Emergency Plan of Action

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for a disaster is a lot like preparing for everyday life: planning is key! When getting ready for a long day on the job, you don't want to wake up scrambling to find all of your necessary items. The same goes for disaster preparation! Having an emergency plan to review will make it that much easier to stay safe and prepared for any disaster.

Emergencies can occur unexpectedly, no matter your location! Disasters like flooding, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, power outages, and water line breaks can affect huge populations for days to weeks at a time. The more prepared you are for these situations, the more confident you'll feel when they occur.

Being prepared is crucial to staying safe through any size disaster. If you haven't already developed a plan of action for your home and loved ones, the time to make one is now! Lucky for you, we at SERVPRO® offer emergency readiness profiles (ERPs) to keep your home or business safe and prepared when you need it most. Contact SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties today at (606) 886-3826 to start creating your personal plan of action as well as your ERP!

Watch VS Warning

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Knowing the difference when it matters most!

When a storm rolls into town, the first thing on your mind is how close it is to your home and loved ones. Moments like these remind us how important it is to know the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning.

As stated by Weather Works, the difference between the two is as follows:

• A WATCH means that current weather conditions could potentially develop into severe thunderstorms or tornadoes and it's important to stay updated on the current weather situation as well as be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.
• A WARNING means that severe weather is imminent in your area or is already occurring and immediate action should be taken to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Don't wait until a storm arrives to make sure you are prepared! Be sure to develop a plan of action for your family and have a safety kit ready before the storm hits. This will ensure your loved ones are safe and prepared for anything that comes their way.

Storm damage occurs whether we like it or not. When it does, call the experts here at SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties to handle all of your problems year-round!

Rain, Rain, Go Away! Please Don't Damage My Home Today

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Ensure your home is ready for heavy rains

Rainstorms can happen any time of the year, but as spring approaches, so do those beloved spring showers, and let's face it: some of those are a little more than just showers!

When heavy rains begin to hit, there are a few simple steps you can take to help you handle these home emergencies before it's too late:

• Check the position, landscaping, and slope of your home: how your home is positioned can heavily impact flood damages. Contact a professional landscaper for help with this task.
• Double-check the insulation in your basement: excess rainfall in a short period can overload your basement's waterproofing systems. If this happens, the earth around your basement can become saturated and push water in through foundation cracks. Make sure to have an expert properly inspect your basement to ensure it is storm-ready!
• Contact your insurance provider to double-check your flood insurance: even the most perfectly protected basements can flood, so make sure you call your insurance provider prior to any emergency event to double-check your flood insurance

Don't let flooding and storm damage get you down! Call SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties today.

Ready for Stormy Weather?

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Recently in our area, we've been experiencing a lot of rain and snow fall which majorly increases the chances of flooding. Many local homes and businesses were totally flooded and needed to be evacuated until the water had crested, but at that point the damage had been done.

We know how unfortunate and inconvenient circumstances like this can be and that's why we want you to be able to keep your property and loved ones safe. The best way to ensure that is by preparing an at-home (or at-office) storm kit!

Keeping the people and things you care about safe starts with proper planning and safety procedures before the storm hits! The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has given us several, awesome questions to consider when preparing your home or business for upcoming storms:

• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household/business communication plan?
• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings about my area?

When a storm hits, keeping your loved ones and properties safe is top priority! By having a plan of action, you are prepared whenever disaster strikes. If you do experience storm damage in your residential or commercial property, call us today at (606) 886-3826 and let the professionals here at SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties handle it!

Flood Insurance for your Home

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have flood insurance on your old, Kentucky home?

A majority of the home-owners in our area do not have flood coverage and it's time for that to change! Flooding can happen any time of the year, so it's important to be proactive when it comes to protecting your property.

When it floods, water damage is able to infiltrate any and every part of your home/business. That's why it's important to act fast and know your options! Different insurance companies offer different choices to help protect your home in a timely manner.

To get an idea of what's best for you, try sitting down with your insurance agent and discussing your flood coverage options. If floodwaters do infiltrate your your home, there's a risk that it will not be covered due to the additional coverage necessary for insurance companies to payout. This is why it's important to talk to your agent about any additional policies offered for an additional cost.

Don't wait until it's too late! Take the time to learn more about your local insurance coverage. Save yourself or your business money in-the-long-run by contacting your insurance agent today about flood coverage for damage throughout the year.

Preparing Your Home for Storm Damage

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Staying Safe During Storms

If there's one thing we know about storms, it's that they can appear and cause damage in any season, even if it's not the typical storm season. Since a storm could happen at any time, there's only one way to ensure the safety of your family and home: PREPAREDNESS!

Not only will ensuring your home is storm-ready keep you and your loved ones safe, but it's the easiest and best way to keep you from spending loads of money on repairs after-the-fact! Preventing future damage starts by fixing any existing damage within the home, especially within the roof.

