Water damage from the eyes of the Technician:

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what a water damage is like in the eyes of the technician?  Well know you can know!  Here is what one of our lead water technicians here as SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties, has to say about it.

"There are a million things that run through my mind as a technician when I receive the call for a water damage. Where did the water come from? What kind of floorings are we working with? How many levels of the property are affected? Although these questions are typically answered by the customer on the initial call, we still wonder about the unknown things to prepare for.

These questions are turned to assumptions of the worst as we prepare the trucks to respond, and then we arrive only to ask more questions. What is wet, how wet, how far has the damage spread, and what are the best methods to dry it quickly to prevent further damage? While most technicians can diagnose with a simple tool, we have to diagnose using tools and by looking in places that property owners never even imagine water could have went.

During the course of drying a structure we still ask constant questions like; is it drying, how dry is it, when might it be completely dry. We answer these by frequently checking the amount of moisture content in the air and structure. Water is so good at hiding and most times a property owner is thinking; why are they looking there? Some will say it, while others will just look at you with the eyes of disbelief, but just as we gauge our equipment’s readings, we read the customer and give the response to their possibly unasked concern.

Above all else in the mitigation of a property, I have some other questions that I ask myself. These are the questions that, I feel, distinguish SERVPRO in our industry. How can I make this customer's nightmare turn into a mere uncomfortable dream, and what can my team do to keep our customer confident in us throughout this process? These answers are only available by communication and assurance that the home or business they've worked so hard for are being cared for as if it were ours."

Lead Technician at SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 

What causes water damage

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including leaks, storms, burst pipes or appliances, sewage overflows, etc., and each of these can create extensive and long-lasting damage in a short period of time. Therefore, the best remedy for water damage is to take preventative steps to avoid and then mitigate as much damage as possible. Below is a list of the most common causes of water damage; select one to learn more about the steps you can take to prevent each incident from occurring, as well as steps that you can take to mitigate the problem should an incident occur.

1. Frozen pipes
2. Pipe leaks (for reasons other than freezing)
3. Sewage overflow/backup
4. Burst appliances (such as a dishwasher or washer machine)
5. Excessive rain that leads to flooding (See the article listed under Storms for more information on this type of water loss)

Should you experience a water loss from one of these or any other causes, SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties has teams of professional and highly-trained technicians who specialize in water-damage repair and recovery.

If your home or business has suffered a recent water loss, call us at (434)-525-9559 and make an appointment for one of our experienced teams to come out and repair the damage.

Water Damage in Lynchburg? We are IICRC certified.

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lynchburg we understand how important it is to uphold the condition of your home and the memorabilia within it that help make your house your home.  We know that above all else, the number one important factor is the safety of your family (pets included of course).  That is why we have made certain that our franchise be certified by IICRC and uphold their standards as well as continually train our crew the IICRC standards and for each member to work towards being personally certified as well.  We take our work seriously knowing that if a Fire, Water, or Mold Damage happened in our home or business, we would want it to be restored as efficiently, and safely as possible.  That is why when disaster strikes your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO of Lynchburg!

What is IICRC?

IICRC stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource. It serves as an independent, nonprofit standard-setting and certification body, to set and promote high standards and ethics; and to advance communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries.

The IICRC is the leading, independent, non-profit, certification and standard-setting body within the cleaning, inspection, and restoration industry. The IICRC sets and promotes high ethical standards, and advances communication, collaboration and technical expertise.

Water damage from the eyes of the Technician:

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what a water damage is like in the eyes of the technician?  Well know you can know!  Here is what Mike Dodson, one of our lead water technicians here as SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties, has to say about it.

"There are a million things that run through my mind as a technician when I receive the call for a water damage. Where did the water come from? What kind of floorings are we working with? How many levels of the property are affected? Although these questions are typically answered by the customer on the initial call, we still wonder about the unknown things to prepare for.

These questions are turned to assumptions of the worst as we prepare the trucks to respond, and then we arrive only to ask more questions. What is wet, how wet, how far has the damage spread, and what are the best methods to dry it quickly to prevent further damage? While most technicians can diagnose with a simple tool, we have to diagnose using tools and by looking in places that property owners never even imagine water could have went.

During the course of drying a structure we still ask constant questions like; is it drying, how dry is it, when might it be completely dry. We answer these by frequently checking the amount of moisture content in the air and structure. Water is so good at hiding and most times a property owner is thinking; why are they looking there? Some will say it, while others will just look at you with the eyes of disbelief, but just as we gauge our equipment’s readings, we read the customer and give the response to their possibly unasked concern.

