Essential Dos and Don'ts for Safely Using Generators During Storm Outages

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

When storms hit and power outages occur, generators can be a lifesaver, providing essential electricity to keep your home running. However, improper use of generators can pose serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and electrical shocks. This blog will outline the dos and don'ts of using generators during storm outages to ensure your safety and the safety of your household.

Do Choose the Right Generator

• Assess Your Needs: Determine the power requirements of the essential appliances and devices you need to run during an outage.
• Select an Appropriate Model: Choose a generator that meets or exceeds your power needs. Consider a portable or standby generator based on your requirements and budget.

Do Read the Manual

• Understand Operation: Thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe operation.
• Follow Maintenance Tips: Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to ensure your generator operates efficiently and safely.

Do Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• CO Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas, to alert you of any dangerous CO buildup.
• Regular Checks: Test detectors regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

Do Use Outdoor Only

• Proper Ventilation: Always operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Safe Distance: Keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your living space.

Do Ground the Generator

• Prevent Electrical Hazards: Ground your generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risk of electrical shocks and surges.
• Use Appropriate Cords: Utilize heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with a sufficient gauge to handle the electrical load.

Do Keep Fuel Safe

• Proper Storage: Store fuel in approved containers, away from living areas, and in a cool, well-ventilated place.
• Refuel Safely: Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling to prevent fire hazards.

Do Perform Regular Maintenance

• Routine Checks: Regularly inspect and maintain your generator to ensure it remains in good working condition.
• Professional Servicing: Have your generator serviced by a professional annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Don’t Operate Indoors

• Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or any enclosed or partially enclosed space.
• Prevent CO Poisoning: Operating indoors can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, which can be fatal.

Don’t Connect Directly to Home Wiring

• Avoid Backfeeding: Do not plug the generator directly into a wall outlet or connect it to your home’s electrical panel without a professionally installed transfer switch.
• Use Transfer Switch: A transfer switch isolates your home’s wiring from the utility grid, preventing back feeding and protecting utility workers from electrocution.

Don’t Overload the Generator

• Know the Limits: Be aware of your generator’s wattage capacity and avoid exceeding it by running too many appliances simultaneously.
• Prioritize Essentials: Use the generator to power only essential appliances and devices to prevent overload and potential damage.

Don’t Use in Wet Conditions

• Avoid Water Exposure: Do not operate the generator in wet or rainy conditions, as water can cause electrical shorts and shocks.
• Use Canopy: If necessary, use a generator canopy or tent designed to protect it from the elements while ensuring proper ventilation.

Don’t Forget Emergency Preparedness

Keep an adequate supply of fuel, oil, and necessary spare parts on hand for extended outages. Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and non-perishable food items.

Generators can provide vital power during storm outages, but their safe operation is paramount. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure the safety of your household and prevent potential hazards associated with generator use. Always prioritize safety, adhere to manufacturer guidelines, and be prepared to handle power outages effectively. Stay safe and powered up with the proper use of your generator.

The Dangers of Smoking in the Home: Understanding the Risks and SERVPRO's Role in Mitigation

8/7/2024 (Permalink)

The consequences of smoking indoors can lead to severe fire hazards, indoor air quality issues, and extensive property damage. This blog will explore the dangers associated with smoking in the home and how SERVPRO® can help mitigate these risks through professional cleaning and restoration services.

The Risks of Smoking Indoors

Cigarette fires are a leading cause of residential fires, causing injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Cigarettes that are not extinguished properly can smolder in furniture, bedding, or trash, posing a constant fire risk. Cigarette smoke leaves a strong, persistent odor that can penetrate walls, furniture, carpets, and other household items. This odor is difficult to remove and can affect the comfort and livability of a home. Tar and nicotine from cigarettes can stain walls, ceilings, and fabrics, leading to cosmetic damage and the need for extensive cleaning and restoration efforts.

