Archived Blog Posts
Damage and Your Home | SERVPRO of Houston County
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Houston County right away.
Every day, your home faces a number of threats that could leave it damaged. Severe storms, fires or even just aging structural beams are all disasters that could happen at any moment. There is even the threat of the neighbor who loves to impress his kids with how far he can throw…and leaves your window broken and you on the phone with your insurance company.
There may be risks, but we can’t spend all of our time worrying about them. Instead, we can prepare for them so that our homes are as safe as possible. We can’t predict everything that will happen, but when we are ready for anything, extreme losses can usually be avoided.
To get prepared, we have to first make sure we understand just how our homes can be affected by some of the biggest risks. The more you know about what it is you may face, the less scary risks will become and the easier the recovery process will be. With SERVPRO® of Houston County right around the corner, you can rest assured that your restoration process can happen fast.
The Biggest Risks
Georgia is a beautiful place to live, with fairly moderate temperatures and plenty of green spaces. We all know too well, though, that the weather in Warner Robins and surrounding areas can be a mixed bag. Tornadoes are a very real possibility in the warmer months—we even saw 18 in one day in 2022. Thunderstorms, heavy rains and even the occasional freeze also can’t be ruled out.
With so much volatile weather often a possibility in our forecast, there are lots of threats we need to be prepared for. The most common ways your home might be damaged are water damage, roof damage and fires.
We might be landlocked in this part of Georgia, but heavy rains still leave our roofs vulnerable to leaks and plumbing failures can quickly flood the insides of our homes. Our roofs are also at risk from strong winds during thunderstorms, tornadoes or even the lingering tropical storm pushing in from the coast. Fires can also start internally or externally, although most house fires are the result of manmade error.
Compounding Damages
We know from seeing the tornado damage around us over the years how traumatic living through a disaster can be. We also know that one kind of damage often leads to another. Flooding rains can leave your basement full of water and most of your property wet, which can then allow mold to form and rapidly spread to your foundation.
Fire will burn everything near it, but smoke and soot can travel well beyond where the flames were, leaving walls blackened and your entire house with an odor. On top of that, the water or chemicals used to put out the fire can leave your home with additional damage.
Regardless of what kind of disaster your home experienced, recovery is completely possible step by step. The SERVPRO team is trained in a multitude of situations, which means we are ready to handle every single part of your restoration. We have experience in water, fire, wind, mold and even construction. No matter what has happened, we can put your home back together again.
After a flood occurs in your home, our first step will be to get everything dry. We will also start making sure everything is structurally sound and tackle mold growth. This might mean we need to replace parts of your foundation or a roof beam, or it could mean sanitizing and removing odors.
When a fire disaster strikes your home, we will tackle removing the most burned areas first. We will also seal your home from the elements while the rest of your recovery proceeds. Our crew will address every room to ensure smoke, soot and odors are gone. Depending on how bad the damages were, we can tear down and rebuild rooms so that your home is your home again.
SERVPRO is the total package. We work directly with your insurance and coordinate any other contractors that are needed to put everything back together. Our team’s goal is to make the process simple and get you back home quickly.
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.
Why You Should Create an Emergency Plan | SERVPRO of Houston County
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Houston County is here for you when disaster strikes!
Natural disasters have been on the rise over the years. According to recent statistics, not only are they occurring more often in more places, but they are also getting stronger. That means more damage, more often.
Statistics might be helpful for getting a numerical view of things, but they don’t always mean something will happen to your business, right? Even if you never see a damaging natural disaster at your place of work, though, manmade disasters are always a possibility everywhere.
Maybe you aren’t excited to think through all the potential risks your business could face, but staying ahead of things that could interrupt your workflow is important. When you are prepared, you can move forward without fear of losses.
The Importance of a PlanWith the instances of natural disasters continuing to grow every year, forming a plan can go a long way in saving lives and preventing extensive damage. Getting to know your risks better can help you take action before they happen, which means you can stay better protected from potential flooding, severe weather or fires.
Not only do both natural and manmade disasters leave behind physical damage, but they can also be one of the most financially challenging situations your business will ever have to walk through. When you have a plan, you can make sure your team is safe and your finances are, too.
A plan can also mean you get back to work as soon as it is safe to do so after a disaster. Many businesses that are forced to close because of damage never reopen. Creating a plan means you and your employees will know exactly what to do and you won’t miss a minute of work.
An Emergency Ready PlanIf you are wondering where to begin, start with a call to SERVPRO®. Our Emergency Ready Plan is the perfect business solution to get you through any possible disaster. With a plan curated exactly to your needs, you can stay safe and protected even before anything ever happens.
To get started, our team will provide a free assessment of your business. We will address every potential situation you might face and create actions to get through all of them. Our experienced crew will walk you through everything you need to do before, during and after a disaster strikes.
When a storm or other potential disaster is predicted, you can take steps to prevent losses. You may need staff members assigned to secure paperwork and prepare electronics, or your work ahead of a disaster might require getting your building ready to avoid damage. Whatever your needs are, you won’t have to rush through getting directions out—with a plan in place, everyone will know what to do as soon as you say “go.”
The Emergency Ready Plan will also include a solid communication plan. A chain of command will be created to ensure your team knows who they can expect to get instructions from, as well as who to report to throughout the event. Once it is safe to do so, our team will head to your property in order to start restoring damage while you resume operations, whether on site, remotely or at an alternate location.
Your emergency plan should be a complete package in order to best meet your needs—and that is exactly what the Emergency Ready Plan is. We make sure your business avoids financial losses and your employees stay safe. You not only get a complete plan to get through anything, but you also get our experienced team and 24⁄7 availability. It’s our goal to restore your property fast so you can keep your business going.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
Fire-Free All Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Houston County
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Houston County on the case!
The holiday season has returned, and no matter how you celebrate or when you celebrate, there is bound to be some pretty good food during this time of year. If you are the main chef when it comes to making all the classic family dishes, you’ll need to ensure you are cooking safely to prevent a potential fire.
House fires increase during the holiday season every year, and a good number of them start in the kitchen. That doesn’t mean you should ditch all the old recipes and order a deli platter, instead with a few extra precautions, you can serve the meal you want while enjoying a safe home.
Reducing Flammable Materials in the KitchenWhen you head into the kitchen to start preparing the meal, take a few steps to prepare your space as well. Kitchen fires often move faster because of clutter.
Keep pot holders, wooden cooking utensils, towels and holiday decorations away from any sources of heat. A single oil bubble or a quick spark can catch material on fire and start a spread of flames throughout your kitchen.
Think about what you are wearing as well. Skip the fun apron with the dangling strings and opt for clothes that are slightly tight-fitting without a lot of frills. Loose fabric, hanging decoration and even long sleeves can present a fire hazard while you cook.
Keep a Close Eye on FoodIt is always a good idea to stay close by any time you cook. Whether you are baking, boiling or grilling, a fire can start in a matter of seconds and spread just as fast. Stay in the kitchen so that you can take fast action to put out any flames should they spark.
If you are planning on frying a turkey for one of your celebrations, take a few extra steps to keep everything safe. Make sure the kids and your pets know to stay away while the fryer is on, and follow any safety guidelines laid out by the manufacturer.
Put your fryer on a level surface, and avoid putting too much oil in. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed—even a partially frozen turkey will cause the oil to splatter and pop, creating a burn and fire risk.
Install Protective MeasuresFires may not be totally preventable, but the more you do to stay safe, the lower your risks will be. Make sure your home has plenty of protective measures in place as well.
There should be a smoke detector on every level of your home, including one either in your kitchen or very near it. Get into the habit of checking smoke detector batteries monthly, but also check the one near the kitchen right before your day of cooking for the season.
A small fire extinguisher is another helpful piece of equipment to keep near the kitchen. It should be somewhere you can grab in a hurry, and make sure a few of your family members know how to properly use it. Be sure to keep pot and pan lids at arms’ reach as well so that you can smother any grease fires that might pop up.
Make your home as safe as it is cozy this season. If you do experience a fire of any size, call us. We are available around the clock to handle your damage quickly. We will get your home put back together so that you can get back to enjoying the magic of the season.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
How to Handle Strong Winter Storms | SERVPRO of Houston County
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Houston County has your back with these helpful tips.
Winter in Georgia can be a daily adventure. For most of the season we can anticipate mild temperatures, gray skies and rain. While snow is pretty rare, it can’t be ruled out—and neither can ice.
Whatever each day brings, the more we are prepared for the season we are, the safer we can stay. If we get our home and family ready for anything, we can avoid disasters.
Preparing Your HomeWhen a winter storm is headed our way, you need to prepare ahead of time so that you stay indoors as the worst of it blows through. Intense rain and freezing temperatures can make incredibly dangerous driving situations that you want to avoid.
Check on what emergency supplies you have around your home, and if you don’t already have one, invest in a weather radio. Winter weather can knock out power quickly and for the long-term. Gathering up supplies is crucial for staying safe and warm.
Put together an emergency kit that includes batteries, flashlights and basic first-aid supplies. If you have a fireplace, make sure you have plenty of wood or that your pilot light is on and ready. Gather up your blankets and sleeping bags—this might be the perfect time for a family slumber party.
Update your contact list as well, and consider where you might stay if things get really cold. Talk with your family and friends about the best way to keep everyone safe. Warming centers often open at the Salvation Army if you need a place to go during the day.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormOnce things have settled down outside, take some time to look over your house and check for damage. Even if you don’t see anything right away, there are a few things you will want to do to ensure your home stays safe.
Inspect your roof for potential wind damage or debris buildup. If the temps stay low enough, ice could form at the corners of your roof and leave your gutters blocked. Make sure water can run cleanly through and remove any leaves or limbs.
Walk around your yard and the perimeter of your home as well. Clean up any debris that has blown around, paying special attention to the exits of your gutter downspouts to ensure they are clear. Look over your siding and the rest of your gutter system as well to make sure everything is still connected and nothing is out of place. Remove debris from around your HVAC units and external vents on your home to prevent life risking carbon monoxide buildup inside.
How We Can HelpIf you do find damage after or even experience damage in the midst of a winter storm, call us right away. We are available around the clock and will start getting your information together in order to send a team to your house. Once they arrive, they can fully assess the situation and let you know exactly what restoration will entail.
We make it our goal to get your home back to exactly as it was before the storm quickly and efficiently. Our professionals will make your restoration process as simple as possible so that you can get outside and enjoy whatever the winter season brings.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO® of Houston County for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
What to Do When Your Home Is Damaged in a Storm | SERVPRO of Houston County
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Houston County to restore your space in no time!
Even if you had time to prepare for it, a storm might blow in and leave you completely overwhelmed. A thunderstorm can have more strength in speed than you thought possible and create more destruction than you have ever imagined.
Central Georgia has had a history of pretty severe storms. Thunderstorms are common throughout the year, but spring and summer bring us heavy rain, flash floods and tornadoes. We also see the remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes that blow into the Georgia coast.
Preparing your family and your home ahead of time can help mitigate damages, but it won’t stop everything. If you do find yourself riding out a storm only to later find your home has taken a hit, what do you do next?
Always make safety a top priority, even after the storm is long gone. Grab some shoes and calm your breathing before heading out to take a look at everything that has happened. Safely taking some steps after a storm has damaged your home can help ensure a quick recovery.
Immediately After the StormOnce the initial threat of the storm has passed, you and your family need to continue to stay vigilant for lingering lightning, heavy rains or even another round of severe danger. Don’t turn your weather radio off, and keep a clear path back to your safe sheltering location so you can move quickly if another warning is issued.
As the dust continues to settle, start reaching out to your loved ones. Going over how you will communicate before a disaster strikes is crucial so that everyone knows what to expect. If cell service isn’t available, text messaging may still work.
If you are able to safely get out, go check on those around you next. Don’t go into damaged buildings or homes, but instead, try to find a safe way out for anyone that needs it. Clear roadways as you are able in order to allow for emergency personnel to come in.
Once you have ensured your loved ones and neighbors are safe, start taking some pictures of your own damage, and call SERVPRO® of Houston County. Our phone lines are open around the clock, which means your recovery can start right away no matter what time of day it is.
As More Time PassesThe work that lies ahead of you will become more clear as time passes, but even in the hours, days and weeks following a disaster, you need to stay cautious. Watch for hazards you could step on like nails, and keep a device charged in order to receive weather alerts ahead of more storms.
One of the first tasks that should be tackled after a disaster is taking steps to prevent additional damages. Our SERVPRO crew of experts will immediately work to seal off your home, tarping your roof or closing off broken windows as needed. We will also get rid of standing water and start drying out anything in your home that may have gotten wet.
Our team will work directly with your insurance company so that you don’t have to worry about struggling through a claim. At this point, as the damage to your home is fully assessed, you may need to consider relocating your family temporarily while work is completed.
As you journey through your recovery process, staying calm will help things stay smooth. It can be devastating to see your home damaged after living through severe weather, but when you have a trusted team at your home, things will be back to normal fast.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
When the Rain Comes | SERVPRO of Houston County
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Houston County on the case!
Rain can be a sweet gift throughout the year. Cooling the temps in the summer, bringing in the fall vibes of autumn or ushering in the cold chill of winter. But rain can also create a huge mess when it falls fast and hard.
When rain plagues our homes for days or an intense shower blows in, it can leave our roofs leaking and our foundation soggy. Flooding can cause massive amounts of damage, and flash flooding can happen so quickly that entire roadways can be washed out right before your eyes.
The good news is that SERVPRO® of Houston County is right around the corner, ready to help when things do get out of control. Our crew also wants to make sure you stay safe with a few prevention tips that can help mitigate disasters.
Hazards of Intense RainWhile Georgia weather can be a pretty mixed bag, central Georgia tends to be slightly more mild than the rest of the state. Even still, we see thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding throughout the year.
The spring and summer are especially brutal months for extreme weather, when a heavy rain can cause flash flooding that leaves roads covered in water and washes away loose items from yards. Heavy rains also hit regularly during the fall, leaving gutters overflowing and roofs leaking.
You can’t control Mother Nature, but you can do your best to get prepared for everything she brings. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on local weather reports throughout the year and create a plan of action for your family when flooding strikes.
Staying SafeWhen it comes to preparing for storms, safety should always be your first priority. If you are away from home when a storm is bringing flooding to the area, do your best to make it home or head for indoor shelter; never drive through water-covered roads.
At home, bring inside or strap down any loose items around your home. Park your car in a garage or higher ground. Put irreplaceable items in a high location and keep your important papers stored somewhere waterproof. If water starts to come in while you are at home, avoid stepping into it while it is still flowing. It can be moving a whole lot faster than your eye can see.
Turn the power off to any flooded areas of your home, or shut it off altogether. Stay dry as much as you can, and move very carefully through any waters if you do have to walk through water. Call us as soon as you can safely can so that we can start your restoration fast.
Future Prevention StrategiesAs we work with you to get everything put back together in your home, we can also help you better fortify your home to prevent future disasters. The best place to start is outside of your home in order to prevent water from coming in.
Talk with a professional about adding grading to your yard and other organic ways to keep water away from your home. Landscaping is a great line of defense to keep water from intruding.
A sump pump is another way to protect your foundation. If you don’t already have one, or yours couldn’t keep up during the last round of heavy rain, adding a properly sized pump can go a long way in preventing flooding as it works to flush water out just as fast as it is coming in.
Keep SERVPRO in your emergency contacts as another fast line of defense. We can respond to your property fast and start the drying, sanitization and mold prevention process right away. We can’t prevent storms, but we can take quick action to clean up and prevent extensive damages when we are prepared for them.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Keeping Bonfires Safe | SERVPRO of Houston County
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Houston County has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Which season is your favorite? As we edge ever closer to cooler temps and changing leaves, for many the fall season is one of the best times of year. The humidity breaks and we are finally able to get out the pumpkin decorations while we drink and eat pumpkin-flavored everything.
Fall is also the perfect time for getting outside with the family, gathering around the fire pit to eat too many marshmallows and share plenty of stories. While you melt a little more chocolate, make sure you are also practicing fire safety.
SERVPRO® may have all your restoration needs covered when a disaster strikes, but we also want to help you stay safe and prevent one from ever happening in the first place.
Tips for Starting the FireBefore you actually light your fire, keep a few things you should do in mind:
Do find a location that will be safe to have your fire. It should be in an open space clear of overhangs, loose limbs and a good distance from any structures.
Do keep water nearby. Put a bucket of water close to where your fire will be, or attach a hose that you can turn on quickly. You can also grab a shovel and keep sand or dirt handy to smother out any rouge flames or add to embers when they are still glowing red.
Do take a look at the weather ahead of having your fire. Check the forecast for storms, but also take a look outside and watch for wind. Even a covered fire pit can be dangerous on a windy day. Check for local burn bans the day of your fire so that you can follow county regulations.
Tips for While the Fire Is HotOnce you have gotten your fire safely going, there are a few things you don’t want to do:
Don’t keep your fire going with anything other than treated, approved wood. Lighter fluid and gasoline are dangerous on open flames, and tossing in anything else can cause flames that are higher and hotter than you are prepared for.
Don’t play around the flames. Keep kids, dogs and yard games away from the fire to avoid potential accidents.
Don’t create a bigger fire then you can tend to. It can be easy to build the fire up big enough that you won’t have to tend to it much, but one flame going the wrong way can result in a scorched backyard and put your home at risk.
Don’t ever leave a fire unattended, even when it is just down to red-hot embers. Pour water over it and stick around until it has cooled completely.
Wildfire PreventionUnfortunately, the majority of wildfires are started by human error. If you are going to have a fire outside, it is your duty to not only protect your family and your home, but the environment as well. Use the right materials, don’t make it too big and put it completely out before you leave.
If you do ever have damage from a fire on your property or in your home, call SERVPRO. We are available 24⁄7 to respond to your property and get life put back together fast.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
I Have Water Damage in My House. Now What? | SERVPRO of Houston County
8/15/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Houston County right away.
You may not give much thought to water on a daily basis. You turn on the faucet or start a new cycle for the washing machine and the water magically comes on and serves a purpose.
Most of the time in our homes, water is used in a controlled way. That’s unlike how it works in nature, where it can be powerful and unbridled. Sometimes, though, water gets out of control in a house, too.
When water ends up in your house where it doesn’t belong, it can quickly be a disaster, causing damage to your home’s structure and your belongings. Whether your damage is from a small leak in the kitchen sink or a major hole in the roof sending rain into your attic, it can quickly become a high-dollar affair.
While you certainly want to do everything you can to prevent water damage, if it strikes, you should know what to do next. Keep reading to get the facts.
Your First MovesWhen disaster strikes, the faster you can respond, the better your outcome. The longer water damage is allowed to fester, the more likely you are to experience other, more costly damage, including structural damage and mold growth.
Your first step is to find the source of the water damage. Search out leaks or uncover appliance malfunctions. Once you find the source, cut it off or stem the tide. You should know where your water cutoff is so you can quickly turn the water off when a problem occurs.
Because water combining with electrical devices is a major hazard, it’s also important to cut off electricity in the outlets near the water. Never walk through any standing water, since it can hide hazards.
Once you’ve taken these steps to protect yourself and your family, call SERVPRO®. Because we are available 24⁄7, we’re ready to jump into action as soon as you call.
The Water Damage Restoration ProcessOur water damage restoration process begins immediately when you call. We will ask you a series of questions to gather information about the extent and type of damage. We will also request that you snap a few pictures of the that can be shared with your insurance provider to expedite your claim.
From there, actual restoration begins. Our water damage restoration experts will bring industry-leading drying equipment into the home to dry up all the water present. This includes visible puddles, but also includes minute droplets that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
During this time, we’ll also be focused on removing and drying out soft materials and your belongings so that we can save as much as possible. We practice a “restore vs. replace” mentality in our restoration work.
Think your water damage situation is too big for us to handle? Think again! No matter how substantial the size of your disaster, we’re here to help. If you have water more than an inch in your home, call in our professionals. We will provide you with the restoration services needed to mitigate the damage—and the construction work needed to return your home to preloss condition.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Preventing Fires for a Delightful Summer BBQ Experience | SERVPRO of Houston County
8/10/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Houston County to get your space back in shape.
It’s summertime in Houston County, and locals know the weather can get pretty hot and humid around this time. We’re all relishing the sunny days grilling out by the pool with family and friends.
As you prepare for those backyard BBQs, it’s crucial to prioritize grilling safety to prevent dangerous situations and potential fires. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with tips to ensure a delightful summer BBQ experience without any fire risks.
Finding a Safe Grilling SpaceThe first step in grilling safety is to position your grill in an appropriate location outside, away from enclosed spaces like garages or roof overhangs. Proper ventilation is essential, and any flammable materials above the grill can increase the risk of fire. Make sure to place the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or deck. Make the designated area free from children and pets to ensure everyone’s safety.
Before using a charcoal grill, inspect it for any accumulated ash, dents, or cracks. Propane grill owners should carefully examine the gas lines for leaks and ensure secure connections. Leaking lines or propane tanks can lead to hazardous fire situations.
Stay Alert and Prepared While GrillingWhen grilling, it’s crucial to stay near the grill and have a water source on hand in case you need it. A spray bottle can help control fire flare-ups, and keeping a hose or fire extinguisher within reach is important for emergencies.
After cooking, give the food to someone else to carry into the house and remember to turn off the gas or close the vents for charcoal grills to cut off the oxygen supply. Get rid of ash and embers in a metal can to eliminate potential fire hazards, even after the grilling is complete. Before concluding your BBQ and walking away, ensure that the grill has fully cooled down.
Have a Safe and Enjoyable SummerWe wish you a summer filled with joyful moments and safety. However, in case a fire incident occurs during your BBQ, SERVPRO® of Houston County is ready to assist you with professional fire damage restoration services.
Don’t let fire damage live in your home—contact SERVPRO of Houston County for prompt restoration assistance.
Protecting Your Home From Summer Storms | SERVPRO of Houston County
7/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Houston County has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
Here in Houston County, it is not uncommon to see severe weather. At this time of year, we’re engulfed in hot and humid days, creating a perfect atmosphere for storms, including thunderstorms and even tornadoes.
That’s why it is important to take time now to prepare your home against storm damage. Start with these steps:
Storm Season PreparationPreparing your Houston County house for storms doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, many of your everyday activities or household chores may already be a part of storm prep.
That lawn work you have planned for next weekend? That’s storm prep. By taking a close look at your yard, trimming tree branches and removing debris, you are preventing those objects from becoming flying projectiles in the case of a storm.
Keep a close eye on other objects around your house and property, too. Furniture, appliances and other objects that stay outside permanently should be tied down or otherwise secured so that they cannot become airborne.
You also need to check your house structure itself. To avoid potential leaks during periods of heavy rain, it’s essential to maintain the caulking around window and door frames. You should also have your roof checked regularly, particularly after storms, looking for loose shingles or gaps.
Strengthening Your Home’s DefensesThough many storm preparations are cost-free, you may also want to take extra precautions to safeguard your house.
It is wise to invest money on storm shutters, especially if you live in a wind-prone area like ours, and buying stronger, more fortified windows can also be helpful. If your property is filled with trees, consider installing a gutter guard to keep branches and other debris out of your gutters. This will allow water to continue flowing properly when it rains.
If you live in a modular home, invest in strong tie-downs to brace the home against winds. And remember to evacuate your home for a safer space when a severe storm or tornado is possible.
Make sure you have at least two methods for receiving storm alerts so you’ll know when you need to seek shelter inside your home or move to a safe space.
Remember, in the event of storm damage, SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24⁄7 to restore your home to preloss condition.
Train Your Warner Robins Team to Weather the Storm | SERVPRO of Houston County
7/14/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Houston County to get you back in action.
Being caught in the middle of a storm is already a scary situation for businesses, but having to face it when you aren’t prepared can send your team into a panic. As a business owner, you are responsible for preparing your team for anything that strikes, especially dangerous weather.
Extreme weather can do major damage to entire communities, and at times, businesses are the ones that are hit the hardest. To avoid damage or even getting shut down, you’ll need to prepare your team for any weather threats that might hit our area.
Use our tips to prepare your crew for severe weather and keep your business up and running after the storm.
