Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO.

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has 24-hour Emergency Services to respond quickly to disaster.

Storms can be unpredictable and take a toll on your home or commercial space, which can cause damage to both the interior and exterior of your property. SERVPRO of Marshall and Sedalia understands that these disasters can come at any time and provides emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have trained, on-call professionals to respond to your loss, and our teams make it a priority to be faster to any size disaster. This immediate response time can lessen damage, cleaning time and costs as further damage will be prevented. So, if your property is ever impacted by storm damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Marshall and Sedalia at any time, day or night. We are always Here to help. 

For residential services that can bring you peace of mind when something goes wrong, SERVPRO offers water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, general cleaning and building services. A commercial property impacted by damage can also be restored by SERVPRO with services such as commercial water damage restoration, commercial fire damage restoration, commercial mold remediation, storm damage and large loss event restoration, and cleaning services.   

Flash Flood Requires Swift Action

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your property was affected/ gets affected by flooding, please reach out to our team at 660-886-5194.

Our SERVPRO of Sedalia location was devastated by flash flooding that caused water damage throughout numerous homes. We had to send some of our team members from our 9 other franchise locations to help with the widespread water damage. We also called another SERVPRO Family of Franchises and asked for assistance when the jobs became too much. Flash Flooding is a severe problem that requires swift action. This is what we recommend our clients to do when they fall victim to flooding:

1. The first tip is to prepare for the projected severe weather by buying nonperishable items and sandbags. If the store has a limit based on demand, we suggest using expanding foam in the cracks and crevices of the door while sealing it with duct tape.
2.  This is very important if water seeps into your home, especially if you’re unsure if the water will continue to rise; please TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY BOX. If water gets into the wall sockets, you risk the water becoming a conductor for electricity. Buildings have to have sockets a foot off baseboards to prevent this from becoming a problem.

Once the water has begun to lower, our team of professionals is ready to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Spring Thunderstorms Bring May Flowers

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

A combination of moisture and hot, rising air can lead to thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Have you ever wondered why it seems to thunderstorm more often when Spring and Summer arrive? Many times, when these seasons roll around, most people anticipate nice weather and sunshine, yet fail to remember the stormy nights that may come along. According to “howstuffworks,” thunderstorms thrive in the presence of moisture and quick-rising, hot air, which are both common in the warmer months of the year. Hotter sunlight during this time creates a warmer atmosphere, and when clashing with winter’s leftover cool, dry air, can lead to thunderstorms or tornadoes. Be prepared for these changing seasons and instable weather to come by knowing SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia is only a phone call away. With 24/7 emergency services and a team of highly trained professionals, SERVPRO® is determined to be Faster to Any Size Disaster.  

Are You Stranded? This is What You Will Need!

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

By packing an emergency bag, you prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario, which could help save your life.

Although we can't make an auto claim with your insurance, we wanted to take some time to go over some essential winter must-haves to keep in your car. If you haven't heard, the winter storm that pushed through the region last Tuesday has caused drivers to be stranded for 24 hours on I-95 in Virginia. In this situation, people had to bear through the below-freezing temperatures. Many had no food or water and no idea when they would be moving again. The line of cars stretching 50 miles long with some parts of the interstate still closed due to government officials advising drivers to avoid I-95 altogether. Here are some must-haves to keep in your car if you get stranded on the side of the road.

Snow Removal Tools

When you get stuck on the side of the road, your first course of action would see if you can get your car unstuck. If you don't have tools, you might even try shoveling the snow out of the way yourself. By leaving these products in your vehicle, you will have a better chance of getting your car out. 

• Ice Scraper/Snow Brush
• This helps keep your view out of the windows clear with no obstruction. 
• Shovel
• If you have a shovel, you will be able to clear the snow under and around the car to help get more traction without all the snow. We advise that you start by making a clear and direct path to get you back on the road. Take some time and clear off the car so it is apparent that you require assistance. You should also ensure that you have dug out the tailpipe to allow a path for the exhausted to escape.
• Kitty Litter
• Once the car is cleared and you want to turn the car on, you might want to have kitty litter to put on the path you created. Also, you should add some litter under the tire to help the tires gain traction on the snow-covered ground. 

