Water Damage From a Storm can Wreak Havoc On a Home

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded Home? Call SERVPRO!

Water Damage From a Storm Can Be Catastrophic to your home or business

O.K., a Metro-East Illinois storm just hit the area and dumped 5 inches in an hour overwhelming the sewer systems in your community. The result is 3 inches of gray water in your finished basement. The longer you wait after having water damage from a rain event the more damage you are causing to your home.

When you have water damage the best thing to do is to mityigate the source that is causing the damage. It could be a clogged sewer line, debri clogged gutters or a sump pump failure. If the damage is coming from something you are unable to cut off, you may need to contact a plumber in your area. Once this is completed, you will want to call the professionasl here at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy. No matter how big or small, we will be able to help get it under control. If not remedied rapidly, here is some of the damage that can happen:

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls
• Wet or soggy carpets
• Warping in your wood flooring
• wicking of walls the longer the water is present
• wet insulation inside the wall cavities

The best thing to do is call an expert right away before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call. We have our specialized equipment ready to use to get to your emergency mitigated as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, call our team here at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at (618) 667-8648.

We Are Your Storm Damage & Reconstruction Specialist

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO.

We Specialize in Storm Damage Restoration & Reconstruction!

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy specializes in storm and flood damage cleanup, restoration and reconstruction in the metro-east Illinois region.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to mitigate the damage and then restore your property completely with our own in-house construction division to its pre-storm condition.

We Have a Faster Response Time

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost dramatically.

Resources to Handle Midwest Floods and Storms

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is one of the only certified Disaster Recovery Team in the midwest region!  When storms hit the midwest, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster at a moments notice. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (618) 667-8648.

Winter Storm Preparedness is Essential

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness

The metro-east Illinois region is experiencing some extremely cold tempuratures with bad weather heading this way. Hopefully, businesses and homeowners have put a plan in place in the event of a major winter storm which is bound to happen. However, the middle of a blizzard or major snowstorm is not the time to wonder when your heating system was last serviced. By taking action now, you can head into the winter season comfortable in the knowledge that your home or business will be safe in the event of severe winter weather.

Before those nightly temperatures plummet, you’ll want to take preventative measures to keep your pipes from freezing, and help your home and business to retain heat by weather-stripping doors and windowsills and replacing your heating system’s filters and have your HVAC system checked before it fails you during a long strectch of winter weather. You might consider buying emergency heating equipment (and fuel) or a portable backup generator in the event of a magor snow/ice storm that could potentially knock out power. Also make sure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order! And in case you’re unable to leave your home for a prolonged amount of time due to weather conditions, having a stock of non-perishable food items on hand is always a great idea.

Try to avaoid venturing out into hazardous road conditions during a major winter storm, and in the event that you’re caught traveling or need to evacuate an area when a storm strikes, you also want to be sure your vehicle is winter-ready. The American Red Cross recommends having a maintenance check and tire evaluation in autumn so that any necessary maintenance can be completed before winter arrives, and having an emergency road kit with the following provisions: a windshield scraper, a small sack of sand (for generating traction), shovel, matches in a waterproof container, tire chains or traction mats, a bright red cloth to tie to your antenna, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water and snack foods, and a battery-powered radio.

Do you have storm damage due to a winter storm? Call the Winter Storm Damage Cleanup Specialists at (618) 667-8648. 

Trained Up for the Storm Season

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Training

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy are highly trained individuals in storm related property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, to our own in-house training refresher courses so rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property when a storm hits the region and damages homes and businesses. Our training program assures all of our team has the knowledge to restore your property right the first time and to prel-oss condition! We want our employees to get the "best in industry" training to make sure you choose SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy each and every time when a storm disaster strikes the metro-east Illinois region. Here at TEAM WOLFE, we know what we are are doing and we do it right each and every time we are called upon! Call us at (618) 667-8648 for all your restoration needs!

Don't Wait for An Adjuster to Arrive before Dealing with Storm Damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Don't Wait For an Adjuster

Don't Wait For a Property  Adjuster to Arrive After a Storm Damages Your Property!

