Prep Your Home For Fall!

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Clean out those gutters!

It's back to school time, and you could feel the crisp morning air today.  Don’t wait for the rain or snow to come before you start your preparations. It’s not winter just yet, but with cooler weather upon us, you may want to make sure your home is sealed up tight and ready.  

1. Check your home for leaks in your window seals or roof. If your home’s eaves have stains, that can indicate a leak. If you find any stains, call a roof contractor to make any repairs before winter.

2. Ensure the water drains away from the home and clean out those gutters. If your area experiences snow, any back-up of gutters may result in ice damming and lead to water damage.

3. Before winter arrives, shut off all outside water faucets or garden hose connections, then drain hoses and store them in the garage.

4. Clean overgrown vegetation and trim dead branches from trees that are close to your home. Also give your lawn one last cut before cleaning and storing your lawn mower. Apply a fertilizer and pre-emergent to your lawn to prevent winter damage and from weeds germinating underground.

5. Clean out your grill and firepit and make sure to keep propane outside. Cover up or store any outdoor furniture, so it’s out of the elements safe from wind-storms, and stays nice for next year.

6. If you have a HVAC service contract, have them stop by. Otherwise, replace filters and install covers on the AC condensing units on the outside of the home.

7. Call a professional to check your fireplace and chimney – especially if you plan to use it during the winter. Nothing is worse than smoking up your home when the weather is cold because your fireplace flue wasn’t cleaned. If you use a wood burning fireplace, be sure to dispose of the ashes properly using a fireproof metal bucket. 

8. Make sure everything you’ll need before winter is in good working order. If your area gets snow, test your snowblower and have it serviced. Ensure your outdoor activated night lights or security system components are all operating correctly. Stock up on Ice Melt and make sure you know where your shovel is. 

9. Repair cracks in driveways, walkways, and steps. Fixing these issues prevents water from getting into the cracks, freezing, and expanding which can turn the small cracks into big cracks. 

10. While you’re making fall preparations, we encourage you to plan ahead for winter too.  We'll get to that soon!

Steps to Take After Smoke Damage from a Wildfire

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires caused by lightning are all too common in Southeast Idaho, and smoke and ash damage cause devastating damage to a home if not addressed properly. Contact SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello, as well as your insurance company, and provide information about the damage that has occurred. Most of our work starts off by first contacting your insurance with you or on your behalf and scheduling an inspection of the property. We will go through the difficult process of returning your business or home to its preloss condition. Since smoke damage can be invisible to the naked eye, it is important for qualified experts like SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello to conduct the inspection.

While the inspection takes place it will benefit you to do the following:

• Take note of any damage you observe. Make sure to photograph any noticeable damage due to smoke and ash. The more you can document from the damage, the more it will assist you for insurance claims purposes.
• Move children, pets and anybody else away from the home and to a smoke-free area. Stay away from the residence until restoration is complete.

Smoke released in the air contains an array of toxins, and these toxins may persist if not treated correctly.  Let us work with your insurance company to help with your home’s wildfire recovery. Call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819, we are 24/7/365.

Prepare for Spring Weather

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

We can fix anything the storm brings your way.

Mark Twain once said, “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

You never know what spring is going to bring.  It can be 80° one day then frigid rain for the next week.  In Idaho, we have seen everything from heat, snow, rain, floods, and even tornadoes.  The biggest storm phenomenon is thunderstorms.  The risk of lightning and flash floods are dangerous for almost anyone who lives in southeastern Idaho.  We want all of our neighbors to know that we can help you no matter what a storm brings to your home.  

We can help pump out water, clean up sewage, take care of damage from lighting, or board up a window that can get broken during a tornado.  We can even assist if a tree falls on your home.

If you face any kind of extreme weather this spring that damages your home or office building, please feel free to reach out, and we will be there to help.  We are available 24/7 and someone can be there within an hour*

Ice Dams Are Coming

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Ice Dams are more than just pretty icicles.

