Storm Services: How Can They Assist Insurance Agents During Times of Disaster?

6/4/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency tarp and board-up services in a Conroe, TX facility.

Storm Services

When powerful storms strike Conroe, TX, they can affect a variety of businesses and create an influx of work for insurance agents and claims adjusters. These professionals must inspect each property, help the owner file a claim and ensure it is processed properly. Having a storm restoration company on hand can give these agents the support they need, especially in a large city or after a serious natural disaster.

Assessment of Damages

Storms that contain heavy rains and high winds can cause an array of damages to businesses. Properties may require significant repair and might include the following:

• Broken windows
• Damaged roofing material
• Flooded drywall and carpeting
  
  

When storm response teams work in tandem with insurance agents and adjusters, they can streamline the assessment process by reporting which damages will need to be repaired right away. They also help determine the type of restoration service that is needed and the cost associated with it.

Faster Claims Processing

When multiple businesses in the same area suffer damage due to flooding or high winds, insurance agents may have a difficult time processing claims at a rate that helps owners recover quickly. This can be especially true in the case of flood damage, where the claims process can be extensive. Agents that work with a restoration service may be able to offer a faster turnaround. Professional flood technicians can create one comprehensive damage report for each company to make filing claims simpler.

Less Confusion

Insurance agents that collaborate with a storm restoration service may be able to work with multiple customers in the same area with more efficiency, even when the damage to each property is similar. Detailed reports and repair estimates may help agents avoid confusion in the aftermath of major flooding.

The storm restoration process can be daunting for business owners in Conroe, TX. However, when their insurance agents are supported by knowledgeable storm repair experts, the claims process may not be as difficult for them.

4 Reasons You Should Avoid Driving Through Flooded Streets

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid driving through a flooded street.

Avoid Flooded Streets

Traveling through a torrential rainstorm can be a harrowing experience for any driver. Although arriving at your destination as quickly as possible may be a priority, making wise driving decisions during extreme weather is important. Key travel tips, such as avoiding a flooded street, can keep you and your passengers safe. Because of potential dangers, ignoring this important advice can have devastating consequences.

1. Threat of Drowning

It’s easy to underestimate the depth of water flowing over a roadway, especially at night. Floodwaters can also wash away the road surface, leaving nothing for your tires to grip. Both scenarios create the potential for water to overtake your vehicle. Losing control of your automobile creates a dangerous situation and increases the risk of drowning.

In addition to an accurate depth, you may also fail to recognize water speed. A fast-flowing current can carry your car away from the roadway and make it difficult to swim to safety. You may also be injured by floating debris.

2. Electrocution Hazard

Traversing a flooded street may also be hazardous due to potential storm damage. High winds can, for example, cause downed powerlines. This scenario increases the risk of electrocution.

3. Perilous for First Responders

Fast-moving currents, exposed wires and debris also create a dangerous situation for first responders dispatched to the scene. Turning around and seeking an alternative route can keep yourself and rescuers out of harms way.

4. Destroyed Engine

Flooded roads can also be detrimental to your vehicle’s integrity. Water intake can stall and destroy your engine, resulting in potentially costly repairs that could have easily been avoided.

A significant rainstorm can cause significant storm and flood damage in Cleveland, TX. Driving through the deluge can be a dangerous challenge. Although it may delay you from reaching your desired destination on time, evading a flooded street can safeguard multiple lives. For this reason, Turn Around Don’t Drown should be the travel tip you never ignore.

What To Do if the Neighboring Building Experiences a Fire

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in an apartment building in Magnolia, TX.

