Recent Posts

Preventing Heating Fires

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Photo of a fireplace burning with a cozy blanket and two presumably steaming mugs on the table in the forground of the photo Heat your home safely this season as the cold outdoor temperatures persist.

While modern heating systems are designed to be more efficient and have built-in safety features that minimize the risk of fires, it is crucial to note that heating fires can still occur due to various factors.

Is your property at risk? Let us help you get prepared with our checklist of preventative measures. But remember, if your property does undergo damage, we are open 24/7, 365 days a year to help you through it and to make it "Like it never even happened."

Overall, there has been a decline in heating fires over the years, however, they still pose a significant risk to homes and individuals. By remaining vigilant, staying informed about safety measures, and taking proactive steps to maintain heating systems, we can continue to reduce the occurrence of these devastating incidents.

Checklist for preventing heating fires

  • Heat source proximity - Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, or candles.
  • Electrical issues - Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed.
  • Improper usage - Never use an oven to heat your home.
  • Maintenance - Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
  • More information - Visit the U.S. Fire Administration Home Fires page to learn about how to prepare for and prevent home fires including tips for individuals with disabilities and older adults.

source: Ready.gov

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SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson in the 2023 Oak Ridge Christmas Parade

12/19/2023 (Permalink)

Servpro vehicle decorated with lights and antlers with empoyees waiving in the back of the truck SERVPRO employees waive to the spectators at the 2023 Oak Ridge Christmas Parade.

Our community is where our heart is and that’s why we like to invest our time and efforts in events like the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade. Each year, individuals, families, and businesses come together to celebrate the Christmas holiday with festive floats and decorated trucks and trailers. The streets are lined with spectators, including children who cheer, sing, and wave as the parade of brightly lit and decorated floats pass by. Holiday music can be heard all around, and Christmas Cheer is evident in the faces of all throughout the parade.

This year’s event, sponsored by the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, was attended by hundreds of spectators and, according to Norm Nelson of the Oak Ridge Chamber, the 2023 parade boasted one of it’s largest float registrations in recent years.

Several news outlets were in attendance with live coverage of the event being broadcasted and recorded. One of these recordings can be viewed on the following Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWJxIHfUwoo

It is an honor to participate in family events like this one, and it is a testament to our community that it is such a huge success every year. The hard work and dedication of the people like Christine Michaels, Norm Nelson, and BreAnna Robinson of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce are the driving force behind these great celebrations, which enrich and inspire this community that we are humbled and grateful to be a part of.

Fire Prevention for Homes and Businesses

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

A house with fire damage The effects of a fire can be devistating.

If you didn't know, it's National Fire Prevention Week. As much as we here at SERVPRO are here to help clean up after fires, our priority is always to help prevent them in the first place. So, we want to share some tips with you that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Fire is one of the most devastating disasters that can strike a home or business. It can cause extensive damage to property and possessions, and can even lead to loss of life. That's why it's important to take steps to prevent fires from happening in the first place.

Here are some fire prevention tips for homes and businesses:

Home fire prevention tips:

? Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries every year.

? Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family.

? Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.

? Be careful when cooking and using candles.

? Never smoke in bed.

? Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.

Business fire prevention tips:

? Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your business. Test your alarms every month and change the batteries every year.

? Create and practice a fire escape plan with your employees.

? Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and electrical equipment.

? Be careful when using appliances and equipment.

? Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.

How SERVPRO can help after a fire

If a fire does happen, it's important to call a qualified fire restoration company as soon as possible. SERVPRO is a leading provider of fire restoration services. We have over 2,000 franchises across the United States and Canada, so we're always nearby to help when disaster strikes.

Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals is equipped to handle all aspects of fire restoration, including:

? Emergency water removal

? Structural drying

? Smoke and odor removal

? Content cleaning and restoration

? Construction services We work with your insurance company to make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so you can always count on us to be there for you when you need us most.

If you have experienced a fire, contact SERVPRO today. We're here to help you get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Additional fire prevention tips:

? Educate your family and employees about fire safety. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

? Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home or business and know how to use it.

? Keep your fire extinguishers in good working order by inspecting them regularly and having them serviced by a professional.

? Consider installing a fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler systems can help to extinguish fires quickly and prevent them from spreading.

By following these fire prevention tips, you can help to protect your home or business from the devastating effects of fire.

