Preparing Your Home for a Cozy and Safe Winter in Ascension Parish

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

Southern home vulnerable to winter weather

When you think of winter, images of snowy landscapes and freezing temperatures might come to mind. However, in Ascension Parish, winter brings its own set of unique challenges. While it may not be as frigid as some other regions, it's still important to prepare your home for the winter months to ensure your safety and comfort. In this blog post, SERVPRO offers valuable tips on how to keep your home safe from winter weather in Ascension Parish.

1. Insulate Your Home:

Start by checking your home's insulation. Adequate insulation helps retain heat and can save you money on heating bills. Insulate attics, walls, and crawl spaces, and consider sealing any gaps or cracks that may allow cold air to enter.

2. Protect Your Pipes:

Even in Ascension Parish, winter temperatures can occasionally dip low enough to freeze pipes. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate them or use heat tape. Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold nights to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.

3. Service Your Heating System:

Before the cold sets in, have your heating system serviced by a professional. Clean or replace filters, check for any issues, and ensure that your heating system is working efficiently. Don't forget to test your carbon monoxide detectors as well.

4. Seal Drafts and Gaps:

Sealing drafts and gaps around windows and doors can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these areas and keep warm air in and cold air out.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit:

In case of a power outage or winter storm, it's essential to have an emergency kit on hand. Include items like flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and a battery-operated radio. Be sure to follow local guidelines and have a plan for staying safe during severe weather.

6. Trim Trees and Branches:

Ascension Parish can experience strong winds and occasional ice storms during winter. To prevent branches from falling on your home, trim overhanging trees and remove dead or weak branches that could pose a risk.

7. Clear Gutters and Downspouts:

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to allow for proper drainage. This prevents ice dams from forming on your roof and minimizes the risk of water damage.

8. Keep Your Home Warm and Safe:

When using space heaters, follow safety guidelines, and keep them away from flammable materials. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean and in good working condition if you plan to use them for heating.

9. Protect Outdoor Faucets:

Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them to prevent freezing. Consider installing freeze-proof outdoor faucets to avoid burst pipes.

10. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Regularly test and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are crucial for your safety year-round.

Conclusion:

Preparing your home for winter in Ascension Parish may not require as much insulation as northern states, but it's still essential to take steps to keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable during the cooler months. SERVPRO is here to help you with any unexpected winter weather-related issues, from water damage to storm damage. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can enjoy a cozy and worry-free winter in beautiful Ascension Parish. Stay safe and warm!

Moving In or Moving Out: SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish Can Restore Your Home

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Spring and summer have proven to be the most popular months for people to move apartments and houses. Although people move during the other seasons, spring and summer are popular because of the better weather and the timing. Moving during this time helps students and families with kids or teachers settle in before the school year begins. As we are in the middle of the summer season, Ascension Parish is getting ready for a new group of college students to move into town, along with seasoned students coming back to start another school year.

Whether you’re a student or have a student moving into an apartment, there are costs that come with moving and living in a rental. To help you out, we’ve developed a list of things to keep in mind and check when moving in (and moving out) of an apartment or rental home to avoid losing your deposit!

1. The Furniture: If you’re moving into a furnished apartment, check to see that the furniture is clean and in livable condition. When you are ready to move out, make sure the furniture is in good condition. If you need upholstery cleaning, SERVPRO® of East Baton Rouge provides this service.
2. The Walls: make sure the pain is consistent throughout the entirety of the unit. Verify that the paint isn’t made with poisonous materials. For wood-paneled walls, check to see none of the panels are loose or show signs of rotting. When you’re ready to move out, be sure the walls are free of dirt, pet dander, cigarette smoke and other contaminants. Need help? Check out what we can do.
3. The Windows: make sure all windows can open in case of a fire. Be sure there is no broken glass and that it is free of mold. Check that all of this is clear when moving out as well.
4. The Electricity: check all of the lights and be sure they work. Go to your fuse box and make sure it is not damaged or missing any pieces. Also check the plugs in the walls to be sure your appliances will work when plugged in. If in the unfortunate event there has been a fire, we offer fire restoration to get the unit back in shape.
5. The Thermostat: be sure that your unit can blow both hot and cold air. Check to see if the filter has been cleaned recently. Ventilation systems are vital in providing good air quality, if you need an inspection or cleaning, let SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish help.
6. The Smoke Detectors: make sure all are working properly. Test them to be sure they make noise. For an extra safety measure, replace the batteries with fresh ones upon moving in.
7. Water Flow: Turn on all faucets and showers to make sure the water can get cold and warm. Check quality of water to see that it’s clear and not foggy. Also use this time to make sure the toilets are clean and flush properly. In case there’s water damage while you’re a tenant, see how we can help with our water services.
8. Mold and Mildew: Check bathrooms and kitchen for any mold or mildew that might be inside cabinets or on walls. A mold infestation can produce allergens and irritants, you’ll want a professional that has training and experience to properly remove the infestation.
9. The Floor: make sure you check that the carpets are clean, without tears, and have no pieces missing. They should not be stained nor should they have an odor. If it’s tile, make sure all tiles are in place and none are popping out or scuffed. When moving out, make sure the carpets are clean and free of heavy soil. If you need help cleaning, SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish provides professional cleaning.
10. Pest Control: Make sure your apartment is clear of insects and rodents. If needed, notify your property manager of the problem and let them know pest control is needed. Keep an eye out for this during your time at this residence to prevent any damage to the property that could be repaired at the cost of your deposit.

Although exciting, moving can be a stressful time. To be sure your apartment is in good shape when moving out, contact SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish to inspect and help restore the unit if needed. We’re dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster, and you can depend on us to make your property look its best.

Contact us today 225-663-8877