We're starting to warm up which is really a great feeling for those of us here in Idaho, but we're not out of the woods year when it comes to winter storms.  Looking at the weather, we might actually be getting some early morning snow mid week, but the temperature during the day will be above freezing.  That means a potential for Ice Dams.  

An Ice Dam is when the snow on your roof melts into the cold gutter and refreezes causing a back up.  The problems begin when the water starts to penetrate into your roof causing significant roof and water damage to your home.

There are several ways to prepare for ice dams, but usually they're difficult or costly.  SERVPRO will be happy to help you clean up the storm damage until you can get a new system on your roof. 

Plowing to YOU!

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

We'll make it to you, no matter what.

Did you guys know we have a snow plow?

Back when SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello first started, we actually offered plowing services to local businesses.  Now that we're bigger and busier, we don't offer plowing as a service, but we DO have it as an option for our customers in winter time.

Not too long ago, we got a call for a job that was quite a ways out of any major towns, and it was in the middle of a "blizzard" or what us Idahoans called "a bit of snow."  It wasn't just a little call either, it was a pretty big flood that needed some attention and couldn't wait.

That's when the bossman fired up the old dodge, attached the plow and headed out.  We made sure that our customer wasn't left without support.

We will go above and beyond to make sure you're taken care of the right way.  Give us a call, rain or shine, and we'll be there.  (208) 242-3819

It's Snowing!

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever watched the movie Hook with Robin Williams?  There is a scene in that movie where Peter and his family knock on Wendy's door and Tootles answers.  He opens the door and yells "IT'S SNOWING!" before slamming the door in Peter's face.

That's the exact way that I feel about snow.  I want to slam the door and pretend it's not happening.  It doesn't help to live in the northern part of the country where we get quite a bit of snow.

That's why one of the most important thing's I've learned is that I need to prepare myself for the SNOW and that means preparing my house.  Now that it's winter time, it's time to prep my home.

This weekend we will start with making sure the gutters are cleaned out, the water lines outside of my house are capped, and we insulate any area that might freeze and cause a pipe to burst.

So here's SERVPRO's annual reminder PREP THE HOUSE!  ITS SNOWING!

If A Tree Falls...

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

If a tree falls on your property, it can be a HUGE mess. If a tree on your property falls on your home, it can be a disaster.

Calling your insurance agent is the most important step, as they can help you determine if your policy will cover the damage to your home or structure. Most often, insurance will pay for a tree that has fallen due to a storm. If a tree falls on the property, but doesn't hit a structure, tree removal will likely not be covered. If the tree fell due to rot, you'll have to talk to your agent.

Once you know if your insurance will assist, then you can give us a call to SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819 and we will help you plan the next steps.

We will arrange everything from tree removal to roof repair, making sure that any damage is cleaned up and repaired and your home looks "Like it never even happened."®

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is Here To Help you no matter what.

Prepare For Winter

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Window wells need to be cleared to make sure they drain properly.

Summer is coming to an end, which for some people in the Southeast Idaho region is a great thing.  For some homeowners, it may not be that thrilling.  Fall and winter storms have a way of causing damage that we don’t always see right away, but once we do notice, it’s a big mess.  From ice dams to flooded window wells, there is always something that needs to be maintenance to keep your home dry during the wet months.

This fall make sure to check on the following areas of your home to prepare for the coming wet months.

1. Make sure your window wells are draining properly and not full of debris. Clear the drain or make sure that the ground can absorb the moisture.
2. Clear out your rain gutters to prevent water back up, which can lead to ice dams and cause water to run down the side of your home.
3. Have your chimney cleaned to prevent a fire.
4. Make sure windows are properly sealed.
5. Have your sprinklers blown out and cover outside faucets to prevent frozen and broken pipes.

If you need help with any of these things, feel free to give SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello a call at (208) 242-3819 and we would be happy to help winterize your home.

