Recent Posts

Weather Alerts: What You Need to Know | SERVPRO of Rapid City

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of Rapid City help you get from April showers to May flowers.

The spring season is well on its way, and it’s time once again to dust off our rain boots and enjoy warmer and longer days ahead! That also means that rumbling thunderstorms, heavy rain and even severe weather are on the horizon once more.

Even though we can’t control the spring weather, we can certainly all be prepared for it. Our team explains some easy ways to stay connected to the weather forecast and any changing conditions through various alert systems.

Staying Connected Via the Internet

We all spend so much time on our phones and are connected to screens all day every day, so it is natural to turn to the internet when it comes to receiving alerts. Wireless Emergency Alerts are alerts that can be issued automatically if you are connected to WiFi if there is a serious situation developing, or you can download a reliable weather app to receive alerts and notifications based on your specific location.

If you go the app route, make sure you are choosing wisely. There are many different kinds of weather apps out there, and they are not all created equally. Avoid the ones that tend to exaggerate forecasts purely for engagement, and stick with nationally recognized organizations instead. You should also consider signing up for the Pennington County weather alerts so you are always in the know!

News stations or local weather channels can also be trusted sources, so turn on your TV whenever there is a system approaching so you can watch it move in real-time. These live updates can help you determine your travel plans or when you need to be seeking shelter.

Other Alert Options

You should also have at least one alert system in place that will work regardless if we have power or not. Phones, TVs and laptops are great ways to stay connected, but only if we have electricity! Once batteries run out, you could be left in a really vulnerable position if you are caught without a way to receive alerts.

Local weather sirens that are positioned around town can also be a great indicator that something is amiss, but they also shouldn’t be relied on completely if you live in a part of town that makes it hard to hear them.

We recommend investing in an NOAA weather radio! A hand-crank or solar-powered radio can be a really good backup in case we lose power. You can take it with you into your sheltering location, or you can take it with you when you are out inspecting your property after the first wave of weather passes.

Being prepared is something we will always encourage, but we also know that it is not always a foolproof plan. If your home is damaged in a storm this season, give us a call right away so we can address repairs and help you recover completely.

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 247 for immediate restoration assistance.

Tackling Your Restoration After a Disaster at Work | SERVPRO of Rapid City

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

business man in office talking to female SERVPRO rep SERVPRO of Rapid City is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

No one wakes up one morning expecting to suffer from a fire or a serious flood, but unfortunately, business owners across the country experience this situation every single day.

While we can’t completely prevent disaster from striking, we can all have reliable plans in place for what to do before, during and after an event to help us stay in control and to avoid serious damage. Call SERVPRO of Rapid City for a quick restoration no matter your situation!

 Before the Event

You can’t predict the future, but you can always be prepared for what could happen. If your team knows how to prepare for a fire, flood or severe storm, you can rest assured that everyone will work together seamlessly to respond to the situation at hand.

Included in that plan should be a solid communication strategy! You can only be prepared if your team knows what is going on, so develop a strong chain of command and don’t be afraid to assign specific tasks to specific people so that there is no confusion on what to do.

Take them on a tour of your building and point out emergency exits, fire extinguisher locations and your utility room. Make sure your team understands where your water shut-off valves are and where your breaker box is located, just in case.

You should also have a reliable plan for what to do directly after a disaster. Some disaster scenarios require temporary displacement while repairs are happening, so your team should either understand how to transition into remote work or where to go in the meantime.

Recovering Faster

After your team is secured, you should get us on the phone! We deal in large-scale recovery often so we will confidently assess your space and then get right to work. We are highly trained and able to help you with whatever disaster situation is at hand.

Our professional team will handle your recovery, so you can focus on staying connected to your customers. The people who love and care about your business will want to know what is going on and when to expect your doors to reopen, so keep them updated on the progress! The more communication, the better.

While you might have to be displaced temporarily, remember that it won’t last forever! We will work on repairing, restoring and rebuilding your home as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Our team will work hard to minimize your disruption and will help support you every step along the way.

Planning ahead can help you stay on task during a disaster and calling SERVPRO® immediately after can help you avoid long-term or permanent closures. We always have your back so you can thrive as a trusted business in the Rapid City area.

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

Here to See Disaster Restoration Through | SERVPRO of Rapid City

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of Rapid City is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

Disaster situations are by nature unexpected, so when something unfortunate does happen, it always seems to take us by surprise. When it rains, it pours, right? This is especially true when it comes to dealing with home disasters and damage.

Whether a strong storm caused widespread damage to your roof or an appliance malfunctioned and poured water all over your basement floor, a quick restoration is always necessary to avoid further issues.