With Spring just a few weeks away, the potential of heavy storms can start to form in the metro-east Illinois region. With that elevated risk of a major storm sweeping through the St. Clair or Madison County region, your home or business can experience wind, hail or water damage that will require immediate building stabilization to reduce the affects of secondary damage. By waiting for adjuster to arrive onsite which could takes days if the region received widespread storm damage, you might think it's to just wait for an adjuster to arrive to make any major decisions. However, this might not be the best decision. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. You May Be Waiting Several Days Before an Adjuster can inspect You Property

During a large storm or a disaster, there will likely be many people who have suffered major storm damage to their homes or businesses. Because of this, it might take a while before an adjuster is able to get to you. There will be quite a few people who are in the same situation that you are, so waiting around while your property is wet and/or exposed can create additional secondary damages that will escalate the cost of repairing it back to preloss condition.

2. Water Damage Only Gets Worse by procrastination

While you are waiting for an adjuster to arrive, the water will continue to affect your house and belongings. If the water is not removed and your property stays wet, you will end up with a much larger problem to deal with. When it is exposed to water for long periods of time, wood can begin to warp and may end up rotting which can affect the structure of the building. Mold damage can occur quickly as well and may begin to spread within 24 hours.

3. It Can Affect Your Insurance Claim by Thousands of Additional Dollars by Waiting

In some cases, doing nothing to prevent further damage can affect the results of your storm insurance claim. You might not be approved for as much as you would have otherwise, and your claim might be denied altogether. Paying for repairs on your own can be expensive, so you want to avoid this if possible.
Instead of waiting for your insurance adjuster, the best thing to do after a storm is to document the damage. Take pictures and make lists of affected areas and items to provide as evidence. Once this has been done, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO can begin mitigation to prevent the damage from worsening while you wait to file your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston for all your Spring Storm cleanup & restoration problems at (618) 667-8648. We promise to make them disappear "Like it never even happened."  

Minimizing Secondary Roof Damage After A Storm

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Roof Damage from a storm.

When it comes to severe weather events like Thunderstorms along with high winds in the metro-east Illinois region, these conditions are often the leading cause of structural damage to residential property and local businesses. While prevention and routine inspections are extremely helpful to avoiding a roof leak, sometimes mother nature is still often too powerful to avoid her visiting your home or business with a major blow to your property. If during or right after a catastrophic storm event causes damages to your roof, getting it taken care of immediately is necessary to avoid extensive water damage remediation and repairs. If the storm was big enough, unfortunately, you may not get instant relief.

Temporary Repairs:
Temporary fixes should be made to ensure the damage doesn’t spread. These include:

Tarps – Simple, inexpensive and easy, waterproof tarps can do wonders to keep more moisture from getting inside the property. From the interior of the building, since it is unsafe to walk on a wet roof, smooth the tarp out and attach it, ensuring the entire area is covered.

Caulk, Temporary Roof Patch – For small leaks, a little caulk or sealant can block the water from coming in. Even though it may be small, it can easily become a much bigger problem if not addressed immediately. These products can be found at your local home improvement store.

Replace Shingles – Depending on the structure, a roof leak often is a result of missing shingles or ones that are cracked or becoming unattached. Once it safe to go on the roof, it is important to repair or replace shingles to limit the damage. Loose shingles shout be smoothed and shifted back into place before being nailed or stapled. If shingles are missing but there are no replacements available, sheet metal or wood can be used as a temporary fix.

Professional Help
While these fixes are designed to limit the spread of damage, they are not permanent repairs. Regardless of the size of the leak, contacting a professional like SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy to inspect and repair the roof is vital to maintaining its longevity and protecting what it covers. Our company is a full service contractor so one call to SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is all you need to do. We handle all aspects of the restoration and repairs needed to restore your property to its preloss condition. 

A roof leak is a hassle, but it can quickly become much more than that if gone unchecked. Taking immediate action and getting it properly repaired are keys to avoiding damage to the rest of the structure.

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy for Storm Damage Clean Up

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorm Damage

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is your Thunderstorm Damage Cleanup Specialist!

Severe thunderstorms and straight-line winds and heavy rainfall can cause severe of damage to your metro-east Illinois home, and flooding is a major problem during these storms when rainfall totals several inches in a short period of time. For many families in the Madison and St. Clair Counties, flooding can become a reality after severe thunderstorm. Flood water carries high levels of raw sewage and other bio-hazards, so you should never try to clean it up on your own.