4 Things You Should NOT Do After a Flood

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded home in Pocatello, ID, can be dangerous.

It isn't uncommon to feel a bit panicked when you see flood water gathering in your basement or around your yard. Unfortunately, that heightened sense of fear can lead to some steps that may put you in danger or cause damage to your Pocatello, ID, home. Protect your home and family with this list of Do Nots:

1. Do Not Go in the Water

Whether you're driving down the street or walking through your flood home, there could be danger in the water, including raw sewage, animals, insects, chemicals, and live electricity. Water on the roads or walkways can be deceptively deep and may have swift currents that put you and any potential rescuers at risk.

2. Do Not Use Any Electricity in Your Home

It only takes a tiny amount of water to carry enough electricity to give you a pretty good shock. Electrocution is a very real danger as water damage affects your home. Avoid this type of injury by staying away from the water and turning off the power at your main breaker box. Shutting off the power also decreases the risk of fire after you've been evacuated.

3. Do Not Attempt Cleanup or Repairs Without Proper Gear

Before you begin hauling out your belongings, gather together waterproof boots and gloves and consider using a mask. Remember that floodwater carries a lot of contaminants, so protective clothing helps you avoid exposure to germs.

4. Do Not Enter Your Home Without an Official Okay

There are many professionals trained to respond to disasters. When you listen to emergency responders, home inspectors, and even home cleanup and repair professionals, you're more likely to avoid injuries and further damage to the home.

It's natural to want to start cleaning up as soon as possible after floodwater damages your flooded home. However, these common mistakes lead to further harm, either by leading to injuries or secondary damage.

3 Storm Preparation Tips

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Severe storms can leave severe damage

Severe storms, such as hurricanes, often come with a risk of hail, lightning, high winds and flood water. These three storm preparation tips can help you minimize the amount of storm damage that occurs to your home.

3 Ways to Prepare for a Storm

1. Make an Evacuation Plan

Whether it is a large hurricane or flash flooding, rising waters may prompt authorities to order evacuations. You need to have a plan in place in case you need to escape a flooded building or leave your home on short notice. Select a meeting place in Pocatello, ID, so that if members of your household are separated you can reconnect. If you have pets, research pet-friendly storm shelters in your area or make alternative plans for them.

2. Secure Property Outside Your home

If you are expecting high winds or flood water, secure property outside your home to avoid damage from items that could get blown around or may wash away. Trim any large trees and shrubs to reduce the chance of damage from falling limbs. Bring property such as potted plants, patio furniture, toys and bikes inside. Consider protecting outdoor property that can not be moved with burlap or blankets secured with rope.

3. Store Important Documents Off-Site

A restoration company may be able to save some documents that have water damage, but it is best to avoid the damage in the first place by storing documents, such as financial papers, insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage licenses and legal papers, in a safe location off-site, such as a safety deposit box. Consider also moving high-value items, such as jewelry, to a safety deposit box or another secure storage area.

Once flood water arrives, you may not have much time to safely evacuate your home. Having a plan in place ahead of time can help your family stay safe and reduce the amount of damage that occurs to your property.

How To Clean After a Bathtub Sewage Backup

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Bathtub sewage backup is terribly unsanitary.

Finding that there's been a sewer backup in your bathtub is never makes for a good day. Unfortunately, though, it can happen. In addition to being terribly unsanitary, sewage cleanup isn't for the faint of heart. If your Blackfoot, ID, home endures a bathtub backup containing contaminated water, keep the kids and pets out of the room and follow these suggestions.

4 Tips to Clean After a Bathtub Sewage Backup

1. Wear the Proper PPE

When you're dealing with raw sewage, you must wear the proper personal protective equipment. This will protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses and will help prevent cross-contamination into unaffected areas of the house. Your PPE should include safety goggles, a face mask, rubber gloves, coveralls and rubber boots. Be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all of your reusable PPE when you complete the project.