That’s where SERVPRO of Rapid City comes into play! Our team will handle your entire recovery after something as simple as a single phone call.

The Extent of Disasters

Disasters can be large or small, but they are still impactful on homes and communities. They can be really frustrating for everyone even if the situation was expected and planned for! Weather can be unpredictable, and home accidents can become much more severe than anticipated.

For example, heavy rain can fall too quickly and overload the ground, causing flooding in your basement that will eventually lead to structural damage or mold growth. Fires can rip through your home, leaving behind structural damage as well as water damage and lingering smoke.

While the initial reaction after a disaster might be one of shock, it is important to start the recovery process right away to reduce your risk of a worsening situation. Call SERVPRO® right away for a quick and reliable recovery!

A Single Team for Every Single Thing

We can’t always predict when a disaster situation is going to happen, which is why our team is proudly available 247 no matter what. We are always here and ready to answer the phone when you need our help. We will get right to work gathering our supplies and making our recovery plan while we are on our way to your doorstep.

Our highly skilled technicians are trained in the latest and most advanced restoration techniques, and we are certified in many specialized cleaning procedures, making us confident in the ability to help you no matter your situation.

If your roof is damaged in a storm and the rain is pouring in, we will work quickly to lay tarps over your roof while also saving your possessions in the affected room. If you suffer from a flood, we will prioritize removing the standing water so you can avoid further structural issues and mold problems.

We are even skilled enough to rebuild entire sections of your home if a fire or storm wreaked unimaginable damage. We proudly will be the only contractor that you will need to work with in order to make a full recovery.

Our team is here to help, 247, 365 days a year. Call us as soon as you need us, and you will enjoy sunnier days right around the corner.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Staying Warm Without Starting a Fire This Season | SERVPRO of Rapid City

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

brick chimney with lit fire logs Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Rapid City this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

Who else loves this time of year? Getting cozy, staying in and enjoying a well-deserved rest can make this season a favorite for many. While you are busy pulling out your fuzzy socks and bundling up near the fireplace, it is crucial that you are doing so in a fire-safe way.

The number of house fires skyrockets during the winter season across the country, and unfortunately, many of them are preventable. Knowing how to care for your fireplace and space heaters can help you stay fire-free during the rest of the winter season.

Preparing the Fireplace

We all love the warmth and ambiance that a fire provides, but fireplaces can also be downright dangerous if they are not cleaned and prepared properly. If your fireplace burns real wood, clean out the ash buildup before starting a new fire and regularly have your chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup.

Limit the amount of clutter and flammable materials that are near your fireplace and mantle, and make sure your smoke detectors are always working. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, have your lines inspected annually for any signs of leaking or loose connections. You should also always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand for emergencies.

Preparing a Space Heater

Space heaters are an easy way to warm back up after catching a chill, but did you know that space heater mishaps are solely responsible for 1,700 house fires every year? The benefit of space heaters is that they are portable, but that is also a drawback as they can easily be tipped over.

Choose a flat, nonflammable surface to set it up on. As you get it set up and plugged in, check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring before turning it on to ensure it is not a fire hazard from the very start.

Ensure that there is a three-foot barrier around your space heater to keep kids and pets out of harm’s way (and to avoid tipping). Never plug your space heater into an extension cord and always switch it off before leaving the room or heading to bed.

Helpful Safety Features

You might get excited to see a space heater for a really good deal or one from an unknown brand that claims to work quickly, but be warned! Not all space heaters are created equally and a good deal or claim may not always be the best choice.

Do your research to make sure you are purchasing from a reliable and well-reviewed company that has passed all of the necessary safety certifications. Next, make sure it has a shutoff feature that will take over and shut off the heater after a certain period of use. This can be really helpful if you are forgetful or struggle with setting reminders on your phone.

Finally, check the cord that is connected to the heater. It should be sturdy and well-made with no fraying and should ideally be at least six feet long so you can set up your heater in a safe location.

We hope you have a safe and warm winter season! Call us right away if you suffer from fire damage and we will get right to work on your restoration. We will remove damaged debris, deodorize your space and handle any and all repairs so you can make a full recovery.

A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.

Worried About Water Leaks? Check These Spaces First | SERVPRO of Rapid City

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Rapid City to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

We often don’t think about the water that is constantly flowing in and out of our homes because to us, that is a natural and necessary part of a home’s function! However, each time we turn on a tap to wash our hands or fill a pot to boil water for pasta, the water that is flowing into our home has the potential to get somewhere it shouldn’t.

Water leaks can be really frustrating and can lead to serious damage in a small amount of time. While not all of them can be prevented, knowing where they often start can help you track down the source faster and address the situation head on.