Severe Thunderstorms with high winds can generate large amounts of building materials debris, roofing and damage to personal property. When flood damage from heavy rainfall has affected your home, you should contact our professionals at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy right away so we can help get your life back in order.

Clean Up and Restoration

Before we can begin cleanup and restoration, we must remove all standing water. We do this with professional-grade, truck-mounted pumps. Once the majority of the water has been removed, we can inspect the home for the extent of the damages from the floodwaters.

Because floodwaters are contaminated, we must remove and dispose of any carpeting and padding in the home. If needed, we pressure wash structural components and disinfect surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant.

We continue to remove materials as necessary to decontaminate your home. Communication is paramount with SERVPRO so by keeping in contact with you every step of the way is important to us and to ensure everyone is in agreement with our scope of services. Interior wall surfaces and other inaccessible areas that were contaminated by contaminated water are cleaned, dried and sanitized. Disinfecting steps are repeated for any newly exposed areas.

SERVPRO technicians then remove and dispose of any final debris and wastewater. Once cleaning procedures are complete, we place air movers and dehumidifiers in the home to speed up drying. These machines are monitored daily and moved or adjusted to ensure optimal drying.

Testing and Detection 

We also use moisture meters to detect any hidden moisture that could be lingering inside walls. All of this moisture must be taken care of to prevent the growth of mold. If any mold has started to grow, we also clean the affected area and sanitize it.

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy ensures that we have your home thoroughly & completely dry a before we say the job is done! We pride ourselves in our ability to make homes in the Madison County and St. Clair County regions back to their preloss condition so give us a call at (618) 667-8648.

Staying Safe during a Flood Event

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded Living Room

Do you know how dangerous flood water can be? A depth of 6 inches can sweep you away, and a depth of 12 inches can sweep your car away. Floods are fast-moving and aggressive, and if you didn’t heed the warnings to evacuate, then you need to know how to stay safe not just during the flood but after.

1. Staying Safe During Flood 

During a flood, you should stay in a safe location, and it is best to discuss this location with others so that when/if you need to be rescued your family can give first responders the most accurate information. Your safe place should be an elevated location. If you choose your house, do not go into the enclosed attic. The level you want should have numerous exit points so that the rising waters do not trap you. Additionally, when the flood begins, stay at your designated location. Do not attempt to leave, unless absolutely necessary because you could be at risk of drowning. Essentially, staying safe during a flood comes down to remaining calm and trying to stay above the rising water.

2. Staying Safe After a Flood

Standing flood water can be potentially hazardous. Not only do possible downed power lines present the risk of electrocution, but the water itself may also be contaminated from sewage and other debris. While a building was your sanctuary during the flood, a flooded building now presents serious health risks. If it is not possible to stay in a dry area, it may be wise to wear heavy gloves and boots to prevent contact with any potentially hazardous materials, but it is best to avoid contact if possible. When the time comes, seek out restoration specialists SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, SERVPRO of Alton, Edwardsville & Granite City, SERVPRO of Belleville-O'Fallon, to restore your home from any lasting water damage and to help with any hazardous cleanup.

Flooding and the resulting flood water are dangerous. It is never wise to ignore a call to evacuate, but it is not always possible to leave. When you must stay behind, it is essential to find high ground and avoid contact with contaminated materials. 

Storm Preparedness

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency Checklist

Storm Preparedness

If you are a homeowner in the Madison County & St. Clair County region, you have probably thought about what might happen if a storm causes your house to flood. Planning is always important where storm safety is concerned, especially if you live in a flood zone. Here are four steps that you can take to prepare your home and family for a potential storm involving flood water.

1. Sign Up for Local Alerts

If your community offers an emergency warning system, sign up for it as soon as you can. Alerts are also provided by the Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio.

2. Determine Your Flood Risk

Do you live in a flood zone? If you don't know, it may be time to visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Map Service Center online to find out. If it turns out that floods are a significant concern in your area, you will likely want to purchase flood insurance for your property.