Know Your RiskAs you put together your business plan, you’ll need to plan it based on the weather patterns that hit your area the most. Your building and team will be even more prepared if you plan for what will hit most often.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the extreme weather that affects Warner Robins every year. Every year, floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes and snow threaten homes and businesses in this area. You must be ready for each of these scenarios in order to keep your Warner Robins crew safe.
Researching your flood risk can be a great place to start as you plan for specific threats. You can also turn on weather notifications for alerts and check the forecast before each work week.
Make a Plan to CommunicateBeing able to communicate with your team will be one of the most important things you’ll need during a storm. When things turn dangerous, having the ability to stay connected via email or other types of communication can be lifesaving.
Make sure everyone in your workplace has access to the same communication system so they can receive live weather updates and any instructions on necessary precautions. Quick communication like this can also help prevent injuries, allow everyone to get to safety and inform them of any needed evacuations.
Plan Your EvacuationIt can be a scary situation to anticipate, but you’ll need to prepare your team in case of an evacuation. Go through your space and draw a visual outline to show your team where to go during a weather evacuation. Regularly practice evacuation procedures to make sure all staff members, including new hires, are aware of where to go during an emergency.
In other cases, a weather evacuation may not be necessary; instead, your team may be required to shelter in place. Choose a safe area in your building with no windows and make sure to stock it with any necessary supplies!
No matter what kind of weather emergency hits Warner Robins, it’s essential to plan ahead to protect your hardworking team. Avoid getting caught off-guard when severe weather strikes your business and face it head on with the help of preparedness.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Brace for Deadly Winds in Warner Robins | SERVPRO of Houston County
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Houston County your first call.
During the hot and humid months, a surprise gust of wind can provide a much-needed break from the sweltering sun. Though you might not be able to see it, wind is an omnipresent force that we can always rely on, even when it’s not exactly what we want.
Nonetheless, when the wind strengthens and transforms into a fierce gust, it can inflict significant harm, leaving behind catastrophic property damage. While powerful winds are usually linked with extreme weather, they can occur unexpectedly on sunny days.
Acquaint yourself with the potential aftermath of high winds and how they can place you in a path of destruction.
The Different Kinds of WindAround half of most dangerous wind events are brought on by extreme thunderstorms, making them an unavoidable danger. In fact, thunderstorms create winds that are just as dangerous as tornadoes.
Thunderstorms have the potential to generate winds that reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, resulting in debris being thrown around and buildings being significantly damaged.
Unlike tornadoes, straight-line winds are not associated with rotation and can cause damage even in areas without any rainfall. They can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, making them an incredibly powerful form of thunderstorm wind.
Tornadoes’ destructive capabilities are a result of the amalgamation of different wind types they generate. Tornadoes are a serious threat here in Warner Robins that can produce deadly winds around this time of the month. Even if tornadoes aren’t present, winds can pick up during thunderstorms and have a devastating impact.
Wind Damage and PreventionThe impact of high winds on properties can be deadly, resulting in downed trees, debris blowing around and damaged power lines. Even a mobile home that is properly anchored can experience significant harm when winds exceed 80 miles per hour.
To minimize potential harm from high winds, it is essential to stay informed about weather alerts and take necessary steps to secure outdoor objects, such as patio furniture or garbage cans, before strong winds arrive.
Be proactive about maintaining the trees on your property by trimming them regularly and removing any weak or diseased branches. Also, keep an eye out for loose items in your yard that could cause damage in high winds.
When the winds have settled, examine your property and land to verify for any noticeable damages. Climb up and inspect your roof to catch any damages, such as loose shingles, before water damage occurs. If you suffer from damage, reach out to SERVPRO, and we will restore your home as soon as possible.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
Taking the Fear Out of Fire Safety | SERVPRO of Houston County
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
Parenthood brings incredible rewards, but it is not without its challenges. You bear the responsibility of guiding your children, cultivating their creativity and curiosity and ensuring their safety.
Finding the delicate balance between protecting them and overwhelming them with essential facts can be a tough job!
No matter your age, fire principles can be a life-saving piece of information when a fire emergency breaks out. Do your best to teach your kids about fire safety so they know how to prevent fires and what to do when one happens.
Explain the Dangers of FireChildren grasp concepts better through firsthand experiences, since understanding consequences can be challenging until they witness the actual outcome. But you don’t want to go around starting fires in your home, either!
Have a family conversation about how and where a fire might start and grow, exploring every part of your home that utilizes heat or flames.
You should also ensure that your children understand the intended purpose of matches and lighters and the risks of playing with them. A potential disaster can result from a single match.
Familiarize Them With AuthorityShow your kids photos of police officers and firefighters frequently because they can be frightening when they’re dressed in full gear. Take part in community activities like meet-and-greets that allow them to have fun and interactive encounters with these essential people and know what they look like in action.
Make sure your kids understand that firefighters are dedicated to saving lives when a fire occurs. Teach kids about the importance of firefighters in emergency circumstances and their critical roles.
Kids also need to know what to do when a fire occurs to help the firefighters. Create a sense of excitement by engaging in activities together, such as rehearsing various methods of alerting one another and having race to see who can reach safety the fastest via an army-crawl.
Make a Game Plan TogetherCreating an emergency escape strategy for your home is a crucial step that every family should take, and engaging your children in the process can be both educational and fun! Encourage your kids to explore and identify the fastest way out of each room in your house, and together, draw a diagram to visualize the plan.
Teaching your children how to open a window in case of a fire can be useful information that could save their lives, but it’s important to approach this topic with caution. Show them how to escape through a window, but be sure to emphasize that this should only be done during an emergency.
Designate a secure outdoor meeting area where everyone can gather in the event of a fire. Prioritize practicing your plan regularly, and ensure your children understand the importance of contacting emergency services once they have safely escaped.
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
Hidden Water Damage Can Cause Huge Household Issues | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Houston County to find the source.
Water damage may cause a slew of issues for homeowners, and the situation only worsens when you’re dealing with a concealed form of the damage. Water damage is notoriously difficult to detect, and you may not realize it’s causing havoc on your Warner Robins house until it’s too late.
Searching for hidden water damage is easy as long as you know where to look! Checking for signs of damage in several parts of your home can help ensure that sneaky water doesn't cause further problems.
Keep a close eye on these areas of your Bonaire home as you hunt for hidden water damage:
Your roof. Going up on the roof to inspect for damage is a duty that no homeowner enjoys, so it’s not unexpected that water might hide in this area.
Roof leaks develop gradually, so it’s easy to see a minor leak and dismiss it as no big deal until it grows into a severe problem and causes lasting damage.
Water damage that begins on the roof might flow down into your attic, presenting another unnoticed problem. Sneaky leaks and excessive moisture in conjunction with a murky and damp atmosphere leave your roof and attic vulnerable to pesky mold growth.
In your bathroom. It should come as no surprise that water damage loves to lurk in bathrooms. It’s common for water problems like leaks to go unnoticed in the bathroom because there are so many gadgets utilizing so much water.
Look for puddles beneath your sink and any leaks coming from your faucet. Similar problems will emerge around your toilet and bathtub including water accumulating at the bottom and an increase in bathroom humidity.
Although some bathroom problems may seem apparent, they might be difficult to identify without a routine check! Make sure to regularly examine your bathroom so you can stop water damage before it finds a hiding spot.
Other appliances. Your bathroom isn’t the only place you should keep an eye on; your appliances are equally adept at hiding severe water issues. You can find water hiding beneath or behind your appliances, where you can’t see.
When checking for sneaky damage, it’s helpful to move your appliances away from the wall so you can get a good, clear look.
It can also be beneficial to perform a brief inspection for hidden damage following each use of your devices. Don’t forget to retire your old appliances consistently so you can avoid ruining any issues that may lead to water damage.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Choose an Experienced Team to Restore Your Warner Robins Home | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Houston County is ready to help you recover.around the clock.
Big or small, the choices you make inside your home can have a significant impact on your convenience and well-being. Certain changes you make could be inconsequential, but others, such as the restoration of your Warner Robins home following a fire, may be life-changing.
When a disaster strikes your home, you cannot afford to hire an inexperienced and careless restoration team. You’ll need to rely on a team like SERVPRO that can handle every facet of your property repair journey.
By selecting SERVPRO, you are putting your trust in an extremely skilled team. We are educated in the most recent and cutting-edge restoration practices. We also hold the necessary certifications to guarantee that all measures are carried out in a secure manner.
We Adhere to Industry Trainings
Our Warner Robins team adheres to IICRC standards, and our specialists subscribe to the guidance and standards established for cleaning and restoration. Here are just a few of the numerous courses we follow:
To guarantee that our crew has all the resources necessary for success, we also provide employee certification training. The self-guided nature of this training gives our workforce the individualized attention they require to fully comprehend the procedures and instructions.
We Never Stop Learning
Once our team is done with initial training during the onboarding procedure, they are able to keep their education fresh in the mind through ongoing courses and e-learning classes.
Our crew is committed to ensuring that we possess the resources needed to support every family and their residence in Warner Robins as they recover from home damage—and our training helps to prepare our team for these vial emergencies.
Being up to date on the current data enables us to update or modify our methods to conform to the most recent guidelines. Our goal is to guarantee we show up to every scene of damage with the tools, education and professionalism you and your home need to overcome calamity, no matter how severe.
Why This Matters for You
Teaming up with our expert specialists at SERVPRO comes with numerous advantages! We will work diligently from start to finish to execute a professional restoration process to give you the resolution you deserve.
Turning to an inexperienced team for your repair needs can be a split-second decision that affects your Warner Robins home for a lifetime. Make the right decision from the very beginning and work with our competent crew at SERVPRO.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
What You Should Know About Weather Alerts and How to Secure Your Home | SERVPRO® of Houston County
7/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Houston County.
There are around 42 different types of weather alerts, divided into seven different groups. These warnings are issued when conditions such as heavy rain or thunderstorms are forecast in our area. When a severe storm is brewing, all this information can get pretty confusing!
Knowing what the various types of weather alerts mean for your unique location can help you prepare yourself and your family for any crisis. You can also take action to prepare your home before severe weather strikes to best protect your property.
While it is helpful to be aware of all weather conditions, it’s critical to be aware of the weather patterns that can have the most impact on our community here in Houston County.
How Alerts Are IssuedSo, how do forecasters go about issuing these weather warnings? How is the magnitude and position of a storm monitored when weather forecasts are simply predictions? There are variables that determine the delivery of these warnings.
The National Weather Service is responsible for weather forecasting and providing weather warnings as these conditions develop. These warnings are issued by six regional offices nationwide, allowing for more location-specific alerts. The alerts you receive in Warner Robins are sent out from the Southern Region headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, along with sub-offices here locally.
To make forecasts, NWS meteorologists and other specialists use a variety of data sources, including satellite radar, weather balloons, seismic activity meters and even solar activity. This information will depend on the intensity of the weather event, but the goal is to make the most accurate and detailed forecast possible.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandUnderstanding the distinction between a “watch” and a “warning” is essential for interpreting these alerts. You’ll see these words used in almost all weather alerts, including thunderstorms, winter storms and flooding.
A watch means you should stay tuned for developing weather conditions and begin preparing for the hazards of a severe storm. Watches are often issued in a larger area, while a warning is issued in a limited area that may only cover a county or city.
A warning means a severe storm is approaching and you prepare immediately for these dangerous conditions.
It’s also important to know what weather conditions you can expect in your local district, so when you receive these alerts, you’ll know what actions to take to prepare you and your home. Here in Georgia, we see a wide span of weather conditions throughout the year, including inclement winter weather, flooding, thunderstorms, heavy rain and even tornadoes.
Protecting Your Home During a StormWhile monitoring weather alerts is the safest approach to defending your property and life during severe weather, there are a few other things you can do around the house to reduce the risk of damage.
Clearing your gutters and fastening any outdoor items are ways to prevent flood damage and wind damage before a storm touches down in your area.
Create a safe space with supplies and have an emergency exit plan for your family. Locate a secure place to shelter filled with essentials and, in the event of an evacuation, know where you and your family will need to relocate.
If a storm leaves your home with damage to be repaired, give SERVPRO a call. We are available 24⁄7 and can quickly be on the scene to restore as much of your home as possible.
Staying weather aware could be life-saving in the midst of severe weather conditions. Understand the many warnings that may be issued in your area and what they may imply for your and your family’s safety.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Clear the Clutter to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Houston County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.
The American Red Cross has already responded to over 20,000 house fires since the start of 2022. Fires are the most prevalent natural disaster in the United States, claiming thousands of lives each year. Preventing fires will not only save your home, but it can also save your life.
Unplugging appliances, blowing out burning candles and checking your smoke detector on a regular basis are all simple ways to prevent fires within your home. Another simple strategy to prevent fires that you may not have considered is to clean your house thoroughly! Cleaning up around the house can help minimize your risk of a fire.
Clear the ClutterClutter can quickly accumulate in your home, obstructing hallways and staircases. This poses a major fire threat if a fire breaks out, since the clutter could cause the flames to spread quickly.
Keep your house clutter-free by storing any loose clothing or blankets and disposing of trash and boxes. Cleaning up any clothing or blankets around the house could help to keep a fire from spreading. It also makes it easier for you and your family to flee if necessary.
Piled up clothes near a water heater is another frequent cause of house fires. When your water heater heats up, the pile of clothing nearby could catch fire.
Make sure that clothing is not piled up near any equipment that uses heat; this can significantly reduce the danger of fires starting.
Create a Defensible Space in Your YardYou may not realize it because many fires start inside the home, but the cleanliness of your house’s outside is important as well! A well-planned yard layout could keep exterior fires at bay and prevent them from reaching your home.
In the wake of wildfires, California has set regulations for defensible zones, which provide firefighters with room to put out fires and prevent fires from spreading to homes. Even in Houston County, this could be useful in preventing the spread of external fires in your yard.
Defensible space doesn’t mean you can’t plant what you’d like—it simply involves being strategic about the placement of plants near your house.
Cleaning up any litter, dead shrubs and limbs outside your property is another way to keep fires at a distance. They are yet another factor that only serves to strengthen and build a fire.
Keep It Clean & Keep It SafeCleaning your home and yard regularly should be a habit for everyone, not simply to keep it tidy, but also to reduce fire risk! Another method to reduce fire hazards is to thoroughly clean your appliances, such as your oven and refrigerator.
Deep-cleaning the entire house can help prevent fires from spreading and ensure that if you need to evacuate in the event of a fire, there will be a clear path to escape. Keeping your home clutter-free is a simple strategy to avoid disastrous fires from starting while also keeping your home and yard tidy!
Even dusting is an act of defiancé against fire. Dust all surfaces and objects regularly to keep dust and dirt from piling up, and pay particular interest around outlets and appliances.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.
Restore Your Home With SERVPRO’s Help | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/30/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County is your local restoration expert. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.
SERVPRO service goes beyond general cleanup, restoration or construction. We’re here to take care of you when even the worst natural or manmade disasters strike.
A light drizzle could quickly turn into a flash flood, or a damaged power cord could lead to a full-blown fire. When your home encounters damage in any of these areas, we’re here to restore it!
Water Damage
When flooding hits your home, we don’t want you to worry any more than you have to! Unfortunately, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the country and leads to more than $10 billion in damages every year.
Severe flooding hit Houston County in 2020, and areas stretching all across the county saw up to six inches of rain in one night. Some residents reported they had about a foot of water in their apartments.
The best part about working with SERVPRO is that you can rest assured that every team member has extensive water damage restoration training that helps you get back to normal more quickly. Our dedication to responding immediately to water emergencies lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces your costs.
Fire Damage
A fire in your home can cause genuine harm. Considering there is a fire every 23 seconds in the United states, there is a real possibility you will have to deal with a home fire in your lifetime. Your home and a large number of the things in your home might be seriously harmed by the fire blaze, intense heat, smoke and water/fire retardants used to extinguish the fire.
If your home or business has sustained fire damage, we’ll jump right into action with our seven-step restoration process. This begins with the initial inspection and damage assessment and then moves on to all the necessary, in-between steps before starting repairs and construction.
Storm Damage
Storms can bring around anything from floods and wildfires to tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards. Storm and water damage take a toll on both the structure of your home and your belongings as well. At SERVPRO, we specialize in content restoration, with the mindset of restoring rather than replacing.
When it comes to storm damage repairs, the only way to get the job done right the first time is to call SERVPRO of Houston County. Just one phone call can set you up to get your property back into pre-storm shape quickly, helping you save potentially thousands of dollars and rest easier at night knowing that you’re in good hands.
What Sets SERVPRO Apart?
SERVPRO of Houston County is the restoration company that customers trust. With decades of experience, our technicians make sure that all aspects of our restoration process put the customer first.
We’re here when you need us. You can reach out to a SERVPRO expert via our 24⁄7 Emergency Line day or night and receive immediate assistance, so you can rest easy knowing we’ll have your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible.
Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.
Water Damage Happens Quickly | SERVPRO® of Houston County
4/29/2022 (Permalink)
No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Houston County has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.
Perhaps today you noticed a small water stain on the ceiling of your Houston County home. You may not think anything of it, as water spots happen all the time.
However, you cannot underestimate the destructive effects moisture can have on your home. The average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.
This is not something you want to ignore because water damage progresses so quickly. The moisture will permeate your home’s floors, walls and other porous surfaces.
It’s important you address the issue as soon as possible so your home doesn’t suffer any long-term damage. Below is a timeline of how quickly water damage can progress in your home.
In the First 24 HoursAssuming you live in a house, there is a one in four chance of flood damage within a 30-year period in a high-risk area. This is why you need to know what to do next.
You have a window of about 24 to 48 hours before you approach the point of no return. Right off the bat, some items, like books and photographs, could become warped beyond repair. Upholstered furniture and wooden structures will also become soaked through.
In addition, mold can begin to develop within this timeframe. Quick action is essential.
SERVPRO of Houston County’s experts will come to your home and operate with a “restore vs replace” mindset to help you save money and preserve the items in your home that are most valuable to you.
We will want to remove those items to help expedite the drying and recovery process. If anything is beyond repair, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Within the First WeekThe fact is—one week is too long to wait to deal with water damage. By this point, mold will likely be spreading like wildfire, and as the mold festers, it will damage your home’s structure.
Additionally, porous surfaces, such as wood surfaces and walls will become increasingly compromised, and metal surfaces will start corroding.
After One WeekIf possible, avoid letting moisture sit for this long because some effects will be catastrophic or even irreversible. As time increases, so will the costs and efforts required to restore your home back to its preloss condition. Of course, we will do everything in our power to save your home, regardless of the state it’s in.
How SERVPRO Will HelpOur restoration process begins with the first call, preferably within the first 24 hours. Service work normally starts with a thorough extraction of water.
This helps prevent the spread of water in the structure and reduces drying time. After we have removed the majority of water in your home, our specialists will finish out the drying process by removing the water you can’t see.
Mostly likely, floors, furniture and other belongings will require cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization.
After these steps are completed, we will move on to the construction phase if needed. This could include a couple repairs here and there or even rebuilding entire rooms. SERVPRO’s experts will assess your situation and let you know what repairs are right for your home.
Allow us to simplify the restoration process as well by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. SERVPRO will keep you up to date on every step and have you back in your home or business in no time.
Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us 24⁄7 when you need a dependable team to help you recover.
6 Home Maintenance Tips to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Houston County
4/29/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County keeps its trucks ready to respond immediately to your water damage emergency.
Water damage is both expensive and inconvenient, as SERVPRO of Houston County, your local water damage repair professional, knows all too well. In the long run, it will assist you to avoid water damage and reduce your home maintenance expenses if you look after it properly. You're undoubtedly concerned if your home floods. You may significantly decrease the chance of water damage in your house by following these simple maintenance ideas.
2) Replace the old caulk around your windows to prevent water from getting in.
We get a lot of phone calls about window caulk water damage repair in Warner Robins, GA and the surrounding areas. Caulking your windows not only prevents water leaks but also improves the efficiency of your air conditioner while keeping the outside air out of your house. It's a simple operation that any homeowner can complete. Depending on the type, caulking can last anywhere from five to ten years; nevertheless, you should check your caulking every year and replace it if it begins to fracture or peel off the window.
Exterior door flashings should be inspected to see whether there are any tears or rust that would allow water in. Caulking the doors will also help prevent early door flashing failure.
2) Check for leaks in your water heater to avoid it from flooding and causing water damage.
When it comes to our emergency water cleanup services, heater failure is all too prevalent. Regularly maintaining your property may help you avoid a massive water heater flood. Make sure the temperature of the water heater's thermostat is set precisely and functioning properly to prevent pressure from developing, which may result in a leak.
Water heaters frequently develop rust or silt inside, resulting in undesirable tastes and odors in the water. If your water begins to make unusual noises, it's probably time for a checkup or a new water heater.
3) Immediately replace any leaking or damaged water hoses or connections on your plumbing appliances
Be on the lookout for any holes, kinks, fraying, deterioration, or corrosion on your plumbing's hoses and connections. If you detect any damage, have it repaired right away. In order to avoid pricey water damage expenses down the road, most manufacturers and plumbers recommend changing water hoses and connections every three to five years.
(5) Examine the roof and gutters for debris and any signs of moisture damage in the attic.
If the roof on your home does not drain properly, it may deteriorate. Water can seep into your property if this happens.
Look for dampness around vents, valleys, chimneys, pipes, and skylights. Any place on your roof with holes or connections is a potential source of leaks later on. If the flashing deteriorates as a result of weather, rusting, or losing its seal, water may flow into your house.
Check the inside of your attic for dampness or mold development. If you find moist, damaged, or moldy insulation, rotted or discolored boards or ceiling panels, or sheetrock puckering, you may have a leak on your hands.
6) Clean and inspect the HVAC condensation lines for any leaks or obstructions.
If your HVAC condensation lines become clogged, water leaks out and damages your home's surrounding areas. Check your condensation pipes on a monthly basis to ensure they're clear of debris.
Pour one-half cup of plain, white vinegar down the condensate drain once to four times a year to clear out blockages and grime. Bleach should not be used since it might harm your metal drain pan and cause it to degrade. If you detect an accumulation of debris or mold, our SERVPRO experts can assist you with any water damage.
We are Here to Help You with Any Water Repair Needs You May Have
If you have water damage in your house or workplace, call our team at SERVPRO of Houston County for immediate assistance.
Our courteous, well-experienced staff are always happy to answer any questions you might have. Save our phone number in case you need help again in the future, or contact us right away for a prompt response from one of our IICRC-trained water restoration specialists.
We are always Here to Help!
Frequently Asked Storm Damage Questions
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
Fallen Tree Storm Damage in Warner Robins, GA
What is a storm damage?
Storm damage is caused by weather-induced accidents. It includes damage to exterior of homes including roofing that has fallen out of the roof or siding deteriorated from heavy rainstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, or other major catastrophic weather events.
Do you respond 24 hours a day?
Yes we are! Our technicians and call operators are available 24/7/365 to respond to your storm damage emergency while being Faster to Any Size Disaster.
Will my home owners insurance cover the cost?
This depends on the kind of property damage you have. Typically, if the damage was unexpected and unintentional, then this is very likely. So in a storm damage event, this is likely. However, bear in mind that your total deductible may be affected. The best option is to understand your policy before a storm event. As the number 1 brand in property restoration, we are experts in dealing with insurance companies to resolve your storm damage quickly and effectively.
Is your firm and technicians certified?
All of our technicians receive IICRC WRT (Water Restoration Technician) training. However, many hold multiple storm-damage specific certifications including: ASD (Applied Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), and CDS (Commercial Drying Specialist) certifications.
Are you a properly insured company?
Yes, SERVPRO® of Houston County has the necessary insurance and certifications in the State of Georgia to restore your storm damage emergency "Like it never even happened."
What are damages caused by storm?
Depending on weather conditions, thunderstorm damage can be caused by high winds, floods from rains, and lightning strikes. Strong thunderstorms can produce tornadoes that can destroy businesses property in huge quantities. Hurricanes can also cause severe damage with high winds and heavy rain.
What kind of damage do I look for after a storm?
Find broken glass or damaged windows in the windows by examining them. Keep an eye on tiny holes or cracks at unavoidable spots. Find a loose shingle. Unidentified dark spots can cause damage from rain or other storms.