2. Extract the Sewage

Standing water and sewage must then be extracted from the area. The safest approach to dealing with flooding resulting from a sewer backup is hiring water damage remediation professionals. A wet/dry vacuum is the safest and most efficient method if you decide to tackle the cleaning yourself. You should contact authorities to determine where to safely dispose of the sewage.

3. Remove Debris and Wash All Affected Surfaces

Once you remove all of the sewage, the leftover debris must be cleaned away from all affected surfaces. This cleaning should include the walls and floor on which sewage could've splashed. Clean, hot water and detergent that produces low suds is typically the most effective way to clean these surfaces.

4. Sanitize All Affected Surfaces

Next, it's vital that all affected surfaces are thoroughly sanitized. Remember to get anywhere the contaminated water may have splashed, including tiny crevices.

When you have a bathtub backup that includes sewage and other contaminants, you must immediately begin the cleaning process. Swift action will ensure that as little damage as possible results from the sewer backup and flooding.

Steps for Flood Prevention

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can damage your property or home.

When a flood hits that damage that it leaves can be overwhelming and daunting. A few things and steps to consider when preparing your company property or home are against flooding.

6 Steps to Prepare Against Flooding

1. Landscaping

Landscaping choices may be the start of flood defense. Slope landscaping away from the building's foundation, and choose local or deep-rooted plants to soak up extra moisture.

2. Retaining Walls

If business or home is in an area known for high water during storms, you may want to consider the installation of a retaining wall. A wall or similar installation can help prevent water from flowing into areas where it could pool or cause flooding.

3. Drainage Covers

Ensure that all your drainage areas are properly covered. This can help keep debris out of the chute which can lead to clogs and other water backup problems.

4. Regular Maintenance

Check areas such as your roof or basement, and ensure that any drainage systems are clear of debris. If you do find an issue it's important to take care of any necessary repairs as quickly as possible. 

5. Stay Informed

Stay informed of the weather patterns in your area. This way you will know ahead of time when a storm is approaching, and be able to take the necessary prevention measures.

6. Flood Coverage Insurance

Know your insurance policy, if you live in a high flood zone make sure you have flood coverage in your insurance policy.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

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

The Multitude of Safety Issues and Problems Stemming From Storm Damage

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Big storms can lead to severe damage.

When people think of the word “storm,” it often creates images of minor thunderstorms, but it does not invoke panic and fear for many. However, flooding and storm damage professionals in Blackfoot, ID, explain that storm damage leads to significant expenses and can result in many problems, including five significant concerns.

5 Storm Damage Concerns

1. Flooding

Water damage often springs to mind when thinking of tropical storms, but few homeowners consider flooding hazards when thinking of pleasant spring rain. A downpour can often overrun city sewers leading to backups and interior floods. Homeowners might want to install preventive systems like sump pumps to minimize their risks.

2. Electrical Damage

Flooding can also lead to electrical damage if it reaches a certain depth. If you are in a flooded home, do not attempt to walk through floodwater to switch your main power off. You are better off calling for emergency assistance and cutting the main power supply. Even when your electricity appears to be off, a current may still be flowing through the system.

3. Fire Hazard

While flood damage might not result in a fire, lightning strikes can cause house fires. Also, water can lead to electrical fires as systems malfunction.

4. Mold Development

Mold growth can occur within the first 48 hours of a flood or water damage. If you cannot get to your home or have a remediation company assess your home until after that 48-hour window, it is best to assume you have an issue and include a mold inspection with the property assessment.

5. Structural Damage

The possibility of flooding, fire, mold, and electrical damage can contribute to possible structural issues. A storm remediation company likely has connections with structural engineers and can provide an accurate assessment of your property and loss.

Flooding is not your only concern from storm damage. Storms provide a culmination of many disasters into one event. If your home recently suffered damage from a severe storm, a professional can help inspect the property and determine the extent of the damage.