3. Protect Valuables

Valuables can easily become damaged from flood water. Protect yours by keeping gutters and drains cleared, purchasing a battery-operated sump pump and moving said items to higher levels in your house. Important paperwork should be digitized and stored in a waterproof box to protect it from water damage in a flooded building.

4. Plan Your Escape

Having a smart escape route in place is important when a flood is threatening your home. Put a plan for emergency shelter in place, and practice various escape paths with your family on a regular basis. Having supplies such as batteries and medicine on hand is also very important.

Your first priority with flood water is to get yourself and your loved ones to safety. Your property also matters, but storm damage restoration specialists can typically help you resolve any damage that does occur. Planning ahead of time by following the steps above puts you in a better position to keep your family and your investments safer in a flood-related storm.

Welcoming Spring!

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

We are in the first weeks of Spring, and although it is always good to see the sunshine, hear the birds chirping, and see the grass beginning to turn green, there are some other parts of Spring that we must be prepared for. Here in the Midwest, and in Madison County, we must consider that this time of the year can also bring many storms and rain showers. This can also mean the risk of flooding or tornadoes. While preparing for this potentially rainy season, some things to be aware of are: 

• Have you checked your sump pump?- Sump pump failures can be a cause of many water related emergencies. It is important to check that your sump pump is working properly, plugged in, and has a working battery backup if it has that feature.  

• Your insurance coverage – Check your insurance coverage to see what would be considered a coverable loss. Consider making any changes to your insurance policy that you think might be necessary. It is always a good idea to be knowledgeable and prepared in case an emergency happens. 
• Have an updated home inventory – While this can feel like an overwhelming task, it can be an invaluable resource in in the case of an emergency. There are many apps that are available to help you create a running list of the items that you have in your household. This list can help immensely in the event that you need to ever file an insurance claim. Another way to record items in your house is to record a video of each room in your house. Don’t forget to include areas such as closets or in drawers.  Be sure to include serial numbers when applicable and ensure that the video is backed up somewhere that you can access it remotely if needed.  
• Have an emergency plan prepared for you and your family – This may include such as things as having copies of important papers such as insurance or medical information backed up and stored in a safe place, having an idea of where your family and pets could go in an emergency, and having a list of emergency contacts prepared. Knowing this information and being prepared can lessen panic and help to ease the chaos that an emergency situation may bring.  

All of us at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy are wishing you a safe and dry spring season. However, if you should be affected by spring storms or any other emergency, our experienced team is available 24/7. Contact our office at any time at 618-667-8648. 

Why do Sump Pumps Fail?

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung, and while we always hope that will mean sunny skies and warm weather, we in the Midwest know that that can also bring rainstorms and lots of wet weather. Many households in Madison County have sump pumps to help prevent flooding in rainy weather or in even in the case of other types of flooding. A sump pump typically kicks on when water is detected in an area and diverts that water to somewhere that it can safely drain. There are many different parts and variables to a sump pump, and if one of those is not working correctly, the entire system can fail. Some other thoughts to consider for sump pump safety are -  

• Installation – It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully while installing a sump pump. Improper installation can void the warranty and potentially cause your sump pump to fail.  
• Maintenance- It is important to check your sump pump 3-4 times a year to ensure that it is still working properly. It may also be helpful to check on it before the start of a rainy season or if a large rainstorm or other weather event is predicted. This helps to ensure that your pump will be working and ready to go when you may need it most. 

• Power outage – Sump pumps typically do not have their own power system and are plugged into the homes power supply, so if the power goes out, the sump pump also shuts off. Some things to consider are to purchase a sump pump with a battery backup system, a sump pump that has an emergency alarm that will alert you if there is no power to the sump pump, or having a backup generator that can supply power in the case of an outage.  
• Ensure that your sump pump is the correct size for the space – It is important to choose the correct size sump pump for the area it is being used for. It may be useful to consult with a professional in order to ensure that the sump pump you choose will be efficient for your home or business. A pump that is too large may have to overwork to adjust for less water being drained and wear out more quickly. One that is too small will likely not be able to keep up with the amount of water produced. 

If you have any questions or concerns about water damage in your Collinsville home or business, call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648. Our friendly and experienced team is available 24/7 because we know that emergencies can happen at any time.  

