Recent Storm Damage Posts

Now is the Time to Prepare your Branson Home for Winter

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson we know the importance of preparing your home for winter weather.  It is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and energy efficiency during the colder months. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready for winter:

  1. Inspect and Maintain Heating System:

    • Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your heating system is in good working condition.
    • Change or clean furnace filters regularly throughout the winter.
  2. Seal Drafts and Insulate:

    • Check for drafts around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
    • Consider adding additional insulation to your attic, walls, and basement to improve energy efficiency.
  3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts:

    • Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water damage.
  4. Protect Pipes:

    • Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential burst pipes. Use heat tape or pipe insulation.
    • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off exterior water faucets.
  5. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance:

    • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before using your fireplace.
    • Install a chimney cap to keep out animals and debris.
  6. Prepare for Power Outages:

    • Ensure you have flashlights, batteries, and candles on hand.
    • Consider investing in a portable generator for emergency power.
  7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

    • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure they are working correctly.
  8. Insulate Windows:

    • Consider using thermal curtains or plastic film insulation kits on windows to reduce heat loss.
  9. Plan for Emergency Supplies:

    • Create an emergency kit that includes food, water, blankets, and essential supplies in case of a power outage or severe weather.
  10. Stay Informed:

    • Keep track of weather forecasts and stay informed about any winter storm warnings or advisories.

By following these winter preparation tips, you can help ensure a safer and more comfortable living environment during the colder months while also potentially saving on energy costs. If you find yourself in need of a restoration professional give SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson a call at 417-724-0084.

Summer Storms in Southwest Missouri

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Summer in the Branson area brings a threat of thunderstorms with lightning.  Summer thunderstorms may pop up quickly or be staggered in clusters or lines.  The warm humid conditions of summer make our atmosphere favorable for producing heavy rain for 30 minutes to 1 hour.  The biggest threat of summer storms to humans and property a like is usually lighting, lightning can occur as far as 10 miles away from the storm.  Most lightning injuries or deaths are caused when people are caught outdoors and usually occur in the afternoons or evenings.

A good way to prepare yourself and family and prevent injuries is to familiarize yourselves with our warning systems.

  •             A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued to tell you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. 
  •             A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.  A Warning indicates imminent danger.

Stay weather aware by listening to television, radio or your NOAA Weather Radio, a smartphone device is good to have on hand, there are many apps that will send notifications if you are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning.  It’s a good rule of thumb that if you hear thunder to go indoors, if you hear thunder lightning is in the area.

If your home or business suffer property damage from summer thunderstorms call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson at 417-724-0084. 

How to Deal with Skunk Odor

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

skunk in grass with servpro logo Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson for skunk odor removal at 417-724-0084

It is not uncommon to see skunks wandering around in Southwest Missouri this time of year.  Skunks are usually not a problem unless one gets trapped in the crawlspace of your home, when this happens the smell can permeate the house and everything in it. Skunk spray is not easy to get rid of it is an oily compound that is rich in sulfur. Sulfur atoms have a way of bonding with other atoms, and this makes it much harder to eliminate the smell.

 This leaves the big question how to get rid of the skunk smell?  This is where you will need a professional’s help.  SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson will start by locating and removing the source if needed, identify each item that needs to be treated, remove any affected insulation in the crawlspace, ventilate the area by using air movers. We use SERVPRO’s bio-odor neutralizer on the affected areas, this completely eliminates the smell and does not just mask it.   Inside the home we remove all filters from the HVAC system, ventilate the air ducts and structure and pull in as much fresh air as possible.

 If you find your home has been invaded by these stinky creatures, we recommend you Call animal control or pest company that can relocate the skunks.  Clean up any pets that may have been affected. And Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson at 417-724-0084 to get the process going as quickly as possible. For more tips on odor removal visit our website.

Are you prepared for severe weather?

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

In the Ozarks severe weather comes in many forms; in the spring it mostly comes in the form of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding.  While storms vary it’s important to be prepared for any of these forms of severe weather.  It’s a good idea to have some basic supplies and some preparation done ahead of time. Make sure everyone in your home knows the designated place to shelter. Have a plan to get out of the house in case of emergency, make sure each family members know the best way to get out of the home. Have a designated place to meet when it is safe to go outside.