Steps for Dealing With Sewer Backup

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer backup can affect more than just your plumbing.

Storms are notorious for overtaxing municipal waste systems, and this can lead to sewer backup in your home in Blackfoot, ID. Here is a step-by-step overview of the cleanup process.

4 Steps To Deal With Sewer Backup

1. Assess Damage

Obviously, if you have extensive damage to your home after the sewer backs up, you need professional assistance. If the sewer damage is contained in your toilet, sink or bathtub, however, you may not think you need someone else to help clean it up. However, bathtub backup isn't a normal occurrence. It doesn't happen if there's not an underlying problem that causes it. Calling your plumber and sewer damage restoration experts for an assessment is the first step toward full resolution of the issue.

2. Fix Problem

Once the professionals have identified the source of the flooding, they can better determine the procedure for fixing it. Sometimes, it's a matter of taking care of a clog in your pipes that prompted the sewer backup. They may have to replace worn-out valves or install upgrades to help prevent future backups. When the problem itself has been fixed, the cleanup crew can begin decontamination.

3. Clean Area

The cleaning process starts with removal of ruined materials. If your bathtub overflowed onto the floor, for example, technicians will likely need to tear out tiles, floor pads and drywall that are saturated by the contaminated water. Then they thoroughly disinfect any remaining surfaces to ensure that all bacteria are eliminated.

4. Repair Home

The restoration process is not complete until your bathroom looks the way it did before the flood. Builders begin by replacing the materials they had to discard during cleanup. Then they make sure that the replacement parts match the unaffected area around it to restore its former aesthetic.

Sewer backup can affect more than just your plumbing. If your home is damaged during a storm, hiring the right professionals helps you return it to normal.

3 Basic Steps To Avoid Storm Damage

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid storm damage in your home.

Whether it's a warm season or one with low temperatures, there's still the possibility of heavy storms and harsh weather conditions, such as powerful winds, a lot of precipitation, and rising flood water. While you probably don't have a lot of control over the weather, there are several things you can do to control the amount of damage your Blackfoot, ID, home and property experience:

3 Steps to Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

Trim Your Trees and Shrubs

Heavy branches and dead limbs can break away during a severe storm. As they are blown about by the wind, these branches can cause a lot of damage to the windows and exterior of your home. A mix of heavy rainfall and strong winds may cause trees with shallow root systems to fall over. Prune and trim your trees and shrubs consistently to avoid this type of damage.

Clean Out the Gutters Around Your Roof

It's easy to forget about the possibility of debris and damage in the gutters, but this situation can lead to a lot of water damage. When the gutters get clogged, water doesn't flow away from the home as it should. This is one common cause of a flooded building. Clean the gutters as each season passes, and if there's been a lot of heavy winds and rain, clean them out more frequently.

Store Your Belongings in Waterproof Containers

Many homeowners pack family mementos, off-season clothes, camping supplies, tools and machinery, and seasonal items in cardboard boxes in their basements and garages. Unfortunately, strong winds and a lot of rain can send flood water into those areas of the home. Protect your belongings by storing them in waterproof containers and keep them off the floor when possible.

What else have you done to prepare for an emergency? Do you have phone numbers for emergency responders, your insurance company, and local water damage cleanup professionals? Do you know how you'll respond if flood water fills your basement? Take time today to come up with a plan.

Prepare for Winter Storms

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Winter storm

When winter brings freezing temperatures, you may feel relieved to get back to your warm, comfortable home each day. Unfortunately, that cold weather that feels so uncomfortable to you can also cause considerable damage to your home. As you prepare your wardrobe for an upcoming winter storm, think about protecting your house as well.

