Do you need a sump pump?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield to get you back to dry. We are on call 24/7 to take care of any immediate need.

You may have heard of someone talking about their sump pump after heavy rain. Perhaps they were talking about how if it weren’t for their sump pump, their basement would have flooded, costing them big-time in damages.

Let’s take a look and see if a sump pump is right for you and your property.

WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP?

A sump pump is a device that can be installed beneath your home’s lowest point, such as the basement or crawl space. This little but extremely useful tool can help prevent flooding.

The pump is always on standby, waiting to be activated. When the soil surrounding your home gets oversaturated after a heavy rain, excess water flows toward the sump pit, which fills up with water.

The sump pump is activated, and the pump is turned on, removing water from the pit and draining it away. A sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising above the level in which it is installed, preventing flooding. In many ways, sump pumps are essentially immediate flood insurance.

SHOULD YOU INSTALL A SUMP PUMP?

There are many advantages to installing sump pumps if your property needs one. Let’s take a look at the following and determine if you should install a sump pump at your property:

• If you live in a region where there is significant rain and/or snow. Here in Georgia, flooding from storms of different kinds are very common, especially throughout the spring and summer seasons. It’s very common to see basements in this area flood after these storms.
• If your house is in a floodplain, you will want to consider a sump pump. Groundwater levels are more likely to rise after heavy rains, snowstorms and spring runoff in areas with poor drainage and lower elevation properties in valleys surrounded by higher elevation hills.
• If your basement has previously flooded, it is a good idea to install a sump pump, as it’s likely it won’t be the last time.
• If you’ve finished your basement, consider installing a sump pump to safeguard your living space and protect carpeting, furniture and other items in your underground living space from flood damage.

If your basement floods, call the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties to get you back to dry quickly and professionally. We are on call 24⁄7 to take care of your emergency immediately.

Common Signs of Mold Growth

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect that you have mold growth in your home, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties 24/7.

Dealing with mold growth is something that no home or business owner wants to deal with, but unfortunately, mold can be a persistent thing. Mold spores are always present in the air so there is the threat of them finding a nice spot to land. Thankfully, mold can only grow and expand in conditions that are favorable to its needs.

One of the conditions that mold likes best is areas that are dark without a lot of airflow—and because mold spores are airborne, they can quickly find places that fit the bill. This means that mold often grows in areas that are not readily apparent or accessible, meaning it is important to be aware of the signs of mold growth so you know what to look for.

The Common Indicators That a Building Could Have Mold Growth

Persistent, Dank Odors

One of the most evident (and frustrating) signs of mold is the persistent odor it produces.

Because mold’s main function in nature is to help organic matter decay, the smell it produces is dank and pungent. If you notice a persistent smell in an area that does not go away or worsens with time, it may be an indicator that mold is present somewhere in the area.

Water Damage That Was Improperly Treated

Mold loves areas that are moisture-heavy, which means water damage can often turn into a

mold problem if it is not treated properly. Water damage can soak into drywall, carpet pads and other hidden areas, and if it is not fully and properly addressed, it can lead to hidden mold growth in these unseen areas throughout the home.

Black Spots on Clothing or Fabrics

Mold can often make its home on fabrics, so if you begin noticing that clothes in your closet or upholstery on your furniture begins to attract spots of mold, that might be an indicator that there is a bigger issue elsewhere in the building. Because mold is airborne, it can travel from the main area it has set up for itself and attach to other objects as it tries to spread.

If you have questions about mold or are in need of mold remediation, we are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our services!

Fire Safety Tips for the Whole Family

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Take the time to implement these fire safety tips to help keep your family safe.

Fire safety is such an important thing for any household. House fires can be dangerous and traumatic, causing significant household damage and putting anyone in the vicinity directly in

harm’s way. Fortunately, fire safety is also a goal that the entire family can get involved with, keeping everyone more invested in safety and more prepared, just in case.