SERVPRO’s Role in Mitigating Smoking-Related Damage

Air Quality Improvement: SERVPRO utilizes advanced cleaning techniques and air purification systems to remove smoke residues and odors from the air. This helps to improve indoor air quality, making the home safer and more comfortable for residents.

SERVPRO’s trained professionals use specialized cleaning agents and equipment to clean walls, ceilings, and surfaces affected by smoke and tar residues. This thorough cleaning process helps to remove stains and odors, restoring the home’s appearance.

Odor Removal: Persistent smoke odors require professional treatment to fully eradicate. SERVPRO offers odor removal services that can neutralize and remove smoke odors from all affected areas, using techniques such as ozone treatments, air scrubbing, and thermal fogging.

In cases where the damage is extensive, SERVPRO provides restoration services to repair and replace damaged materials. This may include repainting walls, replacing carpets, and refurbishing furniture to return the home to its pre-smoking condition. SERVPRO’s experts also provide advice on how to prevent smoking-related damage in the future, including suggestions for better ventilation and regular cleaning practices.

Smoking in the home can lead to numerous risks, including fire hazards and significant property damage. Understanding these dangers and taking proactive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with indoor smoking.

SERVPRO is committed to helping homeowners address and recover from the damage caused by smoking through comprehensive cleaning and restoration services. If your home has been affected by smoking, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County for professional help to restore your environment to a safe and comfortable living space.

The Importance of Mold Testing in Real Estate Deals: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

7/10/2024 (Permalink)

Mold testing is a critical component of real estate transactions that protects both buyers and sellers.

When you're buying or selling a home, you want to ensure that everything is in top shape for the transaction to proceed smoothly. One critical aspect that shouldn't be overlooked is the presence of mold. Mold testing can play a significant role in real estate transactions, providing peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. Here’s how mold testing impacts real estate deals and why it’s important.

Why Mold Testing Matters in Real Estate

Mold can be a deal-breaker in real estate transactions. Not only can it cause damage to the property, but it can also lead to delays in the closing process. For buyers, discovering mold after purchasing a home can be expensive and frustrating. For sellers, undisclosed mold issues can result in legal liabilities and lost deals. That's why mold testing is a crucial step in the real estate process.

For Sellers: Preparing Your Home for Sale

If you're selling your home, conducting a mold inspection before listing it can provide several advantages:

• Transparency: Providing proof of a mold-free home or documentation of resolved mold issues can boost buyer confidence.
• Value Preservation: Addressing mold problems before listing the property can help maintain the home's market value.
• Smooth Transactions: Resolving issues beforehand can lead to quicker, smoother real estate transactions without last-minute negotiations or buyer demands.

For Buyers: Ensuring a Safe Investment

For home buyers, mold testing is an essential due diligence step:

• Ensuring the home is free from mold enhances the living environment.
• Identifying mold issues before finalizing the purchase can save on future remediation costs.
• If mold is found, buyers can negotiate repair credits, a lower price, or request that the seller address the mold issues before closing.

How Mold Testing Works

Mold testing involves a detailed inspection of the property by certified professionals who will:

• Identify Signs of Mold Growth: Inspectors look for visible signs of mold growth and areas susceptible to mold, such as basements, bathrooms, around windows, and in HVAC systems.
• Measure Moisture Levels: Since mold thrives in moist environments, inspectors use tools to measure humidity and moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Collect Samples: If necessary, they will collect air and surface samples to test for mold spores, which are sent to a lab to identify the type and concentration of mold present.

When to Schedule Mold Testing

Mold testing is recommended:

• Before Listing or Buying a Home
• After Identifying Potential Issues
• Following Major Repairs

Mold testing is a critical component of real estate transactions that protects both buyers and sellers. It ensures that properties are safe, habitable, and free from mold-related problems that could affect property values. For those involved in real estate transactions, including a mold inspection in the buying or selling process can lead to a smoother, more secure deal.

If you're considering buying or selling a property and need professional mold testing, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts. At SERVPRO of Montgomery County, we have the tools and expertise to conduct thorough mold inspections and remediation if needed. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and ensure that your real estate transactions are safe and sound.