Under Sinks and Cupboards

Any sink has the potential to leak, but especially underneath it where the water lines are connected. A single worn seal or a loose connection can lead to a small drip that eventually turns into a steady stream of destructive water.

Once the water leak has started, it will quickly seep into your cupboards, behind your walls and under your floors and will continue to cause chaos until you notice it. Try to check underneath your sinks for signs of moisture whenever you are cleaning or if you need to get into the cupboard to replace things like toilet paper rolls.

Beneath Trusty Appliances

We have so many appliances that we all rely on heavily to help us get through our days. After all, those dishes aren’t going to do themselves! However, the presence of appliances like dishwashers, water heaters and washing machines increase our risk of suffering water damage every time they are used.

A small malfunction, clog or water line issue can lead to a leak that eventually can pour onto your floors. Unfortunately, many appliance leaks start behind or beneath the machine, making it hard to catch right away. Pull appliances away from the wall regularly to check for new puddles, mold or water spots.

Behind Walls or Under Floors

If we were to suffer a water leak, we would definitely want it to happen in a place that we can easily see and get to. Water leaks that eventually make their way behind walls or under floors can be really frustrating!

It can be much harder to track down the source without major construction and by the time you discover the issue, serious damage could be done.

If you start to smell the beginnings of a mold infestation or you notice a dark spot that is slowly growing near your ceiling, it’s time to work on investigating the reason.

Around Your Windows

As the temperatures rise and fall throughout the seasons, it is normal to experience a little condensation on your windows. However, the more condensation you have, the greater the chance that it will drip down onto your window sills before evaporating, which can cause warped wood and frustrating wall damage.

Windows can also start to sag over time and small gaps or cracks can appear around your window casings. If that happens, water can easily infiltrate your home and wreak havoc all over the place.

Since preventing water damage isn’t an exact science, don’t panic if you discover a water issue in your home. Our SERVPRO of Rapid City team will get right to work tracking down the source of the leak, tackling repairs and removing residual moisture.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.

Keeping It Local: The Benefits | SERVPRO of Rapid City

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

group of 3 SERVPRO reps standing near a green semi truck at a work site No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Rapid City!

If we could all avoid suffering home damage, we would, right? Experiencing a home disaster is always unfortunate and can create more problems than you want to deal with on a regular day. However, home disasters can’t always be prevented, which can lead to some serious consequences.

You deserve to recover faster and more efficiently after suffering from fire, flood or storm damage, so using a company that will be at your home right away is essential.

Rely on SERVPRO of Rapid City for all of your home restoration needs! We will be there as soon as you call us to provide you with our reliable and thorough restoration and cleaning services.

Choosing Your Restoration Company

Suffering from a home disaster is often an overwhelming and frustrating experience, and these feelings can quickly lead to choosing a restoration company quickly without doing your research. That can leave you vulnerable to all kinds of issues if you are not confident about who is going to be coming into your home!

Choosing a reliable and trustworthy restoration service makes all the difference in the world. You want to be sure that you can trust the people that will be working on your home and handling your possessions. They should have plenty of experience, the right training and the attention to detail that you deserve.

SERVPRO of Rapid City proudly offers all of this and more! We are also locally owned and operated, meaning our team is made up of proud Rapid City residents and community members just like you.

We witness the same weather, suffer through the freezing winters and enjoy all that this community has to offer right alongside you. We will take care of you every step of the way.

The Experience You Can Trust

While it is important to feel at ease with the people in your home, you also need to be confident that they can do the task at hand with expertise. Our SERVPRO® team comes with the additional benefit of being backed by a national brand, which means that we have the resources and equipment at our disposal to handle whatever your disaster recovery requires.

SERVPRO has proudly been growing since 1967 and now offers services in 2,000 locations across the country, including ours here in Rapid City.

We are well-trained and are constantly learning new practices and methods to ensure we help you recover to the best of our ability. Your home will always be in good hands with us!

We will take care of everything from the initial boarding up and water removal to the final repairs of walls or entire sections of your home. Let us help you recover faster and more thoroughly when your next disaster strikes.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

Taking Control of Water Leaks at Work | SERVPRO of Rapid City

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Rapid City a call to get that resolved!

The last thing you want to worry about as a business owner is the possibility of suffering a disaster at work. Disasters are notorious for being unexpected, so you could very well be going about your day only to be surprised by something serious, like a burst water line or a leaky roof when it starts to rain.

Water damage can set in quickly in these situations, so acting fast and taking steps toward recovery right away can help you stay in control and avoid long-term damage.