Hunkering Down Tools

Let's pretend that after trying all of the listed tips above, you can still free the car. This is when you need to hunker down and wait for someone to help rescue you. These are the tools you will need to ensure that you can stay warm during what could be hours of waiting. 

• Extra Set of Clothing
• When you get stuck, you have to conserve the gas in the tank to ensure that you can drive away once rescued. It will get cold in the car, so packing extra gloves, clothes, hats, or blankets can help ensure you can stay warm. 
• Emergency Flares
• When stuck in the snow, you will be surprised at how fast your car can get completely covered. Suppose you notice a snow truck or any other form of an emergency vehicle. In that case, you will need to capture their attention as your location might be hard to see. An emergency flare will capture their attention, and you can be rescued faster. 
• Jumper Cables
• If you have your car sitting on the side of the road while you have the engine running, it will cause your battery to die in most cases. So by keeping your emergency jumper cables in your car can help start your vehicle.
• Food/Water
• Usually, you wouldn't spend extra time driving your car in the vehicle. When you are stuck, you should be prepared for being stranded for hours on end. By keeping food and water in the car, you can prevent anyone from going hungry. 

Most importantly, if you are driving somewhere when there is a projected winter storm, please adjust your time to allow extra travel time. If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, please call these emergency road services:

Emergency Police Number: Call 911

Missouri State Patrol: Call *55 or 800-525-5555

Winter Weather Brings Dangerous Conditions

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

When being exposed to the elements, you must wear multiple layers!

Isn’t it crazy how it can go from the 60s in December to 30 below in January? 

Yah. If you have been avoiding the cold, you might have noticed it’s become a real struggle in the past week or so. With the temperatures dipping lower the more you have to worry about protecting yourself from the blustery winter weather. One of the biggest concerns is when being exposed and getting frostbite... Or frost nipped... Wait, what is the difference?

Frostnip 

Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite which requires immediate action of reheating the skin. If you let frostnip untreated, it could worsen to the point of numbness in the affected area. When the skin gets reheated, expect to feel this tingling pain caused by the blood flowing throughout this area once again.

Frostbite

Most of the time, frostbite goes unnoticed because of the lack of feeling in the affected area. Most of the time, someone points out frostbite, and the best course of action is immediately to seek medical assistance before it worsens. There are two stages of frostbite, superficial and deep, which require immediate action for preventable measures. 

Superficial Frostbite

Superficial frostbite can discolor the skin tone to a dark blue or black shade if treated by reheating the skin, which should be done immediately upon notice. When the skin is reheated, you should know that it can look mottled with the chance of having stinging, burning, or swelling pain. It is also possible that once the skin is heated that a liquid blister could form between 12-36 hours after reheating.

Deep Frostbite

This form of frostbite is the most severe as it affects all layers of skin and tissue in the affected area. A good indicator of deep frostbite is discoloring of the skin, with the primary symptom being losing all sensation of cold, pain, or discomfort in the area. Large blisters should be expected to form 24 to 48 hours after rewarming. The biggest concern is the possibility of having the joints and muscles stop working, which leads to the area turning black and hard as it dies.  

Knowing What To Look For

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Increased pain, swelling, inflammation in the affected area.
• Fever.
• The skin is hard, cold, or blotchy.
• In severe cases, the risk of developing hypothermia with the symptoms being intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and the loss of coordination. 

We at SERVPRO of Marshall, Columbia, and Sedalia want you to have a safe winter season. If you are spending some time out in the winter elements, be aware of when to return to safety.

Massive Storm Front Causes Major Damage in Multiple States

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Don't Let a Tornado Ruin your Holiday Season. Follow these tips, and you will be good in no time!