Water-Damaged Upholstery: Cleaning for Safety and Longevity

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog, we discuss effective strategies for cleaning upholstery after water damage and restoring your fabric items to their preloss condition.

Water damage in your home can be a disruptive and stressful experience, especially when it affects your upholstered furniture and fabric items. Knowing how to properly clean and restore water-damaged upholstery is crucial for ensuring safety and preserving the longevity of your belongings. In this blog, we will discuss effective strategies for cleaning upholstery after water damage and restoring your fabric items to their preloss condition.

Assessing the Damage

The first step in cleaning water-damaged upholstery is to assess the extent of the damage. Look for signs of water saturation, staining, discoloration, and any potential mold or mildew growth on the fabric. Understanding the scope of the damage will guide your cleaning and restoration efforts.

Dry the Upholstery

After assessing the damage, it's important to begin the drying process as soon as possible. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to promote air circulation and assist in drying out the upholstery. Avoid using high heat or direct sunlight, as this may cause further damage to the fabric.

Clean and Sanitize

Once the upholstery is adequately dried, it's time to clean and sanitize the fabric. Use a gentle upholstery cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and water to spot-clean the affected areas. Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause damage or discoloration.

Blot, Do Not Rub

When cleaning water-damaged upholstery, it's crucial to blot the fabric with a clean, dry cloth or sponge to absorb excess moisture and cleaning solution. Avoid rubbing the fabric, as this can spread the stain and cause damage to the fibers.

Professional Fabric Restoration

In cases of severe water damage or extensive staining, consider seeking professional assistance for fabric restoration and upholstery cleaning. Professional restoration technicians have the expertise, tools, and techniques to effectively clean and restore water-damaged upholstery, ensuring the best possible outcome for your fabric items.

Prevent Mold and Mildew

Water damage can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth on upholstery. To prevent this, ensure that the fabric is thoroughly dried and properly ventilated. Consider using a dehumidifier to control humidity levels and inhibit mold and mildew formation.

Consult Professional Contents Restoration Services

If your upholstered furniture and fabric items have sustained significant water damage, consider consulting professional content restoration services. These specialists can assess the damage, provide expert cleaning and restoration, and help salvage your valuable possessions.

Regular Maintenance and Care

To maintain the longevity and cleanliness of your upholstery, implement regular maintenance and care practices. Vacuum your upholstered furniture regularly, use fabric protectors to guard against future spills, and promptly address any water damage or stains to prevent long-term damage.

In conclusion, cleaning water-damaged upholstery is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of your fabric items. By promptly assessing the damage, thoroughly drying the fabric, using gentle cleaning methods, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can effectively clean and restore water-damaged upholstery. Remember, for comprehensive fabric restoration and upholstery cleaning services, consider reaching out to SERVPRO® for professional guidance and support. Our trained professionals can help you navigate the restoration process and preserve the beauty and integrity of your upholstered furniture and fabric items.

The Impact of Water Damage after a House Fire

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog, we will explore the impact of water damage after a house fire and what the restoration process entails.

Experiencing a house fire can be devastating, but the damage doesn't stop with the flames. The firefighting efforts often involve significant amounts of water, leading to water damage in addition to fire damage. Understanding how water damage can occur after a house fire and the restoration process is crucial for successful fire remediation. In this blog, we will explore the impact of water damage after a house fire and what the restoration process entails.

Firefighting Efforts and Water Damage

When firefighters arrive at the scene of a house fire, they use water to extinguish the flames. This water can infiltrate various parts of your property, causing widespread water damage. Areas such as walls, ceilings, floors, and belongings can become saturated with water, leading to structural instability, mold growth, and further damage. It is essential to address the water damage along with the fire damage to prevent future complications.

Water Extraction and Drying

The restoration process begins with water extraction to remove excess water from the affected areas. Water restoration professionals use specialized equipment like pumps, wet/dry vacuums, and dehumidifiers to extract water and moisture effectively. This step is crucial to prevent further damage, and mold growth, and to restore the property to its pre-fire condition.