Learning How Fires Start Helped Us Learn How to Stop Them | SERVPRO® of Houston County
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
Paper House on Fire: Houston County, GA
The humble tetrahedron is a triangle lover’s dream—four sides, all of them triangles, all of them equal. And so pointy!
But how could this three-dimensional triangle possibly belong in a SERVPRO blog? Oh, keep reading.
See, fire is represented visually in what’s known as the fire tetrahedron —a four-sided, 3D shape depicting the four things that must be present in any fire.
It takes all these elements working together for a fire to start. And the flip side of that coin is that it takes only one of these elements to be removed for the fire to fall apart. Let’s see it in action.
<h34-things-a-fire-needs-to-live">The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live
Fuel. Don’t think of this as fuel in the same way you think of gas for your car—think of it rather as what the fire consumes, or what would be gone in the aftermath of a fire. Trees, houses or even candle wax could all be considered fuel sources.
Heat. All these fuel sources have a heat threshold at which they become combustible—let them cross that threshold and they ignite, provided there is a proper amount of…
Oxygen. Fires require a ready supply of oxygen both to ignite and to flame up. Fires lick up the oxygen from the atmosphere, leaving behind air in the vicinity that’s insufficient and dangerous for people to breathe.
Chemical Chain Reaction. The fuel, the heat and the oxygen all start rolling together into a chain reaction that will self-repeat forever until one or more of these foundational elements is stopped, removed or otherwise disrupted.
Cool it. Bringing a thermal balance to the fuel source—that is, cooling it at a rate faster than it’s able to be heated to combustible temperatures—will stop a fire in its tracks. Water is the most common method for doing so. It takes a lot for larger fires, but it works.
Smother it. Cutting off the oxygen supply to a fire causes the same effect that would happen to anything else that breathes—it suffocates. When you cover a fire with a fire blanket or stamp one out with your foot, this is how you’re extinguishing it. It’s also why embers can be reignited by a breeze.
Starve it. There are a few ways to do this, but the essence of it has to do with either depleting or removing the fire’s fuel source. For example: If a fire completely burns the logs and sticks in a fire pit, it will eventually die, because it has nothing else to consume. Similarly, fuel sources can be removed from the path of a spreading fire to create a line of stoppage or separation—this is the case with wildfires, as intentional burns are set around them to stall them while firefighters work on the main blaze.
Interrupt the chain reaction. Gases and chemicals can be added into the air around a fire that are able to chemically disrupt the cycle of feeding and growing. Halon was hailed early on for its efficiency and effectiveness in this area, but its adverse impact on the environment has caused it to become banned from future production, leaving other gases, like those used in certain fire extinguishers, to take its place.
If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.
SERVPRO of Houston County: More Than a Property Restoration Company
2/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County's water damage restoration technicians are Ready for Whatever Happens!
SERVPRO is more than a building cleaning and repair company. We are a life restoration company.
It’s a journey with a purpose. Disaster cleanup can be very stressful. Not only for us as the restoration crew, but also for our clients.
Think about it.
In a moment, your life is transformed.
One moment, you’re getting comfortable after a long day at work. Maybe that workday was difficult and you’re excited to curl up on the couch with your family and your favorite Netflix show.
Then, all of a sudden, a pipe breaks.
Water, a wonderful, life-giving substance, but so destructive in a home starts to flow. Your laundry water supply starts to drain water into the walls, spilling out into the studs, soaking the insulation.
Disturbing the bugs and rats.
You watch as water starts to seep out of the baseboards by your television.
You know how many gallons per minute can escape from a standard ½” water supply?
14 gallons per minute. That’s a full bathtub of water every 3 minutes.
Those bathtubs of water don’t look too great when they start to drain into the walls and seep up the drywall. All while being absorbed by the porous wood flooring.
How would you feel in this moment?
What thoughts would cross your mind?
When your home, your sanctuary, is affected by water damage and you don’t know what to do, it’s completely natural to feel distressed as the multitude of thoughts cross your mind.
“How am I going to fix this? There’s so much water.”
“I’m so tired, but I can’t go to sleep like this. what do I do?”
“How much is this going to cost? I’ve never been through this, but I can’t fix it all myself.”
“How long is this going to take? Is this going to ruin my vacation?”
“What am I going to say to my boss? I’m not sure I can go to work tomorrow”
There’s a lot that can rush into your mind in these moments.
We understand.
And that's why we’re Here to Help.
Being more than a property restoration company starts through empathy, and our restoration heroes aim to demonstrate that heart every day.
And when you call, we know time is of the essence. That’s why we’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
SERVPRO.
More than a restoration company.
Have You Prepared Your Disaster Plan? | SERVPRO® of Houston County
2/19/2022 (Permalink)
If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Houston County will be there to help.
When you own a company, you have a full-time role as well as an infinite to-do list that often days goes home with you too. It’s understandable that you would have a lot on your plate!
Whether it’s recruitment or bookkeeping, inventory or advertising, it’s simply a lot of labor. And if you are not prepared for the worst, all of that tireless work might just be risked.
You’ve worked extremely hard to accomplish what you have to this point. Because of that, you want to do all you can to ensure that your business has the best possible chance of surviving if disaster strikes.
It can be difficult (often impossible) to get your company back up and running after a fire, storm or other disaster. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses shut permanently after a tragedy, with a considerable number of those that do open closing again within only a year.
So, how can you prepare for a successful recovery from a disaster? Having a plan in place for what to do next if your organization is hit by a catastrophic event might make the difference between survival and failure.
In fact, three-quarters of small businesses in the United States don’t have a disaster plan. It checks out that the companies that are prepared for tragedy have a higher chance of recovery.
SERVPRO of Houston County assists businesses like yours in disaster preparedness by creating a personalized Emergency Ready Plan that is specific to business objectives, location and field. If you have a plan in place, you will be able to limit interruption as you will know what to do in the event of a disaster.
On their own, disasters are already difficult to cope with. Take advantage of every chance to prepare for a crisis before it occurs. We’re standing by to assist you with your Emergency Ready Plan right now.
When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.
Surprising Storm Statistics Across Houston County, GA & the USA
2/10/2022 (Permalink)
Storm Damaged House in Houston County, GA
Water Damage Caused by Storms
Storms can cause a variety of water damage, depending on the type and intensity of the storm. Gray water, floodwater, standing water, and even slow leaks from continuous stormwater around a home or property can wreak havoc on a building. Some common causes of storm-related water damage include:
Water getting in through windows:
If rain or snow accumulates on the roof and then slides off, it can pour into window frames and cause extensive water damage.
Water getting in through the foundation:
If the ground is saturated from too much rainfall, water can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation.
Water getting in through the roof:
A leaky roof is one of the most common sources of storm-related water damage. High winds can easily blow shingles off a roof, leading to interior leaks and serious property damage.
Water getting in through walls:
If the walls are not properly sealed, water can enter your home through electrical outlets, doorways, or other openings.
The speed of storm winds is also a major factor in how much damage it causes. Winds speeds of over 100 mph can easily tear off roofs, send debris flying through the air, and cause serious flooding.
Because of the increased severity of storms across the country due to climate change, now more than ever, our damage restoration teams at SERVPRO® of Houston County have worked hard to train and prepare to respond to any size water, mold, storm, or fire property loss.
Major Storms in Houston County, GA & the USA
According to the National Weather Service, there were 43 tornadoes in Georgia in 2021. This ranks Georgia fifth in the nation for tornado activity.
In 2020, storm damage resulted in approximately $210 billion worth of damages across the United States. Tornadoes accounted for a significant portion of this damage, with wind speeds reaching up to 300 mph and causing extensive destruction.
The US was hit with 20 extreme weather events in 2021 that resulted in $145 billion in damages, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is one of the highest numbers of extreme weather events on record. Total storm damage costs are still being calculated.
"The last five years have cost $745 billion in 86 separate billion-dollar weather disasters, an average of more than 17 a year, a new record. That´s nearly $100 billion more than the combined total of all the billion-dollar disasters from 1980 to 2004, adjusted for inflation and far more the three billion-dollar disasters a year that the nation averaged in the 1980s." - Dailymail.com
If you've been hit by storm damage, don't wait to call in the professionals. SERVPRO® of Houston County has the experience and equipment necessary to get your property back to its original condition. We're available 24/75 to respond to your needs, so please don't hesitate to contact us today.
Types of Storm Damage Restoration Equipment
1/28/2022 (Permalink)
Property Damage Restoration Equipment at Work in Houston County
If your business has been hit by storm damage it's important to call in the professionals as soon as possible. SERVPRO® of Houston County is the best company for storm damage restoration, due to our extensive experience and equipment. We have the right tools and techniques to make any project "Like it never even happened." In addition, we're available 24/7 to respond to your needs, no matter what time of day or night it is.
Whether it's board-up services, water damage cleanup, or mold removal, we'll be there to help you get your home or business back up and running as soon as possible. Call us today for a free consultation in Warner Robins, and more locations across Houston County, GA.
A few of the tools we use when restoring property storm damage include:
Air movers:
Used to move large volumes of air quickly across a surface in order to evaporate moisture and dry the area.
Industrial Dehumidifiers:
Remove excess moisture from the air, which helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. With our heavy-duty truck mount dehumidifiers, there's no property damage too significant for our team to handle.
HEPA Vacuums:
Capture small particles and allergens from almost any surface.
Thermal Imagers:
Help us see moisture and heat loss in walls, ceilings and floors so that we can target our repairs.
Water Extraction Units:
Remove large quantities of water quickly from carpets, furniture and other surfaces.
Power Generation:
In some cases, storm damage can knock out power to a property. Our team has the ability to provide temporary power so that we can continue to restore your home or business under any conditions.
Moisture Meters:
Help us determine the level of moisture in walls, ceilings, building materials and floors so that we can target our drying, cleaning, and repairs.
Our teams at SERVPRO® of Houston County have the right tools, techniques, equipment, and supplies to effectively and professionally restore your home's or business's storm damage "Like it never even happened."
Call us today at (478) 224-4148 for rapid restoration assistance.
The Timeline of Your Water Damage Repair | SERVPRO® of Houston County
1/17/2022 (Permalink)
House Being Carried Away by a Storm
Water damage happens to a home somewhere across the United States an average of 14,000 times a day. It happens multiple times a minute, whether from flooding, pipes breaking or some other cause.
If your home has a basement, your odds of needing water remediation someday are extremely high, and of course, hoses and water heaters are known to cause trouble. Should you need your local SERVPRO team, here’s how things will go.
Emergency Contact. Once you reach out by phone or web, we’ll get started with a few questions to help us determine the nature and scope of the issue. Then we’ll settle on a time when we can check things out in person.
Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we’re on site, we’ll be able to more accurately survey the situation and finalize a plan. We’ll warn you of any hazards your water damage has created, and review any items or areas with you that we estimate will need to be replaced or rebuilt.
Water Removal. Put away the bucket—we’ve got big, strong pumps to clear out all that water. Hundreds and hundreds of gallons may be removed by the time we’re finished, and of course, we won’t stop until it’s all gone.
Damaged Material Removal. Now those damaged items can be safely hauled away, and we’ll take care of it for you quickly, in order to expedite the process of drying the restorable materials that remain.
Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. All that water rudely rushed in and made a mess of your basement, bathroom or other areas, and we’ll be hard at work making sure the stains, smells and contaminants it left behind are only temporary nuisances.
Drying. Now that the area is clear, we’ve got mold to prevent. The moisture left behind by the intrusive water spill will allow mold growth in only a couple of days, but we’ll finely go through all surfaces with specialized equipment to extract the moisture mold needs to grow and restore the humidity balance in your home.
Monitoring. These processes are highly efficient, but they don’t run on auto-pilot, so we’ll be on site and in contact constantly to ensure a smooth, thorough recovery.
Repairs and Construction. Once the drying process is done, we’ll turn into a team of handymen, expertly restoring and recrafting damaged materials in your home, from small to great.
When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”
Instant Access for Sudden Situations | SERVPRO® of Houston County
1/17/2022 (Permalink)
Fire Damaged Kitchen with melted and soot-covered appliances and walls
In the 21st century, we’re not accustomed to waiting. When we want to watch a movie, we stream it. When we want to listen to a new song, we simply tell our virtual assistant to play it.
There aren’t many things at this point we truly have to wait for when it comes to goods and services. And rightfully so, as technology has made nearly everything more immediately accessible.
So can you imagine a world in which it would make sense for you to have to wait for cleanup and recovery of your home when you have an emergency? Perish the thought! When you’ve got that kind of issue on nights and weekends, SERVPRO is ready to help right away.
Just a click or call gets the best team in the industry on task to tackle your issue. Simply put, we don’t close, because we know the longer you wait, the more damage is done to your home.
Take a look:
After a fire. Fire is a fast worker, and it can burn away entire sections of one’s home in the blink of an eye. But it leaves behind other issues as well—issues like soot and smoke damage, which take hold in minutes following a fire, causing an acrid smell to permeate your home, and stains to appear everywhere from carpet to walls.
When the fire is over, it’s only a matter of hours until soot and smoke have done irreversible damage that requires entire walls to be reconstructed. So waiting until tomorrow to be able to reach a service company isn’t going to cut it.
After water damage. Water damage soaks furniture, carpet and more right away, and that’s its own issue, but don’t underestimate the threat of mold, which becomes very real in only 48 hours. Mold growth creates issues of health and home integrity, eating away drywall and wood and spreading dangerous spores throughout the home.
Then, of course, there’s the damage caused by storms, natural disasters, roof leaks and tree damage, you name it. The bottom line is your home needs service now, and we’re standing by. When a situation requires sudden assistance, trust the 24-hour care from the top team in the industry. *Faster to Any Size Disaster*—that’s the SERVPRO guarantee.
When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.
Prevent a Fire in Your Commercial Kitchen With These Tips | SERVPRO® of Houston County
1/17/2022 (Permalink)
Cooking with Fire in a Commercial Kitchen
If you own a restaurant, bar or commercial kitchen in Perry, GA or Centerville, GA, reducing fire risk is critical to continued profitable operation. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to over 7,410 structure fires in the kitchen of restaurants and bars in 2017 alone. The majority of these fires were preventable, resulting in three deaths, 110 injuries, and $165 million in property damage annually in commercial kitchens. These tips will help keep you and your staff safe while preventing shutdowns due to fire code violations.
What Are My Ducting and Air Movement Requirements to Prevent Fire?
While Chapter 7 of the NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations covers this extensively, here are a few key items to keep in mind.
First, commercial kitchen ducts should never pass-through firewalls, share an exhaust system with the building ventilation, or have obstructed access panels. While doing these things on a commercial kitchen remodel can save costs in the short term, the fire risk increases significantly. If disregarded, your commercial kitchen work will likely not pass inspection.
Make sure to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches between combustible materials and the kitchen ducts. This standard is based on Section 4.2 of the NFPA 96, however is one of the easiest to disregard once the kitchen is operational. Ducts can build up high levels of radiant heat that can ignite combustible materials like boxes, cups, plates, utensils, or other kitchen materials.
If you would like additional information on the types of combustible and non-combustible materials that should and shouldn't be kept near the duct, consult Chapter 3 of the NFPA.
What Are My Commercial Kitchen Fire Extinguisher Requirements?
"The NFPA 96 requires automated fire suppression equipment for all grease removal devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust duct systems in a commercial kitchen, as well as any cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors." - Koorsen Fire & Security
The NFPA 96 requires use of class K fire extinguishers in conjunction with automatic fire extinguishing systems. These extinguishers also require installed placards stating their extinguisher class. However, in the case of a commercial kitchen fire, it's critical to activate the automatic fire extinguisher system before using portable-type extinguishers. This is because high-efficiency cooking appliances in many modern commercial kitchens are capable of achieving high temperatures that can raise the vegetable oils to intensely high temperatures. When oil ignites at these high temperatures, it can already be so hot that a portable extinguisher is not enough to stop the flames.
Another standard that you should familiarize yourself with is the UL 300 standard.
According to this article by Insureon, a kitchen’s cooking equipment must meet these UL 300 requirements:
- Fire-extinguishing nozzles in the hood, ducts, and above each cooking appliance
- An automatic fuel shut-off capabilities for both gas and electric power sources
- A manual fuel shut-off pull for all power sources
- A wet-chemical fire-extinguishing system that meets UL 300 criteria (one of which is undergoing semiannual checkups by a certified professional)
If you need immediate assistance after a fire, our teams are available 24/7/365. With our promise of being Faster to Any Size Disaster, you can count on SERVPRO of Houston County to be there when it counts. Call us today at (478) 224-4148 for rapid assistance.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Commercial Kitchen Fire from your Cooking Systems
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Food in flames while cooking in a commercial kitchen
Attention all restaurant and bar owners in Warner Robins & Perry: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to over 7,410 structure fires in the kitchen of restaurants and bars in 2017 alone. The majority of these fires were preventable, resulting in three deaths, 110 injuries, and $165 million in property damage annually in commercial kitchens. Not only do kitchen fires threaten the lives of staff and patrons, but they also put restaurants at risk of being shut down due to fire code violations when repairs are needed after a blaze.
What Are My Ducting and Air Movement Requirements to Prevent Fire?
While Chapter 7 of the NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations covers this extensively, here are a few key items to keep in mind.
First, commercial kitchen ducts should never pass through firewalls, share an exhaust system with the building ventilation, or have obstructed access panels. While doing these things on a commercial kitchen remodel can save costs in the short term, the fire risk increases significantly. If disregarded, your commercial kitchen work will likely not pass inspection.
Make sure to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches between combustible materials and the kitchen ducts. This standard is based on Section 4.2 of the NFPA 96, however is one of the easiest to disregard once the kitchen is operational. Ducts can build up high levels of radiant heat that can ignite combustible materials like boxes, cups, plates, utensils, or other kitchen materials.
If you would like additional information on the types of combustible and non-combustible materials that should and shouldn't be kept near the duct, consult Chapter 3 of the NFPA.
What Are My Commercial Kitchen Fire Extinguisher Requirements?
"The NFPA 96 requires automated fire suppression equipment for all grease removal devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust duct systems in a commercial kitchen, as well as any cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors." - Koorsen Fire & Security
The NFPA 96 requires use of class K fire extinguishers in conjunction with automatic fire extinguishing systems. These extinguishers also require installed placards stating their extinguisher class. However, in the case of a commercial kitchen fire, it's critical to activate the automatic fire extinguisher system before using portable-type extinguishers. This is because high-efficiency cooking appliances in many modern commercial kitchens are capable of achieving high temperatures that can raise the vegetable oils to intensely high temperatures. When oil ignites at these high temperatures, it can already be so hot that a portable extinguisher is not enough to stop the flames.
Another standard that you should familiarize yourself with is the UL 300 standard.
According to this article by Insureon, a kitchen’s cooking equipment must meet these UL 300 requirements:
- Fire-extinguishing nozzles in the hood, ducts, and above each cooking appliance
- An automatic fuel shut-off capabilities for both gas and electric power sources
- A manual fuel shut-off pull for all power sources
- A wet-chemical fire-extinguishing system that meets UL 300 criteria (one of which is undergoing semiannual checkups by a certified professional)
Practice Proper Maintenance & Inspection in Your Commercial Facility
The first step towards proper maintenance to prevent a commercial kitchen fire in your facility is to create a regular plan for inspections. While you can do these yourself, it is often a good idea to consider outsourcing this service to a proper NICET Certified Fire Inspector. Depending on the volume of cooking in your commercial kitchen, they will likely recommend monthly, quarterly, or annual inspections to ensure compliance and safety.
On regular inspections, fire inspectors will provide the best guidance on where you should focus your team's routine maintenance time and resources. Ultimately, it is up to you as an owner or manager on how closely you implement those recommendations.
Typically, at least the vent, hood, and duct must be cleaned regularly to remove grease vapor and prevent combustible material build-up. Grease Filters should be cleaned at least once per week, and your automatic fire suppression system should be inspected at least every 6 months or as required by your local regulations. Regular cleaning according to equipment specifications should be observed as well.
What To Do If There Is a Fire In My Commercial Kitchen?
If you can, get everyone out safely. If you have an outdoor exit, have people leave that way. Do not open any interior doors or windows or use elevators during a fire. Even if it seems like it’s far away, do not stop to pick up personal belongings. Unless it’s your home, never go back inside during or after a fire. Once you are safe, call 911 immediately and stay on the line until help arrives. Once firefighters arrive on the scene they will assess if there is still a risk for injury within any structure fires before allowing you to re-enter your building.
Next, you should call a fire restoration expert like SERVPRO of Houston County to help you quickly restore your commercial kitchen to an operational state.
Our trained technicians are available 24/7/365, and ready to help. We also offer a special Emergency Response Plan to commercial facilities to reduce property damage in the case of an emergency commercial fire event. Call us today at (478) 224-4148 for emergency services or to schedule your free SERVPRO ERP.
What are the types of fire? Understanding Smoke & Soot
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Soot-Covered Clothing after Fire Damage
How does fire damage your home in Moss Oak or Bonaire? Depending on what kind of materials burn, the short-term and long-term effects of fire can change significantly. After a fire with incomplete combustion, soot is often left over. To get your home back to normal after a fire, you need to remove the soot from surfaces, especially from non-heat resistant surfaces, such as walls and windows, but also from other areas that have been contaminated by smoke or soot.
Knowing what kinds of soot are left over from a fire will help you clean more effectively. This is because protein residues, natural substance residues, and synthetic residues behave and are cleaned differently from each other. Understanding which type is present before a fire restoration will help shed light on the cleaning process to follow.
The Science Behind Smoke & Soot
Smoke and soot particles occur when there is incomplete combustion in a fire. Combustion is a process where fuel, oxygen, and heat combine to rapidly oxidize substances. That oxidization process leaves soot particles. When you burn propane from a gas tank, there is usually enough oxygen around the fire to produce a perfectly clean burn with almost no soot residue. However, if you reduce the amount of oxygen available, more and more soot is left over due to this incomplete combustion. Besides soot particles, volatile organic compounds in the form of gasses are often left over, many of which have been shown to be carcinogenic.
Natural Substance Soot & Smoke
Natural Substance Residues are usually left over when paper or wood is burned. This kind of residue tends to be grey to black and has a dry, powder-like texture. This type of residue, when pure, tends to be quick to clean with vacuums and a combination of wet and dry cleaning techniques. These are usually the easiest kinds of soot residues to clean when compared to the other 2 main types of soot particles after a fire.
Synthetic Soot & Smoke
This kind of soot residue, sometimes described as oily soot or oily smoke, produces a thick, heavy black substance that tends to smear when touched. In some cases, it can even appear almost like a black spider web. When left undisturbed on a surface, it can sometimes be vacuumed away, but if touched, it will tend to smudge and become more difficult to clean. Plastics, and synthetic materials are the usual culprits for this kind of soot residue.
Protein Soot & Smoke
Protein residue occurs when meat, fish, beans, or other protein-containing substances are overcooked or burned. This kind of soot appears yellow to brown, and feels greasy and sticky. Water-based cleaning solutions work well with this kind of soot as long as the surface it is on can be wet cleaned.
How Do You Clean After a Fire?
Smoke and soot can cause secondary damage to materials when left there for long, and improper cleaning methods can cause more damage to affected materials. This is why when any fire has affected your home or property, it is usually best to call in professionals like SERVPRO of Houston County to make sure your property is restored back "Like it never even happened."
Call us today at (478) 224-4148 for all of your fire restoration and fire cleaning needs.
The Storm Damage Checklist: What to Look for
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Falle tree on a house after a storm
After any storm hits in Houston County, GA, there’s usually some type of damage to deal with. It’s important to know what that damage looks like so you can fix it and make sure your home stays safe and secure for you and your family. That’s why we put together this quick guide to the different kinds of storm damage and how to fix them if they happen to strike your home, so you can get back to normal life as soon as possible!
Storm Damage Windows
Windows can be damaged from a storm in a few different ways. A window that breaks during a storm is an obvious example, but glass can crack even if it doesn't shatter. Since windows are typically made of glass, they're susceptible to cracking and shattering—especially when strong winds are involved. Cracks and chips don't always prevent windows from operating properly, but they allow outside air and moisture into your home. That is why it's important to inspect your windows thoroughly after a storm. If your windows have cracked or chipped glass, you should replace them immediately; keep in mind that storms are unpredictable so emergency repairs may be needed at any time.