Last Friday, a massive storm front wreaked havoc as it created perfect conditions for tornadoes to touchdown killing two here in Missouri. Tornadoes that swapped homes off their entire foundation left behind a line of destruction. This blog will discuss what you should do if you are trying to make a damage claim due to a storm or tornado. 

• Step 1: Standing Out From the Rest
• It might be hard to get your claim completed when dealing with a massive storm that leaves behind damage in multi states.
• Trying to get your claim completed from a natural disaster might be more demanding since it wasn't an isolated event. Everyone will be trying to get in touch with their insurance provider to restore their property to the preloss condition. 
• Step 2: Document EVERYTHING!
• When having conversations with anyone new, it will be beneficial to write down what was discussed.
• This is important because you get the information to complete the insurance claim. This also helps make yourself look creditable since your not wasting anyone's time.
• We recommend that you write down any gathered contacts and their number and any documentation discussed. This helps push your claim along because you're proactive about listening to what you have to complete. 
• Step 3: CALL SERVPRO!
• Our team of professionals will compile a folder of documentation, communication logs, and other critical information that benefits the insurance adjuster.
• Using our Proprietary website, our Project Managers can use an equation that maps out where each piece of equipment should be placed. 
• SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop as we offer reconstruction services so that we can finish your project thoroughly. Instead of passing the work off to another company, we can hire subcontractors to complete your reconstruction needs. 

Winter Weather Brings Winter Damage to Your Home

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Winter storms can create winter disasters for your home.

As the songs would like you to think, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." Little did they tell you the winter storms can bring extensive damage to your home. No matter the disaster, you should know that SERVPRO can help fix anything Jack Frost can throw at you. 

Wind + Frozen Branches = Massive headache 

Everyone will say that walking in a winter wonderland is pleasant and relaxing. That's true, but they can also be a headache when frozen branches break off and fall on your home. I'm not sure if you know this, but here at SERVPRO, we can handle any reconstruction projects. No matter if your entire roof needs repair or if you want new windows installed to help keep your warm temperatures inside, we are your one-stop shop. 

Melted Frosty + Flooded Basement = Water Damage

Your kids might love to lay in it, and your dogs might like to eat it. We can all say that we want snow for different reasons. Slush can create a significant mess, but that is the least of your worries. When snow and ice freeze next to your foundation, it can create tiny cracks that can have water seep through. Often the water will leak down into the basement, but the problem begins when the warm temperatures make favorable conditions for mold to grow. 

These are two examples of ways the winter weather can create more significant problems than a slushy dog trail. Staying on top of your home's maintenance will ensure that a bigger disaster isn't waiting to make an appearance. 

"Clean-up professionals say to leave big debris to experts"

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Residents and business owners across the midwest are still cleaning up after strong overnight winds peaked at over 60 miles per hour, causing widespread storm damage. This storm damage can cause subsequent water and mold damage.

John Jasper with our SERVPRO of Columbia team says fixing up the building could take from one to six months. He says having us professionals handle the clean-up of things like major holes in your roof or walls or live wires is much safer than trying to do it yourself. 

Jasper says if your home gets hit hard by severe storms like we saw Sunday night, your insurance coverage could put you up in a hotel depending on your coverage so it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for that in your insurance policy.

Use this link to watch the full story and to see John speak about this topic:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w587txVg6oY

Board-Ups After Storm & Fire

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Storm season has arrived in the Midwest, so please be prepared. If you ever need a board-up then call the professionals!

Board-Ups After Storm & Fire

Storm season is here in the Midwest. During this season, we can get our share of torrential down pours of rain, hail the size of golf balls, tornadoes ripping through our hometown, and winds that can blow you over. Storms can cause damage to homes and businesses and it is important to know that SERVPRO® of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia is here to help with board-ups.

Benefits of Board-Ups

• Help prevent further damage to home or business.
• Secures the building and minimizes property damage/loss.
• Aids in protection against vandalism, theft, and unwanted entry.

We can effectively board-up doors, windows (large or small), roofs, and other identified areas. SERVPRO® is available 24/7 because we understand these situations may not always occur during the 8-5-hour work day.