Damage to your home's roof can be caused by many factors like winter, hail, lightning, animals, etc. If you're not sure about the state of your roof, look for these common indicators that let you know it may be time for some repairs:

1. Roof is missing shingles.
2. Areas of the roof are sagging/bending.
3. Animal footprints/signs of animal are on the roof.
4. Holes/gaps in roofing that may have been caused by TV satellites or other equipment are present.

Tending to your roof before a storm occurs increases the likelihood that it will be able to withstand a storm. Taking these precautions may not prevent all storm damage from happening but it will minimize its severity as well as decrease your home's chances of suffering from storm damage in the future.

For more information about storm damage prevention or our services, please contact today at SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties!

Power Outage during Storms

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

Have you suffered a power outage? 

Outages in your home can be caused by a storm, floods, or even fires. The storms are headed this way as summer turns to fall. Keep your family safe during these changing seasons. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep your family safe by following these tips from our friends at the American Red Cross:

Staying Safe Indoors

• Use flash lights in the dark, not candles.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
• If you are using a generator be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use generators safely.
• If you know a storm is coming have shoes close by so you are not stepping on anything that could harm you (i.e. glass, debris, other items that could have caused storm damage in your home)
• Battery operated devices: to keep you up to date on outages and storm warnings.

Keep these tips on the top of your mind so you and your family are safe during the next power outage. 

Storms Happen, Be Prepared

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties has been involved in emergency storm assistance for many years now and during that time has actively worked with local insurance companies and emergency management teams to assist people in extremely difficult and dangerous situations.  It is important to be reminded of some basic safety tips in order to stay prepared and alert during our ever changing weather patterns.  

From the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management:

• Before a thunderstorm arrives, know the key warning signs:  dark clouds, lightening, and thunder

• Get informed with a weather radio or by watching the news

• Have an emergency kit on hand that includes flashlights, battery operated weather radio, first aid kit, food and water, and essential medicines

• Stay inside and sheltered.  If outside, move indoors or into a vehicle.  Get out of water immediately.  If trapped outside, make yourself as small as possible in a low lying area

• Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed before going outside 

As a trusted leader in emergency response for our area, SERVPRO of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties is committed to helping our community be prepared for weather emergencies.  As a 24 hour emergency response partner, SERVPRO is dedicated to providing immediate and professional services to you and your family should the need arise during this severe weather season. 

Storms-- Emergency Preparedness

5/11/2019 (Permalink)

Tornadoes and storms are the leaders in significant damage every year. When storm damage occurs, most of us are not ready, here are a few tips to keep your family safe during storm season: 

• Keep the gas level in your car above 1/4 of a tank.
• Record the dosages and names of medications you take and keep in a grab and go place, such as in your purse.
• Keep your purse or wallet in an easy to get to place 
• Test the batteries in your flash lights monthly like you do your batteries in your smoke detectors.
• Keep all emergency information in a safe place 
• Have your insurance companies contact information saved in your cell phone including policy number and agents name.
• Keep electronics/phones charged at least above 20% so incase the power goes out you have a way of communication 

No one wants to see a storm head their way, but using these tips to keep your family safe will make it a little smoother to endure when the time comes to your area.

Watch Vs. Warning

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Spring weather is in full force which means that so are summer storms. When watching for storms always make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning. 

A WATCH is when a tornado threat could occur. The weather is indicting that a tornado may touch down, but no one has reported or seen an actual funnel cloud. This just means, it could be likely. 

On the other hand, a WARNING means that a tornado has been spotted, and the weather is something to take seriously. You should shelter in place, if you haven't already, when the tornado warning appears on the news or local radio stations.

Keep up-to-date with emergency preparedness kits and local news channels to make sure you are prepared when severe weather takes place in your area.  

Wind Damage

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Damage Causing Winds

Many think that rain and flood waters are the primary cause of storm damage, but wind actually factors into more storm damage than you think.We have seen more storm damage from winds than flood waters in recent years. 

High winds or damaging winds are often called "straight-line" winds. These winds can exceed anywhere from 50-60 miles per hour, causing dangerous situations for homeowners. 

Check Your Insurance

It is always good to double check your insurance for wind damage. When storm damage hits there can be a variety of problems that occur with some covered by insurance and some not, and it's always best to have your home under the best protection. 

We service many homes after storm damage, so give us a call! 

Insurance Coverage During Storm Season

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

The spring/summer season is upon us which means that so are summer storms. 

Are you prepared?

When summer storms occur, things can go one of two ways. You can be covered under your insurance policy and get everything back to "Like it never even happened" Or...

You will not have insurance that covers storm damage and your home could be left in pieces for years to come. 

It is that time of the year to check your insurance policy with your local agent. Call them, or schedule a meeting to make sure the requirements for your home to be covered are updated and secure. 

