Recent Posts
Storm Warnings
9/30/2024 (Permalink)
When the weather gets scary, information and plans can get easily confused. There are around 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That is a lot to sort through when you are trying to protect your family.
When you have an understanding of different weather advisories, it means you are able to get to safety faster. It also means you can take proactive action now in order to protect your property and prevent damages later.
An overall knowledge of several kinds of weather events is good, but it is crucial to understand what the alerts we will most often see in Michigan mean.
<h4alerts-are-issued">How Alerts Are Issued
Have you ever wondered where weather alerts come from? Forecasts are just predictions, so how is a storm’s location, severity and length watched? There are a few answers to those questions.
You probably already know the name the National Weather Service, but were you aware they create weather forecasts and issue any warnings needed? There are six different regional offices and more than 100 forecasting offices around the nation, which means our forecast is localized and accurate. For us in the Manistee area, our weather forecasting office is located in Grand Rapids.
Meteorologists at the NWS use several different forms of information in order to create a forecast, including seismic activity, solar activity, sensors and satellite radar. The data used will depend on the weather coming, but the result is the same: to create an accurate and dependable forecast.
<h4most-important-alerts-to-understand">The Most Important Alerts to Understand
Even with so many different types of alerts, it is important that everyone around the United States understands the difference between a watch and a warning. This is language that will be included in almost every situation, including winter storms, flooding, ice storms and thunderstorms.
A watch means you should begin protecting your home for severe weather. Watches are issued to cover a large area, while a warning will be issued when a storm has been located in a smaller location, such as a single county or city. When a warning is issued, you should take any necessary steps to protect your home and your life, including moving to safety right away.
It is also crucial to understand the weather alerts we are most likely to see here at home. In our typically cold climate, this means knowing what to do during winter storms, ice storms and freezing temperatures.
We also need to have a good knowledge of flood warnings when the snow melt begins and our rivers start to overfill. While we enjoy our typically mild summers, we do still have to stay alert for the occasional severe thunderstorm as well.
<h4your-home-during-a-storm">Protecting Your Home During a Storm
Understanding multiple kinds of weather alerts is a great step in protecting your loved ones and avoiding damage to your home, but there are also a few other things you can do before the storm moves in.
Maintain your gutters on a regular basis and secure your outdoor furniture to avoid flood damage and wind damage before a storm rolls in. Ensure there is a location in your house with emergency supplies for your family to safely shelter in place, and create an exit plan for when you need to get out.
Once the storm is gone and it is safe to do so, take a look at your property and survey any damages. Take some pictures and give SERVPRO® a call right away. We are available 24⁄7 to start your recovery faster and get your restoration completed.
If you find your home in need after one of these sitautions give SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac a call at 231-723-4872
Attic Mold
9/30/2024 (Permalink)
Early last summer SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac was called to a home with possible mold issues in the attic. After our inspection we reported that the bathroom vent fan was improperly venting into the attic making the moisture load in the attic high enough to promote mold growth. After properly venting the fan discharge outside thru the soffit we ice blasted the sheeting with high pressure air and dry ice. Following the removal and replacement of the blown in insulation, the attic was returned to preloss condition and the homeowner was able to sell his home. SERVPRO® professionals handle water damages on a daily basis and are thoroughly trained in mold removal and the proper way to handle and rid the home or business of the mold issue. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac can efficiently restore your home back to a safe and healthy environment. Any questions you may have give us a call at 231-723-4870 to speak with one of our trained professionals today!
Around the House
9/30/2024 (Permalink)
Smoking and candle use are just two leading cause of death in home fires in the Unites States every year. You may be surprised to learn that most smoking fires were started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Many smoking fire deaths were also related to the use of medical oxygen while smoking. Three of every five candle fires involved the candle being placed next to combustible materials, leaving them burning while you sleep or placing flammable material near a candle such as pillows, blankets or clothing. Another hint is do not smoke in your bed or after taking medicine that makes you tired. Your friends at SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac hope you never have a damaging fire but if you do, give us a call at 231-723-4872 and we can help in making it "Like it never even happened."
Commercial Water Loss
10/2/2023 (Permalink)
One of the most common culprits of damage in commercial building is water. Something that seems simple, like a leaky toilet, can actually leave behind an enormous amount of damage.