Above all else in the mitigation of a property, I have some other questions that I ask myself. These are the questions that, I feel, distinguish SERVPRO in our industry. How can I make this customer's nightmare turn into a mere uncomfortable dream, and what can my team do to keep our customer confident in us throughout this process? These answers are only available by communication and assurance that the home or business they've worked so hard for are being cared for as if it were ours."

- Mike Dodson-Lead Technician at SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 

Water damage from the eyes of the Technician:

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what a water damage is like in the eyes of the technician?  Well know you can know!  Here is what Mike Dodson, one of our lead water technicians here as SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties, has to say about it.

"There are a million things that run through my mind as a technician when I receive the call for a water damage. Where did the water come from? What kind of floorings are we working with? How many levels of the property are affected? Although these questions are typically answered by the customer on the initial call, we still wonder about the unknown things to prepare for.

These questions are turned to assumptions of the worst as we prepare the trucks to respond, and then we arrive only to ask more questions. What is wet, how wet, how far has the damage spread, and what are the best methods to dry it quickly to prevent further damage? While most technicians can diagnose with a simple tool, we have to diagnose using tools and by looking in places that property owners never even imagine water could have went.

During the course of drying a structure we still ask constant questions like; is it drying, how dry is it, when might it be completely dry. We answer these by frequently checking the amount of moisture content in the air and structure. Water is so good at hiding and most times a property owner is thinking; why are they looking there? Some will say it, while others will just look at you with the eyes of disbelief, but just as we gauge our equipment’s readings, we read the customer and give the response to their possibly unasked concern.

Above all else in the mitigation of a property, I have some other questions that I ask myself. These are the questions that, I feel, distinguish SERVPRO in our industry. How can I make this customer's nightmare turn into a mere uncomfortable dream, and what can my team do to keep our customer confident in us throughout this process? These answers are only available by communication and assurance that the home or business they've worked so hard for are being cared for as if it were ours."

- Mike Dodson-Lead Technician at SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 

Faster to your Lynchburg water Damage event.

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –434-525-9559

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties

SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When Water Damages your Central VA Home

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Once a flood has damaged your home, it's important for you to obtain water damage restoration services.  Restoration services are multi-faceted in so much as they involve both cleaning, removing excess water from your home and repairing regions of the house that have been subjected to substantive water damage. As the water damage specialists know from SERVPRO, it is important to start the cleanup and repair process right after the flood or fire to ensure that the water damage is minimized and that mold and mildew do not begin to accumulate on the property.

How to Protect Against Water Damage

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Want to prevent moisture and mold from damaging your home?

Make sure the gutters on your home are in good order and will flow water efficiently. Clear them of debris when needed and check them twice a year if you have nearby trees.

Divert rain water at least 10 feet from the foundation of your home. Buried piping can work very well and doesn't look out of place even on the most manicured yard.

Don't be afraid to put on your raincoat and inspect your downspouts and the flow of your gutters in the rain! Leaks or poorly implemented systems should show leaking water pretty quickly during a soaking rain.

If you have any questions or concerns when it comes to water damage don't hesitate to call SERVPRO at 434-525-9559! We are here to help!

Danger Can Be Lurking

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Have you heard the expression, “What you can’t see can’t hurt you?" This might be a true statement when it comes to a children’s story or a fairytale, but not so with water damage to your home or business.

The smallest water intrusion into your space may result in serious water damage and more importantly, a health hazard to your family or employees. Indoor air quality can be affected over time and symptoms from headaches to irritated eyes to allergies may occur. If you see signs of water damage, call a professional to investigate it as soon as possible.

Be proactive in protecting your home, business and family. Do you notice the following?

• A damp spot on your ceiling or drywall?
• A new smell that cannot be explained?
• Excessive utility bill after a weather event?
• An unexplained damp or soft spot in your flooring?
• Complaints of allergy symptoms?

Any one or more of these may be a sign of a water event in your space. Avoid the high costs of a future large restoration by addressing the problem sooner rather than later. The SERVPRO difference in Lynchburg, Bedford County and Campbell County is the use of the right water detection tools:

Moisture Sensor-Used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

Moisture Meter-Used to determine the actual moisture contact of various materials. This also is the equipment that allows us to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometer-Used to measure temperature and relative humidity to calculate and create an environment most conductive to drying. When handling a contaminated loss (CAT 2 or 3), it is not only important to dry the structure, but to disinfect and often deodorize as well.

Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV ) Fogger-Used to atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. It can also inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard- to-reach areas that typical residential products and methods cannot reach.

Thermal Fogger-Used to dispense solvent- based products by creating a dense fog that consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing bacteria.