Create an emergency kit.

  1. Flashlights and batteries.
  2. Emergency Radio or NOAA weather radio
  3. Personal Sanitation products
  4. First Aid kit
  5. Plastic Tarps
  6. Gloves and Masks
  7. Extra clothing and blanket
  8. Tools to shut off utilities
  9. Battery pack chargers for your cell phones.

10.You should have an emergency supply of food.  Enough food for each family for at least 3 days and one gallon of water per day per family member.

Before a storm hits take some time to secure loose items around the house that can fly away.  Items like trash cans, lawn furniture, grills, and flowerpots.  If you have a generator, check to make sure it is in good working order. Hopefully you never need to access these items but if you ever do, it being prepared will be a huge help to your family.

Once the storm is over if your home has suffered storm damage, you may always reach out to SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson, we have the man power and resources you will need to get your home back to normal. Call us at 417-724-0084.

Storm Watch or Storm Warning? Know the Difference!

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Stormy skies with storm warning sign If your home or business are affected by storms in the Branson area call us anytime at 417-724-0084.

Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning?  There are many types of storms in southwest Missouri you know we are no stranger to severe weather.  We have many forms of severe weather including Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Flash Floods, and Winter Storms, for each type of storm we also have storm watches, advisories, and storm warnings.

What does a Storm Watch” Mean? A storm watch means that severe weather hasn't occurred yet, but upcoming weather conditions are expected to produce potentially dangerous weather, such as heavy rain, hail, or strong gusts of wind.

What does a “Storm Warning” mean? A storm warning indicates that meteorologists have already observed severe conditions. If you hear that a storm warning has been issued, it means potentially dangerous weather is imminent in or near your location. These watches and warnings are in place to help you take appropriate action as quickly and safely as possible. It is always a good idea to have a plan in place for storms.

For more information about watches and storm warnings you can visit the National Weather Services website.

If your home or business are affected by storms call us anytime at 417-724-0084.

Spring Weather brings Storms to the Ozarks

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

flooded home If your Nixa area home has experienced storm or flood damage, call us today at 417-724-0084.

The Ozarks is a beautiful place to call home, we are blessed to experience all four seasons; sometimes it feels like we experience all four seasons within 24 hours! Because of our location in the interior of the United States, Missouri often experiences extremes in temperatures.  Lacking large mountains or oceans nearby to moderate its temperature, our climate is alternately influenced by air from the cold Artic and the hot and humid Gulf of Mexico.

With this knowledge it’s good to always stay weather aware, severe weather can hit the Nixa and Branson area at a moment’s notice in many forms; from damaging straight line winds to tornado outbreaks and flash flooding.  These storms can cause roof and water damage or impact damage from fallen trees. SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is a locally owned family-owned business since 1985, we are nearby and ready to respond 24/7 to your flooding and storm damage emergency.   If your home or business has been damaged by storms it is crucial to act quickly as this will limit further damage and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained professionals have specialized equipment and resources to handle any size job.

If you have experienced storm or flood damage, call us today at 417-724-0084.

Severe Weather Season is coming to Branson

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

screen shot of the KY3 weather app with SERVPRO branding Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson Today (417) 724-0084

We are excited to announce that SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson has kicked off our ad campaign as sponsors for KY3 First Alert Weather app and weather report on television.  SERVPRO will be featured on the app and the weather reports throughout the day. KY3 is the premier weather station in southwest Missouri and has received many awards for their weather team.

With Storm season about to kick off for the Ozark, the KY3 First Alert app is a great way to keep informed and stay weather aware. As you know severe weather can hit the Ozarks at a moment's notice in many forms; from damaging straight line winds to tornado outbreaks and flash flooding.  These storms can cause roof and water damage or impact damage from fallen trees. As a locally owned and operated business SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is nearby and ready to respond 24/7 to your flooding or storm damage emergency.   If your home has been damaged by storms it is crucial to act quickly as this will lessen damage, limit further damage, and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (417) 724-0084

Winter Weather in the Ozarks

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Freezing water coming out of a brick wall. A broken pipe causes water to run outside of the brick in an apartment building.

