Recent Posts

Preventing Heating Fires

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Photo of a fireplace burning with a cozy blanket and two presumably steaming mugs on the table in the forground of the photo As the cold temperatures persist, it's important to ensure that you heat your home safely.

While modern heating systems are designed to be more efficient and have built-in safety features that minimize the risk of fires, it is crucial to note that heating fires can still occur due to various factors. 

Is your property at risk? Let us help you get prepared with our checklist of preventative measures. But remember, if your property does undergo damage, we are open 24/7, 365 days a year to help you through it and to make it "Like it never even happened."

Checklist for preventing heating fires

Overall, there has been a decline in heating fires over the years, however, they still pose a significant risk to homes and individuals. By remaining vigilant, staying informed about safety measures, and taking proactive steps to maintain heating systems, we can continue to reduce the occurrence of these devastating incidents.

  • Heat source proximity - Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, or candles.
  • Electrical issues - Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed.
  • Improper usage - Never use an oven to heat your home.
  • Maintenance - Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
  • More information - Visit the U.S. Fire Administration Home Fires page to learn about how to prepare for and prevent home fires including tips for individuals with disabilities and older adults.

source: Ready.gov

Was this helpful? Leave us a review to let us know!

https://www.wereyouhappy.com/with/team-cuthbertson-chattanooga

Ensuring Turkey Fryer Safety for the Holidays

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious turkey feast. While many families enjoy the tradition of deep-frying their turkeys, it is important to be aware of the potential safety hazards involved. SERVPRO, a leading provider of fire damage restoration services, is committed to helping families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season by providing turkey fryer safety tips.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips Choose the Right Fryer:

Always use a turkey fryer specifically designed for outdoor use. Never use an indoor turkey fryer, as they pose a high risk of fire.

Use a Safe Location: Place your turkey fryer at least 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials. Never operate a turkey fryer in a garage, shed, or any enclosed area.

Keep Away from Flammables: Keep any flammable materials, such as propane tanks, gasoline, or lighter fluid, away from your turkey fryer.

Fill with Proper Oil: Use only the recommended type of oil for your turkey fryer. Never overfill the fryer, as this can increase the risk of overflowing.

Thaw the Turkey Completely: A partially frozen turkey can cause the oil to splatter and ignite. Always thaw your turkey completely before frying.

Lower the Turkey Slowly: Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil to avoid splattering.

Never Leave the Fryer Unattended: Never leave a turkey fryer unattended while it is in operation. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

Dispose of Oil Properly: Once the turkey is cooked, allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it. Never pour hot oil down the drain.

SERVPRO's Commitment to Safety SERVPRO is committed to helping families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season by providing turkey fryer safety tips and fire damage restoration services in case of an emergency. With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO has the expertise and resources to help you recover from a fire quickly and efficiently.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

By following these turkey fryer safety tips, you can help prevent fires and ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your family. SERVPRO wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

Fire Prevention for Homes and Businesses

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

If you didn't know, it's National Fire Prevention Week. As much as we here at SERVPRO are here to help clean up after fires, our priority is always to help prevent them in the first place. So, we want to share some tips with you that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Fire is one of the most devastating disasters that can strike a home or business. It can cause extensive damage to property and possessions, and can even lead to loss of life. That's why it's important to take steps to prevent fires from happening in the first place.

Here are some fire prevention tips for homes and businesses: Home fire prevention tips:

  • ?  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries every year.

  • ?  Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family.

  • ?  Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.

  • ?  Be careful when cooking and using candles.

  • ?  Never smoke in bed.

  • ?  Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician. Business fire prevention tips:

  • ?  Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your business. Test your alarms every month and change the batteries every year.

  • ?  Create and practice a fire escape plan with your employees.

  • ?  Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and electrical equipment.

  • ?  Be careful when using appliances and equipment.

  • ?  Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.

    How SERVPRO can help after a fire

    If a fire does happen, it's important to call a qualified fire restoration company as soon as possible. SERVPRO is a leading provider of fire restoration services. We have over 2,000 franchises across the United States and Canada, so we're always nearby to help when disaster strikes.

Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals is equipped to handle all aspects of fire restoration, including:

  • ?  Emergency water removal

  • ?  Structural drying

  • ?  Smoke and odor removal

  • ?  Content cleaning and restoration

  • ?  Construction services

    We work with your insurance company to make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so you can always count on us to be there for you when you need us most.

    If you have experienced a fire, contact SERVPRO today. We're here to help you get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

    Additional fire prevention tips:

  • ?  Educate your family and employees about fire safety. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

  • ?  Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home or business and know how to use it.

  • ?  Keep your fire extinguishers in good working order by inspecting them regularly and

    having them serviced by a professional.

  • ?  Consider installing a fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler systems can help to extinguish

    fires quickly and prevent them from spreading.

    By following these fire prevention tips, you can help to protect your home or business from the devastating effects of fire.

Ensuring Turkey Fryer Safety for the Holidays

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious turkey feast. While many families enjoy the tradition of deep-frying their turkeys, it is important to be aware of the potential safety hazards involved. SERVPRO, a leading provider of fire damage restoration services, is committed to helping families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season by providing turkey fryer safety tips.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

  1. Choose the Right Fryer: Always use a turkey fryer specifically designed for outdoor use. Never use an indoor turkey fryer, as they pose a high risk of fire.
  2. Use a Safe Location: Place your turkey fryer at least 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials. Never operate a turkey fryer in a garage, shed, or any enclosed area.
  3. Keep Away from Flammables: Keep any flammable materials, such as propane tanks, gasoline, or lighter fluid, away from your turkey fryer.
  4. Fill with Proper Oil: Use only the recommended type of oil for your turkey fryer. Never overfill the fryer, as this can increase the risk of overflowing.
  5. Thaw the Turkey Completely: A partially frozen turkey can cause the oil to splatter and ignite. Always thaw your turkey completely before frying.
  6. Lower the Turkey Slowly: Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil to avoid splattering.
  7. Never Leave the Fryer Unattended: Never leave a turkey fryer unattended while it is in operation. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
  8. Dispose of Oil Properly: Once the turkey is cooked, allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it. Never pour hot oil down the drain.

SERVPRO's Commitment to Safety

SERVPRO is committed to helping families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season by providing turkey fryer safety tips and fire damage restoration services in case of an emergency. With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO has the expertise and resources to help you recover from a fire quickly and efficiently.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

By following these turkey fryer safety tips, you can help prevent fires and ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your family. SERVPRO wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

Don't Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Holidays

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

The holidays are coming up. Keeping your home up-to-date is crucial to ensure that you can enjoy your holidays without any pipes bursting your bubble!

Begin the pipe burst cleanup. If any electrical outlets or equipment were disturbed, shut off electricity to the area. Use a wet vacuum or sump pump to remove any standing water and then clean, sanitize and dry any affected areas and items.

Keep in mind that an area that doesn’t dry quickly enough can develop black mold and lead to further damages to your property. To ensure the area is properly cleaned, sanitized and dried, you should work with a water cleanup company in Chattanooga, TN, that is experienced with commercial and residential pipe burst cleanup.

Our Technicians are certified in commercial and residential water damage cleanup. We are open 24/7/365 for you. Visit SERVPRO of Chattanooga for more information on water cleanup.

Here Are Five Tips To Avoid Water Damage In Your Home

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Hand with glove cleaning a gutter Keep your gutters clean to avoid water damage in your home.

Five Tips On How to Avoid Water Damage

Water damage can cause serious problems in your home. You might not realize it's happening until the damage has already been done. Water that seeps into your house can cause mold and mildew growth, which can start to smell and cause structural damage. If you think you have water damage in your home, call a professional immediately—the sooner they discover where the leak is coming from, the better chance there is of fixing it before it causes too much damage. Here are five tips on how to avoid water damage:

# 01. Clean your gutters regularly.

There are many things that can cause water damage in your home, but the most common culprit is dirty gutters. The water from your roof collects in a gutter, which then drains down to the ground. If you don't clean the gutters regularly, debris can build up and clog them, so they spill over onto your foundation or back into your yard. This causes flooding inside and outside of your home and can lead to rot of wood structures such as decking or siding.