Owning or running a commercial building comes with a lot of responsibilities, and catching every drip in your building can feel entirely too tricky. Learn the most leak-prone areas of your building so you can stay proactive about preventing a disaster.
3 Common SourcesThere is never a good time for an unplanned business interruption. Being forced to shut your doors to deal with water damage not only costs you lost income from lack of business, but it can also lead to thousands of dollars in necessary repairs.
Get into the habit of checking a few areas of your building often in order to stop small leaks before they become big:
1. The roof. Roof leaks can be particularly damaging as they can lead to water problems on every level of your building. Roofs can leak when they are damaged in a storm or from age. Clean your gutters regularly, and check your roof for weak spots quarterly. Inspect your attic and roof after any major wind or ice events as well.
2. Bathrooms. Bathroom leaks account for 15% of all water loss in commercial buildings. Toilets and sinks can leak from a hole as small as the top of a pin, and can be hard to detect. Assign multiple staff members on your team to check pipes throughout your building at least once a month to correct problems early.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Appliances that have a water line or create condensation have the potential to leak. Backed-up drains or loose pipe connections can lead to puddles near your HVAC unit or changes in your building’s water pressure. Keep an eye out for these issues and address them quickly to stop damages before they become extreme.
Take Preventive StepsWhile you can’t stop a natural disaster, most water damage can be prevented or controlled when you know how to respond during an event. Prepare yourself, your building and your team so you can mitigate damages and cut your overall losses.
Begin preparing by creating a building maintenance plan that includes checking your plumbing monthly. Consider working with SERVPRO as you prepare your plan to build an Emergency Ready Plan that will lay out step by step exactly how to respond in the event of an emergency.
Make sure any planning you do includes taking a look at all the fixtures in your building, as well as checking window and door seals. Locate your water shut-off valves, and assign staff members to turn the water off at the source during a disaster.
A fast response will always be the best way to control the amount of damage water does, so do as much as you can to handle the immediate situation and then call us at 231-723-4872. We are ready around the clock to take your call and start your restoration project. We want to get your building back up and running fast so you can keep work going.
Fire Tips
9/25/2023 (Permalink)
The American Red Cross has already responded to more than 20,000 house fires this year, and that is only some of the fires that have occurred.
Smoke detectors will always be the best way to protect your home and your life, but there are a few other things you can do to make your home more fire-safe. Even cleaning up can protect and prevent fires in your home.
Clear the ClutterClutter might already be your least favorite topic, but it can also be creating a fire hazard in your home. When stairwells and hallways are filled with unused items, it can not only block an exit in the event of an emergency, but it can actually fuel a fire and help it progress faster.
Clothing or other cloth items left near a water heater can start a fire. Open spaces not only mean you are able to get out faster if a fire does start, it also means any fire will burn slower.
Another area you should pay careful attention to is extension cords. Overloaded extension cords are a common source of fire in the home. Clear out unused electrical appliances and unplug anything you don’t use frequently.
Take a look around your home and make sure there is plenty of space between your furniture and wall outlets to ensure proper air flow and prevent overheating.
Create a Defensible Space in Your YardYour home can be protected from fires that start outside with some intentional landscaping in your yard. When you strategically lay out your trees and plants, it allows space for firemen to work and can stop a fire before it reaches your front door.
Landscaping your yard to be fire-safe is called creating defensible zones. Some states like California have actually established defensible zone requirements due to extremely effective defense they provide, but no matter where you are this type of landscaping is smart to include in your yard.
With Manistee National Forest in our backyard, creating defensible zones is especially essential for us. The month of May brought a number of red flag warnings, which signify an extreme risk of fire. Keep your yard clear of dead plants, limbs and leaves to offer additional protection as well.
Keep It Clean & Keep It SafeClearing clutter in the home and yard are not the only thing you can do to protect from fire. Give your stove a good deep-cleaning and have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly to eliminate two other areas of the home with a high risk of fire.
It isn’t only hard work and deep-cleaning that lowers your risk, though. Dusting is also a great way to prevent fire. Pay special attention to dust collecting around appliances and outlets.
Our houses provide so much for us today—office space, classrooms, play and relaxation. Provide a safe environment for your home by keeping it clean and preventing the devastation fire could cause.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today @ 231-723-4872 we're available 24/7/365.