We send this reminder to keep your home and family safe during storm season. We are here to help. 

Do not let storm season send your home "flying."

Kentucky Storm Team heads to North Carolina

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO travels to North Carolina with team to help customers impacted by Hurricane Florence.

Our team of certified and trained technicians left a week and a half ago to New Bern, North Carolina to help locals impacted by the hurricane. They left with a storm trailer full with equipment and supplies to help those in need. 

We are always honored to be a part of the storm team that travels to help those in need. We are graciously humbled to be a part of a 1,700 franchised company that goes from state to state helping those impacted by such catastrophic events. We never take it lightly to help these people who are going through such saddening times. 

We have been to several storms this summer, but this storm is bigger than any of those events. Our team intends to stay for a few more weeks as they continue to help our customers, or as long as it takes to make these damages "Like it never even happened."

Our storm team is Here to Help!

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Our storm team travels all over the United States to care for other communities during their time of need. The local SERVPRO's in those communities get overloaded with calls, so they activate SERVPRO storm teams from all over the country. 

Our teams head into the eye of the storm going from customer to customer to help with their storm damages. It's anything from a flooded basement to sump pump failure; these teams never stop. They work continuously to help the residents of these communities. 

We went to Iowa in July, and we are still in Pennsylvania working with the most recent flooding right now. We hope to help all we can while we are on site. As always, we hope they don't need us, but if they do our storm team is always on standby ready to head into the next disaster.  

Storm Damage --Be Prepared

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning up after a disaster can put you in danger of a lot of different threats, from contaminated water, to animals and insects, to battered wood and sagging ceilings. If you are cleaning up this kind of storm damage, you should be wearing the following:

• Long pants
• Long sleeved shirt
• Sturdy shoes or boots (no tennis shoes or flip flops)
• Work gloves

It's also a good idea to have these products nearby to have for extra protection:

• Eye protection
• Disposable masks
• Hard hats

In addition, many disasters have unique hazards that require specific precautions. Please consult the Emergency Resource Library for information on a particular disaster. Thank you to our friends at the American Red Cross for this information of safety for our customers.

Does Insurance Cover That?

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

As summer season approaches it's always a good idea to review your insurance. Insurance is great --it keeps you calm during your storm. But, your insurance may not cover as much as you think. 

Your agents want to help you, try to keep in contact with them on what to do when disaster strikes. It's never a bad idea to review your contract and discuss the ins and out of what is covered. Another good idea, is to check your deductible. How much will you need to pay out of pocket before it reaches the level that your insurance can help you? Also, is there separate coverage and  deductibles for hurricanes, floods, etc. 

It's always good to stay prepared, and we hope that disaster doesn't strike but SERVPRO is here to help 24/7 -365!

Remember the Pets during Storm

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

During a storm event, it's always smart to have a plan for your family --sometimes, it's hard to remember to have a plan for your pets too. 

Ready.gov recommends a variety of ways to keep your pets safe during storm events. 

Here are a few: 

• Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your pets.
• Identify shelters. 
• Find a local veterinarian or animal hospital where you may need to take an injured pet.
• Have your pet microchipped with up to date information.
• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.

We want everyone to stay safe during storm events. So, next time a storm event is coming around the corner remember to keep the little paws, claws, and other pets safe!

Storms, storms, and more storms...

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Storm season is upon us, and we are all too familiar with it. Last year, we did four separate storm events across the United States. 

We were in Kansas City, Texas, Georgia, and most recently Louisville: all to take care of those communities who had been impacted by the storms.

Our large loss division allows us to leave home and help other communities in need. We have storm trailers specifically to make sure we have the equipment necessary to help those who are far away and without help. 

We go into communities who have SERVPRO's who are too overworked to handle all of the damage themselves. We bring extra sets of hands, equipment, and heart to help these people. 

As the saying goes, we're "Here to Help!"

Residents of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties: Do you know how to stay safe during a power outage?

10/6/2017 (Permalink)

A power outage can be caused by a storm, floods, or even fires. This season our weather patterns have been all over the place in Kentucky. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep your family safe by following these tips from our friends at the American Red Cross:

Staying Safe Indoors

• Use flash lights in the dark, not candles.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
• If you are using a generator be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use generators safely.

Food Safety

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for 4 hours. A freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.

Storm Watch 2017—Dorothy and Toto report for duty!

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties works 24/7 to make sure the local community is taken care of during a disaster. But, what happens when another community is in need and their local SERVPRO is overrun with so many calls they cannot possible take them all? SERVPRO’s from all over the U.S. step in to help!

 During their recent trip to Birmingham the Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties SERVPRO team got to be in attendance when a Kansas City flood occurred. The Storm Team, run by Eric Greene, were ready and prepared to take care of Kansas City. They dispatched SERVPRO’s from all over to send their Storm Crews to the flood damaged areas.