Early detection and treatment of water damage is the key to promoting a healthy living space and getting your domain back.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our trained professionals here at SERVPRO of Lynchburg, Bedford and Campbell Counties by calling 434.525.9559.  

Water Damage in Lynchburg? We are IICRC Certified

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lynchburg we understand how important it is to uphold the condition of your home and the memorabilia within it that help make your house your home.  We know that above all else, the number one important factor is the safety of your family (pets included of course).  That is why we have made certain that our franchise be certified by IICRC and uphold their standards as well as continually train our crew the IICRC standards and for each member to work towards being personally certified as well.  We take our work seriously knowing that if a Fire, Water, or Mold Damage happened in our home or business, we would want it to be restored as efficiently, and safely as possible.  That is why when disaster strikes your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO of Lynchburg!

What is IICRC?

IICRC stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource. It serves as an independent, nonprofit standard-setting and certification body, to set and promote high standards and ethics; and to advance communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries.

The IICRC is the leading, independent, non-profit, certification and standard-setting body within the cleaning, inspection, and restoration industry. The IICRC sets and promotes high ethical standards, and advances communication, collaboration and technical expertise.

Lynchburg VA, Flash Flooding

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- When dealing with flooded homes or roads remember that the water could have contained sewage.

You want to protect yourself and your family during the cleanup.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said to keep children and pets out of the affected areas until cleanup has completed.

INSIDE THE HOME:

• Wear personal protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• While cleaning up areas with mold damage, wear a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator, or one that provides even more protection.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters -- this should include material that are located a foot higher than the high water line.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

OUTSIDE THE HOME:

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands); or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use:

• - When using 5-6% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) per 1 gallon of clear water. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, add a little less than ¼ teaspoon (16 drops or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water.
• - When using 8.25% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (6 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) per 1 gallon of clear water. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, add 12 drops (or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill. See wound care for more information.

Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.

Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease -- this could be caused accidentally after coming in contact with flood waters.

To protect yourself:

• Practice good hygiene (handwashing with soap and water) after contact with flood waters.
• Do not allow children to play in flood water areas.
• Wash children’s hands with soap and water frequently (always before meals).
• Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected.
• For information on disinfecting certain nonporous toys, visit CDC Healthy Water’s Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach section.
• Do not bathe in water that may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals. This includes rivers, streams, or lakes that are contaminated by flood water.

If you have open wounds, avoid exposure to flood waters and cover clean, open wounds with a waterproof bandage.

Flood waters can displace animals, insects, and reptiles.

Faster to Lynchburg, Bedford & Campbell Counties Water Damage

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 434-525-9559

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When Water Damages Your Central VA Home

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Once a flood has damaged your home, it's important for you to obtain water damage restoration services.  Restoration services are multi-faceted in so much as they involve both cleaning, removing excess water from your home and repairing regions of the house that have been subjected to substantive water damage. As the water damage specialists know from SERVPRO, it is important to start the cleanup and repair process right after the flood or fire to ensure that the water damage is minimized and that mold and mildew do not begin to accumulate on the property.

One of the benefits that results from employing a water damage restoration company is that they complete the cleanup, repair, and restoration processes quickly. A water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties employs a professionally trained staff who can work with expedience and excellence. This group effort ensures that they can tackle a large number of problems that have resulted in the accumulated water damage in your home. The end result is the rapid restoration of your home, a reality which can greatly reduce the onset of secondary water damage and offer you peace of mind.

What Causes Water Damage

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including leaks, storms, burst pipes or appliances, sewage overflows, etc., and each of these can create extensive and long-lasting damage in a short period of time. Therefore, the best remedy for water damage is to take preventative steps to avoid and then mitigate as much damage as possible. Below is a list of the most common causes of water damage; select one to learn more about the steps you can take to prevent each incident from occurring, as well as steps that you can take to mitigate the problem should an incident occur.

1. Frozen pipes
2. Pipe leaks (for reasons other than freezing)
3. Sewage overflow/backup
4. Burst appliances (such as a dishwasher or washer machine)
5. Excessive rain that leads to flooding (See the article listed under Storms for more information on this type of water loss)

Should you experience a water loss from one of these or any other causes, SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties has teams of professional and highly-trained technicians who specialize in water-damage repair and recovery.

If your home or business has suffered a recent water loss, call us at (434)-525-9559 and make an appointment for one of our experienced teams to come out and repair the damage.

When Water Damages Your Central VA Home

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Once a flood has damaged your home, it's important for you to obtain water damage restoration services.  Restoration services are multi-faceted in so much as they involve both cleaning, removing excess water from your home and repairing regions of the house that have been subjected to substantive water damage. As the water damage specialists know from SERVPRO, it is important to start the cleanup and repair process right after the flood or fire to ensure that the water damage is minimized and that mold and mildew do not begin to accumulate on the property.