Living in the harsh Missouri Ozarks weather can have it challenges.  Severe weather comes in many forms in our area and one of them is winter storms.  We have learned you can never be too prepared for the weather that might come your way living in Springfield.  

There are some simple steps you can do to prepare your home for winger in the Ozarks.  Keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.  Install and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and don’t forget to check and replace your batteries twice a year. It’s a good idea to gather supplies in case you need to stay home a few days without power, batteries for flashlights and radio and don’t forget to have extra supplies on hand for your pets.  We like to have a plan in place for a source of alternate heating such as a generator.

A few tips to keep pipes from freezing are Keeping your garage door closed at all times, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open Kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors where there are water lines, this will allow the warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if the pipes are on an outer wall. Let water drip from a faucet, running water at a trickle will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Sometimes even with all the planning in place pipes freeze and once the temperatures warm up you can be left with a mess.  If this happens you can always call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County to come and assess the situation. We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us.  A fast response lessens the damage and limits further damage and reduces cost.

When Storms Hit Nixa and Branson Area, SERVPRO is Ready!

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

If you home receives storm damage like this one, call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson.

SERVPRO of Nixa & Branson specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the Branson Area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams SERVPROnixabranson.com/storm that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 417-724-0084

Prevent Mold Growth in Your Branson Area Home

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in Branson Area Home

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson professionals handle water damages every day and know that prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread when the environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time.  If your property has seen a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry structure promptly.  If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for: 

  • The presence of visible mold.
  • Strong musty odor which may indicate mold is present.
  • Any evidence of past moisture problems that have caused undetected mold growth.
  • Excessive humidity. 

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the property for mold growth and water damage problems.  If you think you might have a mold problem don't panic call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson today at (417) 724-0084

A Flood of Concerns for Branson Area

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Nixa / Branson for your storm and flooding cleanup

Spring will soon be upon us, along with spring rains. As needed as they are, sometimes those rains don’t let up for a while and Branson ends up flooded. When that happens, we may see images of people walking through flood waters. Many times, they have no choice as they’re trying to escape to higher ground. But sometimes we see pictures of kids, even adults, playing in floodwaters. There is something tempting about playing in water when it’s in places it’s usually never seen. But here are some serious reasons why you never want to walk (or play) in floodwaters:

  • Creature features – some of your playmates may include poisonous snakes, bugs, leeches, disease-carrying rodents and decaying animal carcasses.  
  • Shock value – a live power line could give way (which is not unusual in disaster areas) and land in the water you’re standing in. No description necessary.
  • Junk in the funk – flood waters can carry and/or hide all sorts of debris that can harm you – broken glass, torn metal, splintered wood, etc.
  • The force is not with you – it only takes 6 inches of rapidly moving floodwaters to knock you off your feet and carry you to an uncertain fate.
  • Contamination abounds – many floods cause sewer overflows, releasing dangerous chemical waste and harmful microbes. These can make you very ill, especially if you swallow any or it comes in contact with your eyes, nose or open sores.
  • They suck – when flood waters cover storm drains or sink holes, powerful whirlpools can form that may not be visible from above. They can pull you under and won't let you go.

If you must walk in flood water (standing only – never go into moving water unless you’ve got a rope attached and you’re with a fireman/EMT/etc.), then take all precautions. Wear protective clothing and where your skin or clothing comes in contact with the water, wash as soon as possible. Also make sure you keep up with all vaccinations. 

The dangers listed above can also enter your home during flooding. And even if the flooding comes from an inside source, some of these hazards still exist. So instead of trying to handle such a catastrophe yourself, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Nixa / Branson who are trained for such emergencies. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property. Then we’ll dry, dehumidify, clean, repair and return your property to normal.

Do You Have Storm “Four” Knowledge?

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare for Storm Damage in Nixa

Throughout life, there are many things you plan for. You try to structure your education so you’ll have a fulfilling and well-paying job. You may plan for a vacation weeks or even months ahead. Maybe you planned for the type of home you wanted, gathering blueprints, getting contractors lined up, choosing color swatches, etc.