Ensuring Turkey Fryer Safety for a Happy Thanksgiving

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

Turkey going into a deep fryer Be sure to follow our tips to aid in fire prevention when using a turkey fryer.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious turkey feast. While many families enjoy the tradition of deep-frying their turkeys, it is important to be aware of the potential safety hazards involved. SERVPRO, a leading provider of fire damage restoration services, is committed to helping families have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving by providing turkey fryer safety tips.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

  1. Choose the Right Fryer: Always use a turkey fryer specifically designed for outdoor use. Never use an indoor turkey fryer, as they pose a high risk of fire.
  2. Use a Safe Location: Place your turkey fryer at least 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials. Never operate a turkey fryer in a garage, shed, or any enclosed area.
  3. Keep Away from Flammables: Keep any flammable materials, such as propane tanks, gasoline, or lighter fluid, away from your turkey fryer.
  4. Fill with Proper Oil: Use only the recommended type of oil for your turkey fryer. Never overfill the fryer, as this can increase the risk of overflowing.
  5. Thaw the Turkey Completely: A partially frozen turkey can cause the oil to splatter and ignite. Always thaw your turkey completely before frying.
  6. Lower the Turkey Slowly: Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil to avoid splattering.
  7. Never Leave the Fryer Unattended: Never leave a turkey fryer unattended while it is in operation. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
  8. Dispose of Oil Properly: Once the turkey is cooked, allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it. Never pour hot oil down the drain.

SERVPRO's Commitment to Safety

SERVPRO is committed to helping families have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving by providing turkey fryer safety tips and fire damage restoration services in case of an emergency. With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO has the expertise and resources to help you recover from a fire quickly and efficiently.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

By following these turkey fryer safety tips, you can help prevent fires and ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving for you and your family. SERVPRO wishes you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Don’t let a frozen pipe burst your cozy bubble

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather is on the way. Are your pipes at risk of freezing?  Let SERVPRO help you get prepared with our checklist of preventative measures. 



  • Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home.
  • Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
  • Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Even frost-proof outdoor faucets can burst if a hose is connected.
  • Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)
  • Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. When the weather is very cold outside, running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • Leave the heat on in your home.  If you will be going away during cold weather, set the thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

If your pipes do undergo damage this winter, we are open 24/7, 365 days a year!  Even though pipes bursting can be extremely inconvenient and devastating, SERVPRO of West Knoxville will be there to help you through it and to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why You Should Call a Water Cleanup Expert After a Loss

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet floor of a bedroom wet Water damage can occur anywhere in your home.

Should I Call a Water Cleanup Company After a Loss?

Have you ever wondered what to do after a water loss? Have you heard that it's better to hire a professional to handle the cleanup than do it yourself? You're not alone. The truth is, most people don't know what they should do when faced with water damage or flooding in their home. And while some may think that hiring a company to clean up after an accident or natural disaster isn't worth the money, there are actually several reasons why hiring professionals is always the right choice.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage is a broad term that encompasses many different types of water-related problems. Water damage can be caused by a number of different things, including plumbing leaks, flooding, and burst pipes. In addition to these common causes of water damage, there are other situations in which water damage may occur due to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Water damage can occur anywhere in your home. Whether it comes from a burst pipe or a burst water heater, the issue will likely spread quickly and cause more damage than you'd expect. Water can ruin everything in its path, including flooring, drywall, and furniture; any of these items could be irreparably damaged if not dried out promptly after the initial incident occurs. If left too long without proper cleaning efforts, mold growth may also become an issue—and that's when things really start to get expensive!

Can I Handle Water Cleanup Myself?

When you're in the middle of a water loss and trying to figure out what steps to take next, it can be tempting to try and handle cleanup yourself. Water cleanup is a serious business, however, and requires special expertise that most people don't have.

Water cleanup experts usually have years of experience with this kind of work; they're able to deal with all sorts of situations, from floods caused by broken pipes or burst water heaters, to mudslides after heavy rainstorms or even sewage backup into homes after a sewer main break. They understand how dangerous mold can be—and they know how to prevent mold growth while they work on cleaning up your property. Most importantly: They use state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for this purpose!

They know what works best in each scenario, which means they can restore your home more quickly than if you were to do it yourself. As an added bonus, this will also help prevent further damage from occurring (say goodbye to mold!). The cost of hiring a professional is often much less than trying to do it yourself and failing. If you have a homeowners insurance, your insurance company will usually pay for the cost of mitigation and repairs.

What Does Professional Water Cleanup involve?