Storm Damage Roof
After a storm, it’s important to check your roof and make sure it is still secure. Hire a professional roofer if you find any of these problems with your roof after a storm. Look carefully at your shingles. If any shingles are loose, cracking, and oddly indented, you may want to snap a photo and notify your insurance. Be sure to check for debris, exposed underlayment, detached fascia, or drip edge throughout the roof perimeter as well.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are necessary for diverting water away from your home. This is particularly important during a storm, when high winds can turn hail into projectiles, or push rain into all kinds of home crevices. While you don't want them clogged in normal conditions, making sure they're clear and properly attached to your home after a storm is essential. As soon as you know there's been a storm in your area, look at your gutters and get rid of any leaves or other detritus that may have lodged there; same goes if it's been raining continuously over an extended period of time.
Also, watch for tree limbs or small branches throughout the gutters and downspouts. And don't forget to check on them regularly—once every few weeks is usually sufficient—and clean out any debris before another big storm hits.
Exterior Damage
Exterior damage can be caused by wind, rain, lightning or hail. If your home has exterior damage from a storm, don't just check your roof, gutters and windows. Take a look at your exterior wall siding, paint, and stucco. If you see siding that is detached, indented, cracked, discolored, or loose, you may want to have it inspected. Paint peeling, stucco cracks, or other visible imperfections on the exterior of your home may also be signs of storm damage. And don't forget to check brick walls, including the mortar joints, for any potential damage from the storm.
Be sure to inspect the outside of your home thoroughly for exterior damage after any large storm. If you are not sure what to look for, our teams are Here to Help!
Water Damage
Although most of us focus on damage from wind during a storm, water is an equally big concern. An average hurricane with winds of 74 miles per hour can bring rainfall ranging from 1/2 inch to over 5 inches in 24 hours. The resulting runoff often causes basement flooding, roof leaks and other hidden problems that can be expensive to repair. Be sure your homeowner's policy covers flood damage (if you live in a flood-prone area) and take steps to reduce your risk prior to a storm by clearing leaves and debris away from gutters and drains.
If there is exterior damage on the roof, windows, or exterior walls, water damage may not be far behind. If there is any kind of water or storm damage, SERVPRO of Houston County can help you get your property restored rapidly.
Call us at (478) 224-4148 for immediate assistance. Our teams are ready and Here to Help!
Types of Insurance for Your Commercial Property
11/8/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Property High Rise Building
Though it’s not something any business owner likes to think about, your commercial property can be damaged in an accident or suffer damage due to extreme weather. This type of disaster can result in significant business interruption and financial losses if you’re not prepared with the right types of insurance coverage. Make sure you have the proper commercial property insurance by following this guide on types of insurance for your commercial property.
Understanding the Different Types of Insurance
It's important to have the right insurance coverage on your commercial property, whether you own or lease it. Commercial Property Insurance covers your property in case of damage or loss, such as a fire or windstorm. Flood Insurance covers you in case there is a flood, a type of coverage that most General Property Insurance does not include. Business Interruption Insurance protects your income in case your commercial property needs to be closed for repairs and your income is reduced or eliminated during a commercial repair project.
Understanding Commercial Property Insurance
You can insure your property to ensure that you are covered in case of damage or loss. Commercial Property Insurance does exactly that. It is meant to protect your company’s physical assets like your building, signage, furniture, and equipment, from fire, explosions, burst pipes, storms, theft, and vandalism. In case you need commercial repair services, this type of insurance will be critical to protecting your business.
Understanding Business Interruption Insurance
Business interruption coverage is sometimes offered through your property owner’s policy, but you can also purchase it separately. Because a commercial restoration can take several months to complete for very large losses, this kind of insurance ensures that you don't lose important business revenue during that time period.
Understanding Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is different from Commercial Property Insurance and can sometimes be forgotten by business owners until it's needed. It is meant to protect your property in the case of a loss directly caused by flooding. According to FEMA, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties. If your commercial property is in a high-risk flood area, federally regulated lenders will require that you pay for this coverage. If your property is in a moderate to low risk area, you will not "technically" need it. Yet, if a flood does occur, you could run the risk of losing your business if you are not insured to pay for commercial restoration services.
If you are ever in need of commercial restoration services, SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24/7 to help you quickly make your commercial property damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (478) 224-4148
And for more on Examining Commercial Policies Ahead of a Disaster, be sure to read our other blog post here.
Commercial Sanitizing Services: What You Should Know
11/8/2021 (Permalink)
If you work in commercial property and have been following the news, you’re probably well aware of the dangers posed by bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can quickly get out of control if left unchecked. Especially, Covid-19.
Luckily, there are several methods you can employ to fight back against bacteria and pathogens that can pose a threat to your customers’ health and your business’s bottom line. Chief among these methods are commercial sanitizing services meant to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens before they have a chance to spread throughout your establishment.
Here is what you should know about Commercial Sanitization.
Sanitizing Vs Disinfecting Vs Sterilizing
Not all mean the same thing, and it is easy to get them confused. Before you start cleaning, it's important to know the difference between these 3 levels of cleaning.
Sanitizers: Used to reduce, but not totally eliminate microorganisms to levels considered "safe".
Disinfectants: Products that kill more than 99.9% of disease-producing microorganisms. These typically destroy infectious fungi and bacteria, but don't necessarily eliminate spores.
Sterilizers: Used to completely destroy all forms of microbial life.
If you’re searching for commercial sanitizing services, it’s important to know that the products used will vary depending on the type of surface being cleaned, and the level of clean you need for your business.
Before Choosing a Disinfectant, Know these Surface Types
When choosing the right commercial cleaning service, it’s vital to know what products are being used on your commercial surfaces. However, not all products work for all instances. Here are the 3 kinds of surfaces to keep in mind.
Hard Non-Porous Surfaces: These surfaces are rigid and without pores. Examples would be stainless steel, metal, glass, hard plastic, and/or varnished wood.
Porous Surfaces: These surfaces have small holes or pores. A general rule of thumb is that if water or another liquid can pass into the surface, then it's porous.
Food Contact Surfaces: Surfaces that will be in contact with food. These can be either porous or non-porous. However, when cleaning these surfaces, you need to make sure that the chemical is acceptable for food contact.
For More information on selecting the right cleaning chemicals for your business, read more on the EPA List N Guide here.
If you believe your business would benefit from Commercial Sanitizing Services, our teams are ready and available 24/7 to help you be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Call us today at (478) 224-4148
5 Tips to Protect Your Commercial Real Estate from Tenant Fire Damage This Holiday Season
10/26/2021 (Permalink)
Prevent Fire Damage on your Commercial Property this Holiday Season.
The holiday season is now upon us, and with upcoming family gatherings, home cooking, and festivities, fire damage can become a more serious concern.
Experiencing commercial fire damage can be devastating to the well-being of your business, not to mention your reputation in the community. Learn how to prevent that kind of damage with these five tips for protecting your commercial real estate from tenant fire damage.
Bring Awareness to the Danger of Fires During the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Cooking equipment was involved in one of every five home decoration fires according to this article by the National Fire Protection Association.
Consider sharing these statistics in an email to your commercial property tenants along with additional fire prevention tips, or upcoming fire safety checks to tenants.
Schedule Fire-Safety Checks
If your commercial real estate property has tenants, then you should schedule fire-safety checks for them at least once a year. Doing so could save your property and your tenant lots of money and inconvenience down the road.
If you have not done so yet, consider scheduling a smoke alarm test, fire extinguisher checks, and Fire Sprinkler tests before Thanksgiving. A tenant’s fire can cause substantial damage to surrounding areas, which is why it’s best if fires are prevented before they have the chance to spread.
Remind Tenants of Responsibilities & Expectations During the Holiday Season
Holiday parties are good for business, but they can also cause some problems. While it’s important to ensure your tenants are enjoying themselves, you should also make sure that your tenants know what they’re allowed and not allowed to do in terms of decorations. If you allow decorations, make sure that they’re safe; if you don’t allow them, it’s important that your staff knows that too. When left unchecked, tenant-placed holiday decor can become hazardous quickly.
Another good idea is to remind tenants to review their renter's insurance policies before the holiday season and document personal belongings. This reminder can also be a great way to improve customer service for your tenants.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent to Ensure Policy Coverage
If you own a commercial building, your insurance agent is your number one source for learning about commercial building restoration and policy coverage. Agents with experience in commercial property damage can walk you through what types of coverage you have. They can also help explain the potential scenarios in which you should consider calling a large loss restoration contractor like SERVPRO of Houston County.
With a bit of planning ahead of time, taking swift action in a crisis is a little easier!
Create Fire Action Plan
Commercial buildings are more likely than residential properties to have fires, and smoke can spread quickly through open hallways. To protect your tenants and property, consider creating an easy-to-follow document that spells out what actions everyone should take in case of fire or other disaster. You can make one with Google Docs or another online platform.
SERVPRO of Houston County provides a great, free program for our commercial property owners and managers called an Emergency Ready Profile. This could help serve as an important part of developing your fire action plan. For more information on obtaining your Emergency Ready Profile, please contact us at: 478-224-4148
Conclusion
There are many ways that you can be proactive about fire safety. However, if a fire does happen at your property, make sure you have an experienced large loss restoration company on your side. For more information or for assistance with restoring your commercial real estate after a fire, contact us at 478-224-4148 today.
The Why Behind the Danger of Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Houston County if you experience any damage.
While thunderstorms are incredibly common, especially this time of year, they can be very serious in terms of the damage they can cause. Though some storms can make their way through without much collateral damage, some don’t—and they can turn deadly within moments due to forceful winds, hail, lightning and flash flooding.
A thunderstorm is defined as a transient storm of lightning and thunder, usually with rain and gusty winds, sometimes with hail or snow, produced by cumulonimbus clouds.
For a thunderstorm to be classified as severe, it will contain one inch (or larger) hail and straight-line winds of at least 58 miles per hour. Let’s look at some ways this weather may present hazards so that you can plan for ways to stay safe the next time one comes through Houston County.
What Damages Are Associated With Thunderstorms?
Lighting strikes can cause serious damage and injury. One of the most dangerous components of a thunderstorm are lightning strikes, causing upward of 300 injuries every year. This does not even count the damage that lightning strikes may inflict on homes or businesses. The most common effects of lightning are house fires or trees that can fall on these structures. By definition, a thunderstorm produces lightning, so even if it’s not within your range of visibility, there is a possibility that it can appear quickly.
Hail damage to property. Even the thought of hail can be a dreadful experience because it can do serious damage to anything it touches. In a very intense thunderstorm, hail that is an inch or larger, there could be damage to uncovered cars, injuries to people who are not sufficiently sheltered and significant damage to sidings, roofs and other structures on private and commercial property. Hail can be a powerful and unpredictable force that falls at a tremendous speed, making it one of the most impactful elements of a thunderstorm.
Property loss or injury due to flash flooding. While flooding is a major concern, even for those who do not live or work in an obvious flood plain, it can cause many serious problems. Flash floods are known to happen without warning any time heavy rain saturates an area. It is oftentimes able to become a life-threatening scenario in the event of a storm drain backing up or nearby roadside ditches filling with water. Although it’s incredibly dangerous, many people still attempt to cross flooded roadways, causing damage to their cars and possibly having their car carried away by the tide.
Thunderstorm damage can happen at any time and is capable of causing significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. Our team is here to help should you have any damage due to a thunderstorm. Contact us 24⁄7 for more information on how we can serve your Houston County home or business.
How Can I Identify Water Damage in My Basement? | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County is a full restoration company. Our team is on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.
A basement is a great addition to a home for a number of reasons. The extra storage it allows for can be a fantastic resource, and it can also be a safe place to go during a thunderstorm or tornado. Especially during hot Georgia summers, it can be another livable space or workout area.
However, basements can bring their own share of challenges, particularly in the way of experiencing water damage. Basements are more likely to have water damage than other parts of your home, so being vigilant in checking for signs of damage can help prevent compounding problems later. Here we’ll look at some ways that you can identify water damage in your basement.
How to Spot Water Damage in Your Basement
Pungent odors. Basements are commonly perceived as having a distinct musty smell. However, most of the time, this smell happens when there is mold or mildew in the environment. Standing water can create a very unpleasant and pungent odor after it has evaporated, so even if you don’t see mold or mildew, the smell will give it away.
Chipping paint. Homeowners and landlords alike will often apply waterproof paint in an effort to prevent damages in a basement. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned plan will only mask water damage for a while and then lead to other problems down the road like peeling, cracking or bubbling in the paint.
Cracking in the foundation. As homes settle over the years, the possibility of shifting can cause hairline cracks, but foundation cracks are not normal and can be a sign of water damage. Cracks can appear in the floor, ceiling or walls and are many times a sign of water putting stress on the home in a way that is causing the cracks. While hairline cracks are not a cause for immediate concern, if they become larger, they should be professionally assessed immediately.
If your home has experienced any of these, especially in your basement, contact us today to see how our expert water restoration technicians can help you set a plan of action to treat it properly.
Keep It Fire-Safe This Spring & Summer | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Houston County to learn more.
Spring is undeniably beautiful. The weather is pleasant and mild, the flowers and trees are really showing off their plumage, and nature beckons us outdoors after the long, cold winter.
There are lots of reasons for backyard gatherings as well. We love to celebrate everything from graduation day to wedding engagements, church socials and family reunions, and many of these events all but necessitate a meal cooked on the family grill.
But springtime activities in the backyard also lead to an increased fire risk. In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But with just a little effort, you can take the necessary steps to host your home activities safely.
The grill. Grills are the greatest need for care in regard to spring fire safety, as they’re the top cause of accidental fires. Anytime you combine high heat, grease, gas and flammable materials in close quarters, there’s a risk. Keep your grill in good working order, make sure it’s away from anything that might catch fire and don’t forget to clean it between uses. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning!
The fire pit. When you’re gathered in the backyard roasting marshmallows, make sure you have a bucket of water on hand, both to douse the fire slowly when you’re finished and to take care of any flames or ashes that might hop out of the pit. Be attentive to the fire at all times, and never leave pets or kids alone by the pit. And don’t add pine needles or leaves to a burning fire, as they easily break down to tiny embers that can be carried on the wind.
Chimneys and dryer vents. You clean your dryer lint trap every time you do laundry (you do, don’t you?), but sometimes lint can sneak past and gather in your vent pipe. While you’re thinking about fire safety, go ahead and clear that bad boy out. And you’re done with your chimney until fall, so get rid of built-up ash and soot so you’re not starting fires in a hazard when it gets cold again.
Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand 24⁄7 for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.
Provide a Safe Environment for Returning Customers and Employees | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Houston County team.
As recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic continues across metro areas like Macon smaller cities like Warner Robins, communities and families highly anticipate the full return of “normal” life, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic normalcy as well.
But a new challenge for business owners has emerged in a post-pandemic landscape: It is now crucial for you to provide an environment which is safe and protective of your employees and clientele, and they have to know and feel that they are cared for.
That’s why you need to get Certified.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you a building sanitized with a custom cleaning agent that’s proven effective against threats ranging from MRSA to anthrax,, and also equips you with tools to reach out to your customers and employees to give them peace of mind before they even walk inside your business.
It’s all possible because of the three C’s:
Consult. There’s no one-size-fits-all situation for commercial cleaning, and we’re well aware of that. We’ll sculpt a custom plan for your business based on the specific needs of your location and context. It helps that SERVPRO of Houston County is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies and challenges of central Georgia.
Clean. Once we create a tailored plan for you, we’ll be hard at work putting it into action. We’ll disinfect your building with hospital-grade cleaning methods you can’t get anywhere else, giving you the ultimate level of cleanliness, meeting or exceeding strict CDC guidelines.. And it’s bigger than COVID-19 protection—we’re coming for disease-causing agents of all kinds. We’ll have that place so sanitary, germs will run away in fear.
Certify. Now that you’ve got the cleanest business in town, you can let everyone know by displaying the special, exclusive Certified: SERVPRO shield. We’ll provide you with physical and digital resources you can display in windows, on doors and on websites to let your returning employees and customers know that you’ve gone the extra mile to take care of their health. They’ll be glad to be inside a place they know they’re safe.
If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.
Ready to sell? Old tenants moving out? Let us help you get your home ready.
5/13/2021 (Permalink)
Whether you are trying to sell your home or you have renters moving out or even after a water loss in your home, getting your house ready for new people can be very exhausting.
When it comes to selling your home, it can be extremely overwhelming working with realtors, inspections, and potential buyers.
Lucky for you, SERVPRO of Houston County is happy to clean your house and get it ready for showings and the sale. With our highly trained crews, we are prepared to help with any cleaning task ranging from mold remediation to deodorization to general cleaning services including carpet cleanings. We have helped many homeowners prepare and sell their homes with a top to bottom cleaning. We have also helped a lot of apartment complexes clean after the lease ends and a new one is beginning.
Our thorough cleaning services can include wiping ceilings and walls, trim, the exterior of baseboard registers, and cleaning the inside and outside of kitchen and bathroom appliances. Window cleaning and floor cleaning are a great way to finish the project up and add the final sparkle to your fresh home.
We would be happy to set up a time for an estimator to come onsite to answer any questions you may have, and to get you a good idea of what the project would entail and cost. SERVPRO of Houston County is always here to help.
Foundation problems due to water
5/13/2021 (Permalink)
Do you think you have water damaging your foundation? Lucky for us you are a hands-on homeowner, who fixes and repairs things as needed. The problem is that water damage to foundations is not an easy water damaging problem to identify.
The key to minimizing the damage is to catch it fast and address the issue. But how? Below is a list of the some of the common symptoms of water damage within a house foundation.
A. Overly Damp Soil
If you have an idea that there could be an issue with moisture, take a look at the soil around the foundations of the property. If it is unusually wet without any recent rain, there is a good chance that groundwater is seeping into the foundation.
B. Water in the Crawlspace
Standing water and moisture building up within a crawlspace is a pretty good sign that something is wrong with the foundation, circulation of air, lack of adequate insulation, or a broken pipe. If it is too damp in this area, the quality of the air in your house can decrease, and it may give off a musty odor.
C. Mal-functioning doorframes or windows
This might sound like a surprising sign, but if your doorframes used to open and close correctly, but have recently started to stick, the problem could be moisture related. It may be a sign that the doorframes have begun to warp, from excessive water absorption.
If you notice one or all three of the issues, you may have a problem on your hands. SERVPRO of Houston County is here to help!
Why board-up is important after a fire
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.
- You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
- There is still viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
- You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition. Loss can be far more expensive than restoration or covered replacement.
- You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.
Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Here at SERVPRO of Houston County we will always put our customers first.
Mildew vs Mold
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.
What is mildew?
Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Cardboard/paperboard
- Wallpaper
- Fabric
How is it different from Mold?
Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.
Commercial Smoke Damage
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Smoke Damage
Smoke damage can be one of the most lasting consequences of a fire that has occurred in or near a commercial building in Warner Robins, GA. Specialized smoke cleanup solutions and equipment are essential for getting rid of this odor, as is awareness of the many ways in which smoke odor molecules can stick around for weeks or months after a fire.
1. A Coating of Smoke Residue on Surfaces
Smoke residue can build up on fixtures, furniture, walls and floors in a commercial location. This sticky coating may be present throughout a structure that has experienced a fire, even in areas that were not directly exposed to open flames. While vacuuming may be able to eliminate soot damage, this resinous coating calls for the use of specialized solvents.
2. Smoke Odor Lingering In an HVAC System
Aside from the air and visible surfaces inside a building, smoke damage can also spread through the HVAC system. Whether or not this system is in use when a fire breaks out, particles of smoke and soot can find their way into vents and ductwork and spread as soon as the system is turned on unless ductwork has been cleaned.
3. Untreated Contents Posing Recontamination Risks
Any smoke-damaged contents that stay in a structure may prove a source of the persistent smoke odor. For this reason, contents are typically removed from the location of a fire, cleaned off-site using treatments that neutralize smoke odors and stored until the fire restoration is finished.
Smoke cleanup should take place after fire cleanup for a fire that has happened on-site at a commercial structure in Warner Robins, GA. It is necessary to eliminate charred materials and soot from a building before treating smoke damage on surfaces or in the air. If smoke odor continues to pose a problem after fire restoration, most commercial property insurance policies also cover smoke cleaning.
Here are Four Fire-Safe Candle Alternatives
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Here are Four Fire-Safe Candle Alternatives
Candles are used to create decorative lighting effects or release fragrances. Whether you are looking for safer mood lighting or a way to diffuse a scent without any risk of a candle fire, here are four fire-safe candle alternatives.
1. Battery-Powered Candles
A flameless electric alternative to candles can be placed anywhere for decorative or lighting purposes. Electric candles come in a wide variety of colors, heights, thicknesses and designs. Some battery-powered models are also designed to release fragrances.
2. Strings of Lights
Another way to get a candle-lit look is to string up Christmas or fairy lights. Strings of lights are designed with fire safety in mind. Choose from strands of single-color or multicolor bulbs. It is also possible to set up lights to blink or flicker if desired. Ultra-efficient LED bulbs make replacements affordable and keep energy costs low.
3. Candle Warmers
A candle warmer may be the best option among these candle alternatives for fans of scented candles. A warmer makes it possible to enjoy these fragrances with a much lower fire risk. A warmer may be a base on which a candle sits or resemble a lamp.
4. Diffusers
Reed diffusers do not resemble candles. For a different look, reeds in oil can be an attractive, creative and flameless way to release a scent. Diffusers have an even lower risk of fire than an electric candle warmer.
Most candle fires occur around the holidays. Battery-powered candle alternatives and strings of lights are safer options for illuminated decorations. Warmers and diffusers are useful for spreading a fragrance throughout a home with a lower risk of fire. If a fire starts due to a candle or any other cause, you should attempt to extinguish the flames or contact the fire department. Fire damage restoration experts can restore or replace damaged building materials at a residence in Houston County.
Steps To Prevent A Lint Fire
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
Steps To Prevent A Lint Fire
While the kitchen is the most common room for house fires, dryer fires are another common problem. The heating of the dryer combined with lint build up can cause your dryer to burst into flames. A lint fire is scary, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it.
Safety First
It's important to realize that even when the lint is properly cleaned from your dryer, there is still a chance of a dryer fire. For this reason, you should never run your dryer:
- When you are sleeping
- When you are not home
- When you are going to be outdoors
Leaving your dryer unattended can cause the fire to spread further, which can cause extensive damage. In addition, unplug your dryer before you start cleaning out the lint.
Vacuum Out the Lint Screen and Dryer
You probably already clean out your lint screen every time you start a new load. However, a lot of lint can get past the screen, and eventually lead to a lint fire. Take your vacuum attachment and clean underneath and around the lint screen the best you can. Refer to your owner's manual to see how to safely vacuum out the inside of your dryer.
Cleaning Out the Hose
Pull out any lint you can reach after removing the hose from the back of your dryer and the wall. If you can't reach it all, use a dryer vent snake to push it all the way through. In addition, check the pathway from the hole in the wall to the outside of your house. Use the snake to ensure that all of the lint is out of the vent.
These steps can help reduce your risk of a lint fire. You should do this at least once every six months, and more often if you do a lot of laundry. If you do experience a dryer fire, let your fire restoration experts do what needs to be done to cleanup the mess.
We Have a Water Removal Plan Homeowners Can Count On | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/4/2021 (Permalink)
If you have sustained water damage, setting the restoration process in motion immediately is the best thing you can do. We understand just how important this is, which is why we guarantee a quick response. When you call us for water damage, we will dispatch a team to you, who will assess the safety of the scene and then move immediately into our water removal plan to prevent more damages.
Here is how that works:
A Pack Out Service for Your Belongings If the water damage to your home is extensive, we will be able to provide you with packing and moving assistance for your belongings. This will help you get your belongings to a location that is dry to prevent further damage to them, so you can trust that your items are safe.
Emergency Water Removal We understand the importance of removing moisture as soon as possible, which is why we make it a high priority once we determine that the scene is safe for our technicians to enter. We have powerful, submersible pumps in addition to our industrial-strength wet vacuums that we will use. This is how we are able to reduce the time it takes for your area to dry and prevent additional water damage and mold and mildew growth.