Structural Restoration and Repair

Water damage after a fire can compromise the structural integrity of your property. The restoration process involves assessing and repairing any structural components affected by water, such as walls, ceilings, and floors. Professional fire remediation companies like SERVPRO® have the expertise to identify structural issues and work closely with contractors to ensure proper reconstruction and restoration.

Mold Prevention and Remediation

Excessive moisture resulting from firefighting efforts can create optimal conditions for mold growth. Mold can start to form within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. As part of the restoration process, professionals conduct thorough inspections to detect any signs of mold growth. If present, they will initiate mold remediation procedures to eliminate the mold and prevent future growth.

Content Assessment and Restoration

Water damage can also affect personal belongings, furniture, and other items within the property. Fire remediation specialists assess the damage to determine salvageable items and provide necessary restoration services. This may involve specialized cleaning, drying, and deodorization techniques, ensuring your belongings are properly restored.

Odor Elimination

Water damage, combined with fire damage, can leave behind persistent odors on your property. These odors can be unpleasant and difficult to remove without professional help. Fire remediation professionals employ various techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatments, or air scrubbers to neutralize and eliminate odors, leaving your property fresh and odor-free.

Water damage can be an unfortunate consequence of firefighting efforts during a house fire. Addressing both fire damage and water damage is crucial for a complete restoration process. Professional fire remediation companies like SERVPRO® have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle all aspects of fire damage cleanup, water extraction, and restoration. If you experience a house fire, contact professionals who can promptly respond, assess the damage, and provide efficient fire damage and water damage restoration services to mitigate further damage and bring your property back to its pre-fire condition.

The Importance of Clearing Gutters and Drains Before the Storm Hits

4/6/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of clearing gutters and drains before storm damage and provide some helpful tips to follow.

When a storm emergency hits, it's essential to have a storm damage plan in place to ensure the safety of your family and property. One crucial component of any storm damage plan is to clear gutters and drains before the storm hits. Neglecting this task can cause significant damage to your property and lead to costly repairs. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of clearing gutters and drains before storm damage and provide some helpful tips to follow.

Prevent Water Damage

Clogged gutters and drains can lead to excess water accumulating in and around your home, which can cause damage to your property's foundation, walls, and roof. When water accumulates, it can seep into your home's structure and cause dampness, rot, and mold, creating an unsafe living environment. By clearing gutters and drains, you can prevent water damage to your property and avoid costly repairs.

Reduce the Risk of Flooding

Clogged gutters and drains can cause water to overflow and flow towards the ground surrounding your property. This can lead to flooding, especially if the water accumulates in low-lying areas. Floodwater can cause significant damage to your property and lead to the need for extensive repairs. By clearing gutters and drains, you can reduce the risk of flooding and minimize the potential for storm damage.

Prevent Damage to Your Roof

Backed-up water in gutters and drains can put pressure on your roof, causing damage to the shingles, tiles, and other roofing materials. This damage can lead to leaks, which can cause additional damage to your walls and floors. By ensuring that gutters and drains are clear, you can prevent damage to your roof and avoid costly repairs.

Reduce the Risk of Pest Infestations

Clogged gutters and drains can create a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and insects. These pests can cause significant health problems and property damage. By clearing gutters and drains, you can reduce the risk of pest infestations and create a safer living environment for you and your family.

Helpful Tips for Clearing Gutters and Drains

• Regularly clean your gutters and drains before storm season to ensure they are clear of debris
• Use gloves while cleaning to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria
• Use a garden hose to flush any remaining debris from the gutters and downspouts
• Trim any trees or bushes near gutters to prevent debris build-up
• Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating
• Hire a professional to clean your gutters and drains if you are unable to do it yourself.