One of the benefits that results from employing a water damage restoration company is that they complete the cleanup, repair, and restoration processes quickly. A water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties employs a professionally trained staff who can work with expedience and excellence. This group effort ensures that they can tackle a large number of problems that have resulted in the accumulated water damage in your home. The end result is the rapid restoration of your home, a reality which can greatly reduce the onset of secondary water damage and offer you peace of mind.

Faster to your Lynchburg Water Damage Event

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Campbell County and surrounding areas

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –434-525-9559

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties

SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

http://www.SERVPROlynchburgbedfordcampbellcounties.com/employee-photos

Water Damage from the Eyes of the Technician

4/14/2016 (Permalink)

Mike gives us insight on what it's like responding to a water damage.

Ever wonder what a water damage is like in the eyes of the technician?  Well know you can know!  Here is what Mike Dodson, one of our lead water technicians here as SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties, has to say about it.

"There are a million things that run through my mind as a technician when I receive the call for a water damage. Where did the water come from? What kind of floorings are we working with? How many levels of the property are affected? Although these questions are typically answered by the customer on the initial call, we still wonder about the unknown things to prepare for.

These questions are turned to assumptions of the worst as we prepare the trucks to respond, and then we arrive only to ask more questions. What is wet, how wet, how far has the damage spread, and what are the best methods to dry it quickly to prevent further damage? While most technicians can diagnose with a simple tool, we have to diagnose using tools and by looking in places that property owners never even imagine water could have went.

During the course of drying a structure we still ask constant questions like; is it drying, how dry is it, when might it be completely dry. We answer these by frequently checking the amount of moisture content in the air and structure. Water is so good at hiding and most times a property owner is thinking; why are they looking there? Some will say it, while others will just look at you with the eyes of disbelief, but just as we gauge our equipment’s readings, we read the customer and give the response to their possibly unasked concern.

Above all else in the mitigation of a property, I have some other questions that I ask myself. These are the questions that, I feel, distinguish SERVPRO in our industry. How can I make this customer's nightmare turn into a mere uncomfortable dream, and what can my team do to keep our customer confident in us throughout this process? These answers are only available by communication and assurance that the home or business they've worked so hard for are being cared for as if it were ours."

- Mike Dodson-Lead Technician at SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 

"Storm Leaves Cleanup Crews to Deal With Flooded Basements"

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

"When it rains it literally pours for us"

On June 7th 2013 our SERVPRO crew was placed in WSET after a storm caused a lot of homes in the Lynchburg, Virginia area to flood.  Below is the article written with comments from, at the time, Crew Chief-Adam Evans who is now one of our Project Managers.

Lynchburg, VA - The rain that drenched our area is over, the clouds have parted, but not everyone is in the clear. For some, even a little storm can mean a basement full of water. It's a mess to have to clean up, not to mention it can be dangerous if it's not cleaned properly.

For some, all the inches of rain we had here in the Hill City, wound up in their basement.

"You can see the base of the door, all the way down here, where the water was up about this high, and when I opened the back door it all just kind of came in like a wave" said Cheri Hammer.

Hammer's home was hammered by inches of rain, all of which wound up in her basement.

"The books, and the memorabilia and stuff like that, it's heartache. Because you do, you're throwing away memories."

Hammer was left with four inches of water in her basement. Her sump pump, used to drain rain water from around the outside of the house failed during the storm.

"When it rains it literally pours for us" said SERVPRO Cleaning Crew Worker, Adam Evans.

Workers from clean up companies like the ones in Hammer's basement have their work cut out for them.

"We're getting the carpet and pad up and then we're going to get the rest of the standing water up" said Evans.

The first thing the experts say you've got to do when water hits your home is dry it up.

"In general we can dry most floor coverings but then there's some that there's just no safe way to dry them without risking any kind of mold contamination and they have to get removed and replaced" said Evans.

Vinyl and ceramic tile almost always have to be replaced after flooding. And the most important part of cleaning up after a flood is making sure every drop of water is gone.

"If you have continuous water problems, you could have wet rot, and eventually that could be a structure issue" said Evans.

This time, a lesson learned for Hammer, "Yeah I'm lucky. I know there's a lot of people here in the area that have probably lost a whole lot more than we did."

It will take days to completely dry out Hammer's basement. If you didn't have as much flooding as Hammer did you can try and clean up yourself. Evans suggested after water is removed, extensive cleaning must be done to ensure no mold or mildew will remain."

http://wset.com/archive/storm-leaves-cleanup-crews-to-deal-with-flooded-basements