by Michelle Davis | Feb 24, 2023 | Fire & Smoke Damage
Fire damage can be a devastating experience for homeowners. It can cause significant property damage, loss of personal belongings, and can even lead to serious injuries or fatalities. In the event of a fire, it is important to know what steps to take to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of yourself and your family. In this blog post, we will explore some essential fire damage tips. Safety First The first and most important tip is to ensure that everyone in the home is safe. If the fire is still burning, evacuate the home immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous. Once you are out of the home, do not go back inside until the fire department has deemed it safe to do so. Document the Damage After the fire has been extinguished, take photos and videos of the damage to your property. This documentation will be helpful when you file an insurance claim. If possible, make a list of all damaged items and their approximate value. Contact Your Insurance Company Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they will cover. Make sure you understand your policy and what it covers, so you can ask questions and advocate for yourself if necessary. Secure the Property To prevent further damage to your property, secure it as soon as possible after the fire. Board up broken windows and doors, cover holes in the roof, and tarp over damaged areas....
by Michelle Davis | Feb 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to refresh your home after a long winter and get ready for the warmer months ahead. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you have a lot of clutter and mess to tackle. In this short blog post, we will provide some tips to help you prepare for spring cleaning. Set a date for your spring cleaning and plan around any other commitments you have.Create a plan of attack by deciding which areas of your home to focus on and making a list of specific tasks to accomplish.Gather all necessary supplies, such as cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, rubber gloves, and trash bags.Declutter your home before starting to clean. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.Involve your family members in the cleaning process. Assign tasks to each person and work together to complete them. By following these simple steps, you can make your spring cleaning more manageable and even fun by involving your family. Happy...
by Michelle Davis | Feb 24, 2023 | Water, Flood & Sewage
Water damage can be a serious issue for any homeowner. It can cause structural damage, mold growth, and a variety of other problems that can be expensive to fix. One of the most common areas where water damage occurs is in the foundation of a home. This is because the foundation is in direct contact with the ground, and if water is not properly drained away from the foundation, it can seep into the foundation and cause damage over time. In this blog post, we will explore some ways to spot water damage from the foundation. Cracks in the foundation One of the most obvious signs of water damage in the foundation is the presence of cracks. These cracks can appear in a variety of sizes and shapes, and may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. While small cracks are not necessarily a cause for concern, larger cracks can indicate serious damage. Uneven floors Water damage in the foundation can cause the floors in a home to become uneven. This can be due to the foundation settling unevenly, which can cause the floors to slope or dip. If you notice that your floors are uneven, it is important to have your foundation inspected by a professional. Sticking doors and windows Another sign of water damage in the foundation is doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open and close. This is because the foundation can shift and settle over time, causing the frames of the doors and windows to become misaligned. Dampness or mold If you notice dampness or mold in your basement or crawlspace, this could be...
by Michelle Davis | Jan 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
For many people, icicles bring thoughts of crisp, winter air. For knowledgeable homeowners, they conjure images of damaged shingles and costly repair bills. To keep your home free of ice dams, consider the following guide. Why it’s a Problem At first, an ice dam might seem like a minor nuisance. If it gets big enough, however, melted water can back up behind it and make its way beneath shingles. After a while, the water can migrate into ceilings and exterior walls, and cause water damage to paint and sheetrock. If a large ice dam breaks away from a home, it can pull gutters and shingles with it. It can also damage underlying items, including cars, shrubs and windowsills. How to Eliminate an Ice Dam Hopefully, you’ve taken steps to prevent ice dams from forming. If you haven’t, you can remove an ice dam using the following method: First, make sure to clear the area beneath the dam, removing any items that might sustain damage due to falling ice. Next, clear away snow and ice beneath the dam. Once you’ve opened enough level space, set up your extension ladder. Be sure your shoes are as dry as possible and follow the safety precautions listed on the ladder. Take your time and move slowly, especially if your shoe soles are moist from melted snow. Once you reach the dam, remove as much ice as you can by breaking it loose in small chunks. Use a blunt mallet instead of an ax or sharp tool, since this can damage shingles and put your life at risk. Again, work slowly so you won’t...
by Michelle Davis | Jan 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
This has been another difficult year for many of us. Businesses struggling, some closing, and more to close, leaving people in further financial distress. You can’t turn on the news without hearing about all of the tragedy in the world. Those of us in the customer service industry have been challenged with trying to grow, or maintain the relationships that keep us earning a living. We want you to know that Savage Restoration is here for you, more than ever, to help you with the relationships you have with your customers. Too many in the insurance industry have made the choice to avoid claims and send their customers to an 800 number when they are in distress. More than 60% of our business currently comes directly from insurance carriers and third party management programs. We still get to assist your customers, but you don’t. This process works, but is not exactly the friendly customer service experience your customers would appreciate. There are claim representatives on the phone assigning companies like Savage Restoration to mitigate their losses. By the time the claim reaches us a day may pass, while your customer is waiting for help. The personal touch is not there until we arrive. Because of changes from COVID and other influences, some carriers may not even send a field adjuster. The only adjuster they are in contact with is on the phone somewhere in another state. Make 2023 a year you choose to reconnect with your customers and provide the excellent customer service your customers deserve. It’s what you would want if you needed help. Encourage your customers to call YOU...