Once you call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge, one of our trained technicians will be on-site to begin the water cleanup process. We will remove all standing water and then begin drying, dehumidifying and restoring all affected areas. In order to ensure that your home is restored to its preloss condition, we follow national standards for water damage restoration which include:

  • Removing wet carpeting, pad and tack strips
  • Drywall repair (if needed)
  • Structural repairs (if needed)
  • Contents repairs (if needed)

We hope this article has helped you understand the need for water cleanup services and what they involve. If you have experienced water damage in your Clinton, TN home or business, call our SERVPRO of Oak Ridge team now to get help with the cleanup process.

How Can You Protect Your Home from Water Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water dripping from the ceiling into a blue bucket, a woman wearing plastic gloves, and a man watching the water falling from Water damage to ceiling in an Oak Ridge, TN home.

Prevent Water Damage Issues In Your Home

Water damage is one of the most destructive elements a home can face. From flooding to leaks, water damage can be devastating and expensive to repair. That's why it's so important to know how you can protect your home from water damage. In this article, we'll go over some simple steps that you can take in order to prevent water issues in your house. We'll also discuss what exactly causes water damage so that you know how best to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Watch out for signs of leaks in your plumbing

When you're looking for signs of water damage in your home, start with the plumbing. If you see discoloration or wet spots on the walls or ceilings, it's possible that a pipe has burst. There are other signs that may indicate a leak: water stains or greasy residue from standing water could mean you have a leaking dishwasher or washing machine.

If you suspect that leaks have occurred in your home, contact us right away so we can help you take action before the damage gets worse!

Do not ignore dripping sounds or leaking water in appliances.

Another way to protect your home from water damage is to pay attention to dripping sounds or leaking water in appliances. You may think that these are minor problems, but they can turn into significant issues if left unchecked for too long. For example, a small leaky faucet can lead to major structural issues if not addressed quickly and properly.

Look for water damage under sinks.

You should look for signs that the cabinets are wet and check to see if there's any mold on the wall where the cabinet meets it. If so, you'll need to have a plumber come out and fix the leak. If you see an obstruction in your drainpipe or water stains around it, then call a plumber right away!

Check the walls and baseboards.

Once you've inspected the ceiling and floor, it's time to examine the walls. Check for water stains on walls, especially near windows and doors. If a leak has occurred in any of these areas, there will likely be some damage to the surrounding drywall or baseboards that could be hiding behind them.

Look for water stains on ceilings.

Water stains on ceilings are a sure sign of a leak somewhere in your home. They can be caused by roof leaks, plumbing leaks or even foundation issues, so it's important to check for all three types of leaks if you notice any water damage on your ceiling.

If you've noticed water stains on your ceiling, first make sure that there aren't any obvious sources of water located above the area where the stain appears. If there isn't anything obviously leaking above where the stain is located (like an air conditioning unit), then you might have a problem with one of the following:

  • Your roof has developed some damage and needs repair work done to fix it
  • There are cracks or holes in pipes inside walls that lead to outside drainpipes which might be letting rain seep into them

Inspect your home after heavy rains or snowstorms.

After a heavy rain, it is important to check the gutters and downspouts for debris that might be blocking water flow. Look at exterior walls and windows for any signs of water damage or leaks, especially along flashing around doors and windows. Check roof for leaking shingles or tiles, which can cause water damage inside the house if left unattended. If you have a sump pump installed in your basement, make sure it is functioning properly to prevent flooding by taking note of any excess water buildup around it after heavy rains.

With proper maintenance and attention to the signs of water damage in your Oak Ridge, TN home, you can protect yourself from the destructive forces of water. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. If your home or business suffers from water damage, our SERVPRO of Oak Ridge team is here to help!

How To Properly Treat A Burn

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

First Aid Training - Burn injury. First aid course. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage.

Basic Tips for Dealing With Burns

If you've ever had a bad burn, you know that it's more than just an inconvenience. If the skin is broken, it can become infected and lead to serious complications. Knowing how to treat burns quickly and correctly can mean the difference between minor irritation and major injury. So here are some basic tips for dealing with burns:

Cool down the burn.

Cool the burn. If you have a first-aid kit at home, it will probably have an ice pack or another method of cooling the burn. If you don't have one, cool water works fine. Use cool water on any burn; do not use ice or butter or grease—these can cause injury by freezing the skin or trapping heat in the area and can irritate your skin. Also avoid using lotion or ointment on a first-degree burn because these will trap heat and make your burn worse.

Remove jewelry and tight clothing

Remove jewelry and any tight clothing that might be near the burn. These things can easily cause irritation to the affected area and even increase the damage done on your skin. Remember to not apply any heat to the burn as it could increase damage to the tissue and delay healing.