In conclusion, clearing gutters and drains is an essential component of any storm damage plan. It helps to prevent water damage, flooding, roof damage, and pest infestations and creates a safer living environment for you and your family. By following the helpful tips above and incorporating this task into your storm damage plan, you can protect your property and ensure that you are prepared for any storm emergency. At SERVPRO®, we are here to help with any storm damage cleanup and restoration needs.

The Power of Master Service Agreements: Fast Response and Strong Relationships

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

A Race Against Time

SERVPRO® Team Nicholson's Scott Askew and his crew proved the power of an MSA recently. Within hours of receiving the call, our team was on-site, ready to help. Seven hours later, cooling equipment was up and running - thanks to our subcontractor, Coastal Mechanical. We even had a team of welders fabricating quick hose connections in the hospital parking lot in order to connect the mobile chillers to the hospital's existing cooling system.

By the evening, the hospital was cooling to a comfortable temperature, all without displacing patients or disrupting critical operations. The team avoided an evacuation and multiple diversions, where a hospital has to transfer patients to another hospital. In the end, all this was possible without having to tell an MSA client, "no," — the word doesn't exist in our vocabulary anyways.

Building a Bridge to Swift Solutions

The MSA is more than just a contract - we become your logistics team, your trusted solutions provider. The last thing a business owner wants is to face a double emergency – the primary situation and its repercussions. Like the scramble to evacuate patients, and to secure specialized equipment, like chillers, at odd hours in order to prevent high temperatures from spoiling medication. An MSA eliminates the chaos, minimizing the complexity and severity of interruptions to business.

The Value of Strong Relationships

In the realm of crisis management, strong relationships are worth their weight in gold. Our connections with clients, subcontractor partnerships, and a network of SERVPRO teams across the nation, our bonds serve as the cornerstone of effective and efficient solutions. When challenges arise, leveraging our network's capabilities means clients have access to additional equipment and resources quickly.

In a world of emergencies, a Master Service Agreement isn't just a contract – it's a promise - to provide rapid response, leverage strong relationships, and transform potential chaos into smoothly managed solutions. It's the assurance that when a crisis arises, our team of professionals is ready to shift the perspective - becoming your total solutions provider for whatever happens.

Tested Against Sewage and Soot: What Can’t Our Washing Machines Do?

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Yes, Our Washing Machines Can Clean THAT

Yes, Our Washing Machines Can Clean THAT

Despite their appearances, many water and fire damaged items are actually salvageable. We have a whole Contents Team dedicated to safely packing and transporting belongings from the jobsite to be repaired by hand with the help of some of our heavy-duty machines. 

Esporta machines have revolutionized the restoration industry. These cutting-edge devices have quickly become the gold standard in our field, offering quality and efficiency. Because of their patented technology, cleaning capacity, and rapid turnaround, Esporta machines have become an indispensable tool for restoring anything from textiles to sports equipment.

Esporta machines are a game-changer for restoration professionals everywhere. That’s why we, at SERVPRO® of Montgomery County, have two of them.

What makes the Esporta machine stand out?

Types of Items We Can Clean

One of the key advantages of Esporta machines is their versatility. These machines have the capability to clean an array of materials, ranging from leather goods to sports equipment. 

Here are just a few more examples of materials that can be effectively cleaned using Esporta machines:

1. Clothing and Textile - From delicate fabrics to heavy-duty garments, Esporta machines can restore clothing items to their preloss condition, eliminating tough stains, smoke odors, and mold contaminants.
2. Sports Equipment - Whether it's hockey gear, football pads, or protective gear for other sports, Esporta machines can eliminate bacteria, mold, and odor-causing agents, ensuring athletes can perform at their best in hygienic gear.
3. Household Items - Esporta machines are equally adept at cleaning household items like bedding, curtains, stuffed toys, and even shoes to a fresh and clean state.

Better Than a Washing Machine

These powerful machines use advanced tech and a proprietary design to clean over 95% of soft contents and textiles impacted by Category 2 & 3 water damage, heavy smoke and soot, and trauma clean up (esporta.ca). Unlike traditional dry cleaning or washing machines, Esporta machines’ patented hydraulic action gently removes contaminants without compromising the integrity of the items being restored.