Fortunately, it's easy to avoid this problem by cleaning out your gutters at least twice per year (preferably during fall and spring). 

# 02. Pay attention to your sump pump.

Sump pumps are a necessary part of any basement or crawlspace, but they can also be the cause of water damage if they're not properly maintained. If your sump pump isn't working, you could be at risk for major water damage, but you can avoid this by taking care of your pump and doing regular inspections.

Here are some tips on how to inspect your sump pump:

  • First, look at how much water is coming into your house and determine if it's normal or excessive. If there is too much water coming into the home and you can't find the source, it could be caused by a malfunctioning sump pump.
  • Check the float switch on your sump pump to see if it's working correctly. If it's stuck in one position or not moving at all, then replace or repair it before using your pump again.
  • Look at where you install your sump pump—is it near an outlet? If so, be sure that nothing has interfered with its ability to draw power from that outlet (such as nearby trees). Also check for any signs of damage from animals or insects getting inside the system; this can cause big problems with functionality over time!

If you suspect that something isn't quite right with your pump but aren't sure what to do next, call in some experts who can inspect everything thoroughly before recommending repairs or replacement parts.

# 03. Control the moisture in your bathroom and kitchen.

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most likely places to have water damage, so it's a good idea to take extra precautions in these areas. Water can cause mold, mildew and other problems that can be very expensive to fix.

Water damage can occur when there is excessive moisture in your home. Moisture comes from many sources:

  • leaky pipes under sinks or tubs 
  • leaking showers and toilets
  • leaky faucets

# 04. Double-check your dishwasher and washing machine.

If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, you may be at risk of experiencing water damage in your Harrison, TN home. If you are not careful, these appliances can cause flooding and water damage. Here are some steps to take to make sure that your dishwasher and washing machine don't cause any damage:

1. Make sure that the hoses on your washing machine are connected properly so that they drain properly when the machine is turned off.

2. Check for leaks around the door of your dishwasher, as well as at all connections to the dishwasher itself.

3. Make sure that any leaks you find don't go unnoticed for too long; if they do, it could cause serious damage to your home!

If any of these issues exist with your current machinery, then it is best to repair or replace them before they lead to any major problems down the road!

# 05. Look for cracks in basements, foundations, and retaining walls.

The next time you are looking through your basement, foundation, and retaining walls, look for the tell-tale signs of water damage. Look for cracks in the flooring, or anywhere else water could seep through. If you notice any cracks or holes that would allow water to get into your home's foundation, act immediately. There are multiple ways to fix them: some can be patched up with cement filler; others may need more extensive repairs by a professional contractor.

Conclusion

Hopefully these tips can help keep you and your family safe from water damage at home. If your home or business suffers from water damage, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Chattanooga team a call today!

SERVPRO Chattanooga Fall Festival Fun CE Class!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance agent playing a golfing game at one of the festival booths. Attendees at the CE Class playing Fall Festival Games.

This October I had my first major event, Continuing Education. I had never heard of these classes before and had no idea what to expect. Luckily, I had an amazing team that helped me through it. So, before I get into detail of our unique Fall Festival CE Class, I want to give a big thanks and shoutout to Sydney Parks. I could not ask for a better teammate and partner to work with. If you ever have the chance to work with this powerhouse, consider yourself very lucky. This post is dedicated to her. Thank you Sydney for everything you have done and do for me and the office!

We had a great turnout at the event! We had attendees from many different agencies, including: AAA Insurance, Hallmark Insurance, and Farmers Insurance!

CE budgeting and planning can be difficult. Especially when it comes to decorations and games for your attendees to participate in. We created many DIYs that helped us create a Fall-tastic Carnival Fall Festival during our CE Class. 