What Sets SERVPRO apart?
9/25/2023 (Permalink)
Locally owned businesses are the heart of this country, and have been since its start. We all patronize multiple businesses in a day between work, play and filling our homes with all the things that we need.
When you own one of those local businesses, you carry a heavy load with simply managing the day-to-day of operating. When a disaster strikes, the consequences can be devastating.
Commercial damage from natural disasters has been on a steady rise in the United States. In the last five years, there has been close to $153 billion worth of damage annually, which represents a steep increase over previous periods.
Here in Northern Michigan, it may be hard to imagine any weather other than cold and snow, especially as our winter lingers well past spring. As our weather does slowly warm, however, snowmelt and ice dams can lead to swollen rivers and flooded roads.
The more we learn about potential disasters across the nation and right here at home, the better we can prepare and keep our businesses safe.
Water DamageDamage from water can happen in so many different ways that moisture has become one of the top threats to businesses across the nation. Flooding from heavy rain, a burst pipe or even a drippy faucet can cause extensive damage on commercial property.
Exterior flooding from excessive rains or overflowing rivers can seep through floors and the seals on your doors, which can lead to damage to your foundation. If the exterior of your building allows it, landscaping can be strategically placed to divert water away from your building as a preventive measure. This is especially essential in our towns when snow and ice begin to melt.
Water damage from interior sources can happen over an extended period of time when a drip is left unfixed. Your plumbing should be inspected on a regular basis for signs of leaks. You should also watch walls and floors for water damage including warping and discoloration.
Keeping up with building maintenance can save an immense amount of money on costly repairs.
Storm DamageStorm damage to commercial properties is extremely common and can take out a single unit, a roof tile or an entire community of businesses, seemingly at random. Even a power outage or a downed tree caused by a mild storm can damage your business and keep you away from work for an extended amount of time.
If a powerful storm with strong winds, hail and a tornado moves through, there is the potential for irreversible damage, or even the complete loss of your property. These storms can bring winds of over 100 mph that can knock over freight trucks and uproot trees as if they were twigs.
There are steps you can take to limit the amount of damage your building sustains. Costly measures like updating your windows and roof are highly effective, but even low cost efforts can make a big difference.
Keep your building maintained and regularly inspected to ensure everything is working as it should before a storm rolls in. Keep trees trimmed and limbs removed, and ensure any outdoor furniture is anchored properly to prevent damage to both your building and your employees.
Know Who to CallYour commercial property can be damaged in a number of ways, but water and storm damage are the two most common. These events can be completely devastating and force a business to close for an extended amount of time or even permanently.
Fortunately, we are your backyard restoration professionals. Because we are locally owned and operated, you can call us 24/7/365 and we will respond quickly to any disaster you may face. Our team is your neighbor, and we want to work with you to create a plan and timeline that gets you back in business faster.
If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today @ 231-723-4872.
What Sets SERVPRO apart?
9/25/2023 (Permalink)
Locally owned businesses are the heart of this country, and have been since its start. We all patronize multiple businesses in a day between work, play and filling our homes with all the things that we need.
When you own one of those local businesses, you carry a heavy load with simply managing the day-to-day of operating. When a disaster strikes, the consequences can be devastating.
Commercial damage from natural disasters has been on a steady rise in the United States. In the last five years, there has been close to $153 billion worth of damage annually, which represents a steep increase over previous periods.
Here in Northern Michigan, it may be hard to imagine any weather other than cold and snow, especially as our winter lingers well past spring. As our weather does slowly warm, however, snowmelt and ice dams can lead to swollen rivers and flooded roads.
The more we learn about potential disasters across the nation and right here at home, the better we can prepare and keep our businesses safe.
Water DamageDamage from water can happen in so many different ways that moisture has become one of the top threats to businesses across the nation. Flooding from heavy rain, a burst pipe or even a drippy faucet can cause extensive damage on commercial property.
Exterior flooding from excessive rains or overflowing rivers can seep through floors and the seals on your doors, which can lead to damage to your foundation. If the exterior of your building allows it, landscaping can be strategically placed to divert water away from your building as a preventive measure. This is especially essential in our towns when snow and ice begin to melt.
