and ensures that no water-damaged drywall remains.

Receded Moisture Levels

Before replacing your damaged drywall, you need to make sure that there is no moisture in the space. After making the flood cut, set fans and a dehumidifier to help quicken the drying process. Allow the area to dry for 24-48 hours. Then, you can check moisture levels with a moisture meter.

Restoring Your Home or Business

Often, flooding requires in-depth cleanup efforts. Quickly getting rid of wet materials and efficiently drying the flooded area in your home or business is the key to preventing mold contamination. Although it may seem overwhelming, with knowledge, time, and some elbow grease, you can accomplish the cleanup process and successfully complete your home or business' restoration.

Or just call your local SERVPRO® to make it "Like it never even happened".

Water Damage Can Compound Fire Damage

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Putting out a fire requires a lot of water. That water can cause a lot of damage by itself.

How Water Compounds Fire Damage

The consequences of a fire at a commercial building in Crossville, TN, can include thousands of dollars in damage to structure materials and contents. A burned or singed structure and contents are only a part of the aftermath of many fires. If sprinklers or hoses were utilized to extinguish the fire, water cleanup is probably also going to be necessary. Find out more about how water compounds fire damage.

Standing Water
As a fire burns through building materials and contents, sprinklers and fire hoses can release hundreds or thousands of gallons of water into a structure. Water intensifies damage caused by a fire in many ways including the following:

• Excessive weight
• Increased risk of structural failure
• Increased risk of microbial growth
  
  

Sprinklers and hoses release clean water. As soon as this water mixes with soot and smoke, it becomes a highly contaminated Category Three water damage. Before fire and smoke damage cleanup can take place, all standing water must be removed from a structure.

Staining
The chances of staining increases rapidly as long as residual moisture remains in a structure. Soot and smoke damage become more set in whenever water is present. If water cleanup takes place as soon as possible, restoration measures may still be sufficient to fix partial damage. Burned or singed materials must be replaced.

Structural Damage
It only takes one inch of standing water throughout an area to possibly add thousands of pounds of weight to a structure. A building with severe fire damage may be likely to give in to structural damage if standing water is present. Remaining moisture can also be detrimental to weakened building materials. Fast cleanup and mitigation procedures may limit the extent of damage.
Many fire cleanup jobs involve some water damage. Restoration professionals have experience with the requirements of water cleanup after a fire. If water is standing at a fire-damaged structure in Crossville, TN, the owners of a building or business should document this damage for a commercial insurance claim and proceed with mitigation.

Getting Your Home Or Business Prepped For A Fire

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Make a plan and practice for a fire emergency in your home or business

It is very important to prepare for an emergency in your home or business in Crossville, TN. Having a fire escape plan can help keep you, your family, and your coworkers safe. There are many ways in which you can prepare for a fire in your home or business.

1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Having tools in place that can alert you to a fire quickly can be a key part of preparing for a fire. It is helpful to test your fire alarm to make sure you and others in your home or business know what the alarm sounds like. Also, you should make sure to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year and replace your alarm once every ten years.

2. How To Prepare for an Emergency

A main part of emergency preparation involves creating a plan to escape your home or business. Hopefully you will never have to use your fire escape plan, but having a plan in place saves you the time of having to decide how to escape. It’s best to have more than one route of escape in case you are unable to enter a certain area. Practicing your emergency escape plan will make it quicker and easier to escape if the need arises.

3. Know Where To Meet 

On top of knowing how to get out of the structure quickly if needed, it’s also often wise to plan a place for you and your family or coworkers to meet once you are all out of harms way. It can be helpful to choose a place that is a safe distance from your home, such as a neighbor’s driveway, to meet. With everyone agreeing to meet at one place, you will easily be able to see who is out of the house, and you will be able to provide emergency responders with accurate information.

Having a fire escape plan can help you and others in your home or business feel prepared in the event of a fire. If your home has been damaged by a fire, you might find it helpful to work with the fire restoration experts at SERVPRO. 