Prepare Your Family for Emergencies

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that homeowners keep the following items available before storms arrive:

• Multiple snow shovels
  
• De-icers (choose those that are safe for pets)
  
• Fuel for your electricity and source of heat, such as firewood or a generator
  
• Extra blankets and warm clothing in case you can't run your appliances
  
• Shelf-stable food and water
  
• A battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  

It's a lot easier to focus on home maintenance when you know that you're prepared to keep your family safe during a winter storm.

Winterize Your Home

There are many ways that a blizzard can cause home and roof damage. As you prepare to winterize your home, start with these five steps:

• Make sure that siding, exterior shutters, and roof elements are secure. Look for damage to any of your home's exterior materials.
  
• Clean the gutters and make sure they are free of debris and in good working condition. Ice jams can cause a lot of water damage to the inside and outside of your home.
  
• Look for air leaks and repair them. This will keep moisture outside, keep your home warmer, and keep your utility costs lower.
  
• Insulate exposed plumbing. Consider insulating interior pipes that are located near outside walls.
  
• Trim trees and shrubs that are located near your home. Falling branches can cause damage to the roof, siding, windows, and other elements of the house.
  
  

Once you have these five steps completed, it's time to turn to other tasks such as insulating windows, cleaning out the fireplace, and stocking up on hot chocolate. You may want to check in with home damage cleanup and repair professionals for more suggestions.

Stay Safe This Winter

A winter storm can bring a lot of unpleasantness. Make sure you, your family, and your Blackfoot, ID, home are prepared and protected, so you are ready to survive the worst that blizzards, snow, and heavy winds bring your way.

What to do with Hail Storm Damage.

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Hail Storm

Hail Storm Damage

The pounding sound of hail hitting you home or office letting you know that storm is here. So, you look out the window to see rain, trees blowing, and hail coming down from the sky like someone just dumbed out a box of marbles. And then the thunder and lightning the storm is in full force. When you experience a hailstorm, it can cause extensive storm damage to your commercial property. And we are here to help, by hiring professionals to take care of the damage so that you avoid bigger problems in the future. Here are some other problems to check for after hail storms big or small.

1. Cracked or Missing Shingles. Hail damage to the roof can break your shingles.

Some shingles may even come loose or detach completely. A roofing company is generally required to fix the roof, but luckily most building insurance packages have provisions to cover at least part of the cost. At SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello we can take some of the pressure by working with your insurance and adjuster.

1. Leaks. Roof damage can lead to leaks, which in turn can lead to a whole slew of other problems.

A wet attic that goes unnoticed can began to grow mold, turning a water problem into a mold problem. It can also cause insulation to get wet, which renders it ineffective which will in turn need to be replaced. Our mitigation specialists can test areas with water damage to make sure they are remediated properly.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

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

Do you have an Emergency Plan for your Pet during a Disaster?

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your pets safe during an emergency.

If you are a pet owner and lover like we are at SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello the thought a big storm has just rolled through or your area has just survived a natural disaster.  Just like having a plan for your family you need to have a disaster plan for your pets.  Here in Bannock County we may not experience a hurricane or tornado but we do have harsh wildfire seasons, flooding, and earthquakes. Be prepared and have a plan because planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your pets safe when a disaster strike!

6 Tips To Creat An Emergency Plan For Your Pet.

1. Microchip your pets: Microchipping your pet is the best way to ensure you are reunited with your pet if you are separated.  We are always hearing on the news how lost animal travel an uncreditable distance to find their owner. More often than not this isn’t the case. Please make sure you keep the microchip info updated: address or phone number changes are commonly overlooked.  If you don’t update the information it is useless.  You could also list an emergency number of a friend or family member who resides outside of your area.
2. Keep A Collar and Tag on ALL Dogs & Cats: Make sure you have the pets name and at least your current phone number (and address if possible) on the tag.  ID on indoor cats is especially important, if there is a disaster they could easily escape.
3. Identify Local Animal Shelters: Know where the local animal shelters are located in case your pet does get lost.  Have a current picture as well to help identify them.
4. Locate a Local Veterinary Clinic: Know where the local veterinarian or animal hospital is in case your pet needs medical care.
5. Plan a Pet Friendly-Place to Stay: If a disaster hits and you are not able to stay in your home a good tip is to search in advance of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities or somewhere you can stay.  Many emergency shelters are not pet friendly.
6. Prepare and Emergency Kit for EACH Animal: Some basic items to be in an emergency kit for your pets during a disaster are: one-week food supply, one-week fresh water, medication you pet may need, copies of vaccination records, current picture of you with your pets to identity them and claim ownership, temporary ID tags with the contact info of someone in an unaffected area, carrier and/or leash for each animal. Store these items in an easy to grab container.