Inspection of the Flooring and Drywall After removing the water, we will do an additional inspection to determine the damage that is done to the surfaces of your home. We will inspect the floor to determine if any floor coverings or carpet must be removed in order to make sure the subfloor is protected, and determine how much damage there is to the drywall in case it is in need of patching.
High-Tech Moisture Equipment Monitoring We have invested heavily in the equipment we use for water damage jobs so we never have to merely guess about how much damage is present. We have moisture detectors, hygrometers and other methods of determining how saturated the area has become with moisture, and we have infrared cameras to detect water damage behind walls, ceilings and other surfaces. This means that you can trust that when we restore your home, we are restoring every aspect that has been impacted by the moisture.
If you’ve experienced household water damage, you can count on us. Contact us at any time to learn more about our process.
Key Elements for Your Business’ Disaster Plan | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/4/2021 (Permalink)
If you own a business, developing a disaster plan is a vital part of making sure you are covered in case an emergency were to arise. Not only will having a plan in place keep you and your staff safer in an emergency scenario, but it will also keep everyone informed and help you reopen your doors quickly once you recover. Making sure your plan has a few key elements can help you be certain that you are fully prepared.
A Clear Path for Evacuation and Staying Put Depending on the type of disaster you are facing, it may be necessary to evacuate while other disasters may necessitate staying in place. To be fully prepared for whatever situation your business faces, it is important to have a procedure in place regarding both of these things.
Make sure that you have well-marked evacuation routes in the building in case employees must leave suddenly in the event of a fire or flood, and practice evacuation drills frequently so everyone knows what to do. In the event that you must stay put, pack an office emergency kit with enough food, water and medical supplies to sustain you and your staff until official help arrives.
A Communication Strategy for Management and Employees In the event of a disaster or emergency, there will likely be a lot of confusion from staff regarding what this means for the business and their livelihoods. Making sure that you and upper management have a strategy for communicating with staff will help you (most importantly) ensure everyone is safe, communicate pertinent information and keep any rumors at bay.
A Clear Outline of the Recovery Process For business owners, your livelihood is likely on the line if your business has an unexpected closure—therefore it is recommended that you have a recovery plan in place in advance so you can expedite your time to reopening.
Make sure you are aware of how to start recovery, including knowing your insurance information and what commercial restoration company you will be using to take care of the damage to get your doors reopened as quickly as possible.
If your business has experienced a disaster, you can count on our restoration services. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial restoration process.
What Types of Damage Can Thunderstorms Cause to Homes? | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/4/2021 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms are one of the more dramatic weather events, and they certainly make themselves known through the crashes and bright bolts of lightning. With all the chaos, you might wonder exactly how these storms can cause damage to your home so you can be aware of what to watch out for.
There are several ways that a thunderstorm can lead to issues around the house, including lightning damage, flood damage and the development of water leaks. Being aware of what can happen is the best way to keep yourself and your home safe and damage-free when the next band of storms rolls through.
Lightning Damage Thunderstorms are caused by electrical charges in the air, which produce the lightning and thunder we can see and hear—meaning every thunderstorm brings the potential for lightning damage as well. While many lightning bolts will strike from cloud to cloud, the ones that strike the ground can cause serious damage to buildings. Lightning that strikes on or near a home can send an electrical current through the wiring, which can lead to surges to electronics and even electrical fires within the walls.
Flood Damage Floods can be caused for many reasons, but typically flash floods are caused by sudden, heavy rainfall that overwhelms an area, and they can cause serious damage. Flash floods are a big concern after thunderstorms because they can overwhelm any area—not just one that is considered vulnerable to flooding in general. They also often catch people off guard, so it is important to always tune into your weather radio if flash flooding is a possibility. While the physical damage they cause can be devastating, they can also be dangerous.
Water Leaks Leaks around the house are extremely common after heavy rain, as the moisture can work its way into small vulnerabilities that homeowners were not aware of. Check your roof after every big storm to look for missing shingles, as that may be an indicator that there is a leak underneath. Also check around windows and doors to ensure their seals have held up and be sure there is no pooling water in your gutters or around your foundation.
If you have received storm damage to your home, you can count on us to help. Contact us today to learn more about our storm damage restoration process.
Recovering With Safety in Mind After a Flood | SERVPRO® of Houston County
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
There are many things that can cause a flood to occur, and even areas that are landlocked are not fully immune from their impact. Many people falsely assume that a flood could never happen to them, but we recommend that residents have a plan in place no matter where they live. This will help you know exactly what to do and how to do it safely to expedite your flood recovery process and begin your return to normal.
Tips for a Safe Flood Recovery
Avoid further safety hazards. For those who have had to evacuate their areas due to a flood, the desire to return home as quickly as possible is strong. However, wait for your local officials to state that it is safe, as floodwaters can hide many hazards that can be dangerous or fatal.
Air out the home. Floodwaters are not the only thing that can cause damage during a flood, as mold can begin to grow quite quickly after the moisture sets in. Because mold thrives on stagnant air, increasing air flow can lessen the likelihood that it will be able to take hold and begin causing damage, so open doors and windows if it is safe to do so. This has the added benefit of keeping the air healthy for anyone in the home working on the cleanup process.
Document the damages. You will likely want to begin improving your home and salvaging your belongings right away, but before you do so, take some time to document everything that has been damaged. Make a list of items and take ample pictures, which will serve both your records and the insurance company’s if you are able to file a claim.
Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. If you have coverage through a flood insurance provider, you should alert them of your damages right away. From there, you can call us 24⁄7 so we can work with your insurance company to get your restoration done as quickly as we can.
If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us 24⁄7 to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.
Our Proven 6-StepWater Damage Restoration Method | SERVPRO® of Houston County
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
Discovering water damage has invaded your home is disappointing, but taking action right away is the most effective response.
That is why we are here 24 hours a day, so you can call us whenever you need to in order to report the damage and begin restoration. This is how our method works:
6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration
1. Initial Emergency Contact
We are here 24 hours a day, so you can call us at any time to talk with one of our highly trained phone operators and fill us in on the details of the damage. With this information, we will assemble a response squad and get to you as soon as we can.
2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Upon arriving at your home, we will immediately assess the area for any present safety hazards and address them to create a hazard-free environment. After that, we will do a full inspection of the damaged area to create a restoration plan for your situation.
3. Moisture Extraction
Allowing standing water to sit unattended is one of the biggest culprits of auxiliary damage after water moves in, so we get excess moisture out fast. We have a fleet of equipment to move hundreds of gallons of water at a time out of your home.
4. Dehumidifying and Drying
Once the excess moisture is removed, we will begin to pull moisture out of the air and surfaces with our dehumidifiers and drying tools. We want to do this quickly as mold can rapidly begin to grow if this moisture is not addressed.
5. Cleaning Belongings
After we have dried and dehumidified your air and belongings, we will clean and sanitize everything that has been impacted. Water damage can contaminate objects and lead to foul odors, so we take this precaution to make sure your home is safe.
6. Restoration and Repair
When you call us for restoration, you can be confident that we are with you every step of the way—including for cosmetic repairs that need to be done to restore your home. We can add new drywall, do paint work and any other finishing touches to truly restore your impacted areas.
If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call us 24⁄7 to get the process started.
Hurricane Ready
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
When it comes to hurricanes, the category means a lot. If a CAT 1 hurricane is coming your way, you can ride out the storm in your home. However, if a CAT 4 hurricane is barreling your way, you want to evacuate. So what does each category mean? Category 1 is a minimally damaging hurricane with winds reaching 95 miles per hour. The storm surge could range anywhere from 4 to 5 feet above sea level. Category 2 hurricane is referred to as moderately damaging. Winds could be anywhere from 96 to 110 miles per hour and the storm surge reaches 8 feet. Category 3 can bring extensive damage with winds ranging from 111 to 130 miles per hour, and the storm surge reaches 12 feet. Category 4 brings extreme damage with winds reaching 131 to 155 miles per hour. The storm surge for a CAT 4 is between 13 to 18 feet. Lastly is a category 5 hurricane, this cat of hurricane brings catastrophic damage with winds reaching well over 155 miles per hour, and the storm surge going over 18 feet. With any category of a hurricane, you want to board up your home and secure the perimeter around your home. The winds could easily blow items around your home into a window or damage your vehicle. If you do not know exactly what to do in order to prep your home for a hurricane, watch the local news for tips and ideas on what to do to best fit your home.
How can we help you with our water damage?
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
If water damage does occur in your home, immediately call SERVPRO of Houston County (478) 224-4148 for restoration services. SERVPRO’s teams will:
- Assess damage for restorability and safety.
- Determine the extent of the moisture content in effected areas.
- Move and prop up furniture on blocks if necessary.
- Extract the water.
- Remove carpets and carpet pads if necessary.
- Spray to treat germs and bacteria in contaminated areas.
- Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidification equipment.
- Ensure rooms are completely dry and conduct a walk through with homeowners to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss. If you or someone you know succumbs to any type of water damage, give us a call to make your home look “Like it never even happened.”
Emergency Tips
2/16/2021 (Permalink)
If you have ever had a weather-related emergency, such as a flood, pipe burst, septic tank overflow you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when that person has a free moment. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, yay for you! If you ever do have an emergency, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.
- When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to 7 over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening to your neighbors.
- Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years cannot hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.
So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.
At SERVPRO of Houston County, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? No job is to big or small for our crew of certified and highly trained experts! When it comes to your property, home, or business you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done and done right! We have the resources for all trades and labor and can properly and efficiently handle any job no matter the size!
A brand you can trust, a company you can depend on! We are available 24/7/365 because your emergency will not wait until Monday morning.
Locals taking care of locals
2/16/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County is more than a business - It’s a family of local professionals here to help should you ever experience a disaster in your home or business.
We’re an independent franchise, owned and operated by Carl Perazzola since 2011. Carl is a huge family man with his wife Lorraine and their four children. They live, work, eat and shop in Central Georgia, so they make sure to take care of each customer as if they are family.
Carl became an Corporate Trainer for SERVPRO Industries, Inc. in 2008 and was responsible for SERVPRO franchises all over Georgia. Carl and his team are committed to ensuring all the customers in the Houston County area are treated like family and that each job is successful and up to the SERVPRO standards.
Our franchise also offers continuing education classes for agents and adjusters each year. Please contact us for further information.
Call SERVPRO of Houston County day or night, 24 hours a day at (478) 224-4148 and you can count on your neighbors to respond quickly and aid in your cleanup and restoration needs.
Help for Pabst Homeowners Dealing With Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Houston County
1/20/2021 (Permalink)
Do you have any water damage to your walls or ceiling? Contact SERVPRO of Houston County, we will help guide you through the restoration process
No one likes to think about needing water damage remediation services. But millions of American families do.
The number of water damage claims filed by American homeowners continues to grow year after year.
They’re growing independently of other types of claims. For example, the number of water damage claims is growing while the number of fire damage claims have been dropping steadily. The result is that, on average, one in 50 American families deal with the aftermath of water damage every year.
So if you do end up needing water damage help in 2021, you won’t be alone.
Do You Know the Signs of Water Damage?
Homeowners don’t always know how to spot early signs of water damage. If your home has water damage that needs remediation by professionals, you’ll likely notice these signs:
You see wet spots on your drywall. Damp spots on your drywall are a sign of water issues. They may be damp to the touch, or it may appear more like a stain on your wall or ceiling. If you notice this issue, then you should call restoration technicians to come and examine your home.
You realize your windows and walls are warped. Window panes and doorframes will start to warp when they’re damaged by water. If you see warping on an exterior door or window, it’s smart to get it evaluated. Compromised doors and windows can let more water into your home.
You can smell an unusual, musty odor. Smell can be among the first signs of mold damage. And that damage only gets worse as time passes. It’s smart to start the remediation process as soon as you can in this case.
If you’re a Pabst or Perry homeowner, our local teams are here to help educate you about the process and evaluate any damage to your property.
If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.
Why Choosing Us for Restoration Will Give You Peace of Mind
1/11/2021 (Permalink)
When you choose a restoration company to work with after you have experienced damage to your home, you are putting quite a bit of faith into whomever you choose. Not only is experiencing water damage, fire damage or storm damage a stressful process, but trusting a company to restore your home to its pre-damaged state can be a difficult thing to do.
If you work with the right company, however, you can gain serious peace of mind and trust that your home and belongings are in good hands. With our history of customer service, record of immediate action and expertise in a variety of damages, you can trust that your home is always in good hands when you trust us.
Why Choosing Us for Restoration Will Give You Peace of Mind
We Have a History of Outstanding Customer Service We are passionate about helping people in the area after they have sustained damage to their home or business, and we make sure that for every job we get called to do, we do our best work. The proof is in the customer testimonials—so many local residents have been thrilled with the quality and speed of service that they have received from us. When you hire us for your restoration job, you can trust that you will get the same outstanding service that our other customers have.
We Know the Importance of Immediate Action When you discover damage to your home, the last thing you want is to wait around for days waiting on a company to get back to you. Not only is that frustrating when you are in a stressful situation, but it can also lead to the damage becoming even more severe as it sits unattended. We understand how important immediate action is, which is why we provide service 24 hours a day. No matter when you call us, you will be able to get in touch with us and get the restoration process set into motion.
We Can Handle a Variety of Damages While some damages can be of the simple variety, many of them are far more complex and require a restoration company that can handle multiple specialties. For example, after a fire starts, you will often have water damage in addition to the damage from the smoke, soot and flames. Because we can handle all of these things, we can be your one-stop company for restoration.
If your home has been damaged, choose us for restoration so you can have peace of mind. Call us at any hour to learn more or get started.
Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Contact our office today at (478)224-4148 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.
SERVPRO of Houston County, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!
Why Flash Floods Are Such a Risky Component of Storms | SERVPRO® of Houston County
12/2/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County is your local water & storm restoration expert. We will get the job done right, contact us today.
No matter what the situation, if there is severe weather occurring, it is important to prioritize safety and take it seriously—especially if flash flooding is involved. Floods cause the second-highest fatality rate of any weather event in the country, and flash floods are far more dangerous than any other type.
Because of how suddenly they can happen, flash floods are aptly named. People in the impacted areas are rarely provided more than a few moments of notice, and anything from roadway drains to runoff creeks can quickly overflow if the rain is heavy enough. Knowing the facts surrounding flash floods is key to keeping yourself protected.
The Differentiating Factors of Flash Floods
Though different types of floods carry different risks, as a whole, flash floods are the most dangerous due to their speed. Once rain starts, flash floods follow in under six hours, often in as little as three. Flash floods also happen in an extremely localized manner, often hurting urban areas and other places that do not typically have to be concerned with flood risk.
The Hierarchy of Flash Flood Alerts
Anytime there is severe weather, it is vital to pay attention to your local weather station for the most updated alerts possible. Flash floods happen suddenly, so while a flash flood watch indicates that there may be conditions present for a flash flood, when a flash flood warning is declared, you will only have moments to react in many cases. If there is a flash flood emergency issued, move to higher ground immediately.
The Flash Flood Safety Tips to Memorize
Because time is of the essence in the event of a flash flood, knowing the facts about safety is key to make sure you are able to act rapidly. Here are some of the tips everyone should know:
- When severe weather is possible, stay alert to weather broadcasts.
- Draft and practice an evacuation plan with your family.
- Never attempt to get across flooded areas, either on foot or in a vehicle.
- Limit contact with floodwater as much as possible due to contaminants.
- Plan your evacuation with multiple routes, as water can block roads quickly.
If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damage to your property.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips to Keep in Mind | SERVPRO® of Houston County
12/2/2020 (Permalink)
Make sure your fire risk is low during the holidays. If you experience any damage, SERVPRO of Houston County will be here to help.
House fires do not discriminate based on season, but in the winter they are certainly more apt to occur. The Red Cross has reported that the winter season is the time when most house fires occur, in part because they are given more opportunity due to the fire dangers associated with winter activities.
Many people find themselves doing more in the kitchen around the holidays and in the colder months, making cooking fires more likely to occur. Additionally, more people are using heaters, fireplaces and decorations, making heating and electrical fires a possibility. Read on to discover how you can make the most of your holiday season while still practicing fire safety.
Keep Fire Safety at the Forefront of Winter Activities
Keep safe when cooking. Cooking is consistently the catalyst for the highest number of house fires during any part of the year, and winter is no different. Winter often brings about large holiday meals and extra baking projects, giving fires more of an opportunity to begin. Avoid keeping flammable objects near the stove and always be sure you have a fire extinguisher handy in case there are any incidents that occur.
Heat the house with proper precautions. Warming up areas of your home with space heaters or starting a fire in the fireplace is a great way to get cozy, as long as you keep safety in mind. Space heaters should always be equipped with sensors to prevent them from overheating or running while tipped over, and they should never be used on carpet or flammable items. For fireplaces, get your chimney inspected before you use it for the first time each year and be sure you have a grate installed properly to avoid any accidents.
Decorate with care. Adding holiday decorations is a lot of fun, but it should always be done with electrical safety in mind. Electrical and wiring issues cause around a quarter of all Christmas tree fires. Be sure none of your wires are frayed, make certain that you do not overload outlets or power strips and ensure you never leave lights or other decorations plugged in if you are away or asleep.
If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help. Contact us 24 hours a day to report damage and receive a quick response from our certified restoration technicians. Get in touch today.
Apply Storm Safety to Any Situation | SERVPRO® of Houston County
12/2/2020 (Permalink)
Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.
When summer weather turns hot and sticky, you can be certain that summertime storms are not far behind. Storms may feel like a routine event during the summer, but thunderstorms can still cause severe damage even when they pop up briefly.
Because you never want to be caught off-guard by a storm, here are some safety tips you can use anywhere you go to stay storm-safe.
Never Be Caught Off Guard by a Summer Storm
Know your options for shelter. When you get the news that a storm is headed for your area, the best thing to do is to seek shelter in an interior room of your house that has no windows until it passes. With these sudden storms, however, this is not always an option. You can take shelter in your car if necessary, just make sure to pull over in a safe area and avoid touching metals or starting the car while the storm is near.
Practice electrical safety. The electrical wiring in a building offers a great vessel for lightning to travel through when it strikes, which can harm electronics and cause fire-starting sparks as well. It is recommended to always use surge protectors on each outlet to lower the risk of this, and if you have time, unplug everything in your home or office before a storm arrives.
Avoid direct contact with concrete. While the structural integrity of concrete structures is unrivaled, they actually are not the safest structure for storms with thunder and lightning. Concrete is typically reinforced with metal rods, and if lightning strikes, these rods can disburse electrical charge throughout the concrete. Sitting on a concrete floor or leaning against a concrete wall can put you at risk for electric shock if storms are nearby.
Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. While it may feel like summer thunderstorms are over as quickly as they begin, that is not always the case. Lightning strikes can travel across 25 miles and strike a ways away from the center of the storm, so consider setting a timer after the last thunder clap for a half hour to be on the safe side.
If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.
Preparing Your Business Through Regular Fire Drills | SERVPRO® of Houston County
12/2/2020 (Permalink)
If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of Houston County specializes in commercial fire restoration.
Owning a business involves taking on a certain level of risk, but through careful planning, these risks can be managed and mitigated. The same is true for the risks that a commercial fire poses to your business—by planning ahead, you can generally reduce its overall impact and get back to business faster.
Increasing your business’ fire safety is important and there are many aspects involved, but the most important thing to implement is a fire evacuation plan for your staff. Planning out your evacuation routes and hosting regular escape drills will keep everyone safer in what could potentially be a life-altering situation.
Keeping Staff Safe With Fire Evacuation Drills
Consult with your local fire officials. There are many places where you can research commercial fire safety, but there is perhaps no better resource than the local fire officials who service your area. Many times, they can pay you an in-person visit to evaluate your building and help you map out the best evacuation routes to pass on to your staff.
Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have determined the safest and most effective routes for escape, communicate with your staff on how to find them and what to expect from the first drill.
Have fire drills frequently. Though you do not want to have fire drills so regularly that they lose their impact, it is important that they are frequent enough to keep the safety procedures fresh in everyone’s minds. Your specific schedule should be tailored to your business needs, but many owners find that scheduling them quarterly is a great way to make it part of the routine.
Run different fire scenarios. There are many ways that a fire can start that might seem unlikely, but it is important to plan for them nonetheless. To prepare staff for every possible scenario, every fire drill should be different—create different fire starter locations and block different evacuation routes so they can adapt to changing scenarios seamlessly.
If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.
Bad Grilling Habits That Are Actually Fire Hazards | SERVPRO® of Houston County
7/14/2020 (Permalink)
There is nothing better than firing up the grill on a summer evening for a dinner cooked and eaten outdoors. While grilling is a great cooking method when the weather is nice, it presents special considerations that should absolutely be taken into account to prevent the risk of fire.
Because many of us grill often, it can become so routine that it is easy to fall into bad grilling habits, which can put you at a much higher risk for a fire. Considering there are nearly 6,000 grill-related fires a year, breaking your bad habits and being fire-safe is key.
Bad Grilling Habits That Can Lead to Fires
Getting lax about grill cleaning. Cleaning the grill is one of the more annoying tasks regarding cooking outdoors, but it is also extremely necessary both for the quality of your food and for your safety. Not only will you be able to control the heat much easier on a grill with clean grates, but you are also clearing out all the grease and crud that has accumulated, which can quickly ignite and cause a serious fire if conditions are right.
Using lighter fluid on a lit grill. While lighter fluid can be applied to cold charcoal coals in a pinch to expedite the starting process, you should always be extremely cautious when making use of it. Applying lighter fluid to a lit grill—even if the flame is extremely tiny—can quickly create a flare-up situation that can spread to you or anything nearby.
Not inspecting your grill regularly. While you probably make use of your grill on a regular basis, when was the last time you made sure that everything was working properly? If you have
a propane grill, it is important to regularly check your tank, your connectors and your lines for leaks, cracks or signs of wear. A gas leak around a lit grill can turn hazardous quickly, creating an out of control fire before you know it.
Neglecting to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Even if you are extremely careful about grilling safety every single time you cook, accidents can still happen—and when it comes to accidents around open flames, they can be devastating. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when you are grilling, so if there is a flare-up, you can handle it right away and avoid further issues.
If you have fire damage to your home—regardless of the cause—we are here to help. You can get in touch with us 24/7 for a rapid response from our expert fire technicians today.
Where Water Damage to Wood Floors Might Begin | SERVPRO® of Houston County
7/14/2020 (Permalink)
If you have wood floors in your home, you understand the importance of protecting them from moisture as much as possible. While a simple spill will not lead to damages, if you have a leak or other issue at play, over time, it can wreak havoc on your beautiful flooring and cause warping, expansion and even mold and mildew growth. Understanding what causes this and where to look for damage can help you make sure your flooring is protected.
Where Water Damage to Wood Floors Can Originate
The first step to treating water damage to wood floors is determining where the damage is originating from. The occasional spill will not cause serious damages, and most signs of damage are due to moisture that persists as time goes on.
If you notice damage on your wood floor, check the following places:
Around windows or doors.? If you have older windows or doors that are not sealed properly, it is possible that the water is seeping in around the framing. In this case, you will likely notice water damage indicators on the drywall around the external opening as well as the floor underneath.
Around your radiators.? If your home uses radiator heat, it is possible that one of these could be leaking water directly onto your wood floors. Since all the radiator components are visible, this should be fairly simple to check.
Around water lines.? If it is not either of those issues, it might mean that there is a hidden issue at play. Because water lines run to your refrigerator, dishwasher and laundry machines, if your water damage is located around any of these appliances, you likely have an internal leak that is causing damage to your floors.
Around areas with heavy plumbing. ?Any part of your house that has water lines or plumbing pipes in the walls or ceiling may be able to cause damage to your wood floors. While you will likely also notice damage to drywall or your ceiling if this is the case, depending on where your leak is originating, you may notice it on the floors before anything else.
If you have water-damaged hardwood in your home, we are here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our water restoration services and how we can help you today.
Examining Your Commercial Policies Ahead of a Disaster | SERVPRO® of Houston County
7/14/2020 (Permalink)
Disasters can happen suddenly and probably occur more often than you realize. In 2019, the losses from natural catastrophes reached $150 billion worldwide, and that does not include other emergency types that could impact your business, such as fires or localized floods.