Cover the burn

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment around the burn. If you do not have antibiotic ointment, apply Vaseline instead. Do not use lotions or creams because they may trap heat inside the wound and cause more damage than good.

Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Sterile gauze can be found in any hospital or medical supply store.  Do not use fluffy cotton balls, as the cotton can easily get stuck and trapped in the wound.

Leave the dressing on until pain is gone. It is common to see blisters formed after a burn. Don't cover with a plastic bag! The bag will trap moisture from your skin underneath it, which will further damage your skin and increase the risk of infection.

Seek medical treatment

After suffering a major burn on your skin, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that any damage done by the burn can be treated properly. The main goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to your skin and help it heal more quickly so that scarring will not occur.

Burns can be scary, but with the right treatment, you can quickly get your burn healed and back on your feet. Skin burns are very common in everyday life and can occur due to a variety of reasons. They can be caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can also be caused by exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays. Skin burns are usually minor and are not life-threatening, but they can cause serious injury if not treated properly. If you have suffered a minor burn on your skin, follow the steps above to aid the healing process. If you are ever involved in a fire or any other situation where you feel your skin has been exposed to extreme heat, please seek medical attention immediately.

3 Key Steps To Preventing Moisture Damage

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Black spots of mold on a wall Mold cleanup is important to understand.

Preventing Moisture Damage in Three Easy Steps

Dealing with the issues that arise from an abundance of moisture in a commercial building in Claxton, TN, can easily become overwhelming. The best way to avoid any moisture damage is of course to avoid moisture; however, that is not always possible. Black mold and other spore growth can cause immense amounts of structural harm. Should the situation arise where there is excessive moisture exposure, the following three steps can be instrumental in preventing structural damage.

1. Locate the Source of Damage

First and foremost, it is essential to determine where the damage is coming from. If black mold is noticeable, did it come from a one-time event or is it from a recurring issue? Was there a flood or major snowmelt? Is there a pipe leaking somewhere in the building? Is there a clogged or unmaintained sewage system that could be leading to the moisture problem?

It is also possible for mold spores to be transferred through airflow. Did the spores found originate there or were they transferred through an HVAC system? Knowing what is causing the mold to form is essential to moving on to an eventual resolution.

2. Fix the Problem

Once the source that is causing the moisture problem has been discovered, remediation specialists can help determine how to best prevent this issue from recurring. Whether it is better preparation for a natural disaster or an improvement to a ventilation system, specialists can come up with a solution to keep excessive mold from gathering in your space.

3. Remove the Mold

Mold cleanup is important to understand. Since mold spores are always present in the environment, they can never be completely removed from an area. Getting the space back to a natural level should be the focus of the professionals removing the mold. Remediation of excessive spore growth can return your building to a functioning environment.

After the source of the damage has been determined and the underlying problem has been fixed, removing the black mold is essential to avoid any major structural damage to your building in Claxton, TN.

Why Do Faucets Leak?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking tap Fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.

Have you ever been lying in bed trying to fall asleep, but your bathroom faucet won't stop making a loud, constant, dripping sound? Dealing with leaky faucets in Oliver Springs, TN, isn't just annoying; it can actually waste a lot of water. Before you try to fix it, you need to understand what causes a leaking faucet in the first place.

Type of Faucet

Different kinds of faucets can have different problems, and the procedures for fixing them vary. You'll need to know what type you have before you can address the issue. The most common types are:

  • Compression faucets
  • Ball faucets
  • Cartridge faucets
  • Ceramic-disk faucets

Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause small leaks, resulting in a dripping faucet. If left unchecked, you may have to call a water damage restoration service to repair the damage.

Worn-Out O Ring
An O ring is used to hold the handle in place. It can wear out with regular use and cause leaks. This part can be easily replaced to fix your leaking faucet.

Valve Seat Problems
A valve seat is the name of the part that connects the spout to the faucet. Over time, these may become rusty or corroded. This will result in a dripping faucet. All you have to do is get it cleaned, and you'll have a fixed leak.

Worn-Out Washer
The washer may wear out as it rubs against the valve seat. This hinders the washer's ability to remain water-tight, allowing drips. This part can be replaced to repair the problem.

Loose Parts
Sometimes, parts become loose over time. If this is the problem, tightening the nut in the stream screw should fix it.
Checking the water pressure, O ring, valve seat, washer and nut in the stream screw will help you diagnose the problem. After you know the cause, fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.