The last thing you want after and emergency or disaster is to have something happen to your furry family members.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

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

The Steps of Storm Damage Repair.

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to severe water damage.

If your home or building has suffered serious water damage after a particularly trying snow or rainstorm, call in the help of a professional remediation team. You should not attempt to tear out and restore your building and its contents on your own, as you do not know what risks the water or the building itself poses. To ensure a safe and speedy recovery, hire a water remediation team that knows how to safely and effectively handle the situation.  A professional remediation company has set procedures and measures in place for dealing with any type of storm damage. You can expect the team to inspect the building and use the following methods for bringing your property back to good health. 

4 Steps Professionals Will Follow For Storm Damage Repairs. 

1. Extract the Water. This is the first and most important step. The team may use submersible pumps and wet/dry vacuums. The water extraction process helps reduce drying time and prevent additional damage caused by sitting water. 
2. Tear Out Wet Materials. Once all of the water has been removed from the building, the company will start to remove all wet materials. This can include furniture, equipment and documents, but it may also include wet carpet, rotted floor boards and any other easily removable structural components. 
3. Dry All Structures. Once all of the wet materials have been removed, the drying process will begin. They will use dehumidifiers to evaporate any moisture that remains in the floorboards, carpet, walls and cement. There will be a drying goal set and the expert team at SERVPRO™ Blackfoot/ Pocatello will do daily moisture reading to return the affected area to a dry state.
4. Restore the Building. Finally, once your building is dry and free from water, our professional team will then make whatever repairs are necessary to bring your building back to pre-storm condition. If your building was severely damaged in a storm, let SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/ Pocatello take over. We can help tear out all the wet materials and bring your property back to like-new condition in a safe and swift manner. With our resources no job is to big or to small.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

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

What you need to know about Storm Damage?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help cleanup and restore after suffering storm damage.

No matter where you leave you might experience smaller storms with minimal damage to your building. Whenever there is a storm it’s always good to have a professional on your side to asses and rebuild what was damaged.

Different Types of Storm Damage

Wind Damage- When a storm hits your home and/or commercial building most likely wind will be involved. Winds can cause roof damages, fallen trees, and broken windows. A professional should be in a place to offer solutions to any wind damages sustained to your home.

Ground Water- During a storm the ground loose, its ability to drain all the water.  When this happens dirt and soil become soft and start to float along with the water. When storm water sits, it starts carry debris and become a health concern due to the diseases it can carry. For faster drainage, call a professional. Professionals can use a pump to remove flood water from your house and/or commercial building. Also, it is important to consider a company that specializes in clean water restoration.

Hail Damage-  Whenever there is a rainy disaster it can also be in the back our minds that hail will be present.  Hail can cause serve damage to roofs, siding, stucco, windows, and screens for windows and sliding doors. With these types of damages, you will need to go through your insurance company to see what will be covered.

SERVPRO Can Help You With Storm Damage 

When it comes to any storm damage keep SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello in your mind.  Our crew and office staff our here to help you walk through your damages and it will be “Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Kits for Natural Disasters

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency first aid kits are important to have in a place of business or your home.