Winter Weather Alerts

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

The weather can change quickly and go from being warm and sunny one day, to overcast and snowing the next. It is important to keep an eye on the weather reports in order to be properly prepared for the day.  Weather alerts can be confusing as there are many different technical terms and meanings. At SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy we want you stay safe and ahead of any weather events that may occur. Below, we are going to talk about some of the different weather warning messages you may see.  

• Winter Weather Advisory – An advisory occurs when less than 6 inches of snow or less than ¼ an inch of ice is expected to accumulate. It is still very important to stay updated on the weather and to be prepared because an advisory can quickly turn into a winter storm warning.  
• Winter Storm Warning – A winter storm warning is issued when 6 inches or more of snow is expected, or a combination of winter weather such as snow, ice, sleet, or high winds may occur.  
• Blizzard Warning –  A blizzard warning will occur when winds of over 35mph are predicted for more than three hours at a time along with lots of snow fall or snow that has already fallen that could blow around and reduce visibility. 
• Ice Storm Warning – This occurs when ¼ an inch of more of ice is expected to accumulate. 
• Wind Chill – This is more than just the temperature outside, this is talking about how cold it is with the moving air of the wind. It is typically colder than the temperature outside so it's important to look at both the temperature and the wind chill.  

• Wind Chill Advisory – A wind chill advisory is when the wind chill is –15 degrees to –25 degrees. The winds must also be 10mph or higher. 
• Wind Chill Warning – A wind chill warning means that the wind chill is over –25 degrees and the winds are 10mph or higher.  

Keeping your pets safe in an emergency.

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

While developing an emergency plan for your family, it is important to consider the safety of your pets as well. Disasters such as storms, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, or floods can also affect your pets. There are many different ways that you can prepare your pets for an emergency.  

1. Place a sticker by your front door with all of your pet's information on it. This can include their name, breed, medical information, and any other information that may be needed. If an evacuation ever occurs, you can mark down on the sticker that your pets have been evacuated to alert rescuers.  

1. Ensure that pets can be identified. Attach a physical tag to their collar and ensure that current contact information is included on it. Consider microchipping your pets. This will allow a veterinarian or other rescue group to identify your pet and retrieve your contact information if your pet gets separated from you or lost.  

1. Have an emergency bag prepared with food, water, bowls, and a leash for your pets. Also consider including any medicines or first aid items they may need.  

1. In case of an emergency or natural disaster, be aware of what emergency shelters, kennels and/or vets in the area may accept pets. This list could also include hotels that accept pets or family friends that may be willing to provide care for them.   

At SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, we want to ensure that your entire family, including pets stay safe. Having an emergency plan prepared, staying aware, and having a bag packed may help to keep your pets safe and more comfortable in case of an emergency.  

Don't be afraid of Storm Clean-up

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy can help you in many ways during or after a storm hits. We do roof tarps, board ups and immediate water and fire restoration and clean up! We understand how stressful it is to deal with damage to your home or business. Our crews work hard to quickly restore your home or business back to how it was before!

Storms can be scary and we sure have had a few in the last week. There are many outcomes that can happen during a storm. Tree falling on your home or business, flooding, lighting strikes causing a fire, and many more. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is always ready for your storm damage! Our crews are well trained and ready 24/7 to make your home or business look "Like it never even happened." 

If you experience any damage this storm season be sure to give us a call! 618-667-8648

Important Tips for Recovering After Roof Damage

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

If high winds or hail damage your roof in Troy IL , you’re probably wondering what to do next. Storm cleanup and restoration companies may simplify the process because of their experience in handling all the details of this kind of disaster. Here are four steps the experts can help with to make your roof repair less stressful.

1. Protect the Affected Areas

One of the most pressing worries after roof damage occurs is preventing further property destruction. While more permanent solutions can take time, covering the affected areas with a tarp is a quicker fix. It can help protect your house from the elements while the rest of the repairs take place.

2. Remove Water and Dry Absorbent Materials

Next, the experts can use specialized equipment such as pumps and wet/dry vacuums to remove any standing water. Then comes the crucial step of drying any porous building materials such as drywall and wood. Industrial-strength dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers help with this step, which can prevent the contents from swelling, warping, or becoming moldy.