Making sure your business is prepared is not something you want to leave until after a disaster strikes. We recommend that every business put a disaster preparedness plan in place well before they need it, and part of that is checking your insurance coverage to make sure you are protected.
Below, we will walk you through some considerations to keep in mind as you do this and point out some additional policies you can add to your general commercial insurance.
A Guide to Insurance Options to Protect Your Business From Disasters
General Property Insurance General insurance is the first thing you will want to assess when you evaluate your coverage. You will want to be sure both your building and its contents are insured for their current replacement value instead of what it was assessed at when you got your policy. For certain items, there may be specific exclusions written into your policy.
Flood Insurance One of the main exclusions to be aware of with general commercial insurance is flood coverage. In most cases, a standard commercial policy will provide no coverage to flooding damage, so this is a policy you will want to consider adding to your portfolio. Even if you are not in a known floodplain, it may be better to have the coverage just in case.
Business Interruption Insurance Another thing that is often excluded from a general policy is the income you will lose while being closed for repairs to your building. This interruption of income can be catastrophic for businesses operating on tight margins, but if you purchase business interruption insurance, you can receive some compensation in the form of estimated revenue for the duration of the closure.
If your business is damaged in a disaster, we are here to help you! You can get in touch with us 24/7 to receive a quick response from our expert restoration technicians.
We Can Handle Multiple Types of Restoration for Your Home or Business | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
If you have damage to your home or business, finding a restoration company as quickly as possible is probably at the forefront of your mind. While it is understandable that you will want to make a fast decision, you should also make sure that you are making the best decision for your needs.
After a fire, flood or storm, there is often more than one type of damage present that your restoration crew will have to contend with. That is why we always recommend working with a company that is a leader in all types of damage restoration and follows the guidelines of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification so you can be sure that no matter the situation, your damage will be restored to its previous condition.
Here are the types of damages we handle:
Residential and Commercial Fire Damage
Fire damage can be nuanced and there are no two situations that are identical. After a fire, you will typically experience damage from smoke, soot and charring, but you will also often have to
contend with water damage from the fire being extinguished and even some reconstruction if the fire has compromised the structural integrity of your home or business. The good news is, we can handle all of this from start to finish so you can be certain your damage is taken care of.
Residential and Commercial Water Damage
Water damage can come from a variety of places, such as a clogged drain, a burst pipe or a weather event. When we are called to the scene of water damage, we can quickly evaluate the extent of the damage and what classification of water is present, and then move in our commercial dryers and dehumidifiers in to get the moisture out.
Residential and Commercial Storm Damage
Storms can be terrifying events and cause extensive damage to your home through various means. Water damage, wind damage, hail damage and even fires can be common after storms—but because we can handle all of these things at one time, you can count on us to quickly and comprehensively respond to your storm damage and begin taking action.
If your home or business has been impacted by fire, water or storm damage, you can count on us to handle it all! Contact us today to learn more.
Making Sure Your Business Is Practicing Fire Safety | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
If you own your own business, you likely already understand the importance of protecting your investment through smart business decisions—but have you considered how suddenly a fire could set your business plans back? Fire is one of the most frequent types of damage to businesses, and while it will typically be covered by your commercial insurance policy, practicing fire safety from the start can reduce your chances of ever experiencing a fire at all.
How to Increase Your Business’ Fire Safety
Be Sure You Are in Compliance With Local and National Fire Codes While every business will have different fire codes to adhere to depending on the business or industry, making sure you are paying attention to the fire codes in Houston County in addition to the OSHA regulations is a great place to start for fire preparedness. These codes will detail important components of fire preparedness such as the number of fire extinguishers, frequencies of inspections and other specifics that can keep you and your staff safer.
Train Staff on the Use of Fire Extinguishers If it is safe to do so, extinguishing a fire can ensure that the flames do not begin to spread and get out of hand. If all of your staff knows how to use a fire extinguisher and extinguishers are located throughout the building, the chances of having a fire extinguished before it causes more
serious damage is much higher. Hold a safety seminar to make sure your staff are well-acquainted with the locations of the fire extinguishers as well as how to use them.
Be Cautious About Common Fire Starters While the fire safety concerns for commercial properties are often different from those of a residential one, some of the same rules apply. While your business may not have to worry so much about a cooking-related fire breaking out, you will likely need to be extra careful regarding the correct usage of extension cords and not overloading power outlets. Understand the fire starters that your business might be specifically at risk for so you and your employees can be cautious regarding them.
If your business experiences fire damage, we are here to help. You can get in touch with us any time to get your restoration process started.
All About How Lightning Strikes Are Formed | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/28/2020 (Permalink)
There are quite a few ways that thunderstorms can cause damage, but perhaps one of the most
dangerous and most misunderstood ways is via lightning strikes. We wanted to take the time to
go over what lightning is, when it occurs, where it strikes and what damage it can cause to your
property so you can be aware and prepared.
What Is Lightning?
Lightning is an electrical spark on an atmospheric level. It occurs when there are positive and
negative charges between clouds, in the air or between the clouds and the ground. When this
charge builds past a threshold, there is a sudden discharge of the electricity—which is what we
see as a flash of lightning. The lightning’s goal is to balance out the atmospheric charge, which
is why it will strike an object and travel through it to the ground. After this, the charges are
balanced until they begin building up again.
When Does Lightning Occur?
Lightning occurs every time there is a thunderstorm! All thunderstorms have lightning because lightning is actually what produces thunder. When lightning strikes, either between clouds or toward the ground, the force creates the loud crack we know as thunder. Thunder can be heard as far as 25 miles away from where the lightning strike occurs, which is why you can sometimes hear thunder without ever seeing a lightning strike.
What Do Lightning Strikes Target?
There are quite a few myths regarding where, what and how often lightning strikes during
thunderstorms. It is true that lightning will generally target taller objects—that is why skyscrapers generally have lightning rods and one should never seek shelter under a tree during a storm. However, because lightning is simply looking for the most simple path to reach the ground, lightning can really strike anywhere, including in the same place more than once. It will seek out any place an opposite charge builds up in order to ground itself and release the atmospheric charge we mentioned earlier.
What Property Damage Can Lightning Do?
Lightning can cause significant property damage if it strikes your home. Not only can it lead to
power surges as it travels through your outlets, but it can also cause fires later on if it damages
electrical wiring within the walls. It can also cause combustion when it strikes as it is hot enough
to set wood and building materials on fire.
If your home has been damaged in a storm, we are here for you. Get in touch with us any time
to be guaranteed a quick response.
Creating a Fire Evacuation Plan That Works for Your Family | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/28/2020 (Permalink)
Creating a fire evacuation plan is one of the best things you can do to boost your household’s
fire safety. Once flames begin to spread, you often only have one to two minutes to escape from the home, so ensuring you and everyone in your household can execute an evacuation in this
time is a great tool to keep everyone safer.
When you make a fire evacuation plan, it is important to tailor it specifically to your situation and your home’s unique features. Every household will have different considerations, which is why considering these details and scheduling regular drills of your evacuation plan is so important.
Creating a Fire Evacuation Plan Specific to Your Household
Consider any specific needs for members of your household. If everyone in your household
is able-bodied and in a middle age range, you may not have anyone that has specific needs to
consider when evacuating. However, if you have very young children, persons with disabilities,
older adults or pets, it is important that you create your plan with these household members in mind. Make sure everyone (and every pet) who may need assistance getting out of the home
has an evacuation buddy who can check on them and get them to safety.
Be sure each room has two exits.
For single-level homes, this is an easy rule to follow. However, when dealing with homes that have multiple stories, this might be more difficult to obtain. Consider storing safety ladders in each upstairs room of your home so that escapees
can utilize a window if the door is blocked by flames, and make sure every window can be
opened to the outside.
Think about the specific layout of your home.
While a fire could start anywhere, it is
important to identify areas where one is more likely to occur so you can be certain you can
evacuate regardless of the scenario. Kitchens are the most frequent place that fires occur, but
also make sure you plan for garage fires, fireplace fires or candles igniting the area around them as well. Be sure that regardless of where the fire breaks out, your rooms are set up in a way that allows you a clear path to one or more exits in the room.
If you have fire damage to your home, you can count on us to help. Get in touch with us at any
time to learn more about our fire restoration process.
How to Deal With Storm Damage to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/28/2020 (Permalink)
Severe thunderstorms can cause serious damage to a household and are an alarming event. If
you sustain damage to your home from a storm, staying safe, preventing additional damage and
working with your insurance and restoration provider are all important keys to handling the
issue.
Here are some tips for dealing with storm damage to your home:
Prioritize your safety above all else. While you will want to inspect your home as quickly as
possible in the aftermath of a storm, remember that safety will always need to come first. Watch
out for common hazards such as shattered glass or splintered wood strewn across the ground,
and always assume that downed power lines are active and avoid them entirely. If you smell
gas or suspect a gas leak, shut off the main gas line and alert your provider right away.
Do an assessment and prevent additional damage. If it is safe to do so, perform an initial
assessment to see what the extent of the damage is. The roof is the most likely spot damage
can manifest, but broken windows, torn siding and damage to outdoor appliances are also
common. Be sure to board or tarp up any areas that are exposed to the elements to prevent
additional damage from occurring while you wait on your insurance company.
Alert your insurance provider. Every claim process is different, so getting in touch with your
insurance provider once you determine if you have damage is key. In some cases, you will not
be able to begin cleanup until after they send an adjuster out to you, so it is important you know
the policy in order to prevent the accidental nullification of your claim. If you are not sure if the damage repair will total more than your deductible, they can help you work through that and help you determine if pursuing a claim is worthwhile.
Work with a qualified restoration company. Unfortunately, scams are extremely common
following disasters. Individuals posing as contractors will often move through an area,
demanding deposits or personal information to start the restoration process. In order to be sure
you are not falling victim to these shady business practices, work with a company that is a
trusted restoration leader in your area instead.
If your home has been damaged in a storm, we are here for you. Contact us at any time to
report your damage and receive a rapid response.
Key Elements for Your Business’ Disaster Plan | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
If you own a business, developing a disaster plan is a vital part of making sure you are covered in case an emergency were to arise. Not only will having a plan in place keep you and your staff safer in an emergency scenario, but it will also keep everyone informed and help you reopen your doors quickly once you recover. Making sure your plan has a few key elements can help you be certain that you are fully prepared.
A Clear Path for Evacuation and Staying Put Depending on the type of disaster you are facing, it may be necessary to evacuate while other disasters may necessitate staying in place. To be fully prepared for whatever situation your business faces, it is important to have a procedure in place regarding both of these things.
Make sure that you have well-marked evacuation routes in the building in case employees must leave suddenly in the event of a fire or flood, and practice evacuation drills frequently so everyone knows what to do. In the event that you must stay put, pack an office emergency kit with enough food, water and medical supplies to sustain you and your staff until official help arrives.
A Communication Strategy for Management and Employees In the event of a disaster or emergency, there will likely be a lot of confusion from staff regarding what this means for the business and their livelihoods. Making sure that you and upper management have a strategy for communicating with staff will help you (most importantly) ensure everyone is safe, communicate pertinent information and keep any rumors at bay.
A Clear Outline of the Recovery Process For business owners, your livelihood is likely on the line if your business has an unexpected closure—therefore it is recommended that you have a recovery plan in place in advance so you can expedite your time to reopening.
Make sure you are aware of how to start recovery, including knowing your insurance information and what commercial restoration company you will be using to take care of the damage to get your doors reopened as quickly as possible.
If your business has experienced a disaster, you can count on our restoration services. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial restoration process.
We Have a Water Removal Plan Homeowners Can Count On | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
If you have sustained water damage, setting the restoration process in motion immediately is the best thing you can do. We understand just how important this is, which is why we guarantee a quick response. When you call us for water damage, we will dispatch a team to you, who will assess the safety of the scene and then move immediately into our water removal plan to prevent more damages.
Here is how that works:
A Pack Out Service for Your Belongings If the water damage to your home is extensive, we will be able to provide you with packing and moving assistance for your belongings. This will help you get your belongings to a location that is dry to prevent further damage to them, so you can trust that your items are safe.
Emergency Water Removal We understand the importance of removing moisture as soon as possible, which is why we make it a high priority once we determine that the scene is safe for our technicians to enter. We have powerful, submersible pumps in addition to our industrial-strength wet vacuums that we will use. This is how we are able to reduce the time it takes for your area to dry and prevent additional water damage and mold and mildew growth.
Inspection of the Flooring and Drywall After removing the water, we will do an additional inspection to determine the damage that is done to the surfaces of your home. We will inspect the floor to determine if any floor coverings or carpet must be removed in order to make sure the subfloor is protected, and determine how much damage there is to the drywall in case it is in need of patching.
High-Tech Moisture Equipment Monitoring We have invested heavily in the equipment we use for water damage jobs so we never have to merely guess about how much damage is present. We have moisture detectors, hygrometers and other methods of determining how saturated the area has become with moisture, and we have infrared cameras to detect water damage behind walls, ceilings and other surfaces. This means that you can trust that when we restore your home, we are restoring every aspect that has been impacted by the moisture.
If you’ve experienced household water damage, you can count on us. Contact us at any time to learn more about our process.
What Types of Damage Can Thunderstorms Cause to Homes? | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms are one of the more dramatic weather events, and they certainly make themselves known through the crashes and bright bolts of lightning. With all the chaos, you might wonder exactly how these storms can cause damage to your home so you can be aware of what to watch out for.
There are several ways that a thunderstorm can lead to issues around the house, including lightning damage, flood damage and the development of water leaks. Being aware of what can happen is the best way to keep yourself and your home safe and damage-free when the next band of storms rolls through.
Lightning Damage Thunderstorms are caused by electrical charges in the air, which produce the lightning and thunder we can see and hear—meaning every thunderstorm brings the potential for lightning damage as well. While many lightning bolts will strike from cloud to cloud, the ones that strike the ground can cause serious damage to buildings. Lightning that strikes on or near a home can send an electrical current through the wiring, which can lead to surges to electronics and even electrical fires within the walls.
Flood Damage Floods can be caused for many reasons, but typically flash floods are caused by sudden, heavy rainfall that overwhelms an area, and they can cause serious damage. Flash floods are a big concern after thunderstorms because they can overwhelm any area—not just one that is considered vulnerable to flooding in general. They also often catch people off guard, so it is important to always tune into your weather radio if flash flooding is a possibility. While the physical damage they cause can be devastating, they can also be dangerous.
Water Leaks Leaks around the house are extremely common after heavy rain, as the moisture can work its way into small vulnerabilities that homeowners were not aware of. Check your roof after every big storm to look for missing shingles, as that may be an indicator that there is a leak underneath. Also check around windows and doors to ensure their seals have held up and be sure there is no pooling water in your gutters or around your foundation.
If you have received storm damage to your home, you can count on us to help. Contact us today to learn more about our storm damage restoration process.
Weather Emergency
4/20/2020 (Permalink)
Whether it is a Category 5 hurricane or a bad thunderstorm rolling through, home owners should be prepared for any storm.
Take safety precautions
Any type of heavy winds can cause roof shingles, natural debris, or unnatural debris to occur. After the storm is over, take precaution when going outside because there could be debris such as nails, sharp wood, or other potentially dangerous items that are around your home.
Photograph the damage
If it is major or minor, take pictures IMMEDIATELY. You may not realize that something damaged your home until after you have moved it, so take pictures just in case (there is always the delete button). Insurance companies will need to see before pictures of the damage.
Contact your insurance company… and SERVPRO!
A homeowner must call their insurance company so an adjuster can be sent out to examine the damage so payment can be made. Don’t forget to call your favorite restoration and mediation company, SERVPRO of Houston County. We work around the clock to ensure happiness from our community! We will send a team out as quickly as possible to begin work for your home if disaster strikes!
Storm Damage
4/20/2020 (Permalink)
If you have ever had a weather related emergency, such as a flood, tree fall, pipe burst you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when you’re gotten to. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, good. If you ever do, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
1) Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber, tree company or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.
2) When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to seven over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening all around you.
3) Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years can not hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.
So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.
At SERVPRO of Houston County, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? No job is to big or small for our crew of certified and highly trained experts! When it comes to your property, home, or business you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done, and done right! We have the resources for all trades and labor and can properly and efficiently handle any job no matter the size!
A brand you can trust, a company you can depend on!
Whether its factory fire, burst water heater or a tree on a house, We are Ready for Whatever Happens and Are Always Here to Help!
When dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Contact SERVPRO of Houston County for prompt & dependable service.
4/17/2020 (Permalink)
Our Proven 6-Step Water Damage Restoration Method | SERVPRO® of Houston County
Discovering water damage has invaded your home is disappointing, but taking action right away is the most effective response.
That is why we are here 24 hours a day, so you can call us whenever you need to in order to report the damage and begin restoration. This is how our method works:
6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration1. Initial Emergency Contact
We are here 24 hours a day, so you can call us at any time to talk with one of our highly trained phone operators and fill us in on the details of the damage. With this information, we will assemble a response squad and get to you as soon as we can.
2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Upon arriving at your home, we will immediately assess the area for any present safety hazards and address them to create a hazard-free environment. After that, we will do a full inspection of the damaged area to create a restoration plan for your situation.
3. Moisture Extraction
Allowing standing water to sit unattended is one of the biggest culprits of auxiliary damage after water moves in, so we get excess moisture out fast. We have a fleet of equipment to move hundreds of gallons of water at a time out of your home.
4. Dehumidifying and Drying
Once the excess moisture is removed, we will begin to pull moisture out of the air and surfaces with our dehumidifiers and drying tools. We want to do this quickly as mold can rapidly begin to grow if this moisture is not addressed.
5. Cleaning Belongings
After we have dried and dehumidified your air and belongings, we will clean and sanitize everything that has been impacted. Water damage can contaminate objects and lead to foul odors, so we take this precaution to make sure your home is safe.
6. Restoration and Repair
When you call us for restoration, you can be confident that we are with you every step of the way—including for cosmetic repairs that need to be done to restore your home. We can add new drywall, do paint work and any other finishing touches to truly restore your impacted areas.
If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call us 24⁄7 to get the process started.
If you’re experiencing any water damage from flooding, SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24/7 to assist you with any repairs.
4/13/2020 (Permalink)
Recovering With Safety in Mind After a Flood | SERVPRO® of Houston County
There are many things that can cause a flood to occur, and even areas that are landlocked are not fully immune from their impact. Many people falsely assume that a flood could never happen to them, but we recommend that residents have a plan in place no matter where they live. This will help you know exactly what to do and how to do it safely to expedite your flood recovery process and begin your return to normal.
Tips for a Safe Flood Recovery
Avoid further safety hazards. For those who have had to evacuate their areas due to a flood, the desire to return home as quickly as possible is strong. However, wait for your local officials to state that it is safe, as floodwaters can hide many hazards that can be dangerous or fatal.
Air out the home. Floodwaters are not the only thing that can cause damage during a flood, as mold can begin to grow quite quickly after the moisture sets in. Because mold thrives on stagnant air, increasing air flow can lessen the likelihood that it will be able to take hold and begin causing damage, so open doors and windows if it is safe to do so. This has the added benefit of keeping the air healthy for anyone in the home working on the cleanup process.
Document the damages. You will likely want to begin improving your home and salvaging your belongings right away, but before you do so, take some time to document everything that has been damaged. Make a list of items and take ample pictures, which will serve both your records and the insurance company’s if you are able to file a claim.
Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. If you have coverage through a flood insurance provider, you should alert them of your damages right away. From there, you can call us 24⁄7 so we can work with your insurance company to get your restoration done as quickly as we can.
If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us 24⁄7 to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.
SERVPRO of Houston County - Locals taking care of locals
2/25/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Houston County is more than a business - It’s a family of local professionals here to help should you ever experience a disaster in your home or business.
We’re an independent franchise, owned and operated by Carl Perazzola since 2011. Carl is a huge family man with his wife Lorraine and their four children. They live, work, eat and shop in Central Georgia, so they make sure to take care of each customer as if they are family.
Carl became an Corporate Trainer for SERVPRO Industries, Inc. in 2008 and was responsible for SERVPRO franchises all over Georgia. Carl and his team are committed to ensuring all the customers in the Houston County area are treated like family and that each job is successful and up to the SERVPRO standards.
Our franchise also offers continuing education classes for agents and adjusters each year. Please contact us for further information.
Call SERVPRO of Houston County day or night, 24 hours a day at (478) 224-4148 and you can count on your neighbors to respond quickly and aid in your cleanup and restoration needs.
Emergency Tips
2/25/2020 (Permalink)
If you have ever had a weather-related emergency, such as a flood, pipe burst, septic tank overflow you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when that person has a free moment. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, yay for you! If you ever do have an emergency, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.
- When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to 7 over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening to your neighbors.
- Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years cannot hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.
So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.
At SERVPRO of Houston County, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? No job is to big or small for our crew of certified and highly trained experts! When it comes to your property, home, or business you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done and done right! We have the resources for all trades and labor and can properly and efficiently handle any job no matter the size!
A brand you can trust, a company you can depend on! We are available 24/7/365 because your emergency will not wait until Monday morning.
Fire Safety
6/17/2019 (Permalink)
Outdoors fires are absolutely beautiful especially in the fall. The air is crisp and being outdoors is a fall favorite. When creating a fire outdoors, you definitely need to consider the environment surrounding the fire. Whether you are near your home or in a national forest, you want to ensure the fire will not burn the area. Here are some tips to keep your home and our nature areas safe.
- When selecting a fire pit location make sure you are at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees, or anything that might catch fire.
- Make sure the pit area is level and clear of debris.
- Make sure the wind spot you have chosen is calm.
- Dig your pit about one foot into the ground and circle the mouth with stones.
- Always remember to check with your campsite or the U.S. Forestry Commission to see if you are allowed to have a fire at the time you plan on camping.
- Make sure that any fire you build is kept low and out of the wind. This will help keep the embers down.
Never for any reason leave a fire unattended or hot. Make sure you pour water on the fire until it stops hissing.
Common Indoor Mold
6/17/2019 (Permalink)
Common Indoor Mold: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria & Aspergillus
Here in the middle Georgia area, we have the ideal climate for mold to develop and thrive. Since mold can start to develop in as little as 48 hours after water damage, it is imperative that any damage due to a fire, flood, broken water pipe, or leaky foundation be cleaned up promptly and properly. This cleanup will help you avoid significant property damage to your Conroe and The Woodlands home due to mold.
After Spring storms and summer showers, comes the damp, and moisture forecast, and the result of mold infestation is high. It is important to address any signs of mold immediately and correctly. Homes in our area are often affected by mold in bathrooms and basements, mold can develop anywhere in your home, especially if you have experienced any type of flooding.
Mold spores spread through the air, so even areas that were not directly affected by floodwaters can soon become home to serious mold infestations. Mold is often found in air ducts, which can cause it to spread quickly. SERVPRO of Houston County is always ready to help you restore your home after a water damage or in the event of mold.Time is of the essence: the longer you postpone cleanup, the longer the mold remediation process, the more expensive, and more inconvenience for you and your family.
If you are starting to see or smell mold in your home, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting is required, and the sooner the better. Mold has the potential to cause health effects, so cleanup should be conducted with proper protective clothing, masks and gloves. Bleach and water should be used to kill the mold in all affected areas. Scrub the solution into the area, rinse, and dry thoroughly. If saturated drywall and insulation was not removed after storm damage, you likely need a thorough evaluation by a professional emergency water damage restoration team.
Water damage that was not properly remedied prior to rebuilding may have caused mold to start growing behind your new walls or under your new carpeting. If the structure of your home was not properly disinfected, dehumidified, and dried, mold may be thriving. Your local SERVPRO of Houston County teams see this frequently. In a rush to make properties habitable, steps are often skipped, leading to mold infestations. If you believe you have mold growth from recent floods or other water damage, call us immediately. We can quickly help you identify problem areas and start the mold remediation process.
Our mission is to help our neighbors, friends, and community members quickly recover from damage caused by natural disaster, fire, sewage backup, or other events. Regardless of the size or type of damage, we can quickly respond and start the evaluation and investigation into the cause, as well as the best way to restore your property to its original state. Call us today at (478)224-4148, we work directly with insurance companies and carriers to help relieve a portion of the burden of the rebuilding process in order to make your loss "Like it never even happened."