SERVPRO Is Certified In Mold Remediation

9/12/2023 (Permalink)

Take care of mold as fast as possible in your home or business

When you find microbial growth in your Sparta, TN home , it's definitely a reason to be concerned. You'll want to make sure the issue is taken care of by a company that is correctly certified in mold remediation. This is when you need to make sure that whoever you choose has been certified to the highest standards. Look for a certified mold company that has the experience and the knowledge to clean your home safely and completely. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is among the most prominent professional groups that develop standards for remediation of mold. This organization helps establish the right protocols for the inspection and evaluation of properties suspected of containing mold. The standards from IICRC are developed through a rigorous process involving a large group of stakeholders.

Mold Certification Matters

Mold is a complex organism and should be handled by a professional with mold certification. It consists of microscopic spores that thrive in a humid environment. A company that is certified in remediation will follow a process that should include the following vital steps:

• Inspection and assessment
• Containment of mold
• Treatment of the source of moisture
• A process of cleaning and sanitizing
• Treatment of affected structures and contents
• Restoration
  
  

A certified mold remediation company will have the training and equipment necessary to clean your home. Look for a remediation team that follows IICRC standards.

There Are Many Reasons Why Mold Should Be Removed From a Home or Business

Mold contains many irritants and allergens that can affect the health of your family and coworkers. It can also cause a musty odor to be present in the home or business. The visual affects of mold are also unpleasant and can affect the property value. The presence of mold also lets you know that there is excess moisture and high humidity present. It is a good idea to find the source of this moisture. A properly certified mold technician can locate the presence of moisture and safely clean your home or business. A certified professional can also clean the contents in your structure that have been tainted by mold.

Getting a Commercial Insurance Policy Can Protect Your Business

9/8/2023 (Permalink)

One of the first things you need to purchase for your business in Crossville, TN is a commercial insurance policy. To make sure you get the right coverage for your business, you need to know what is valuable to your company.

Include All Of Your Valuables

Be sure to know and list all of your corporate assets before sitting down with an agent. This list should include items that are costly to replace or are critical to guaranteeing that your business functions on a daily basis. This list you come up with will help you decide what you need to have covered.

Important business assets should consist of those things that can be impacted by natural disasters as well as criminal activities, including ice and hail storms, mold or water contamination, auto theft or vandalism, and major events such as hurricane and fire damage.

Include Large and Small Items In Your Commercial Insurance Policy

• Manufacturing equipment, delivery trucks, and fleet vehicles 
• The main office space and exterior buildings, such as warehouses, storage facilities, equipment sheds and security offices
• Inventory and packaging, packing materials and shipping containers
• Major office equipment such as phone systems, hard drives, computer systems and copy machines

Understand How the Potential For Fire Damage Can Affect Your Policy

One of the biggest factors that impacts insurance costs is how much fire damage your facility could withhold. Location is a major concern. Being in a city that has direct access to firefighters and fire restoration companies is better than being in a remote location. Close proximity to fire hydrants and a fire station will impact your premiums. An old, all-wood building is considered less safe, and therefore more expensive, than an office in a newer facility constructed with fire resistant materials. Generally speaking, an office building is cheaper to insure than a building that houses hazardous materials and areas, such as gas stations and commercial kitchens.

When getting a commercial insurance policy in Crossville, TN be sure to compare all of your assets against losses including fire damage and other catastrophes. It's also a good idea to take into consideration how your building's location, construction, and contents may impact your premiums.

SERVPRO is local and ready to help

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your local choice for professional fire and water restoration and cleanup.

Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

Call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties for all of your commercial or residential fire and water cleanup and restoration needs. We are on-call 24/7 to respond to your emergency. In addition to fire and water damage, we can handle your mold and bio-hazard needs as well. We work directly with your insurance company to get your claim handled quickly and get your home or business back to preloss conditions. Call our office at 931-250-5333 today!