Technology, Speed, Success

Esporta machines offer several unique features that set them apart from traditional dry cleaning or washing machines:

1. Patented Tech + Efficiency - water pressure and movement removes contaminants from materials in as little as 30 minutes, significantly reducing turnaround time and increasing productivity
2. Cleaning Capacity - machines handle up to 100 pounds of material in a single cycle, making them the perfect choice for large-scale restoration projects.
3. Restoration Success Rate - Esporta machines boast between 90-98% success rate in restoring items in different categories that would typically be considered “irreparable,” (esporta.ca). This not only saves valuable resources but also brings peace of mind to both restoration professionals and their clients.

Eco-Friendly

By using Esporta machines, we are able to Restore instead of Replace, effectively reducing the amount of waste going into landfills. The Esporta wash system also uses a proprietary phosphate free detergent, uses half the water, and has a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional washers.

Esporta machines are a game-changer for restoration professionals everywhere. Whether it's restoring items damaged by water, fire, or mold—or your sports team roughed up the gear this season—our Esporta machines handle these tasks with ease.

You don’t need to have gone through a fire or flood to use our Esporta Wash System service. If you have soiled items you need cleaned, give us a call today at (931)-645-1285. 

Why Every Commercial Business Should Have an ERP

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Bounce Back Faster with an ERP

Why Every Commercial Business Should Have an ERP

Reduce Business Disruption After a Commercial Disaster

After a major disaster, businesses suffer a variety of interruptions like:

1. financial and emotional stress

2. production downtime

3. sullied reputation

4. a plethora of other strains.

In the time period following a fire, flood, pipe break, or other form of disaster, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO® Team Nicholson, we regularly see local companies go through this, but want business owners to know we are here to help after a commercial disaster. Part of that help comes through an emergency readiness checklist and disaster plan.

How To Minimize Risks and Loss of Revenue?

Creating a disaster readiness plan for your business can save you thousands on your bottom line, and can save your business entirely. The planning process does not have to be overwhelming when placed on top of all other responsibilities. We are here to help take the weight off your shoulders by developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your company.

We Generate A Plan For You

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate action plan.

Knowing:

1. what to do and

2. what to expect

in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the severity of water and fire damage on your business. Knowing you are, "Ready for whatever happens," will give you, your clients, and employees confidence if or when your business is affected by a disaster.

SERVPRO ERPs Provide You With:

1. A no-cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

2. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but will save a lot of time if ever needed.

3. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

4. Professionals at SERVPRO of Montgomery County, established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider! You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for an emergency response.

5. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so we can start cleaning up the damage, so you can reopen your business as soon as possible.

6. Specific Facility Details of your business such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. You will have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call in case of an emergency.

Contact us to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today. We are here to be your total solutions provider during an emergency commercial disaster so you can do what’s important: taking care of your clients, employees, and other business needs. 

Protecting What Matters: The Emergency Plan Every Parent Needs Before School Starts

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

Protect what matters most. Have a back-to-school emergency plan.

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

No one likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disaster can happen anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared—just in case. Having a detailed plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind, and—in the event of an emergency—could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

• List 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school if you are unable to do so.

• Confirm their availability and willingness to be emergency contacts.

• Teach your child how to contact each person by phone.

• Familiarize your child with each contact's appearance and vehicle.

Communicate with the School

• Keep school up-to-date with who is allowed to pick your child up.

• Provide correct contact information and identification for their records.

• Inquire about the school's policies for emergency situations and designated pick-up areas.

Alternative Drop-Off Locations

• Establish an alternative drop-off location in case emergency contacts cannot be reached promptly.

• This location could be a trusted friend or family member's house, or another secure spot.

• Familiarize your child with the alternate location's address and phone number to accurately guide authorities there.

Re-Evaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan annually. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO® is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here. Your family's safety and preparedness are paramount, and having a well-structured emergency plan is a crucial step in ensuring their protection.