What to Do If a Fire Breaks Out at a Neighboring Building

It can be scary to experience a fire in your own building, but should you be worried if the neighboring building is on fire? It may depend on how close it is to you, but usually yes. In Magnolia, TX, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Evacuate

Even if the fire itself is in no danger of spreading to your commercial property, there are other damaging effects that can make their way over. Smoke and soot damage, heat and the effects of the fire suppression materials can all affect your space. You should consider evacuating the property to ensure the safety of your staff and equipment. It would be a good idea to focus on the following:

• people
  
• valuable electronics
  
• important documents
  
• delicate materials
  
  

Evaluate

Once the fire is over, if possible, you should check in with your neighbor. Then you can assess the damage to your own property. Can you see any discernible smoke damage? If not, it may still be there, but you may need to hire a professional to inspect for it. There may also be water damage if the fire hose got sprayed in your direction. If water is left to sit, it may eventually become a mold problem. Be sure to document everything you can.

Enquire

Once you've done a walk-through, a call to your insurance company is in order. Your policy will probably cover repairs if it already includes fire protection. To confirm your claim, an insurance adjuster may come out to assess the damage for themselves. They may also have recommendations for a qualified remediation company that specializes in smoke cleaning.

Unfortunately, the misfortune of others can also become your misfortune. Among other things, smoke damage can effect structures nearby that were never part of the original fire. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, don't hesitate to take the proper steps to address it right away.

How To Care for Water-Damaged Wood Flooring

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

Wood floor damaged in a commercial building.

Water Damaged Wood Flooring

Wood floors in a commercial building can sustain significant damage after a pipe burst or other exposure to large amounts of water. It is necessary to respond to water damage quickly to salvage flooring in a structure located in Montgomery, TX.

Extract Standing Water

Wood is a porous material. While commercial wood floors may be varnished to reduce permeability, it is still necessary to remove water quickly. Any of the following methods may be effective, depending on the quantity of water:

• Mop and bucket
  
• Pump
  
• Wet-dry vacuum
  
  

Removing water from a wood floor as soon as possible can limit the degree of damage. Wood may start to become discolored or warped within a matter of hours and may not be salvageable after days of saturation.

Dry the Floor

After removing water, direct drying methods such as applying towels to the surface and indirect methods such as air movers, fans or dehumidifiers can promote drying. If a pipe burst causes damage and water is removed within hours, no disinfection is necessary. Exposure to contaminated water calls for cleaning and disinfection and may necessitate tearing out and replacing wood flooring.

Restore Damaged Wood

There are several ways to recover wood that has sustained damage from water. Resurfacing wood by sanding can eliminate cupping, which involves floorboards that have become concave or convex due to exposure to moisture. It may be necessary to sand off paint or finish if mold forms underneath this layer of a wet floor prior to treating, drying and refinishing.
Removing standing water from wood floors as soon as possible is essential for limiting damage. Over time, wood may become discolored or warped. In cases where water remains present for an extended period of time, such as a pipe burst that is not immediately detected at a building in Montgomery, TX, it may be necessary to replace wood floors.

5 Pieces of Essential Equipment for Cleaning Mold

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Always wear protective gear while removing mold.

Mold Cleaning Equipment: 5 Must-Have Items

In the unfortunate event that your office in Willis, TX, becomes infested with mold, quick removal is essential. If you elect to tackle the cleaning task without professional help, use proper equipment to protect yourself from mold’s harmful effects. Here are five items that should always be used in conjunction with fungal scrubbing.

1. Respirator

Perhaps the most critical of accessories is the respirator. Because it prevents workers from breathing in mold particles, wearing a mask is absolutely required. There are many types of filtering masks commercially available, from inexpensive disposables to highly expensive beauties. You should have no trouble finding an appropriate selection that matches your budget and taste.

2. Gloves

Like masks, there are a wide variety of gloves available. Whether you choose ones made out of latex, vinyl, or nitrile, always protect your hands with the proper fit. No matter what style of glove you settle on, avoid touching your face when dealing with mold.

3. Hazard Suits

Protective clothing suits need to be worn when in proximity to any mold growth. Tyvek makes a one-piece that can be conveniently slipped over regular clothes. Hazard suits can be difficult to find, which is one reason allowing mold removal professionals to handle the task for you is a sensible alternative.

