Recent Posts
Holiday Safety: Preventing House Fires
12/2/2024 (Permalink)
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and festivities. However, it’s also important to prioritize safety. House fires are a common occurrence during this time, often caused by careless actions or faulty equipment. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe and your holidays happy:
Christmas Tree Safety:
- Choose a fresh, fire-resistant tree.
- Keep the tree well-watered.
- Place the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.
- Turn off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Lighting Safety:
- Use only UL-listed lights.
- Check lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before using them.
- Never overload outlets.
- Avoid using candles unattended.
Cooking Safety:
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from cooking areas.
- Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid accidental spills.
- Clean up spills immediately.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Protecting Your Home During a Flood: Interim Measures
12/2/2024 (Permalink)
Flooding can cause significant damage to your home. While professional restoration services are the best solution for long-term recovery, there are immediate steps you can take to minimize damage until help arrives.
Here are some tips:
Safety First:
- Prioritize your safety and the safety of your family. Evacuate if instructed by local authorities.
- Avoid walking through floodwaters, as they may contain contaminants.
Document the Damage:
- Take photos and videos of the damage to your home and belongings. This documentation can be helpful for insurance claims.
Turn Off Utilities:
- If it’s safe to do so, turn off the electricity, gas, and water at the main switches to prevent further damage and hazards.
Remove Water and Moisture:
- If the water level is low, use pumps or buckets to remove water from your home.
- Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate and help dry out the affected areas.
Prevent Mold Growth:
- Remove water-damaged materials like drywall, carpeting, and insulation.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.
- Clean and disinfect affected areas to prevent mold growth.
Remember: It's important to contact a professional restoration company as soon as possible to assess the damage and initiate the restoration process. They have the expertise and equipment to properly dry out your home and prevent further damage.
SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson: Proud Sponsors of the Tennessee Volunteers
12/2/2024 (Permalink)
We're excited to announce that SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson is proud to be an official sponsor of the Tennessee Volunteers for the 2024-2025 season!
As a local business dedicated to restoring damage and rebuilding lives, we’re thrilled to support the Tennessee Volunteers and their passionate fanbase. We believe in the power of teamwork, resilience, and community, values that align perfectly with our own.
We’re committed to helping our community, and this sponsorship is just one way we're doing that. By supporting the Tennessee Volunteers, we're not only cheering on our favorite team, but we’re also investing in the future of our state.
About SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson: SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson is a locally owned and operated business specializing in disaster restoration and cleanup services. We're here to help you with water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Preventing Heating Fires
2/8/2024 (Permalink)
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
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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
- 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!
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)
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)
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.
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