5 Ways to Protect Your Home

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

These 5 tips to help prevent storm damage to your home or business. Call on our team if you need help during a disaster.

1. Clean the gutters as clogged and damaged gutters are what often what lead to roof leaks and foundation leaks. When your gutters are full of leaves and debris it prevents the water from draining down the down spout and away from the structure causing water to pool on the roof and around the foundation.

2. Check your foundation. If you have cracks or large gaps in your foundation water could seep into your home or business during a heavy rainstorm causing water damage, water will find any source inside it can.  Also check the grading around the property and make sure that the grade naturally drains the water away from the structure. 

3. Pack up all outdoor furniture and other light items. Often times outdoor furniture is made from light weight materials and in a strong wind guest can rip it up into the air and launch it into your or others home, business or vehicles causing significant damage.

4. Know how to shut off your utilities. If storm damage happens you may need to shut off the utilities. It’s a good practice to locate all utility shut offs and know how they work before a storm hits. Make sure all parties that are on the property know where these items are and how to properly turn them off.

5. Inspect your property for dead or damaged trees. In a storm trees can get knocked down or limbs are torn off. Call a licensed arborist for help with this inspection and solving the issue safely.

We Are Ready for Any Size Storm

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is prepared to help mitigate any disaster. We have team members specifically named our “Disaster Recovery Team '' for the large losses.

Our team has the equipment, employees, and connections to help in even the largest disaster.  We promise to be ready when you need us.  Our equipment is always fueled, tested, loaded. We have on call staff 24 hours a day ant day of the year. We have a semi trailer loaded with our desiccant and a dedicated generator to run it at all times. This desiccant is a 5,000 cfm piece of equipment for dehumidification. We have air movers and large portable dehumidifiers for drying a structure. We have large air scrubbers and different ozone machines for removing odor.  Every loss is managed by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. Our employees are trained residential and commercially for any size disaster. The semi trailer can hold enough machines for large scale scenarios. We have capabilities to mitigate any size disaster with access to all the necessary supplies. 

BEST HELPFUL HINTS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WINTER AND STORMS

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

The days are getting colder and it's time to get ready for the potential of winter storms. If the cold weather gets out of hand, then call our team.

1. Ceiling fans are not just for summer: flip the switch to reverse the spin of the fan and turn on the lowest speed to blow warm air down from ceiling.
2. Use energy from the Sun: During the day, open drapes and blinds to allow sunlight to help warm the house, land then close at night to hold in heat.
3. Dress in Layers: Pack an extra pair of warm socks, blankets, wool sweaters and long-johns or coveralls in your car to keep warm.
4. Keep a bag of clay kitty litter in car: If your car gets stuck in deep snow or slick ice, sprinkle kitty litter (non-clumping) at the base of your tires to add some traction to get moving again. Extra weigh in trunk will create added pressure on your tires, ensuring greater contact between your tread and the ground.
5. Don’t smoke or drink coffee before shoveling: Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can add extra stress to the heart.
6. Learn to walk like a penguin: To walk safely on ice, walk like a penguin. Point your feet out, land hold your arms out slightly to your side.  Shuffle, land take short steps.
7. Easy deicer: The night before freezing temperatures, rub half a potato over your car’s windshield.  The sugar from the potato creates a barrier over the window and prevents ice from forming, when you come out in the morning you will not have to scrape!  Simply rinse and wipe with your wipers when you get on the road.
8. Gas Up: During cold weather months, it is good practice to keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle at all times.  Not only does it prevent you from being stranded, but it prevents any water in the tank from freezing, which can damage the fuel pump.
9. Frozen locks: Squirt a little hand sanitizer on them. The isopropyl alcohol that kills germs also lowers the freezing point of water, and can melt the ice inside the lock within seconds.
10. Grab a roll of duct tape and keep it in car: Not only does it fix everything, but you can use it as a fire starter – duct tape is very flammable and is a great tool to get a fire going in an emergency.  Don’t forget to have a lighter or matches in your emergency kit.
11. Candles: will keep you warm in your car if you are stranded in car. Also, don’t forget to have a lighter or matches.
12. No more icy walkways: Sprinkle leftover coffee grounds on your freshly shoveled walk or driveway to help melt the ice – it’s a natural and environmentally friendly way to add more traction underfoot.  Remember to wipe feet when going inside.
13. Dry wet shoes: by stuffing them with dry newspaper to absorb the moisture quicker.
14. Shoveling Snow: Spay shovel with non-cook cooking spray, snow will slide off easier.
15. Winter Survival Kit to keep in vehicle: Flashlight, batteries, snacks, water, ice scraper, first aid kit, candle and lighter, phone charger, warm outer clothing and travel shovel.