Our motto is, and always will be, Here to Help! No matter the distance our Storm Team will travel to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Once the sirens have silenced, do you need a hero ready service for your storm damage?

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Have storm damage? Call SERVPRO today!

There’s a scary feeling that hits when you hear your local sirens going off, and you realize the storms are headed your way. You take the necessary precautions, but sometimes the eye of the storm has a mind of it’s own. When the clouds have cleared and you have a mess on your hands, call us at SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties! We understand that storm damage can be overwhelming and seem impossible, but our crew of professionally trained individuals are always ready! Our 1-4-8 rule will get us to you even sooner. Within: 

• One hour from a notice of loss, we will have a SERVPRO professional contact you.
• Four hours of loss a SERVPRO professional will be on site to start mitigation, if necessary.
• Eight business hours after a loss, we will have a verbal briefing of the scope communicated to you.

SERVPRO is here to help when the storm damages your home. As always, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Summer Fun or Summer Storms? Either Way SERVPRO® is HERE TO HELP!

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Marketing Manager Ashley Kovaleski and Marketing Rep Morgan Blount had a great day at the golf scramble telling everyone about SERVPRO.

Last week, our franchise had the opportunity to participate in the Madison County Home Builders Associations Annual Golf Scramble at The Battlefield Golf Course in Richmond, Kentucky.  Many local builders and business professionals from the Richmond and Berea area, as well as across Central Kentucky, came out to support the event. 

Marketing Manager Ashley Kovaleski and Marketing Representative Morgan Blount were able to discuss the benefits of restoration work for the building industry.  As many are aware, warm weather is headed our way.  With the increasing temperatures, we also stand the risk of some severe storms. 

Luckily for our builders and other customers SERVPRO® is your go to for storm damages to your home of business.  Property board-ups, water extraction and drying, and soot cleanup are no match for our team of experts!  Our highly-trained storm damage specialists and our access to the resources and personnel of 1,700 Franchises makes us ready for any size disaster!

When Lightning Strikes!

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Storm season in Kentucky!  We all know the familiar sight of storm clouds rolling in from the distance.  Wind, rain, thunder…and lightening.  What happens when lightning strikes your home or business?  At SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties we have the experience and training to deal with the aftermath of lightning strikes.  From the deodorization process, to the structural repair process down to any cleaning needs from potential interior soot, we are ready and able to assist at any time.  Often times a lightning strike leads to the need for emergency board up or roof tarps.  We can handle that as well!  Call us with any lightening or storm damage needs and let us assist you during the entire process. SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties is available 24 hours 7 days a week and will be ready to help you no matter when a storm or lightning strike may occur. 

SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties - A Proud National Storm Response Team Member

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricanes, flood events, wildfires – we’ve all seen them on the news and have all done our part at some point through charities like the Red Cross or through personal support of others to assist during these devastating times. SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties has been a proud member of the SERVPRO National Storm Response Team since 2008.  Since that time, our team has worked in 25 states in over 50 natural disaster events to help our neighbors during their times of need.  Our staff is ready at a moment’s notice to assist those in need whether they be next door or across the country.  We have an expanded inventory of equipment and tools on hand at all times in order to respond to any storm need that may arise.  If you or someone you know is affected by a storm event, call us at SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties and let our storm response team help them and their community get back to normal.   

Are you “Weather Aware”? Tips for Being Prepared as Storm Season Approaches

3/29/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties has been involved in emergency storm assistance for many years now and during that time has actively worked with local insurance companies and emergency management teams to assist people in extremely difficult and dangerous situations.  With severe weather season fast approaching our area, it is important to be reminded of some basic safety tips in order to stay prepared and alert during our ever changing weather patterns.  

From the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management:

“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” 

• Before a thunderstorm arrives, know the key warning signs:  dark clouds, lightening, and thunder

• Get informed with a weather radio or by watching the news

• Have an emergency kit on hand that includes flashlights, battery operated weather radio, first aid kit, food and water, and essential medicines

• Stay inside and sheltered.  If outside, move indoors or into a vehicle.  Get out of water immediately.  If trapped outside, make yourself as small as possible in a low lying area

• Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed before going outside 

In addition, in order to be prepared for a tornado:

• Have a family tornado plan in place and practice a family tornado drill

• Watch for weather signs like dark greenish skies, large hail, dark low clouds and load roaring sounds

• Put as many walls and floors between you and the tornado as possible

• Flying debris is the greatest danger during a tornado

• If in a mobile home – GET OUT!  Find a neighbor, underground shelter, or permanent structure for safety

As a trusted leader in emergency response for our area, SERVPRO of Pike, Floyd, & Knott Counties is committed to helping our community be prepared for weather emergencies.  As a 24 hour emergency response partner, SERVPRO is dedicated to providing immediate and professional services to you and your family should the need arise during this severe weather season.