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Expertly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today at 931-250-5333

Residential Services

SERVPRO has over 2,000 franchises ready to help across the U.S. and Canada and is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties has highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment ready to respond and to properly clean and restore your house so that it feels like home again. Our residential services include the following:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services

Commercial Services

There’s never a convenient time for your business to be sidelined with fire or water damage. We know that every hour your business is out of commission is an hour of lost productivity and revenue. When you need professional cleaning or restoration services, we have the training, expertise, and resources to handle any size disaster. Our commercial services include the following:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Storm and Major Event Cleanup

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs. 

What to Expect When You Call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties for Water Damage in Your Home or Business

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for any and all Water Damage in Your Crossville Home or Business

When was the last time you checked the water supply line to your dishwasher, refrigerator, or toilet? Have you noticed a decrease in water pressure? You may have damage that you don’t know about. SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, fast and efficient action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the negative effects of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help, Call Today at 931-250-5333

We understand that when you call us after you’ve realized that you have water damage, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need a trained expert to guide you through the steps of mitigation. SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties has in-depth water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration. In fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event along with a bevy of other valuable services. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, you can be sure our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Contact us anytime that you have a water damage emergency at 931-250-5333.

Plan Against Fire in Crossville, TN

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Planning Ahead for a Fire is a great way to Protect your Crossville, TN Business

The devastation and stress of a fire is something you should never have to deal with. If you practice proper fire preparation, you can avoid, or at least minimize the damage, should it ever occur. There are five steps you can follow to help prepare your business in Crossville, TN against the chances of fire damage.

1. Follow All Fire Codes

You should understand all the fire codes that apply to your business. Knowing them offers a great base layer of protection.

2. Install Fire Protection Equipment

Disaster preparation is all about making sure you are ready when bad things happen. It is very helpful if you have a sprinkler system. It is imperative that you have fire extinguishers and smoke alarms to minimize damage and save lives if a fire occurs.

3. Conduct an Inspection

One important aspect of fire preparation is to go through your business and look for any possible fire hazards, which include clutter or anything that could prevent people from getting out of the building quickly. Also, be aware of possible problems that could start a fire, such as frayed electrical wires. Fix any issues you find.

4. Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan

Prepare your employees to know what to do in an emergency. Create a plan that assigns duties to everyone and run practice drills to ensure all your employees understand the procedures. Be sure to update the duties and plans each time a new employee is brought into the company.

5. Protect Important Assets

In a fire damage assessment after a fire, you quickly begin to realize all that you have lost. Avoid this scenario by protecting your important assets. Lock up documents or important items in a fireproof safe. Consider installing fire doors to protect a storage space.

Proper fire preparation is very important when you want to ensure your business is fully protected against damage due to a fire. While you never want to have to deal with the aftermath of such an event, being prepared can make the process easier if it ever does happen.

If you do experience a fire damage event, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at 931-250-5333.

Tips for Finding a Contractor in Crossville to repair Storm Damage

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

When Storms Damage your home or business call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties

With the recent heavy rainstorms and flash flooding in the area there's a chance that you may find yourself looking for someone to help you clean up some storm/water damage.

Unfortunately, an increase in the number of storm-related claims may lead to an increase in the number of roofers and contractors who are willing to take advantage of homeowners. It is very important for you to be cautious when dealing with contractors who offer to repair your home. Be sure to contact SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties first.

The following practices will help you in your search:

• Only do business with licensed contractors with good references.
• Always request a written, detailed estimate.
• Never pay for work up front, nor make any payments in cash.
• Never sign a contract with spaces left blank.
• What is their business address? If the company has a PO Box or doesn't have a local address, they probably aren't a local company.
• Ask about some references for work they have done in this area. Local companies should have plenty of projects you can see in the area.
• If you are in doubt about anything you are being asked to sign by a contractor, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t feel pressured into signing anything. Take time to do your research, and if you are unsure about anything in the agreement, WAIT until you’ve had an opportunity to look it over more carefully and discuss it with your insurance agent or adjuster.

If you have storm damage at your Crossville Home or Business and need our services, please call 931-250-5333. We are open 24/7 and ready to help.