Dishwater Overload - What to Do?

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

After you have removed all the excess water in the area, make sure to call SERVPRO to monitor the situation and help you get to preloss conditions.

On the way out the door to go to work, you turn on the dishwasher. In your mind, that will be one item marked off your to do list. Unfortunately, when you arrive home you discovered that your dishwasher has flooded your kitchen. What should you do besides contact SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia? Before help arrives, make sure to turn off the water and safely turn off electricity to wet areas of the building. At that point, you can proceed to remove as much excess water as possible. Save yourself a headache and take these simple steps to prevent a water damage from your dishwasher. For the future, it is important to remember that you should be taking care of your appliances. 

• Regularly maintain dishwasher
• Load it properly
• Use the right soap
• Only use when someone is home

Dishwashers can be very helpful taking loads of dishes off of our hands. If your dishwasher creates a water damage, call SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia. Our highly trained professionals, are here to help 24/7.

We Help No Matter the Weather

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

We know storm damage can be unexpected and stressful. We want to help take some of that stress away and provide and thorough/professional services.

As a business, it is your job to weather any storm that comes your way no matter the type or size. Sometimes physical storms are unexpected and can be quite devastating and detrimental to a business. Here at SERVPRO of Marshall/Columbia/Sedalia, our job is to give some peace of mind and help instigate water and fire damage cleanup and restoration. We are capable of traveling anywhere to help get the property back to preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals have access to a semi-trailer that is meant to stock up for any disaster that could strike your business. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year for whatever could happen. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come ready for whatever disaster occurs. No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.

As a business, it is your job to weather any storm that comes your way no matter the type or size. Sometimes physical storms are unexpected and can be quite devastating and detrimental to a business. Here at SERVPRO of Marshall/Columbia/Sedalia, our job is to give some peace of mind and help instigate water and fire damage cleanup and restoration. We are capable of traveling anywhere to help get the property back to preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals have access to a semi-trailer that is meant to stock up for any disaster that could strike your business. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year for whatever could happen. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come ready for whatever disaster occurs. No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.

We Can Weather Any Storm

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

We will make sure to help you and your home or business no matter the weather. We know how stressful these times can be.

SERVPRO of Marshall, Columbia, and Sedalia remains a reliable option for homeowners and business owners during disasters. Our goal is to make any disaster disappear "Like it never even happened." We offer 24-hour emergency service because we know that storms, fires and water issues can happen any day at any time. We want to help you get back to preloss conditions no matter the situation. Whether it’s two in the afternoon or two in the morning, we will respond to your disaster quickly to get you back to a safe and functioning space. This includes hazardous mold mitigation, water damage mitigation, biohazard cleanup, and fire cleanup. We know the stress that these situations can bring, and we are here to help the process move smoothly and efficiently. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come ready for whatever happens. No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.

Building a kit for an emergency

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change and make sure to replace expired food.

After an emergency, it may be necessary to build a kit that can last up to 3 days. We know how stressful unexpected storms can be and we want to help you prepare for any scenario.   To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. It should be noted that the supplies in a kit can be different based on your own personal needs, but the list recommended by ready.gov is a great place to start.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

You can use ready.gov for additional kit supplies ideas as well as how to maintain your kit and where to store it. Again, we want to help you prepare to weather any storm. If storm damage ever damages your home, you can call on SERVPRO of Marshall/Columbia/Sedalia to be there to help.

