May is on track to be the wettest on record!

It won’t come as any surprise to read that the Met Office say that May is on track to be the wettest on record! 

The weather forecast has been disappointing all month, particularly for those affected by localised flooding. Fortunately, our teams have been on hand to help through providing extraction, drying and cleaning services to homes and businesses across the UK.

What’s involved post flood? 

  • We respond urgently to the client/insurer/loss adjustor or assessor
  • We visit the site and assess the extent of the damage
  • We propose a plan to restore the damage
  • We begin by removing any affected items and choosing if they will be restored or disposed of
  • We extract any standing water
  • We dry out the property thoroughly to remove all moisture
  • We clean and sanitise
  • We return all restored items
  • We ensure that the customer is happy and close the job

There’ s a lot to ensuring that a customer or business can return to their property safely and in a timely manner. Water isn’t always clean and properties aren’t always dry when they look it. As such, it’s important to get the experts in from start to finish to ensure that the whole process is completed professionally and safely.

We do hope that there are no other wet weather records set, apart from May 2021 being the wettest on record!

If you have any flood requirements, either in a record breaking month, or any other time of the year, contact our restoration team on 0845 762 6828 / www.servicemasterrestore.co.uk 

Lightning safety tips

With storms hitting the UK over the last couple of weeks, we wanted to share with you some essential lightning safety tips to keep you safe. Whilst the wind and rain can be dangerous, so can lightning if it makes contact with you, your property or belongings.

As lightning can travel through an object, it is advised to avoid (if possible) anything electricity can conduct with. Use these tips below to help you to keep safe through a lightning storm.

If you are inside of your home:

  • Stay away from plumbing
  • Refrain use of electrical equipment
  • Avoid using corded phones
  • Keep your distance from windows, doors and porches

If you’re outside:

  • Stay away from elevated areas (Lightning naturally seeks highest ground)
  • Stay low to the ground, but don’t lie down
  • Avoid bodies of water like lakes, rivers and ponds
  • Avoid open fields and trees

If you’re driving:

  • Keep windows and doors shut
  • Leave extra space between the car in front of you and your own
  • Drive slowly

If your property is struck by lightning:

  • Make sure everyone within it is okay
  • Contact the emergency services to notify them and they’ll be able to advice further
  • For any claims, contact your insurance provider or a specialist restoration expert such as ServiceMaster Restore

Follow the above lightning safety tips to stay safe during stormy weather! For extra lightning safety tips, visit the Met Office website.

If you require help in restoring your property following a lightning strike, contact us on 0845 762 6828 / www.servicemasterrestore.co.uk

Rainwater flooding – Rain, rain go away…

The familiar children’s nursery rhyme has been recited a lot recently due to the days upon days of rain across the country. As such, we’ve seen an influx of individuals and businesses needing our help after they have been a victim of rainwater flooding.

How can you prevent rainwater flooding your property?

  • Clear drains and gutters
  • Keep windows closed (where possible)
  • Sandbags if you are near to bankings
  • Waterproofing

If the above has been unsuccessful, you will need to call the professionals. We can be on hand within 4 hours for a flooding emergency to help clear water from your property, followed by removal and decontamination from rainwater flooding.

There is much more involved than extracting water from your property. As well as extraction, we would successfully dry, clean and decontaminate the property as stagnant water can prove deadly if ingested through ineffective cleaning and sanitisation following rainwater flooding. In every case, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry and the best way to ensure that is to speak to the professionals, ServiceMaster Restore.

Flood restoration needs to be undertaken thoroughly to ensure there is no lasting damage to the property or indeed your health!

For our expert help call 0845 762 6828/ www.servicemasterrestore.co.uk

Spring home maintenance check list

Although it may not seem it, Spring is here! Use our spring home maintenance checklist to  to maintain your property to keep it tidy and damage free.

There are things that you can do both inside and outside of your property, here are some ideas for you to get started:

Inside

  • Check your windows! – Ensure that the seals are all in tact to keep the weather out and your property secure
  • Look for damp – Rectifying damp spots, although includes finding the cause. Seek expert advice if needed
  • Spring cleaning – Spring clean the areas that don’t benefit from regular cleaning – such as carpets, blinds, and soft furnishings
  • Go over walls and ceilings – Check for cracks, fill and paint. If cracks reappear, it might be worth considering a structural engineer to check things out for you
  • Bleed radiators – This helps to remove any build up ready for colder evenings and the winter months

Outside

  • Clear gutters – Remove any debris, leaves and moss from your gutters to ensure you have effective drainage from your property
  • Inspect your roof – Ensure there are no loose slate tiles or damaged flashing to prevent the elements from getting in
  • Check your driveway – Be sure to check for pot holes and cracks in your drive way that could become a trip hazard or cause damage to your vehicle
  • Go over your external brickwork – Just like you would indoors, take a look at any cracks appearing in-between the bricks that may need repairing
  • Trim hedges, plants and trees – Keep your greenery neat and tidy to ensure it doesn’t become overgrown and shade your home or garden

By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to spring clean your home, ready to enjoy it throughout the warmer (hopefully) months.

For any emergency restoration services, call our team on 0845 762 6828 / www.servicemasterrestore.co.uk