Water damage from interior sources can happen over an extended period of time when a drip is left unfixed. Your plumbing should be inspected on a regular basis for signs of leaks. You should also watch walls and floors for water damage including warping and discoloration.
Keeping up with building maintenance can save an immense amount of money on costly repairs.
Storm DamageStorm damage to commercial properties is extremely common and can take out a single unit, a roof tile or an entire community of businesses, seemingly at random. Even a power outage or a downed tree caused by a mild storm can damage your business and keep you away from work for an extended amount of time.
If a powerful storm with strong winds, hail and a tornado moves through, there is the potential for irreversible damage, or even the complete loss of your property. These storms can bring winds of over 100 mph that can knock over freight trucks and uproot trees as if they were twigs.
There are steps you can take to limit the amount of damage your building sustains. Costly measures like updating your windows and roof are highly effective, but even low cost efforts can make a big difference.
Keep your building maintained and regularly inspected to ensure everything is working as it should before a storm rolls in. Keep trees trimmed and limbs removed, and ensure any outdoor furniture is anchored properly to prevent damage to both your building and your employees.
Know Who to CallYour commercial property can be damaged in a number of ways, but water and storm damage are the two most common. These events can be completely devastating and force a business to close for an extended amount of time or even permanently.
Fortunately, we are your backyard restoration professionals. Because we are locally owned and operated, you can call us 24/7/365 and we will respond quickly to any disaster you may face. Our team is your neighbor, and we want to work with you to create a plan and timeline that gets you back in business faster.
If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today @ 231-723-4872.
The Facts about Commercial Damages
9/12/2022 (Permalink)
Keeping a business afloat takes all the help you can get. When you manage a property or own a business, you know that you need every available hand to keep things running smoothly. When something causes a major disruption or a loss, it can be devastating for you and your property.
The good news is that your retail space, rental property or manufacturing facility has a silent partner built in, and it’s right here in your Ludington backyard. SERVPRO is ready to carry the burden of emergency planning and deep-cleaning to keep your business success plan on track. We are your ally, invested in your business.
Large loss recovery. Flooding, fires and storms are leading causes of loss for businesses. These disasters cause massive damage across the United States, particularly when response time doesn’t happen quickly. Our Michigan weather can certainly be extreme, and we understand how devastating a winter storm can be to a business. SERVPRO is ready to respond with our highly trained employees and proven emergency services to start your recovery faster, 24 hours a day.
Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery begins before a disaster strikes when your business is ready. We can create a plan that covers your needs comprehensively. Our Emergency Ready Plans can include everything from alternate work locations to chain of command and temporary vendors. When you say “go,” the plan takes action and restoration for your business begins.
Cleaning of All Kinds. We can cover any deep-cleaning you and your business could ever need. SERVPRO has cleaned a long time, and we can handle basic deep-cleaning of high traffic areas, carpets and upholstery, as well as specialty cleaning needs including trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal. We have a solution for any situation.
Restoration Services. Heavy rains started a flood. The new employee burned food in the cafeteria. A pipe burst. Your business is going to have lots of different restoration needs, and SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac is ready for all of them. We have lived and served in the Western Michigan area for a long time and we are ready to get your business back to work through restoration, cleaning or removal.
Industry Specialization. There isn’t an industry we haven’t worked with as we have served in our community over the decades. Whatever your business requires, we are prepared. In many cases, we can even restore or repair without disrupting your regular business flow.
Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.
Stay Safe with Understanding
9/12/2022 (Permalink)
When the weather gets scary, information and plans can get easily confused. There are around 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That is a lot to sort through when you are trying to protect your family.
When you have an understanding of different weather advisories, it means you are able to get to safety faster. It also means you can take proactive action now in order to protect your property and prevent damages later.
An overall knowledge of several kinds of weather events is good, but it is crucial to understand what the alerts we will most often see in Michigan mean.
How Alerts Are IssuedHave you ever wondered where weather alerts come from? Forecasts are just predictions, so how is a storm’s location, severity and length watched? There are a few answers to those questions.
You probably already know the name the National Weather Service, but were you aware they create weather forecasts and issue any warnings needed? There are six different regional offices and more than 100 forecasting offices around the nation, which means our forecast is localized and accurate. For us in the Manistee area, our weather forecasting office is located in Grand Rapids.