First aid kits, or emergency kits, are too important.  We shouldn’t wait till the last minute to put them together. Every business and personal home should have one ready to go always. Natural disasters can happen suddenly, and you might have to pick up and go at the drop of a hat.  Below are examples of what to include in your emergency kit.

What To Include In Your Emergency Kit 

What to Include in a kit for a group of 2 to 3 people -- Medical items to keep in a first aid kit include the following:

• Gloves
• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads: small & large
• Roll of gauze bandages
• Equipment for resuscitation
• Splint
• Towelettes to clean wounds
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket: minimum of one
• At least two elastic wraps
• Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small groups of people, for larger families and groups be sure to adjust the number of supplies needed. To be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to have more than one kit in a place of business or personal home in Blackfoot, ID. Also make sure the kits are in a location that are easily assessable.

Have A Plan When A Storm Hits

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for Storm Damage?

When your business is in danger from a storm you can’t afford to risk your investment to water damage and a flooded building. There are many ways you can prepare your commercial property for an oncoming storm and minimize the damage as much as possible.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Commercial Building For Storm Damage

1. Have a Plan

Your first priority should be to have a plan set for when a disaster hit. This plan needs to have clear steps to outline what to do in an emergency. It will also need to allow you to respond as quickly as possible as soon as you learn what threats the disaster will cause. The plan should include how to protect your building’s structure, how to safeguard your equipment, and the first steps of how to recover.

2. Protect Your Investment

Be ready to minimize damage with weatherproofing. This can include sandbagging the exterior of your building, installing weather stripping, moving your equipment and inventory to higher ground, and sealing any leaks. Minimize as much damage as possible by preventing storm water from intruding on the building.

3. Make Backups

One of the most important things you can do is back up your business data. You always want to have a few different ways to back up your office information.

4. Know Your Evacuation Routes

When the storm comes, your first instinct may be to stay as long as possible to ensure your building is appropriately protected. Instead, you should be focusing on safety. Lost inventory, equipment, and data can be recovered. Restoration professionals can repair your building. Your safety should be the greatest priority. 

How to prepare for a Thunderstorm

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

When a Thunder and Lightning storm roles into town, some of us run inside to the safety of your home or sit on the front porch to watch the storm clouds role in over the mountains. Thunder and lightning can quickly set a wildfire for example what happened at the Idaho National Laboratory facility on July 25^th, 2019 in Southwest Idaho, which burnt 177 square miles. When lightning strikes it can pass through the wiring. This can cause damage to any electrical appliances that are plugged into outlets.

How to Prepare for a Thunderstorm

• Identify all close sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, and spend time.
• Keep trees clear of derby and dead branches that might fall on your home during a storm.
• Purchase surge protectors, lighting rods, or lighting protection system.

What to do in a Thunderstorm

• Move from outdoors into a building or car

• Pay attention to alerts and warning

• Unplug appliances

• Do not use landline phones

After a sever thunderstorm please make sure to watch for fallen power lines and trees.

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

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

  Have Questions about storm? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

What to do after a Storm

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

With living in a colder climate there are extreme snowfall, ice damming, etc. Ice damage can come in many forms but one of the most common ice related issues are from frozen pipes bursting. An ice dam can cause major damage by blocking water from running off of the roof. Wind damage sometimes accompanies a severe blizzard. Trees topple over, vinyl siding is blown off and telephone lines are blown down.

Everything and anything can go wrong during a storm and leave so much damage and repairs to be done. From: frozen pipes, flood water, roof damage, and more. Where and how do you start the clean-up process start? By calling the professionals at SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello. DIY home is futile after a disaster. A professional will be able to assess roof damage and structural problems with expert knowledge.

SERVPRO® professionals address the following:

Flooding, river flooding, storm damage, wind damage, roof repair, or temporary tarping roof leaks

About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello

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

  Have Questions about storm needs? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819

When a Storm or Flood hits, SERVPRO is ready!

7/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello 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 Eastern North Carolina, 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 208.242.3819