We are here to help! Creating a recovery plan now can help you navigate uncertain situations like this with more confidence, allowing you to open back up for business faster without suffering too many setbacks.

What to Do First

Discovering unwanted water anywhere in your business can be a very unnerving experience. Even if you did everything right to prevent water disasters, they can still occur in the blink of an eye.

Stay calm and focus on these simple steps to help you get things cleaned up quickly:

1. Stay safe. Safety is key, especially when it comes to your employees and customers. Keep everyone out of the area, and assess the situation from dry ground. Call us right away so we can get started on gathering a team and the necessary supplies, and start taking photos of the damage you see.

2. Control the disaster. Taking control of the situation can prevent a problem from escalating, so locate the source of the water leak as quickly as you can and shut off the appropriate water valve. This will stop the flow of water so you can get your bearings and stop the water from making the situation worse.

3. Start the drying process. Floodwater can be really dangerous, as it can pick up storm runoff, dangerous chemicals and even sewage as it flows into your building and onto your floors. Avoid walking through the water and try to ventilate it as much as possible. Open some windows and set up some fans to start the drying process.

Working With Our Water Damage Restoration Team

We will get to work the moment we arrive at your property. We will quickly assess the situation, secure the location and get started on removing the excess water with our air movers and industrial drying equipment. Once dry, we will tackle necessary repairs right away.

We will also work directly with your insurance company to help make this process smoother as well. Your only focus needs to be on your safety and your employees’ well-being during this time.

Our team will work hard to be as efficient as possible so that you can still operate while we are working. We know that long-term closures can have a disastrous effect on businesses, so we work quickly so you can open back up faster.

We are here all day, every day for you and your business! Call us as soon as you discover standing water, and we will jump into action to take care of you and your damaged building.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

Understanding How Home Damage Can Compound Over Time | SERVPRO of Rapid City

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Rapid City right away.

Different weather threats or unexpected situations can often take us by surprise and leave our homes with significant damage. Fire, floods and even simple accidents like broken windows from an errant golf ball can be frustrating to deal with.

While these types of situations can happen at any point, we can’t spend all of our days worrying about the possibilities! Knowing what to expect and preparing for the different scenarios can help you avoid extensive damage.

SERVPRO® of Rapid City is proud to help our community recover from disaster! We explain some of the more common threats for our area and what we can do to help below.

The Different Weather Threats We Face

When the wind blows across the plains in the summertime, we can experience strong storms that come with damaging wind and heavy rain. In the winter, a single blizzard can knock out power for hours or lead to heavy snow that collapses roofs or causes other home disasters to occur.

The Midwest brings all kinds of challenges throughout the year! General home damage threats like house fires or flooded basements are also possible no matter what season we are in.

Water damage can occur quickly from a singular weather event, or it can happen slowly over a long period of time if your home experiences a malfunction like a leaky pipe or faulty water line. Fire can also occur due to natural causes, but it is much more likely to occur due to some sort of human accident or error.

When Damage Gets Worse

Most disaster situations are frustrating to deal with, and unfortunately, they can lead to other serious problems if the mess isn’t cleaned up right away. For example, water disasters will certainly soak your floors, walls and ceilings, but they can also lead to lingering moisture that sparks mold growth. Over time, that mold can affect your home’s structural integrity and impact your air quality.

Another example of compounding damage comes from house fires. A fire will rip through your home, leaving burned debris in its wake, but it can also lead to lingering soot and smoke all over your house. Water damage and damage from fire extinguisher chemicals also sometimes occur, leaving you with a serious mess on your hands.

No matter what occurred on your property, a fast and thorough recovery is always recommended. That’s what we are here for! We will help you overcome whatever disaster situation you are faced with quickly and efficiently.

If your home suffers a water disaster, we will first make sure your space is dried completely, including your soft materials and possessions. Then we will clean, sanitize and repair the area to bring it back to its preloss state and to prevent mold growth.

If you suffer a house fire, we can tackle the debris removal right away and then get started on removing soot and smoke odors from all over your home. In addition, we will tackle water damage repair alongside any structural repairs that need to occur.

We are trained to handle every part of your restoration no matter what, so you can rest assured that our team will take care of you every step of the way. Let SERVPRO of Rapid City help you recover after your next disaster.

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.

Planning for Disasters to Reduce Damage at Your Business | SERVPRO of Rapid City

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

clip board with a disaster preparedness checklist and emergency supplies in the background Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Rapid City is here for you when disaster strikes!

Planning is the most reliable way to avoid damage at your business, and unfortunately, that concept is becoming more important as natural disasters continue to happen across the country. In fact, natural disasters have been steadily increasing over the last five years. They are also becoming stronger and are causing more extensive damage in their wake.