Meteorologists at the NWS use several different forms of information in order to create a forecast, including seismic activity, solar activity, sensors and satellite radar. The data used will depend on the weather coming, but the result is the same: to create an accurate and dependable forecast.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandEven with so many different types of alerts, it is important that everyone around the United States understands the difference between a watch and a warning. This is language that will be included in almost every situation, including winter storms, flooding, ice storms and thunderstorms.
A watch means you should begin protecting your home for severe weather. Watches are issued to cover a large area, while a warning will be issued when a storm has been located in a smaller location, such as a single county or city. When a warning is issued, you should take any necessary steps to protect your home and your life, including moving to safety right away.
It is also crucial to understand the weather alerts we are most likely to see here at home. In our typically cold climate, this means knowing what to do during winter storms, ice storms and freezing temperatures.
We also need to have a good knowledge of flood warnings when the snow melt begins and our rivers start to overfill. While we enjoy our typically mild summers, we do still have to stay alert for the occasional severe thunderstorm as well.
Protecting Your Home During a StormUnderstanding multiple kinds of weather alerts is a great step in protecting your loved ones and avoiding damage to your home, but there are also a few other things you can do before the storm moves in.
Maintain your gutters on a regular basis and secure your outdoor furniture to avoid flood damage and wind damage before a storm rolls in. Ensure there is a location in your house with emergency supplies for your family to safely shelter in place, and create an exit plan for when you need to get out.
Once the storm is gone and it is safe to do so, take a look at your property and survey any damages. Take some pictures and give SERVPRO a call right away. We are available 24⁄7 to start your recovery faster and get your restoration completed.
Learn as much as you can about our hometown weather and stay safe no matter what happens. We all know with proper preparation we can ride out any storm well.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Call us at 231-723-4872
Let SERVPRO handle your restoration needs
9/12/2022 (Permalink)
We are small business owners like so many of you, and we understand how stressful a typical day can be. Never-ending to-do’s in the midst of trying to make your business a success is a lot to handle, and if a disaster strikes, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart.
Although natural disasters can’t be prevented or sometimes even predicted, you can prepare yourself for them. And we know that disasters don’t just strike your business, so that means being prepared at home as well.
In order to be prepared, you will need an emergency plan. The American Red Cross is a great place to start putting together information. They have compiled data from natural disasters all across the United States and offer a wide variety of items that can help get you prepared.
When you are ready to seek out more local information, bookmark our state emergency management page as a go-to source for the disasters we most commonly see across all of Michigan. You should also familiarize yourself with our county’s website so that you can reference it before, during and after an event has occurred.
Regardless of the kind of emergency you have, response time will always be the most essential part of your recovery. The sooner restoration can start, the less damage your property will have. That is why you should make SERVPRO one of your first calls after an event.
Why Choose SERVPRO?We have seen a wide variety of situations. All across the United States, people will see disasters that lead to restoration needs, but every scenario will look different.
Flooding serves as a great example of an incredibly common natural disaster that results in anything but common damages. Every year, nearly 14 million homes are at risk of flooding, but each home that does will have completely different restoration needs.
Our team is trained to handle any kind of job, regardless of scale. We will create an individualized plan that will meet the unique needs of the job at hand.
We have 24⁄7 availability, 365 days a year. The most important thing to know about damage restoration is that you need to act as fast as possible in order to slow down the extent of property damage done. The faster you respond, the sooner you can get back to your life.
When a home takes on water from any source, the damages begin immediately. Furniture will be saturated, fabrics will absorb water and paint could begin to peel. The longer water sits, the more time mold and mildew have to set up and weaken the structure of your home.
That is why SERVPRO is always ready to take your call and start your recovery.
We do more than just the simple. We won’t simply restore damages—we will take on the entire project in order to see it through completion.
This can include packing up items, rebuilding rooms and working with your insurance agent to ensure your claim is handled properly. It is our goal to assist you with anything you need and make your recovery as easy as possible.
Regardless of the kind of disaster you face, SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac has got your back. We have been around for years, and with our training, expertise and industry-leading equipment, we will have your home or business back to preloss condition before you ever thought possible.
When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Call SERVPRO at 231-723-4872
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