*Source: Ready.gov

Winter Storm Power Outages

1/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia are here to help when the weather gets bad and it takes a toll on your property.

Winter in Mid-Missouri can be gruesome. Winter storms can bring sleet, snow, wind, and the dreaded ice. It can last a few hours or several days, even knocking out power. Be prepared for winter storm power outages and know what to do during and after to keep your family safe.

Prep

• Make sure your home is properly insulated.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.
• Keep an emergency storm kit ready and easily accessible.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• Have an alternate plan for medications that require refrigeration.
• Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
• If temperatures reach below 55 degrees, let faucets drip to avoid freezing.

During

• Call the power company when the electricity goes out.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Gather in central room where there is an alternative heat source (fireplace, kerosene space heater, etc.). Do not use a gas appliance to heat your home.
• Check on your neighbors.

After

• Watch out and stay away from a damaged power line. Even utility workers can’t tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it.
• When in doubt, throw the food out.
• Check on your neighbors.

If a winter power outage has caused busted frozen pipes in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia. We are Here to Help with your water damage 24/7/366.

Create a Storm Safety Plan

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Severe storms leaving you with a water damage? Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia.

Do you have a storm safety plan for your home and/or business?

Even though severe weather tends to hit Mid-Missouri during spring and the early summer months, severe weather can strike at any time. Since, the weather conditions change in October, we can experience severe weather outbreaks.

Our area has even experienced tornadoes in October. October 29^th, 2004, tornado damaged homes in Saline and Pettis counties. According to ABC 17 news, there were 2 tornadoes in October 2007. One traveled through 4 Mid-Missouri counties.

It is best to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for storms.  One great way to be prepared is have a storm safety plan in place. Create a written plan and go over it with everyone in the family or at work. Designate an emergency meeting area near the home or place of work, in case you get separated during the storm.

Don’t forget to designate an emergency contact person. Choose a friend or a relative out of state, so they may not be experiencing the same disaster. Teach all adults and responsible children the locations of water, gas, and electric shut-offs can decrease your risk of additional damage and increase your safety.

If a severe storm occurs during this fall season and leaves you with water damage, SERVPRO® of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia is Here to Help®. We understand the unexpected can happen at any time.

Be Alert for Storms

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Be alert for storms with weather radios and emergency alerts.

Do you know the most reliable source for weather alerts? A weather radio. They alert you to dangerous weather situations and help provide time to seek shelter before a storm hits. Weather radios have become affordable over the years and cost on average $30. Key features to look for are reviewable alerts, Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), and ease of programming.

Listed below are the SAME codes (provided by NOAA Weather Radio) for the counties we cover:

Boone - 029019

Cooper - 029053

Howard - 029089

Johnson - 029101

Lafayette - 029107

Pettis - 029159

Saline – 029195

If your home or business is affected by a storm, let SERPVRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia be your helping hand. We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition.

What to Do During a Flood

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Get to higher ground during a flood and avoid flood waters.

You may know how to prepare for a flood, but do you know what to do during a flood? Water levels and the rate the water is traveling, can change very quickly. Keep these tips in mind during flooding.

Stay informed. Listen to the radio or watch your local television stations. You may also want to check social media for information and updates.

Get to higher ground.

Practice electrical safety. If electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water do not enter the room. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it.

Avoid flood waters. Do not walk or drive through flood waters. It only takes less than 2 feet of water to carry away large vehicles.

Obey evacuation orders.

If your home or business is facing a water damage, call SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia. We are available 24/7 to take care of your water damage emergency. We are a trusted leader in the water restoration industry.

Preparing for a Flood in Marshall, Sedalia, & Columbia and Surrounding Areas

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen anywhere...be alert and keep safety on your mind.

The above normal amount of precipitation this winter has led to flooding stages along the Missouri River. What can you do to be prepared for flooding in our area?