But unfortunately, many of us don’t plan for disasters, natural or man-made. When they happen, people may say things like, “But I never saw it coming,” and “We didn’t have time to react.” Well, the time for action is long before a tragedy befalls you or your property!

According to FEMA, there are four main ways to prepare for storms you can and should do NOW:

  1. Get informed
  2. Make a plan
  3. Assemble a kit
  4. Maintain your plan and kit
  1. Get Informed - Many areas have local emergency management offices and/or a Red Cross Chapter. These organizations can provide you vital information concerning local emergency response arrangements, evacuation plans and emergency shelters. It’s also a good idea to invest in a NOAA Weather Radio that will alert you during any time of the day or night for when possible destructive conditions materialize.
  2. Make a Plan
  • Conduct a family meeting that will inform everyone what your emergency plans are.
  • Have an out-of-town contact that each one knows the number to. This is who you’ll call to inform where you are after a disaster strikes.
  • Teach your children how and when to call emergency numbers.
  • Have a prearranged location picked out as the place your family will meet in case you get separated from one another. Make sure everyone knows not only the best escape routes but the safe places to go inside your home if a tornado approaches.
  • Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves.
  • Have fire extinguishers ready and show everyone where they’re located and how to use them.
  • Inventory your possessions and keep that list along with important documents in a safe deposit box.
  • Keep your homeowners or renter’s insurance company’s telephone numbers readily available. (Also, be sure to keep SERVPRO® of Nixa/Branson's phone number close at hand!)
  1. Assemble a Kit – this is a collection of basic family needs you’ll need after a disaster. These should be stored in a portable container and enough to last you three days. It should include food, water, a battery powered radio, a flashlight, etc. You can find a full list of items for your survival kit at redcross.org.
  2. Maintain Your Plan – every six months, review your plans with your family, conduct evacuation drills and restock expiring food and perishables in your kit. Also, confirm your fire extinguisher is recharged and smoke alarm batteries are replaced.

Alan Lakein, an author on personal time management, once wrote, “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” That’s very empowering when you think about it. It’s almost like time traveling without a DeLorean or having to mess with all that space-time continuum stuff. Planning ahead for emergencies can also bring you great peace of mind. Think of it as an insurance policy against future disasters without the pesky premiums.

My House Is Flooded, Now What?

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

A Flooded Basement During a Recent Storm Event

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Have A  Storm or Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson at (417) 724-0084

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is Hiring!

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson is Hiring!

Do you love helping people through difficult situations?

Then, don’t miss your chance to join SERVPRO of Nixa/Branson as a new Production Technician. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened”!

 Our Franchise is seeking someone who is comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoys meeting new people, has excellent communication skills, and is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you’ll thrive in this work environment. Are you highly dependable and super-excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then you may be our perfect hero!

As a valued SERVPRO® Franchise employee, you will receive a competitive pay rate, with opportunity to learn and grow.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Inventory and load the work vehicle with equipment, products, and supplies needed for each project.
  • Maintain a clean and organized vehicle and clean equipment appearance.
  • Prepare rooms/areas for work activities. Set up staging area and equipment for each project.
  • Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.
  • Perform production processes following SERVPRO® production guidelines per work order per crew chief directions.
  • Ensure clear two-way communication with crew chief and other technicians (especially regarding customer needs and concerns).
  • Perform end-of-day/end-of-job cleanup and breakdown. Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.

Position Requirements

  • Effective oral communication
  • Basic math skills
  • Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred
  • High school diploma/GED
  • IICRC certifications preferred
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly, occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance
  • Ability to climb ladders, work at ceiling heights, work in tight spaces (e.g., crawls spaces, attics)
  • Ability to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to repetitively push/pull/lift/carry objects
  • Ability to work with/around cleaning products/chemicals
  • Ability to travel locally and out of state when necessary
  • Ability to successfully complete a background check subject to applicable law

To apply please click the Contact Us portion of our website and send us your resume. 

SERVPRO® of Nixa/Branson is an EOE M/F/D/V employer