While statistics aren’t guarantees, they should cause you to think about the threats that could impact your business. Natural disasters are always a possibility, but so are manmade disasters. Either could come along at any time and cause significant damage to your property.

Staying ahead of these risks can help protect your bottom line and help keep your staff safe, and having a plan in place for each scenario is crucial.

Discussing the Importance of a Plan

The best offense is a good defense, and that is certainly true when it comes to natural disasters. Creating a reliable reaction plan for situations like fires, floods or severe weather can help keep your staff safe, but it can also reduce your risk of serious or catastrophic damage.

Natural or manmade disasters will cause all kinds of physical damage to your property, but they can also cause a strain on your business financially if you aren’t prepared for the possibility. That can lead to struggles with the future of your business as well as struggles with the livelihood of your staff.

Utilizing a recovery plan can help you open back up again for business faster as well. Some businesses will temporarily close while they figure out their recovery plan, but that also increases the risk that they will never reopen again.

How Our Emergency Ready Plan Can Help

SERVPRO® is proud to offer our restoration services to everyone in our community, but we are also in the business of helping our community avoid disaster altogether. That’s where our Emergency Ready Plan comes into play! It is a complete guide to help you navigate multiple different threats to your business. It will outline what to do, where to go and who to contact should an emergency situation arise.

We will start by assessing the different risks to your business and laying out plans for each. For example, if you are in a flood zone, we will create an extensive flood recovery plan that focuses on safety and insurance claims. If your business works with a lot of chemicals or heat, we take the time to explain your fire response and what to do if a chemical fire breaks out in your warehouse.

We focus a lot of our plans on the preparation ahead of certain disasters. We will outline preparation methods like preparing go-bags for your staff to grab as they are making their quick exits, plans on where to store important documentation to avoid damage during a disaster and things like where to store your fire extinguishers on each level.

Communication is also an important part of all emergency responses, so we take the time to discover a reliable chain of command for each scenario. If your employees know who is in charge of what during a disaster, the chances of them responding accurately and smoothly during a true emergency increase greatly.

Your Emergency Ready Plan will be the key to weathering any sort of disaster safely and smoothly. It will be your guide to prevent damage, navigate disasters and recover more efficiently. We are here for you for everything disaster-related for your business!

Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.

Cook Your Holiday Creations in a Fire-Safe Way | SERVPRO of Rapid City

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

pan on kitchen counter in residence ablaze while unattended Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Rapid City on the case!

The holidays are here, which means it’s time for family gatherings, gift exchanges and amazing homemade food. Whether you are hosting the parties and are in charge of making all the food or you are bringing your famous green bean casserole to the event, cooking will be involved in the process.

Practicing fire-safe cooking strategies is crucial at any point in the year, but especially when the holidays are here. Kitchen fires increase in the winter months, so practicing these strategies below will help you stay fire-free and in a jolly good mood.

Reduce Fire Fuel in the Kitchen

Before you even turn on your stove or preheat your oven, get your kitchen ready. Reduce clutter and prepare your space so you can move about freely. Excess clutter or flammable materials in your kitchen can quickly lead to accidents.

Things like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and holiday decorations can easily catch fire if left too close to the heat or flames and lead to a serious emergency.

You should also be cognizant of what you are wearing. Loose clothing or a decorative apron with long strings can be safety hazards that can easily go up in flames. Roll up your sleeves and keep your loose clothing to a minimum.

Watch Your Food Closely

No matter what stage of the cooking process you are in, don’t leave the kitchen. Even walking out for a few minutes to grab something can be enough time for a full blaze to start and spread. Grilling, frying, baking and boiling can be unpredictable, so stay near to stay in control.

If your family partakes in the tradition of deep-frying a turkey, extra precautions are necessary for your safety. Do not overfill the fryer with oil and choose a flat, non-flammable surface to set up your equipment.

You also need to plan ahead and take out your turkey to thaw enough days in advance so it is completely thawed. A partially frozen turkey can cause oil to spatter and pop when you submerge it.

Check on Your Protective Measures

We all know that preventing fires isn’t a total guarantee, so having protective measures in place is crucial to your safety. Every level of your home should have at least one smoke detector, and there should ideally be one right in your kitchen. Test them monthly to ensure the batteries are working.

You should also have a fire extinguisher designated to just your kitchen space. Choose an easily accessible location that anyone can get to, and check it annually to make sure it is not expired.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful season with your family and friends. Remember, we are here for you 247 if an accident occurs and you are left with fire damage. We will restore and repair your home as fast as possible so you can carry on with the celebrations ahead.

House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!