• Visit MoDOT Traveler Map for updates on road closures.
• Stay away from floodwaters. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and find another route.
• Keep children out of the water.

If water is rapidly rising around you and your vehicle, get out of your vehicle quickly and move to higher ground. Most vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of moving water. Always be safe and do not underestimate the power of water.

If a flood does strike your home or business in Waverly, Glasgow, Boonville, or surrounding areas, contact SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia and Columbia. Even minor flooding has the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly.

Winter Storm Preparedness

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

A winter storm can come in a blink of an eye or we can know weeks in advance. Which ever the case may be, being prepared is always key in keeping you and your family safe. Be prepared with these needed items for your home and vehicle.

For the Home

• Flashlight and batteries
• Weather radio
• First aid kit
• Food that does not require cooking or being refrigerated
• Extra water
• Baby items (diapers, formula, etc.)
• Emergency heat source
• Check carbon monoxide and smoke alarm detectors
• Fire extinguisher
• Generator (review safety information)

For the Vehicle

• Blankets
• Tire Chains
• First aid kit
• Battery powered radio
• Maps
• Flashlight and batteries
• Jumper cables
• Sand or kitty litter
• Candle and matches
• Windshield scraper and brush

Even when you are prepared, you may still experience ice dams, frozen pipes, or roof damage. If you do, call SERVPRO® of Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia for your water and storm damage restoration needs. We have the expertise and here to help our neighbors.

Winter Storms in Marshall, Sedalia, & Columbia

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Are you READY for winter weather?

We have already begun to see the snow fall this fall/winter. Whether you enjoy seeing the white landscape or not, it is best to be prepared for winter storms. A winter storm can last a few hours or several days, even knocking out power.

PREPARE

• Create an emergency supply kit for your car and home.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.
• Prepare home to keep pipes from freezing.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide.

DURING

• Stay off roads.
• Stay indoors.
• Listen for emergency alerts and information.
• Check on neighbors.

AFTER

If you experienced frozen pipes, ice dams, or roof damage from a winter storm leaving behind a water damage, contact SERVPRO® of Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia. We have the winter storm experience and expertise to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

Severe Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Watch versus Severe Thunderstorm Warning

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

When storms hit the area, SERVPRO® of Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia is Here to Help®.

Do you know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning?

Watch:  Be Prepared! This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area. The watch area normally covers numerous counties. They are typically issued for a duration of four to six hours. During the watch, stay informed, review safety rules, and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Warning:  Take Action! This is issued when either indicated by radar or reported by spotters. A warning typically covers the size of a city or small county. They are typically issued for a duration of one hour. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Lightening is not a criteria for issuing a severe thunderstorm warning.

When storms hit, SERVPRO® of Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia is close by and ready to respond to your flood or storm damage emergency. We are proud to serve our local communities.

*Source: National Weather Service

Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

3/5/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared for the unexpected disaster.

Ready.gov suggests you have supplies to last you at least three days. The Midwest tornado season, tends to occur from mid-March to June and Missouri is considered to be apart of “tornado alley”. As Missourians, we need to be prepared.

Here are some suggestions on items to have in your emergency supply kit:

—3-day supply of non-perishable foods

—Water (one+ gallon per person per day)

—First-aid kit

—Prescription medication

—Sleeping bag or blankets

—Fire extinguisher

—Hygiene products

—Flashlights

—Extra batteries

—Cell phone charger

—Change of clothes

—Matches in waterproof bag

—Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

—Whistle to signal for help

—Pet supplies

—Infant formula and diapers

—Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container

While creating your emergency supply kit for your home or business, create one for your vehicle.

SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia specializes in flooding and storm damage restoration. We have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home back to normal quickly.

When Storms or Floods hit Marshall, Sedalia, & Columbia, SERVPRO is ready!

8/1/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia.

SERVPRO of Marshall, Sedalia, & and Columbia specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

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 to your property.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Marshall, Sedalia, and Columbia, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States. We are here to help!

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 660-886-5194