There was a variety of games we created for CE that participants did during the Lunch break. Our lunch was extended for a total of an hour and thirty minutes. This ensured people could eat, register for the next class, take a tour of our facility, network, and play all the games we had to offer. 

Games Offered:

  • Mini Golf
  • Basket Toss
  • Ring Toss
  • Target Practice
  • Guessing Game
  • Raffle for Gift Card

We made game tickets that all attendees received at check-in. They put all their game points on these cards and turned them in at the end of lunch. When the next class started, we tallied up the points and found our winners! We had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for the Carnival games. They received Fall gift bags with various Fall themed items. The winner of the guessing game got a $10.00 gift card… and of course all 847 M&Ms! Our raffle winner won a $100.00 gift card. 

Our games were not professionally made, nor were they bought online. These were handmade. Sydney and I worked many hours to create decorations for the class and all the games. A lot of our materials, such as palettes and large/small boxes, were sourced from our Mitigation and Contents warehouse. We cut, painted, glued, and built these games using inspirations from Pinterest! They took a lot of time and effort, but it was well worth it! We will now be able to use these items at Trade Shows, future CE Classes, and so much more.

SERVPRO Chattanooga Fall Festival Fun CE Class!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance agent playing a golfing game at one of the festival booths. Attendees at the CE Class playing Fall Festival Games.

This October I had my first major event, Continuing Education. I had never heard of these classes before and had no idea what to expect. Luckily, I had an amazing team that helped me through it. So, before I get into detail of our unique Fall Festival CE Class, I want to give a big thanks and shoutout to Sydney Parks. I could not ask for a better teammate and partner to work with. If you ever have the chance to work with this powerhouse, consider yourself very lucky. This post is dedicated to her. Thank you Sydney for everything you have done and do for me and the office!

We had a great turnout at the event! We had attendees from many different agencies, including: AAA Insurance, Hallmark Insurance, and Farmers Insurance!

CE budgeting and planning can be difficult. Especially when it comes to decorations and games for your attendees to participate in. We created many DIYs that helped us create a Fall-tastic Carnival Fall Festival during our CE Class. 

There was a variety of games we created for CE that participants did during the Lunch break. Our lunch was extended for a total of an hour and thirty minutes. This ensured people could eat, register for the next class, take a tour of our facility, network, and play all the games we had to offer. 

Games Offered:

  • Mini Golf
  • Basket Toss
  • Ring Toss
  • Target Practice
  • Guessing Game
  • Raffle for Gift Card

We made game tickets that all attendees received at check-in. They put all their game points on these cards and turned them in at the end of lunch. When the next class started, we tallied up the points and found our winners! We had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for the Carnival games. They received Fall gift bags with various Fall themed items. The winner of the guessing game got a $10.00 gift card… and of course all 847 M&Ms! Our raffle winner won a $100.00 gift card. 

Our games were not professionally made, nor were they bought online. These were handmade. Sydney and I worked many hours to create decorations for the class and all the games. A lot of our materials, such as palettes and large/small boxes, were sourced from our Mitigation and Contents warehouse. We cut, painted, glued, and built these games using inspirations from Pinterest! They took a lot of time and effort, but it was well worth it! We will now be able to use these items at Trade Shows, future CE Classes, and so much more.

What Causes Toilet Overflow While Showering?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet It is important to check your toilets regularly for signs of overflow.

What Causes Toilet Overflow While Showering?

When you're in the shower, you don't want to have to worry about more than just how clean you are. However, if your toilet is overflowing while you're showering, then there's a good chance that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again. In this article we'll discuss what causes toilet overflow while showering and what steps you can take to avoid it in the future!

Can be due to a clogged pipe or drainage problem.

The first thing to know is that toilet overflow often happens due to a clogged pipe or drainage problem. If the drain isn't working properly, the water won't be able to flow out of your pipes when you flush the toilet. This can cause excess water in your bathroom, which will begin to rise until it flows out onto the floor. If this happens while you're showering, an overflow can occur as well as cause severe flooding in other parts of your home.