by Michelle Davis | Dec 22, 2022 | Fire & Smoke Damage
The holiday season is upon us. It’s time for gift giving, traveling, parties, baking cookies, hanging decorations, etc. One thing homeowners often forget…PROTECTING THEIR HOME FROM FIRE DAMAGE. Tree Fire Prevention and Safety: Keep trees securely upright. Fallen decorated trees are one of the common causes for fires during the holiday season. All natural trees should be well watered. If you have purchased an artificial tree, please make sure it is labeled “fire retardant”. Make sure you have a timer on the tree. Unplug the tree lights before leaving your home or before going to bed. Holiday Lighting and Fire Safety: Unplug any lighting, indoor and out, before going to bed. Never leave any candles unattended. It only takes a moment to light and blowout a candle. It also only takes a moment for a spark from a candle to turn into a big fire. Do not run electrical wires under rugs. Additional Fire Safety Warnings: Keep all items three-feet away from radiators, baseboard heaters, and space heaters. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including the number for your home or renter’s insurance company and a fire restoration specialist should the unthinkable happen. Make sure all fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are in good working condition. Replace dead batteries. Replace any alarms that are over 10-years-old. Install a fire alarm on every level of your home and one outside of every bedroom door. Fires are always unexpected, and homeowners often feel devastated afterwards. Depending on the severity of the fire, Savage Restoration will arrange for emergency board-up services, emergency winterization, restoring electricity, textile...
by Michelle Davis | Nov 7, 2022 | Water, Flood & Sewage
It doesn’t have to rain for days for your home to have water damage. You could discover water problems on a beautiful sunny day! Whether it’s an overloaded washing machine, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater, water damage and cleanup can be devastating and costly. These are some water damage “instigators” in your home: Water heater – Over time they can rust on the bottom, then begin to leak.Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators – Hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Rubber hoses consist of two layers of rubber with a cloth fiber inside that deteriorates over time. So what can you do to prevent water damage caused from inside your home? Know where the main water shutoffs are located. Install water shutoff valves on water lines under sinks and toilets and water lines leading to outside faucets.Repair small leaks around water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances before they become a problem.Know and follow the recommended maintenance procedures for your appliances, such as periodically draining the water heater to clean out the sediment at the bottom of the tank.Check washing machine hoses for signs of deterioration and replace hoses that show any evidence of cracking.Before you leave home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to shut off the water valve leading to the washing machine.Run plenty of water when using your garbage disposal so it won’t clog and cause a leak. Don’t wash heavy-duty dirt down drains.Don’t put extremely dirty clothes in the washing machine. Instead, use a garden hose on the soiled items outside the house so the dirt doesn’t get into...
by Michelle Davis | Sep 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
Fall is officially here! The most colorful season of the year. Also, my personal favorite! However, it can be one of the most daunting times of year for bi-annual heavy clean-up. Not only are you dealing with remnants from summer sand beach days, but you now must deal with falling leaves. An important part of being a responsible adult is recognizing that when the leaves start to fall off trees, it’s time for a fall cleaning. Contrary to popular belief, fall cleaning is just as important as spring cleaning. Even as a respectable adult you are probably forgetting a few key places that have created colonies out of your neglect. You know how birds and bees will turn practically anything into nests and hives if they are certain to not be disturbed? Mold plays by those rules too, so you should probably start cleaning with a little more discipline. Let us start with some basics…. Embarrassing facts about refrigerators. For many, not only is the refrigerator a place to store weekly groceries, but it doubles as a shelf in times of need for non-discarded junk and mail. There is zero logic behind it other than not being able to throw away the no expiring 100th Bed Bath and Beyond coupon. I dare you to try not to cough when cleaning that dust pile up. Now let us talk about air movement in the home. Whether it’s a ceiling fan, window a/c or a stationary fan, eventually that dust will take a jolt of unfortunate physics and spread like a cloud of fresh snow across all your belongings. Think about...
by Michelle Davis | May 31, 2022 | Uncategorized
Stuffy nose? Itchy, watery eyes? Sneezing? Itchy ears? Do these symptoms sound familiar? It’s outdoor allergy season! Allergy season is a great time mostly for plants and nectar-producing insects. It is a time where pollen grains are abundant in the environment. It is also a season of vulnerability to human health; as a catalyst for some respiratory issues like asthma or other respiratory-related allergies. Well, what can you do besides avoid the great outdoors? Here are some steps to alleviate common spring woes: Studies show that pollen counts are highest in the early morning, from about 5:00 am until about 10:00 am – so try and plan outdoor activities later in the day.You can also be sure to keep your car windows closed while you drive. At home, try to keep your house windows closed. This is easiest if you have air conditioning. If it gets too hot, now is the time to enjoy your basement! It’s also a good rule to let someone else mow your lawn! See, seasonal allergies have some positives.Frequently get car washes – when your vehicle is covered with pollen, rain is what will activate the acidic properties which, over time, will damage your vehicle’s paint. Plus, it saves you from unnecessary exposure. Outside of improving your homes aesthetics, removing pollen from siding is also important. Pollen serves as a great contributor to the growth of weeds and other plants which attracts pests (rodents, birds, and insects) that damage your siding.You can also consult your doctor to see if antihistamines and/or nasal sprays would be appropriate for allergy season. This article is for informational purposes...
by Michelle Davis | May 26, 2022 | Fire & Smoke Damage
For many households, the return of warm weather signals the beginning of the outdoor cooking season. Before people fire up the grill, we ask them to take a few moments to think about grilling safety. Doing this at the start of summer can go a long way toward limiting grill accidents. A key concern with gas or charcoal grills is inappropriate placement: NFPA explained that more than one-third of all gas and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 8,800 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,800 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 8,800 fires caused annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 140 reported injuries and $96 million in direct property damage. (nfpa.org data) Here are the following safety tips for reference when grilling: Make Fire Safety a Priority Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.Keep children and pets away from the grill area.Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.Never leave your grill unattended. Charcoal grills There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat...