Many fire safety tips are things the entire family can participate in, which makes it a great family activity. Depending on who is in your household, it may be necessary to adjust some of these tips accordingly—for example, toddlers may have a great time drawing escape plans, while older kids may be more suited to smoke detector test duty.

However, we hope these general guidelines are helpful in getting everyone on the same page

for your home’s fire safety.

Fire Safety Tasks for Young Children

**Drawing an escape route.** Escaping quickly is key when it comes to a house fire, so an escape plan is a must. Young children can often be helpful here, drawing lines from each room

to indicate every exit.

**Being accountable for hazards.** Unattended candles, space heaters and cooking food can all be major fire hazards. Oftentimes, young children can make great safety accountability buddies,

calling out these hazards when they notice them.

Fire Safety Tasks for Older Children

**Checking smoke detectors.** Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, which can often be a great chore for preteens and teens in the home.

**Managing fire escape drills.** It is important to have a fire escape plan, and just as important to practice it regularly. Older children can be great at managing these drills, from planning them

out to debriefing as a family in order to see where there may be room for improvement.

**Cleaning out the dryer lint trap.** If your older children do their own laundry, it is important that they understand the importance of cleaning out the dryer lint trap. This is a commonly overlooked fire hazard, but the lint can heat up while the dryer is running and lead to a fire.

*If you have household damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our fire restoration options or get in touch 24/7 for a rapid response.

Our Commercial Fire Large Loss Restoration Services

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties to restore your commercial property after a fire has caused a large loss.

As a business owner, there are a lot of things to be concerned about when it comes to keeping the doors open. One important element of running a business is having a plan when disaster strikes and strikes hard.

Disasters can come in many sizes, but one that is perhaps one of the most concerning is what is called a “large loss” to your commercial property. A “large loss” is defined as a large scale loss that has a considerable financial impact to your business.

What can SERVPRO do about a large loss for your business?

Emergency Response. We have emergency services on deck 24⁄7 to answer the call for whenever you might need us. We will act immediately to contain the damage and start the repair procedure. We’ve worked with commercial organizations of all kinds for more than 50 years, and we are the experts in cleaning up after large-scale damage and getting businesses just like yours back up and running as fast as possible.

Treating the Damage. Our pros in green consist of licensed experts who have been educated in specialized procedures for removing water and treating smoke damage in your commercial property after a fire. Even if the bulk of your building has been affected, we work diligently to rescue what can be restored and detect issues that may be invisible to the untrained eye. Getting your business back up and running is critical, and we do our best to ensure the work is done correctly and thoroughly while working as quickly as possible. With our knowledge and industry-leading equipment, we’re able to do the most comprehensive job in the shortest amount of time.

When you call on SERVPRO for large-loss restoration services, you can count on consistent communication throughout the duration of the job, the highest-quality products and unmatched customer service. We understand the worry that commercial property damage may cause.

The subsequent difficulties caused by smoke, water from firefighting efforts and structural damage might make your business seem irreparable. You can put your confidence in our technicians, who will work hard to treat the damage, identify any objects that need restoration or replacement, and even coordinate with your insurance provider.

Allow SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield Counties to restore your commercial property after a fire has caused a large loss and interruptions to business. We are on hand 24⁄7, ready to take your call right now.

Your Partners in Business

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

When running a business, to say that it can be stressful at times is quite an understatement. As a business owner, you know how difficult it can be to have things always run smoothly. Major damages or accidents can cause major losses to a company, and that’s something we want to help you avoid.

That’s why you can count on SERVPRO to become your partner in the business world. We are locally owned and operated, and we will help you work through or recover from anything that can possibly take away from your business. Our goal is to help you and your business continue down the road to success.

Large loss recovery. The top cause of financial loss for businesses across the United States are fires, storms and flooding. These things can and likely will cause large amounts of damage, especially if you wait before dealing with the problem. That’s where SERVPRO can come in with our highly trained professionals to help get you on the road to recovery.