Be careful of clogged drains and pipes.

It's an unfortunate reality that kids often drop toys into the toilet, but this can lead to clogged drains and pipes. If you have kids living with you, make sure they're not playing near the toilet or throwing plastic toys in there. Older children might need reminding of this fact every now and then when they've been busy with something else in their room—or just being children!

Can damage to your home's plumbing system.

If the overflow is not fixed, it could cause damage to your home's plumbing system and can cause sewage problems in your home. If you notice that your toilet has been overflowing, it is important to check out the problem as soon as possible. If you are unsure what is causing it, call a plumber so they can help with fixing the issue.

Overflowing toilets can cause sewage problems in your home, which is why it's so important to check them out as soon as possible. While some of these problems may be easy enough to fix yourself, others should be handled by a professional plumber. 

Call a plumber immediately.

If you are unsure what's causing your toilet overflow, it's always best to call a plumber. There are many possible causes that can be easily remedied by an experienced professional. A clogged pipe is one of the most common reasons for a toilet overflow, as debris from the pipes can become stuck and prevent water from flowing smoothly through them. Another cause could be a leaky joint or valve in your piping system, which may also result in an overflowing toilet.

It is important to check your toilets regularly for signs of overflow and clogged drains so that you can prevent problems from happening before they do! If you are noticing that your toilet overflows when you shower, call a plumber immediately to prevent your home from experiencing water damage.

Is Security Fencing Really Necessary?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fence Security fencing is a great way to protect your property in Chattanooga, TN.

What Is Security Fencing and Why Is It Used?

If you're looking to protect your property in Chattanooga, TN, then security fencing may be the right option for your business. However, there are some important considerations that you should make before hiring someone to install it.

You should always hire a professional

If you are going to use security fencing, you should always hire a professional for its installation. There are lots of examples of businesses using security fencing. For example, security fencing can be used by homeowners because they want protection from intruders who want to come into their house without permission like burglars and thieves! 

Hiring a professional fencing company to install your security fencing is important in order to ensure that it is done right and will give you the protection you want and need.

The Importance of Security Fencing for Commercial Properties

You might have security fencing in place to keep people out of your commercial property, but it can also be used to protect the property from vandalism and theft. If you own a construction site, for example, there are several factors that could make it more susceptible to criminal activity. The construction site is likely to be in a remote location which means that there aren't any passersby or other people around who might spot suspicious behavior. It's also possible that the materials on-site could provide opportunity for criminals looking for things they can resell or use themselves.

Security fencing may help deter these types of crimes by making it obvious that someone has put time into always protecting their property—even when nobody's around!

Who is Using Security Fencing?

Security fencing is a popular choice among property owners and managers for a variety of reasons. Some want to protect their property from theft, while others desire protection from damage caused by weather or fire.

If you are a commercial building owner who has experienced fire damage and need to keep intruders out, or if you're a landlord who wants to make sure that your tenants' belongings are safe, security fencing may be the right choice for you. It also could be useful for businesses that have experienced theft on their premises or want to protect their vehicles from theft.

Landlords who want to keep unwanted guests of their rental properties can find security fencing at hardware stores and home improvement centers throughout the country. If you own private residences in an area where crime rates are high, then having this type of fencing installed around each of them will ensure that no one enters without permission and stays after all hours (which could result in criminal charges).

Security fencing is often seen in the business world.

In the business world, security fencing is often seen. It can help prevent fire damage, water damage and other kinds of damage while also keeping unwanted people out of your premises. There are many different types of fences that can be used for this purpose.

Security fencing is usually made up of steel panels which are bolted together to create a secure barrier around your property. Some businesses also choose to install electrified wires or razor wire along the top of their fence as an additional deterrent for intruders or trespassers who try to climb up and over them without permission from management first (which should always be obtained before entering any area that's not public).

The bottom line is that security fencing is a great way to protect your property in Chattanooga, TN. It can be expensive and difficult to install, but it's worth it if you want to keep intruders out of your business.