3. Complete Restorations

Technicians can also complete or coordinate all necessary reparations. These include simpler things such as repainting the walls as well as more complex jobs such as drywall replacement, floor installation, and roof repair.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Whenever your home suffers from storm or wind damage, it can also be important to call your insurance company. An agent will likely ask questions about the extent of the problem to determine the company’s next steps. Cleanup and restoration companies encounter insurance companies' questions regularly and may be able to help you answer them more thoroughly.

When storms harm your rooftop, the cleanup and restoration can be complicated and time-consuming. Hiring professionals to help with everything from the water removal to the roof repair can lessen your workload and help guarantee your home is as close to its pre-damage state as possible.

For more information, please call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648.

Flood Water Tips

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

During this time of year, we see a lot of rain in the Madison County area. Across the United States though, flooding is one of the most commonly widespread weather-related disasters. Whether your home or business is in the country, in town or near a river  there is always potential for flood damage Though you may have never experienced a flood in the past, there’s no level of security to assure that you will not in the future. Did you know that 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities?  According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster.  The ARC offers the following safety tips:

Stay away from floodwaters

If you approach a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way.  Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

Driving on a flooded road

Turn around and go another way.  If you are caught on a flooded road and water are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.  Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Keep children out of the water

They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is prepared to handle any size disaster. Call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648 for flood cleanup. Always be prepared and ready. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is prepared to handle any size disaster. The quicker work begins; the earlier your home or business can return to “Like it never even happened.” 

Steps to Take Immediately After Storm Damage

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy to help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living condition.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjustor to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Look Into Federal Disaster Assistance

The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to normal. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal. At SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire damage, and smoke disaster.

Call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648

What You Can Do For Storm Damage After Calling SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO has crews in Florida!

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Loading equipment for Florida.

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy sent 5 of our crew members down to Florida at the end of October, to help with restoration and clean up from the hurricane. Our crews are working hard to help as many people as we can. 

SERVPRO as a company has a Storm Team. There are franchises all over the US that participate in the Storm Team. Our corporate office sends an email after a disaster strikes a state asking who would like to come help.

Last year our franchise went to Texas for a few months, cleaning up after their hurricane. Now this year we are in Florida. SERVPRO is always here and ready for any disaster that strikes. We have the man power and equipment to make it look "Like it never even happened."

If you experience a fire, water damage, mold growth or vandalism to your home or business give our office a call.

618-667-8648

We aren't scared of storms!

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Storms rolling in by our office in Troy!

Storms can be scary and we sure have had a few in the last week. There are many outcomes that can happen during a storm. Tree falling on your home or business, flooding, lighting strikes causing a fire, and many more. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is always ready for your storm damage! Our crews are well trained and ready 24/7 to make your home or business look "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO can help you in many ways during or after a storm hits. We do roof tarps, board ups and immediate water and fire restoration and clean up! We understand how stressful it is to deal with damage to your home or business. Our crews work hard to quickly restore your home or business back to how it was before!

If you experience any damage this storm season be sure to give us a call! 618-667-8648

SERVPRO does roof tarps!

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

With the crazy winds and weather we have been experiencing it is possible your home or business may be damaged by the storms. Did you know SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy can help you with your damaged roof? SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy does more than just fire, water and mold restoration and clean-up. Our crew is well trained for storms; including installing a tarp on your roof! Every member of our production team has been trained on how to safely tarp a roof. If your home or business' roof gets damaged during a storm give our office a call 618-667-8648. Our crews are available 24/7 for calls and services. We will have a crew sent out to save the day as quickly as possible to your location! 

Storm damage? We can clean that!

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

With all of the rain we have been having in the Madison County area; many houses and businesses are experiencing flooding or sump pump backups. Be sure to be checking your basements and crawl spaces right after a heavy rain storm. We know how important it is to get your home or business cleaned up as soon as possible. That is why our crew is available 24/7 for calls and service. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy specializes in water cleaning and restoration. Our crew is well trained to do what is needed to make your home look like damage never even happened.  If you experience any storm disaster be sure to give us a call at 618-667-8648. We strive to make your home or business looking “Like it never even happened.”