Mold Facts
6/17/2019 (Permalink)
While developing, mold forms multicellular filaments called hyphae and adopts single-celled growth habits called yeasts. A large taxonomically diverse number of fungal species exist that can grow on the inside of your Nashville area home.
As the tubular branching mycelium threads over a contact surface, fluffy white threads begin to cover various surfaces found on your property. Mold damage occurs as these microbes systematically produce new colonies, becoming more and more visible to the human eye during the late stages of its life-cycle. Mold causes various stages of biodegradation to natural materials used to construct your home. Often leaving you and your family exposed to pathogenic molds that produce inhalable toxic compounds. There are thousands upon thousands of known mold species, making discovering the type of mold existing in your home useless.
The kind of mold that exists makes no difference whatsoever in how SERVPRO approaches treating the growth found in your home. Our technicians use a variety of strategies based on the extent of exposure that exists, using containment and control methods to stop the spread in its tracks, preventing further growth. Although mold plays a major role in our planet's ecosystem, having it in your home can produce unhealthy results. Therefore, at the first signs of mold growth in your home, it is important to contact a licensed, qualified professional, like those offered at SERVPRO, for help.
Attempting to mitigate or remove mold alone can result in additional growth or additional exposure that you want to avoid. SERVPRO can help you regain control over your home’s indoor environment, and drastically improve the quality of the air that you breathe. Remember, the longer you take to act the longer mold has to develop. Given enough time, many species of mold adjust to various living conditions, surviving in harsh conditions including extreme cold, highly acidic solvents, anti-bacterial, or even within petroleum products.
Obtain professionally certified mold remediation services by calling SERVPRO of Houston County today. We are here to help members of our community when you need us the most (478)224-4148.
Mold vs. Mildew
6/17/2019 (Permalink)
Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.
What is mildew?
Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Cardboard/paperboard
- Wallpaper
- Fabric
How is it different from Mold?
Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.
What to do after a fire...
6/17/2019 (Permalink)
Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.
- You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
- There is still viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
- You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition. Loss can be far more expensive than restoration or covered replacement.
- You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.
Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Here at SERVPRO of Houston County we will always put our customers first.
Emergency Tips
6/17/2019 (Permalink)
If you have ever had a weather-related emergency, such as a flood, pipe burst, septic tank overflow you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when that person has a free moment. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, yay for you! If you ever do have an emergency, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.
- When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to 7 over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening to your neighbors.
- Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years cannot hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.
So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.
At SERVPRO of Houston County, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? No job is to big or small for our crew of certified and highly trained experts! When it comes to your property, home, or business you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done and done right! We have the resources for all trades and labor and can properly and efficiently handle any job no matter the size!
A brand you can trust, a company you can depend on! We are available 24/7/365 because your emergency will not wait until Monday morning.
How we can help with water damage?
5/6/2019 (Permalink)
If water damage does occur in your home, immediately call SERVPRO of Houston County (478) 224-4148 for restoration services. SERVPRO’s teams will:
- Assess damage for restorability and safety.
- Determine the extent of the moisture content in effected areas.
- Move and prop up furniture on blocks if necessary.
- Extract the water.
- Remove carpets and carpet pads if necessary.
- Spray to treat germs and bacteria in contaminated areas.
- Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidification equipment.
- Ensure rooms are completely dry and conduct a walk through with homeowners to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss. If you or someone you know succumbs to any type of water damage, give us a call to make your home look “Like it never even happened.”
We're Ready....Are You?
5/2/2019 (Permalink)
If you are a commercial or residential property manager or condo association member, you should be dreading the swirly wind emoji on the accuweather app every bit as much as the single and negative termperatures we face this weekend.
Here are a few remiders from SERVPRO of Houston County...
Make random inspections of heat and air units, particularly those with external access. Specifically, look for insulation that has settled and no longer covers pipes as intended.
Reinspect any plumbing or external work to make sure proper installation is in place and that there are no vents where cold air can blow in.
Check doors, windows and heat in vacant units.
Remind tenants of protocol for reporting any water situation and not to ignore any signs of water intrusion or leaking. Let them know you are prepared for anything that happens.
If you have vacancies, you should consider relocation options for renters in the event there is displacement.
Make sure your on-call crews are ready to roll and that there is back up. There should also be clear protocol for structural emergencies that includes calling our TEAM of Experts at SERVPRO of Houston County for all your water, fire, or mold remediation needs!
An invaluable tool offered by SERVPRO is an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP), please visit our blog to find more information on this free service and how your commercial properties can benefit by being prepared for "whatever happens!"
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
CE Classes
5/2/2019 (Permalink)
A few times throughout the year, SERVPRO of Houston County offers continuing education classes to the Insurance, Real Estate and Property Management industries. These classes allow the attendees to earn credits for their respective fields, or to just be better informed of industry standards and best practices. One of our more recent and popular classes is centered on Biohazards and Bio- recovery procedures. Our most recent job was at a local home where someone passed away due to an self inflicted gsw. This has proved to be a very informative class for all that attend.
If you would like to learn more about our Continuing Education schedule, please call the office at (478) 224-4148 or send us an email to howell.SERVPRO@gmail.com to be put on our alert mailing list.
Grilling Time!
5/2/2019 (Permalink)
Spring is finally here, and it is time for grilling out with friends and family again. Grilling can become dangerous quickly. Leaving the grill unattended, improper cleaning grease or fat, placing the grill near combustible items can cause serious injuries to a person or property. Listed below are some tips on grilling safety.
- Gas-fueled grills account for 4 out of 5 grill fires.
- Choose a safe location for your grill.
- Only grill outside.
- Teach children grills can be dangerous and to be careful around a grill.
- Remember how to properly clean your grill after use.
Grilling can be a fun time to gather around and share stories over hot dogs and hamburgers. SERVPRO of Houston County assures consumers that if you fall victim to damage to your home due to a grill, we will be there to serve you.
Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)
5/2/2019 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses may never fully recover following a disaster, according to industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, fire, sewage, and mold damage can affect your business.
Contact our office today at (478)224-4148 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.
SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!
Small vs Large Mold Colonies
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Mold damage is hard to remove no matter what species is growing in what quantity, but make no mistake, there are major differences between our treatment of small mold colonies and large ones. Everything from the machines we use to the safety precautions we take can vary depending on the size and intensity of the mold colony in question. In any case, SERVPRO makes sure to fully quarantine and treat the affected area, with measures appropriate for size and spread of damage.
Small Patches
Small areas of mold damage in a commercial Warner Robins structure are generally relatively easy for us to deal with, although you should still never attempt to remove it yourself. Mold is potentially dangerous, and without thorough sanitation measures, can easily be spread when a cleaning attempt is made. For small patches of mold damage, we first set up a quarantine, preventing the mold from spreading outside of its immediate area. This quarantine may be in just a small corner or an entire room. After this, we begin setting up drying and sanitizing machines and processes, killing off mold and preventing further spores from growing. For some cases, a business may be able to continue as usual while a small section is quarantined.
Large Patches and Extensive Damage
When the mold has had a chance to grow out of hand, it often requires a larger quarantine (containment) and temporary closure of business. Large mold colonies can spread their spores by air, meaning HVAC systems must be cleaned out and other areas of the structure must be carefully examined for mold damage and propagation. Additionally, high volumes of gas and spores produced by these colonies can create greater health risks. Large mold colonies also often have sister colonies in hidden places such as behind walls and above ceilings, making containment and full evaluation a much longer and more difficult process. From protecting your merchandise, customers, and employees to offering excellent service, we can un-intrusively deal with mold remediation.
SERVPRO of Houston County has the equipment and training to handle commercial mold damage of all sizes and intensities. For our fast and reputable service, give us a call at (478) 224-4148.
Local Business Survives from ERP
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
We recently helped out a local business with a water damage case. Luckily for this business, they had already contacted us prior to the damage in regards to our Emergency Ready Profile. The ERP is an immediate plan of action in case of an emergency. It allows for whoever is at the business to know what to do, when to do something, and who to call in advance so the disaster can be at a minimum. The business knew exactly where to turn off the water. In addition, it had the list of phone numbers in importance to begin making the phone calls so restoration can begin quickly. We love when a local business profits from our ERP. If you have any questions concerning how to get your business an ERP, please give us a call at (478) 224-4148.
Cleaning Carpets after a Water Leak
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Remove water as quickly as possible by using a wet/dry vacuum system. Use fans to speed up carpet drying process. Sometimes the floor can seem dry when it is actually not. When it feels dry to the touch, keep the fans going for at least another week. The next step would be to use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in the room. Once the humidity level is low in the room, you want to steam and clean the carpet. This is mainly to just deodorize the carpet so a scent is not left. Lastly, you want to clean the walls, baseboards, and furniture. If this was water due to a storm, the areas water touched needs to be clean since it could contain bacteria. Of course you can always call SERVPRO of Houston County at (478) 224-4148 if you feel like your cleanup is bigger than you can handle. Our IICRC certified technicians will clean your home as if it were their own!
Water Damage
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Water damage can occur from mother nature visits such as hurricanes or thunderstorms to pipe bursts, foundation or roof leaks, septic tank issues, and much more. Either case, a homeowner should call a restoration company to help with proper clean up. When it is contaminated water such as a septic tank issue, homeowners are in the danger zone for viruses and bacteria growth. In this case, you want to call a restoration company immediately so there is little risk of exposure to dangerous bacteria. Regardless, a homeowner could experience mold growth very quickly if the water is left after 48 hours. If you encounter ANY type of water damage, you first want to stop the cause of the water damage. Example, if your toilet is over flowing, you want to stop water flow to the toilet, then call SERVPRO to come out and conduct the clean-up. A homeowner would then need to call their insurance company about the issue. Do not forget to document each step with pictures and notes so you can remember who you talked to and what was said. We will be there EVERY step of the way to ensure you get your home fixed like it never happened.
SERVPRO of Houston County is here for your water damage restoration needs. From natural disaster such as a hurricane to septic tank issues, we will be there to help with the entire process.
Remove Mold before you Paint
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
First Step: Remove the mold. If you attempt to just paint over the coloration of mold, it could aid in the growth of mold. Some paints are basically food to mold. So you need to kill the mold before painting by using a cleaner that can sink into the surface.
Second Step: Begin painting with a primer. Wait after cleaning the wall until it is COMPLETELY dry because any moisture left on the wall can feed the microbial spores- if any was left. Begin priming with an acrylic primer that consists of mildewcide. Next chose a primer that is a latex stain- blocking primer because it can create a shield from moisture.
Third Step: Paint your walls. Finally, you paint your walls in a normal manner to ensure you love the look of your new walls!
Overall, we highly recommend having a specialist come out to your home to inspect the possibility of microbial growth. Microbial growth is dangerous to have in your home to breathe in the bacteria it contains. If you believe you have mold growing in your home, call us at (478) 224-4148, and we will send a team out to inspect your home.
Avoid using Bleach to kill Mold
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Most homeowners assume that when mold spores appear on your walls, you should clean the area with bleach. This is very wrong. Bleach mostly consists of water. Water encourages mold growth. In addition, by putting bleach on the microbial growth, it only takes away the coloration of the spot. This could be interrupted as the end of the mold growth. When mold spores are being removed, the person should kill the mold from the root. Bleach only removes the appearance of mold. Bleach is for any material that is hard or a non-porous surface. This being said, mold grows on surfaces that are considered porous. So when bleach is poured onto a moldy surface, it is absorbed very easily which leaves a residue on the surface that is like a welcome mat to mold. This results with microbial growth to increase rapidly. Overall, if you believe mold is growing in your home, don’t hesitate to call us for any tips on how to remove the mold in the proper way. If you want us to come out to your home, we will do that as well so we can make it look “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (478) 224-4148.
Fire Safety
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Outdoors fires are absolutely beautiful especially in the fall. The air is crisp and being outdoors is a fall favorite. When creating a fire outdoors, you definitely need to consider the environment surrounding the fire. Whether you are near your home or in a national forest, you want to ensure the fire will not burn the area. Here are some tips to keep your home and our nature areas safe.
- When selecting a fire pit location make sure you are at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees, or anything that might catch fire.
- Make sure the pit area is level and clear of debris.
- Make sure the wind spot you have chosen is calm.
- Dig your pit about one foot into the ground and circle the mouth with stones.
- Always remember to check with your campsite or the U.S. Forestry Commission to see if you are allowed to have a fire at the time you plan on camping.
- Make sure that any fire you build is kept low and out of the wind. This will help keep the embers down.
Never for any reason leave a fire unattended or hot. Make sure you pour water on the fire until it stops hissing.
Fire Classes and how to properly extinguish them
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustibles. These fires are commonly flammable material one may find around their home. These items include wood, fabric, paper, trash, and plastic. To extinguish a Class A fire use either water or monammonium phosphate.
Class B fires are defined as one that uses a flammable liquid or gas as its fuel base. These fires are a common hazard in industries dealing with fuels, lubricants, and certain types of paint. Class B fires used to be majority of kitchen fires. However, because kitchen fires are typically the most common house fire, they have their own classification. Smothering Class B fires to remove oxygen will result in extinguishing the fire.
Class C fires are defined as fires that use electrical components and/or energized equipment as its fuel source. These fires are typically fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. Electrical fires are more likely to be seen in industries that use heavy electrically-powered equipment. Bad wiring can result in electrical fires. To extinguish these fires, one should cut the power off to the source and use a non-conductive chemical to extinguish the fire.
Class D fires are defined as one that uses a combustible metal as its fuel source. These combustible metals include titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. Class D fires are typically in a laboratory environment, but they can be found in other industries. You want to completely avoid throwing water on these fires because it is ineffective and can have the opposite effect. To extinguish these fires, use a dry powder agent which will absorb the heat and smother the fire.
Class K fires are defined as a cooking fire involving combustion from liquids used in food preparation. Greases, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat are all fuel sources that Class K covers. These fires are extremely dangerous and extremely destructive. To extinguish these types of fires, wet chemical fire extinguishers should be used.
If you or someone you know falls victim to a house or business fire, call SERVPRO of Houston County at (478) 224-4148.
Storm Tips
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms & Lightning
All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. On average in the U.S., lightning kills 51 people and injures hundreds more. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities – more than 140 annually – than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.
Before Thunderstorm and Lightning
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
- To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
- Postpone outdoor activities.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
- Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
Evacuating for a Hurricane
3/28/2018 (Permalink)
Hurricane season can be extremely scary for those who live on or around the coast. With the fear of winds, rain, and storm surge, people will be concerned with their safety and their home. Homeowners should be prepared to evacuate their homes and go further inland. Evacuations in itself can be intimidating. Here are some ways to help prepare you for an evacuation.
Make a Family Ready Plan
In this you want to include cash, prescription medications, and enough food and water for your entire family and pets for a few days in case these items are not readily accessible. For any families that are traveling in different vehicles make sure you have a backup plan if cell phones are not usable.
Think about what to do with valuable irreplaceable items
Documents such as passports, licenses, insurance cards, social security cards, and other legal papers you want to make sure you have copies of these along with a waterproof/fireproof container and travel with them. Other items such as irreplaceable photographs and meaningful items, place in a watertight and fireproof container to store in a safe place. You may not be able to take them with you for room purposes.
Take care of your food at home
You may want to freeze most of your food incase power is loss. Set your freezer on the coldest temperature so it stays colder longer. If you are anticipating a long-term power outage, you may want to clean out the refrigerator and freezer. If you do this, leave the doors open so there will be little risk of smell when you return.
Clear the grass areas around your home and secure windows and doors
If a hurricane is approaching, there is a high risk of items around your home to be blown around. This increases your risk of windows to be broken because of extra debris. Tie these items down or place them in a safe enclosed area for safe keeping. With the windows and doors, make sure you are boarding up the windows so there is less of a risk for window leaks and breaks.
When you return from the hurricane, if you have experienced any damage to your home, call your SERVPRO of Houston County. We will send a team out as soon as possible to begin work on your home.
Vacation Prep your Home
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Many people clean their homes prior to leaving for vacation. They also make sure that all the lights are off, and then also check that all windows and doors are locked securely. Many otherwise careful people fail to shut off the water line at the outside of their home during their pre-vacation preparations. Many times, nothing comes of this, but when it does, the water damage can be substantial.
Water damage that results from a broken water line, no matter where the break or leak is located, can cause damage throughout your home. This damage may not only spread across the floor or down the inside of a wall space but from one floor to lower levels, increasing the amount of damage your home experiences.
Vacationing is Only Temporary and So Should Any Water Damage, if You Call for Professional Assistance
Upon returning from vacation, homeowners whose home has been water damaged while they've been away are in for a not-so-pleasant surprise. Shutting off the water should be the first thing done if it can be safely accomplished. Standing water can pose an electrical hazard if electrical outlets or wiring are immersed in the water. If you are not sure about your safety, you should have professionals complete the shut-down the electricity prior to shutting off the water. Everyone should remain clear of the water to be safe.
After the flow of water has been stopped, mop up the existing water using absorbent towels or mops and empty buckets. Dump these outside to keep drains inside your home from becoming clogged by any debris that may be in the water. Because water can infiltrate porous materials like drywall throughout your home, it is tough to remove completely. The structurally water damage must have the standing water extracted first. If this is not done properly, warping and deterioration of walls and other structures in your home can quickly occur. Then the absorbed moisture and humidity in the interior environment must be mitigated to acceptable levels. If not, this can lead to not only dangerous structural problems but also the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause health effects in your family members over time.
What We can do For You
Our professionals are trained in not only the removal of water that can cause damage to your home's interior, but we have training in the IICRC approved drying techniques that are designed for maximum efficiency. After cleaning-up and extracted all of the water, we will begin the drying process and take note of any damage that needs to be restored or repaired. Cleaning-up will continue with removing any debris that is left over from repairs, as well.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Houston County are experienced in responding to water damage emergencies such as ruptured or frozen water lines, and we can respond quickly. We are available 24/7 so call us at (478)224-4148 for not only fast service but also professionalism and experience.
Hurricane Ready
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for a hurricane??The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The areas covered include the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The National Weather Service defines a hurricane as "an intense tropical weather system with well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. “Here is a helpful link to get you prepared in case of a hurricane:
https://www.ready.gov/hurricaneshttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
When you return back to your home and you have damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Houston County for your storm damage restoration needs. We have IICRC Certified technicians who are highly trained in reporting to a job on time and working in a timely manner. We always strive to work quickly and efficiently to get you back in your home!
Grilling Safety
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Spring is finally here, and it is time for grilling out with friends and family again. Grilling can become dangerous quickly. Leaving the grill unattended, improper cleaning grease or fat, placing the grill near combustible items can cause serious injuries to a person or property. Listed below are some tips on grilling safety.
- Gas-fueled grills account for 4 out of 5 grill fires.
- Choose a safe location for your grill.
- Only grill outside.
- Teach children grills can be dangerous and to be careful around a grill.
- Remember how to properly clean your grill after use.
Grilling can be a fun time to gather around and share stories over hot dogs and hamburgers. SERVPRO of Houston County assures consumers that if you fall victim to damage to your home due to a grill, we will be there to serve you.
Emergency Ready Plan
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses may never fully recover following a disaster, according to industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, fire, sewage, and mold damage can affect your business.
Contact our office today at (478)224-4148 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.
SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!
How can we help Restaurants
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Services that Help Restaurants to Reopen Doors Quickly
Restaurants are some of the most commonly flooded businesses in America, as they are prone to some risk factors that can lead to significant water and flood damage year-round. Many restaurants that are located near rivers, creeks, lakes, or shores, making them vulnerable to heavy rainfalls which cause banks to overflow. Restaurants also have high amounts of water usage as compared to other businesses, which can lead to more interior and clear water flooding than in other commercial establishments. Fortunately, SERVPRO knows how to get a restaurant's doors back open as quickly as possible after these damages, through a few key services.
Inventory and Stock Management
One of the most difficult tasks to accomplish alone after commercial water damage is to take inventory of what has been lost, damaged, or left alone in the building. Everything from furniture to valuable kitchen equipment to food stock can be accounted for and should be, for insurance purposes. SERVPRO can help you to keep track of your losses and get proper repayment from an insurer after the event is said and done.
Rapid Restoration Services
We have access to a wide variety of powerful tools and machines to help accelerate the process of water removal and restoration, including high-powered air movers, water extractors, deodorizing foggers, UV sanitizers, and more. When used strategically, these machines help businesses to open doors quicker than expected after even the worst water damage.
Cohesive Teams and Helpful Policies
We strive to ensure that a restaurant owner understands the process of restoration and can talk to our teams and representatives. Also, our staff is assembled in a way that encourages cohesiveness and cooperation. This also extends to our "white collar" representatives, who can present documentation to insurance adjusters and regulators with maximum efficacy.
SERVPRO of Houston County is a trusted local source of commercial repairs and restorations. Contact us at (478)224-4148 for our help with your disaster in inconvenience.
Preventing Water Damage in your Commercial Property
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
When owning or managing a place of business, disasters are always in the back of your mind. What if something happens and you have to be closed for a significant amount of time? Something such as a water leak can do this to a place of business. So what can you do to prevent this from happening?
Check the usual suspects of a water leak. Appliances, pipes and drains, and the roof are these suspects. The older these things are, the more often you need to check them. When you are checking these items if you see something wrong, immediately get them fixed. Keep a close eye on lose hose connections and caulk areas since these are simple fixes. In addition, you should continue to update maintenance on all appliances and equipment. In regards to the outside of your place of business, keep the gutters free of debris. This will help reduce the likelihood of your roof being damaged.
In addition, you should look into SERVPRO’s ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) which goes into play when a disaster strikes your place of business. If you want to inquire about the ERP or have a disaster happen at your place of business, call us at (478)224-4148, and we will make it look “Like it never even happened."
What to do after a fire
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.
- You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
- There is still viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
- You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition. Loss can be far more expensive than restoration or covered replacement.
- You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.
Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Here at SERVPRO of Houston County we will always put our customers first.
What to do when a storm hits
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Whether it is a Category 5 hurricane or a bad thunderstorm rolling through, home owners should be prepared for any storm.
Take safety precautions
Any type of heavy winds can cause roof shingles, natural debris, or unnatural debris to occur. After the storm is over, take precaution when going outside because there could be debris such as nails, sharp wood, or other potentially dangerous items that are around your home.
Photograph the damage
If it is major or minor, take pictures IMMEDIATELY. You may not realize that something damaged your home until after you have moved it, so take pictures just in case (there is always the delete button). Insurance companies will need to see before pictures of the damage.
Contact your insurance company… and SERVPRO!
A homeowner must call their insurance company so an adjuster can be sent out to examine the damage so payment can be made. Don’t forget to call your favorite restoration and mediation company, SERVPRO of Houston County. We work around the clock to ensure happiness from our community! We will send a team out as quickly as possible to begin work for your home if disaster strikes!
Hurricane Categories
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
When it comes to hurricanes, the category means a lot. If a CAT 1 hurricane is coming your way, you can ride out the storm in your home. However, if a CAT 4 hurricane is barreling your way, you want to evacuate. So what does each category mean? Category 1 is a minimally damaging hurricane with winds reaching 95 miles per hour. The storm surge could range anywhere from 4 to 5 feet above sea level. Category 2 hurricane is referred to as moderately damaging. Winds could be anywhere from 96 to 110 miles per hour and the storm surge reaches 8 feet. Category 3 can bring extensive damage with winds ranging from 111 to 130 miles per hour, and the storm surge reaches 12 feet. Category 4 brings extreme damage with winds reaching 131 to 155 miles per hour. The storm surge for a CAT 4 is between 13 to 18 feet. Lastly is a category 5 hurricane, this cat of hurricane brings catastrophic damage with winds reaching well over 155 miles per hour, and the storm surge going over 18 feet. With any category of a hurricane, you want to board up your home and secure the perimeter around your home. The winds could easily blow items around your home into a window or damage your vehicle. If you do not know exactly what to do in order to prep your home for a hurricane, watch the local news for tips and ideas on what to do to best fit your home.
Winterize your home
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Check the pipes
With the temperature going down into the freezing numbers, homeowners should drip all the faucets at night. This ensures no water is still to freeze and burst a pipe overnight. A tip for outside pipes, make sure the pipe and hoses are free of water.