4. Goggles

Naturally, safety goggles prevent mold spores from floating into your eyes, but they also stop chemicals used for cleaning from splashing into them as well. Disturbing spores inevitably cause them to waft into the air, making goggles an absolute necessity.

5. Hair and Shoe Coverings

Your head and feet are susceptible to collecting fungal matter. Avoid spreading spores throughout the office by using disposable protectors. Be certain to don fresh ones before every mold cleanup session.
Mold removal is a potentially dangerous activity. Unless you use a team of qualified experts to clean the compromised area on your behalf, protect yourself and the rest of your team by acquiring the correct gear.

3 Steps to Take in Case of a Leak in a Multifamily Home

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling is leaking due to the bathtub on the second floor of the home.

When a leak occurs in a multifamily home, the business owner is not the only person who suffers. Multifamily homes can accommodate two or more families in a collection of apartments. Damage from water in home apartments can cause residents to experience days of inconvenient repairs, especially in severe cases. Business owners in Splendora, TX, can be prepared by:

1. Having a list of contacts in case of an emergency
   
2. Creating a plan for repairs
   
3. Having tools on hand for water cleanup
   
   

Steps To Take In Case Of a Leak In a Multifamily Home

1. Find the Leak

Look for the source before taking action so that you can create a plan of action. If the leak is not severe, you may be able to fix it yourself. In extreme cases, such as a burst pipe or toxic water, residents may need to relocate while an apartment is being fixed. Communicate effectively with them to avoid frustrated residents. Pipe cleanup and property restoration should take place before they are able to move back into the apartment.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Insurance companies can save you money by covering cleanup and restoration. Most companies cover broken pipe and water in-home repairs. Contact your insurance company immediately to make a claim and out of pocket costs.

3. Contact a Professional Cleanup and Restoration Service

After contracting a plumber to fix the leak, a company that specializes in water damage restoration can quickly clean and restore your property so that residents can return to normalcy. SERVPRO is a company that specializes in restoring and dehumidifying water-damaged materials to prevent microbial growth in the future. Hire professionals that make it seem “Like it Never Even Happened”.

Having a plan for water damage in multifamily homes can help keep your residents happy. If you have experienced a water in-home emergency, hire contractors to help fix your property.

3 Qualifications To Be a Preferred Vendor

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job too small or too big for SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia & Cleveland.

3 Requirements to Become a Preferred Vendor

Picking the right vendor to repair a home after a fire, flood or natural disaster isn’t always as easy as it seems. When there are so many emergency restoration specialists listings in Conroe, TX, how do you know which one is the right choice for your clients? An insurance agent should have preferred vendors to whom he or she refers clients who are in need of home repair. When you choose a preferred vendor, you know it meets at least three qualifications.

1. Trustworthy Technicians

To be part of a vendor program, a restoration company has to have a solid track record of hiring reliable experts and conducting business ethically. There are several common trademarks of trust, including:

• General liability coverage
  
• Background checks
  
• High customer satisfaction ratings
  
  

In order to receive a referral from the corporate call center at SERVPRO, for example, a franchise has to meet 21 different guidelines. When a company holds its own franchises to a high standard, it is more likely to become a preferred vendor with an insurance company.

2. Superior Service

Knowledge and skills go hand in hand when it comes to being a preferred vendor. As an insurance agent, you want your clients to hire experts who get the job done correctly the first time because that costs the insurance company less money. Technicians who have gone through an IICRC-certified training program are more likely to have the experience necessary to provide the excellent service needed.

3. Precise Documentation

Processing a successful claim requires accurate records. SERVPRO keeps track of every detail of the remediation and restoration process, from the response time to the final estimate for the job. The Claims Information Center makes the insurance adjuster’s job so much easier by providing all the documentation needed to assess the claim.

When clients need emergency repair service for their homes, they may ask you, their insurance agent, about preferred vendors. Working with someone the insurance company already trusts can ensure that clients get the best service possible.