by Michelle Davis | Nov 3, 2023 | Water, Flood & Sewage
As the temperatures drop and winter’s chill sets in, it’s essential to prepare your home for the cold season. Cold weather can bring its share of challenges, from potential property damage to increased energy costs. Safeguard your home against the cold. Here’s how to prepare your property for the winter months. Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation is your first line of defense against the cold. Inspect your home for areas where drafts may be seeping in, such as doors, windows, and any gaps in the walls. Seal these openings to keep your home warm and energy-efficient. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to maintain a cozy interior temperature. Check Your Heating System: A well-functioning heating system is crucial during the winter months. Before the cold weather sets in, have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. Clean or replace air filters, check for leaks, and ensure all components are in working order. This preventative maintenance can help you avoid costly breakdowns during the cold season. Protect Your Pipes: Frozen pipes can lead to extensive property damage. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements and crawl spaces, to prevent freezing. Be diligent about keeping your home heated to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations that can cause pipes to burst. In the event of extremely cold weather, allow faucets to drip to maintain water flow and prevent freezing. Clean Your Gutters: Gutters clogged with leaves and debris can cause ice dams, leading to water damage and roof problems. Before winter arrives, clear out your gutters to ensure that melting snow and ice can flow freely. This...
by Michelle Davis | Nov 3, 2023 | Fire & Smoke Damage
Thanksgiving is a time for family, feasting, and giving thanks. It’s a holiday filled with joy and warmth, but it’s also a time when kitchen fires can pose a significant threat to your home. At Savage Restoration, we understand the importance of keeping your holiday season safe and sound. In this blog post, we’ll share essential tips to help you prevent Thanksgiving fires and protect your home from potential disasters. Maintain Your Kitchen Appliances: Before embarking on your Thanksgiving cooking extravaganza, take the time to inspect and maintain your kitchen appliances. Ensure that your oven, stovetop, microwave, and other cooking devices are in good working condition. Any signs of malfunction should be addressed promptly to eliminate potential fire hazards. Safe Cooking Practices: Practicing safe cooking habits is crucial in preventing Thanksgiving fires. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, and never leave the stove unattended, especially during the holiday rush. Use timers to keep track of cooking times and minimize distractions to ensure your meal stays under control. Keep Flammable Items at Bay: During the holiday preparations, it’s common to have various flammable materials like kitchen towels, oven mitts, and dishcloths within easy reach. Be cautious and keep these items away from hot surfaces and open flames. Store them at a safe distance to prevent any accidental fires. Fire Safety Equipment: Every kitchen should be equipped with a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Additionally, make sure your kitchen is fitted with working smoke alarms. Regularly test and replace their batteries to guarantee functionality. These devices can make a significant difference in containing a small fire before it escalates into a...
by Michelle Davis | Mar 30, 2023 | Water, Flood & Sewage
A toilet overflow can be a messy and stressful situation, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. It could be due to a clogged drain, a malfunctioning float valve, or a sewer line blockage. Whatever the cause, it’s important to know how to handle the situation and clean up the mess quickly. Here are some tips to help you deal with a toilet overflow and clean up the mess: Turn off the Water Supply: The first step in dealing with a toilet overflow is to turn off the water supply. This will prevent any more water from entering the toilet bowl and causing more damage.Clean Up the Water: Once the water supply is turned off, you’ll need to clean up the water that has spilled onto the floor. Use towels or a mop to soak up as much water as possible. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid any contact with the contaminated water.Disinfect the Area: After you’ve cleaned up the water, it’s important to disinfect the area. Use a disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of bleach and water to kill any bacteria or germs that may be present.Check for Damage: Check the area around the toilet for any signs of damage, such as water damage or mold growth. If you notice any damage, it’s important to call a professional restoration company like Savage Restoration to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.Fix the Problem: Once the mess is cleaned up and any damage is repaired, it’s time to fix the underlying problem that caused the toilet overflow. This could involve unclogging the...
by Michelle Davis | Mar 30, 2023 | Water, Flood & Sewage
A water heater leak can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Water damage from a leaking water heater can cause significant damage to your home, and the water itself can pose a safety risk if it comes into contact with electrical wiring. If you notice your water heater leaking, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here’s what you should do: Turn Off the Power and Water Supply: The first step in dealing with a leaking water heater is to turn off the power and water supply. This will prevent any more water from entering the tank and causing more damage. Be sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply valve.Drain the Tank: Once the power and water supply are turned off, drain the tank of any water. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct it to a drain or outside.Call a Professional Restoration Company: A leaking water heater is not a DIY fix. Call a professional restoration company like Savage Restoration to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. Water damage restoration professionals have the equipment and expertise to safely remove any standing water, dry out the affected area, and make any necessary repairs or replacements.Check for Water Damage: Check the area around the water heater for any signs of water damage. Look for water stains on walls or ceilings, warped or buckled flooring, or any other signs of water damage. If you notice any damage, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to prevent further...
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...