Chimney safety
For homeowners with a chimney, you should get a professional to inspect and clean your chimney so there is very small risk of a chimney fire.
Clean your gutters
With winter approaching after fall, homeowners should clean out all of the gutters surrounding the home. Leaves, twigs, and other outdoor trash can cause water to be trapped in the gutter and freeze. When the ice unfreezes, it can cause a leak into the home.
Overall, you want to make sure your home is well insulated so your home will stay cozy and warm. Don’t forget to check the basement, attic, and roof for any indication of danger before the cold weather is in full swing. And of course, if you see anything in your home that could potentially turn into a home disaster, please call us. We can send one of our technicians out to inspect your home before anything further happens!
Mold Facts
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
While developing, mold forms multicellular filaments called hyphae and adopts single-celled growth habits called yeasts. A large taxonomically diverse number of fungal species exist that can grow on the inside of your Nashville area home.
As the tubular branching mycelium threads over a contact surface, fluffy white threads begin to cover various surfaces found on your property. Mold damage occurs as these microbes systematically produce new colonies, becoming more and more visible to the human eye during the late stages of its life-cycle. Mold causes various stages of biodegradation to natural materials used to construct your home. Often leaving you and your family exposed to pathogenic molds that produce inhalable toxic compounds. There are thousands upon thousands of known mold species, making discovering the type of mold existing in your home useless.
The kind of mold that exists makes no difference whatsoever in how SERVPRO approaches treating the growth found in your home. Our technicians use a variety of strategies based on the extent of exposure that exists, using containment and control methods to stop the spread in its tracks, preventing further growth. Although mold plays a major role in our planet's ecosystem, having it in your home can produce unhealthy results. Therefore, at the first signs of mold growth in your home, it is important to contact a licensed, qualified professional, like those offered at SERVPRO, for help.
Attempting to mitigate or remove mold alone can result in additional growth or additional exposure that you want to avoid. SERVPRO can help you regain control over your home’s indoor environment, and drastically improve the quality of the air that you breathe. Remember, the longer you take to act the longer mold has to develop. Given enough time, many species of mold adjust to various living conditions, surviving in harsh conditions including extreme cold, highly acidic solvents, anti-bacterial, or even within petroleum products.
Obtain professionally certified mold remediation services by calling SERVPRO of Houston County today. We are here to help members of our community when you need us the most (478)224-4148.
Myths about Mold
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
All mold is bad. When facing mold in your home and business, it is understandable to see how all mold could be considered unhealthy. Not every mold that grows indoors is a dangerous mold. There are some molds, that are good for humans, such as penicillin. According to the CDC, there is always some mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces. An environmental specialist should be consulted to determine if there are any dangerous molds in your home or business.
Bleach kills mold. Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent. It can kill a whole host of bacteria on non-porous items. Killing mold, however, is not something bleach was ever intended to do. In fact, bleach is not a remedy recommended by the EPA or OSHA. Using bleach could lead to more damage due to the corrosive nature of the product. The same caution and advice holds for other consumer level retail cleaning products.
Cleaning up Mold Can Be Done Yourself. In small areas, this may be possible with the right products and equipment. Most people, however, are simply not equipped to do a proper mold remediation. Attempting to remediate a small area yourself could lead to larger problems if caution is not taken when disposing of mold infested debris. Lack of proper containment in a small area, could lead to infecting the entire residence causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
Painting Over Mold Will Seal it and Prevent Regrowth. Also referred to as encapsulation this is a good method but only when done within a full mold remediation protocol. A common household fix is to use bleach to wipe down the problem area. Bleach will discolor the mold, but not remove it. Once the area is wiped down with bleach, then it is painted in hopes it will seal in any mold that was missed and prevent future mold from growing. This method does not work unless the initial cause of the mold growth is addressed and corrected. Underlying causes of mold can be excessive moisture or excessive humidity. If the moisture problem is not repaired or eliminated then the chances of the mold returning are greatly increased.
SERVPRO of Houston County will be ready for your mold mitigation and restoration needs! Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
Mildew vs Mold
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.
What is mildew?
Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Cardboard/paperboard
- Wallpaper
- Fabric
How is it different from Mold?
Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.
Interested in a Class?
3/14/2018 (Permalink)
A few times throughout the year, SERVPRO of Houston County, as well as our partner location SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton, offer continuing education classes to the Insurance, Real Estate and Property Management industries. These classes allow the attendees to earn credits for their respective fields. Most attendees use our classes to be better informed of industry standards and best practices. One of our more recent and popular classes is centered on Biohazards and Biorecovery procedures. This has proved to be a very informative class for all that attend. If you would like to learn more about our Continuing Education schedule or sign up for our classes, please call the office at (478) 224-4148 or send us an email to melissabridges.SERVPRO@gmail.com to be put on our alert mailing list. We look forward to seeing you in class.
Fire Safety
3/7/2018 (Permalink)
Follow these simple tips to help you and those you love stay fire safe this summer season!
- Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
- Enjoy outdoor celebrations and cookouts but remember to keep a 3-foot “safe zone” around grills and campfires.
- Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn.
If you have an emergency, SERVPRO of Houston County is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days throughout the year. We understand your emergency cannot always fall between business hours which is why we are here to serve you better. We help with smoke or fire damage to your personal belongings, home, or business. We will make it look “like it never even happened.”
How can we help you with your water damage?
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
If water damage does occur in your home, immediately call SERVPRO of Houston County (478) 224-4148 for restoration services. SERVPRO’s teams will:
- Assess damage for restorability and safety.
- Determine the extent of the moisture content in effected areas.
- Move and prop up furniture on blocks if necessary.
- Extract the water.
- Remove carpets and carpet pads if necessary.
- Spray to treat germs and bacteria in contaminated areas.
- Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidification equipment.
- Ensure rooms are completely dry and conduct a walk through with homeowners to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss. If you or someone you know succumbs to any type of water damage, give us a call to make your home look “Like it never even happened.”
Fire Damage? We can help with that!
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
Fire damage, no matter the size, can affect every square inch of your property. It can travel through air ducts, burn through ceilings and floors, and damage countless pieces of equipment and documents.
SERVPRO of Houston County has access to thousands of pieces of equipment and hundreds of personnel to help mitigate even the largest fire damage. Our experienced and technicians utilize industry knowledge, training, experience, high-tech equipment, and proprietary cleaning products to perform emergency services to meet our customer’s cleaning and restoration needs.
Performed immediately following a loss in order to reduce property and content damage, our emergency services reduce claims’ expense, and minimize customer disruption.
While the types of emergency services we provide vary, our emergency response includes:
- Boarding up the structure and securing the property to help prevent intrusions.
- Drying the structure. Water is often used to extinguish a fire, so excess water or moisture must be monitored and removed.
- Deodorization of the affected areas.
- Pre-testing and initial cleaning. Initial cleaning may help prevent additional damage caused by soot residue, and pre-testing allows the technician todetermine what can be restored to help eliminate needless and costly expenses.
- Conducting building inspections to evaluate the loss site for any safety or health hazards.
Call SERVPRO of Houston County at (478) 224-4148 for all your Fire Restoration needs!
Emergency Tips
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
If you have ever had a weather-related emergency, such as a flood, pipe burst, septic tank overflow you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when that person has a free moment. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, yay for you! If you ever do have an emergency, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.
- When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to 7 over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening to your neighbors.
- Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years cannot hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.
So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.
At SERVPRO of Houston County, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? No job is to big or small for our crew of certified and highly trained experts! When it comes to your property, home, or business you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done and done right! We have the resources for all trades and labor and can properly and efficiently handle any job no matter the size!
A brand you can trust, a company you can depend on! We are available 24/7/365 because your emergency will not wait until Monday morning.
Mold Growth
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
In Georgia, we have the ideal climate for mold to develop and thrive. Since mold can start to develop in as little as 48 hours after water damage, it is imperative that any damage due to a fire, flood, broken water pipe, or leaky foundation be cleaned up promptly and properly.
After Spring storms and summer showers, comes the damp, and moisture forecast, and the result of mold infestation is high. It is important to address any signs of mold immediately and correctly. Homes in our area are often affected by mold in bathrooms and basements, mold can develop anywhere in your home, especially if you have experienced any type of flooding.
Mold spores spread through the air, so even areas that were not directly affected by floodwaters can soon become home to serious mold infestations. Mold is often found in air ducts, which can cause it to spread quickly. SERVPRO of Houston County is always ready to help you restore your home after a water damage or in the event of mold. Time is of the essence: the longer you postpone cleanup, the longer the mold remediation process, the more expensive, and more inconvenience for you and your family.
If you are starting to see or smell mold in your home, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting is required, and the sooner the better. Mold has the potential to cause health effects, so cleanup should be conducted with proper protective clothing, masks and gloves. Bleach and water should be used to kill the mold in affected areas. Scrub the solution into the area, rinse, and dry thoroughly. If saturated drywall and insulation was not removed after storm damage, you likely need a thorough evaluation by a professional emergency water damage restoration team.
Water damage that was not properly remedied prior to rebuilding may have caused mold to start growing behind your new walls or under your new carpeting. If the structure of your home was not properly disinfected, dehumidified, and dried, mold may be thriving. Your local SERVPRO of Houston County team sees this frequently. In a rush to make properties habitable, steps are often skipped, leading to mold infestations. If you believe you have mold growth from recent floods or other water damage, call us immediately. We can quickly help you identify problem areas and start the mold remediation process.
Our mission is to help our neighbors, friends, and community members quickly recover from damage caused by natural disaster, fire, sewage backup, or other events. Regardless of the size or type of damage, we can quickly respond and start the evaluation and investigation into the cause, as well as the best way to restore your property to its original state. Call us today at (478) 224-4148, we work directly with insurance companies and carriers to help relieve a portion of the burden of the rebuilding process in order to make your loss "like it never even happened."
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss.
1/22/2018 (Permalink)
Taking Preventative Steps to Keep Your House Dry
Water damage can occur in homes in a variety of ways. Homeowners should check for leaks throughout their houses, inspecting pipes and connections in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Look under and around sinks and around bathtubs for any discoloration. Do not ignore connections to dishwashers or to refrigerators with water and ice dispensers.
Make sure water is flowing properly down drains. If not, try clearing the drain with a plunger or an over the counter solution. If that does not work, call a professional for assistance.
To keep drains and pipes clear, follow some simple steps such as pouring cooking oil into a suitable container and disposing of it properly after it cools and never flushing diapers and other inappropriate items down toilets. In addition, backflow valves should be installed in sanitary and storm sewer lines.
Check the floors around water heaters for wet spots, which could indicate you have a rusted tank or other problem. If necessary, have the tank replaced as soon as possible.
A leak in the roof of your home and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your house. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof have it inspected and repaired immediately. In addition, keep all gutters and downspouts free of leaves and other debris that could cause water to back up and leak into your house.
Owners of properties located in areas prone to flooding should give serious consideration to applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing watertight shields over doors, windows and other openings.
When winter hits, keep an eye out for snow accumulation on the downside of a higher- level roof, where blowing snow will pile up. For safe snow removal, ask a roofing contractor for a referral.
Remove snow from basement stairwells, window wells and all walls to prevent water or moisture from penetrating walls. Also, keep attics well ventilated to maintain temperatures close to the outside, which will minimize the risk of ice dams forming.
To ensure that pipes do not freeze and burst, keep the heat in your home at an acceptable level, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
If water damage does occur in your home, immediately call SERVPRO of Houston County. SERVPRO’s teams will:
- Assess damage for restorability and safety.
- Determine the extent of the moisture content in effected areas.
- Move and prop up furniture on blocks if necessary.
- Extract the water.
- Remove carpets and carpet pads if necessary.
- Spray to treat germs and bacteria in contaminated areas.
- Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidification equipment.
- Ensure rooms are completely dry and conduct a walk through with homeowners to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss.
SERVPRO of Houston County is always here to help! Call (478)224-4148 for all you restoration needs!
What can you do to save on your heating bill?
1/22/2018 (Permalink)
What Can You Do to Save on Your Heating Bill?
Any season is a good season to save energy costs. With winter approaching, however, it’s even more critical as prices for home heating fuel are as volatile as ever.
The U.S. Department of Energy has the following fuel saving tips for consumers:
- Look for furnaces with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of no less than 78 percent.
- Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and radiators.
- Bleed trapped air from hot water radiators once or twice a season or have a professional do it.
- Clean warm-air registers and baseboard heaters and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
- Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
- To retain heat, turn off kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing.
- Install a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature according to your work schedule and sleeping habits.
- Energy Star products can cut energy bills up to 30 percent. Locate retailers online at www.energystar.gov when replacing heating systems, appliances, lighting, windows, office equipment and home electronics.
- Insulate hot water heaters and pipes.
- Make sure your furnace or heat pump is tuned up by a professional at least once a year.
SERVPRO of Houston County...We are always here to help!
Every Second Counts When It Comes To Restoring Your Property
1/22/2018 (Permalink)
Every Second Counts When It Comes To Restoring Your Property
Fire damage, no matter the size, can affect every square inch of your property. It can travel through air ducts, burn through ceilings and floors, and damage countless pieces of equipment and documents.
SERVPRO of Houston County has access to thousands of pieces of equipment and hundreds of personnel to help mitigate even the largest fire damage. Our experienced technicians utilize industry knowledge, training, experience, high-tech equipment, and proprietary cleaning products to perform emergency services to meet our customer’s cleaning and restoration needs.
Performed immediately following a loss in order to reduce property and content damage, our emergency services reduce claims’ expense, and minimize customer disruption.
While the types of emergency services we provide vary, our emergency response includes:
- Boarding up the structure and securing the property to help prevent intrusions.
- Drying the structure. Water is often used to extinguish a fire, so excess water or moisture must be monitored and removed.
- Deodorization of the affected areas.
- Pre-testing and initial cleaning. Initial cleaning may help prevent additional damage caused by soot residue, and pre-testing allows the technician to determine what can be restored to help eliminate needless and costly expenses.
- Conducting building inspections to evaluate the loss site for any safety or health hazards.
Call SERVPRO of Houston County for all your Fire Restoration needs!
Taking Preventative Steps to Keep Your House Dry
1/22/2018 (Permalink)
Taking Preventative Steps to Keep Your House Dry
Water damage can occur in homes in a variety of ways. Homeowners should check for leaks throughout their houses, inspecting pipes and connections in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Look under and around sinks and around bathtubs for any discoloration. Do not ignore connections to dishwashers or to refrigerators with water and ice dispensers.
Make sure water is flowing properly down drains. If not, try clearing the drain with a plunger or an over the counter solution. If that does not work, call a professional for assistance.
To keep drains and pipes clear, follow some simple steps such as pouring cooking oil into a suitable container and disposing of it properly after it cools and never flushing diapers and other inappropriate items down toilets. In addition, backflow valves should be installed in sanitary and storm sewer lines.
Check the floors around water heaters for wet spots, which could indicate you have a rusted tank or other problem. If necessary, have the tank replaced as soon as possible.
A leak in the roof of your home and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your house. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof have it inspected and repaired immediately. In addition, keep all gutters and downspouts free of leaves and other debris that could cause water to back up and leak into your house.
Owners of properties located in areas prone to flooding should give serious consideration to applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing watertight shields over doors, windows and other openings.
When winter hits, keep an eye out for snow accumulation on the downside of a higher- level roof, where blowing snow will pile up. For safe snow removal, ask a roofing contractor for a referral.
Remove snow from basement stairwells, window wells and all walls to prevent water or moisture from penetrating walls. Also, keep attics well ventilated to maintain temperatures close to the outside, which will minimize the risk of ice dams forming.
To ensure that pipes do not freeze and burst, keep the heat in your home at an acceptable level, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
If water damage does occur in your home, immediately call SERVPRO of Houston County. SERVPRO’s teams will:
- Assess damage for restorability and safety.
- Determine the extent of the moisture content in effected areas.
- Move and prop up furniture on blocks if necessary.
- Extract the water.
- Remove carpets and carpet pads if necessary.
- Spray to treat germs and bacteria in contaminated areas.
- Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidification equipment.
- Ensure rooms are completely dry and conduct a walk through with homeowners to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding a possible water, mold, of fire damage loss.
SERVPRO of Houston County is always here to help! Call (478)224-4148 for all you restoration needs!
Biohazard & Bio-recovery Continuing Education
3/13/2017 (Permalink)
Biohazard & Bio-recovery Continuing Education
A few times throughout the year, SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton, as well as our partner location SERVPRO of Houston County, offer continuing education classes to the Insurance, Real Estate and Property Management industries. These classes allow the attendees to earn credits for their respective fields. Most attendees use our classes to be better informed of industry standards and best practices. One of our more recent and popular classes is centered on Biohazards and Biorecovery procedures. This has proved to be a very informative class for all that attend. If you would like to learn more about our Continuing Education schedule or sign up for our classes, please call the office at (478) 224-4148 or send us an email to melissabridges.SERVPRO@gmail.com to be put on our alert mailing list. We look forward to seeing you in class.
It's Never to late to Clean Mold!
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
Common Indoor Mold: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria & Aspergillus
Here in the middle Georgia area, we have the ideal climate for mold to develop and thrive. Since mold can start to develop in as little as 48 hours after water damage, it is imperative that any damage due to a fire, flood, broken water pipe, or leaky foundation be cleaned up promptly and properly. This cleanup will help you avoid significant property damage to your Conroe and The Woodlands home due to mold.
After Spring storms and summer showers, comes the damp, and moisture forecast, and the result of mold infestation is high. It is important to address any signs of mold immediately and correctly. Homes in our area are often affected by mold in bathrooms and basements, mold can develop anywhere in your home, especially if you have experienced any type of flooding.
Mold spores spread through the air, so even areas that were not directly affected by floodwaters can soon become home to serious mold infestations. Mold is often found in air ducts, which can cause it to spread quickly. SERVPRO of Houston County is always ready to help you restore your home after a water damage or in the event of mold.Time is of the essence: the longer you postpone cleanup, the longer the mold remediation process, the more expensive, and more inconvenience for you and your family.
If you are starting to see or smell mold in your home, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting is required, and the sooner the better. Mold has the potential to cause health effects, so cleanup should be conducted with proper protective clothing, masks and gloves. Bleach and water should be used to kill the mold in all affected areas. Scrub the solution into the area, rinse, and dry thoroughly. If saturated drywall and insulation was not removed after storm damage, you likely need a thorough evaluation by a professional emergency water damage restoration team.
Water damage that was not properly remedied prior to rebuilding may have caused mold to start growing behind your new walls or under your new carpeting. If the structure of your home was not properly disinfected, dehumidified, and dried, mold may be thriving. Your local SERVPRO of Houston County teams see this frequently. In a rush to make properties habitable, steps are often skipped, leading to mold infestations. If you believe you have mold growth from recent floods or other water damage, call us immediately. We can quickly help you identify problem areas and start the mold remediation process.
Our mission is to help our neighbors, friends, and community members quickly recover from damage caused by natural disaster, fire, sewage backup, or other events. Regardless of the size or type of damage, we can quickly respond and start the evaluation and investigation into the cause, as well as the best way to restore your property to its original state. Call us today at (478)224-4148, we work directly with insurance companies and carriers to help relieve a portion of the burden of the rebuilding process in order to make your loss "like it never even happened."
Beware the Penetrating Power of Bitter Cold
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
We find trouble wherever it's lurking
Roof and insulation issues don't reveal themselves on warm, sunny days. The next couple of weeks are going to be bitterly cold with swirling wind and who knows...middle Georgia may even get a little snow! With cold, wind and snow will come pipe bursts, ice damming and other unfortunate breakdowns.
SERVPRO of Houston County and our sister company Samson Construction stand ready to put your home or business back in pre-loss condition.
Our professionals follow IICRC protocols to make sure that your structure is fully restored and there are no secondary concerns, like mold. Not only will the structure be like new but you will receive everything you need to file a claim with your insurance company if you choose.
Our process includes: identifying all the sources and types of water; monitoring of atmospheric and material considitions for drying analysis; a comprehensive diagnostic inspection for trapped or hiddent moisture; removal of wet materals; removal or containment of furniture; carpet and Pad service; application of disinfecting and deodorizing agents if necessary; utlization of specialized drying equipment; and disposal of refuse.
While the mitigation is taking place we work closely with your insurance carrier so there is a seamless transition from cleaning to repair. The same team sticks with you from start to finish!
We don't wish ourselves on anyone but when issues come up, we are always ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
We're Ready...Are You?
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
12/7/2016
If you are a commercial or residential property manager or condo association member, you should be dreading the swirly wind emoji on the accuweather app every bit as much as the single and negative termperatures we face this weekend.
Here are a few remiders from SERVPRO of Houston County...
Make random inspections of heat and air units, particularly those with external access. Specifically, look for insulation that has settled and no longer covers pipes as intended.
Reinspect any plumbing or external work to make sure proper installation is in place and that there are no vents where cold air can blow in.
Check doors, windows and heat in vacant units.
Remind tenants of protocol for reporting any water situation and not to ignore any signs of water intrusion or leaking. Let them know you are prepared for anything that happens.
If you have vacancies, you should consider relocation options for renters in the event there is displacement.
Make sure your on-call crews are ready to roll and that there is back up. There should also be clear protocol for structural emergencies that includes calling our TEAM of Experts at SERVPRO of Houston County for all your water, fire, or mold remediation needs!
An invaluable tool offered by SERVPRO is an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP), please visit our blog to find more information on this free service and how your commercial properties can benefit by being prepared for "whatever happens!"
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Storm Damage
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
If you have ever had a weather related emergency, such as a flood, tree fall, pipe burst you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when you’re gotten to. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, good. If you ever do, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
1) Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber, tree company or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.
2) When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to seven over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening all around you.
3) Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years can not hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.
So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.
At SERVPRO of Houston County, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? No job is to big or small for our crew of certified and highly trained experts! When it comes to your property, home, or business you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done, and done right! We have the resources for all trades and labor and can properly and efficiently handle any job no matter the size!
A brand you can trust, a company you can depend on!
Whether its factory fire, burst water heater or a tree on a house, We are Ready for Whatever Happens and Are Always Here to Help!
Biohazard & Recovery Continuing Education
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
A few times throughout the year, SERVPRO of Houston County, Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton, offers continuing education classes to the Insurance, Real Estate and Property Management industries. These classes allow the attendees to earn credits for their respective fields, or to just be better informed of industry standards and best practices. One of our more recent and popular classes is centered on Biohazards and Bio- recovery procedures. This has proved to be a very informative class for all that attend. If you would like to learn more about our Continuing Education schedule, please call the office at (912)538-1323 or send us an email tomelissabridges.SERVPRO@gmail.com to be put on our alert mailing list.
Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Contact our office today at (478)224-4148 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.
SERVPRO of Houston County, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!
Fall Maintenance Tips
12/16/2016 (Permalink)
Did you know? The air in your home is 10 times more dirty than the air outside.
During the Spring and Summer months, allergens accumulate and fill areas of your home or office with dust, dust mites, animal dander, mold and other unhealthy elements. Unless you address the situation now, the air quality will continue to deteriorate.
Your friends at SERVPRO of Houston County want to ensure that you and your property are properly prepared for the upcoming season. Therefore, we would like to offer you some helpful tips that will adequately prepare your property for the Fall:
- Eliminate mold and mildew indoors by cleaning under the refrigerator, washing and disinfecting garbage cans, scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning or changing shower curtains
- Remove any wet debris from around the home or office, as mold spores are airborne particles that can easily float indoors
- Schedule to have your chimney cleaned within the next month. Excessive buildup of creosote and debris, as well as miscellaneous branches, leaves and animal nests can create a dangerous situation as it increases the potential to spark a chimney fire.
- Remember not to ignore your ductwork, vents and HVAC systems. Unnecessary dirt and debris can pose a serious threat to the health of your family or employees if they are not properly maintained.
SERVPRO’s licensed technicians can provide all of the remediation and cleaning services necessary for the upcoming season. A proper cleaning will combat all particles that infiltrate your property and provide for a safe and worry-free environment by:
- Enhancing your indoor air quality
- Improving overall air circulation
- Eliminating built-up dirt and contaminants
- Extending the life of your heating and cooling systems
Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Houston Coubty and rest easier come Fall 2017 knowing your property is clean and out of harm’s way.
24/7 Emergency Service