Emergency Ready Plan. Preparation is key, which is why you need to prepare your business before disaster strikes. We will help you create and put the perfect plan into place, so that when disaster comes, you know exactly what to do. There are specific things you should consider when planning, like having an emergency chain of command, alternate meeting or work sites, and how to handle restoration needs.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We can help you with any specialty cleaning needs you have, like biohazard removal,, as well as routine cleaning needs like carpet cleaning or upholstery restoration. No matter what the messy issue is, we will come up with a solution to get it cleaned.

Restoration Services. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or a small kitchen fire got out of hand, these things require cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO of Thomaston, Forsyth & Fort Valley has all the bases covered, offering comprehensive restoration services for water damage, fire damage and storm damage, among other emergencies.

Industry Specialization. We have spent years learning about commercial enterprises, so we know that we can help anyone. We know the ins and outs of a variety of industries and stand prepared to handle those needs. Because we understand how important your business is, we will often enclose a work area during restoration so that your business operations aren’t disrupted. Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Do You Have a Plan for Staff Safety in Severe Weather?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have a Plan for Severe Weather? Reach out to SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield counties.

Severe weather can be an extremely dangerous thing. Not only is it often unpredictable, but it is also quick-moving—meaning waiting to prepare when it becomes imminent can put you in harm’s way.

If you are a business owner, preparing in advance is even more important, as it will help you keep both yourself and your staff safer in the event of weather concerns.

If you have not yet put together a plan for severe weather, now would be the time to do so. Not only is it a requirement from OSHA that you have an emergency action plan in place, but it is also a smart way to keep everyone calm and comfortable even when the weather goes south. There are a lot of key elements in emergency planning, but below, we will focus specifically on some things to consider to keep your staff safe.

How to Keep Your Staff Safe During Severe Weather

**Make planning a collaborative process.** Having an emergency action plan is great, but it does not do much good for your organization if no one is aware of what the plan is. Make sure you include your staff in the planning process and keep them aware of what protocols to follow should severe weather become imminent.

**Make sure everyone’s needs are accounted for.** It is a good idea to pack a general emergency kit for your workplace to cover things like flashlights, first-aid supplies and general items to keep everyone comfortable in the event of a power outage. However, you should also encourage staff to have their own personal emergency kits that meet their needs—that way, if there is an emergency scenario, they will have access to necessities such as medication and personal items.

**Make it clear where everyone should go.** In the event of a severe weather event, you and your staff will need to seek shelter on-site until the threat passes. Be sure you have a safe area clearly identified so staff know exactly where to go. This area should not have any windows or external-facing walls, and ideally will be at or below the building’s ground floor.

*If your building has damage due to severe weather, we are the team to call! Contact us today to learn more about our storm restoration practices.*

Fire Safety & HVAC Maintenance

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

If fire should become a problem, contact the pros in green, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield counties.

Being a responsible homeowner means taking care of the things that take care of you. Your HVAC system is always there, and there are few (if any) days per year in our area where you aren’t relying on it to keep your home comfortable. It often goes unappreciated—that is, until something goes south or stops working.

There are also some important fire safety concerns of which you need to remain aware, particularly as winter comes in and your HVAC switches to heating mode. Don’t let your source of comfort turn into a source of disaster.

Here’s what you need to do to make sure your HVAC system and furnace are running safely this fall and winter.

Routine Maintenance

Ideally, your HVAC system should be checked twice a year for any present or upcoming issues. A professional can see problems coming and head them off before any danger is presented.

Things like aging or fraying wiring can become fire hazards that are exacerbated by the extended use of HVAC systems during less pleasant times of the year.

Duct System Circulation

Overworked heating systems are dangerous heating systems, and one thing that can quickly cause your system to work too hard is allowing your ductwork to become or remain clogged. Poor circulation or ventilation can cause your furnace to overheat.

It’s recommended that you have your duct work cleaned every three to five years, and we can help with that.

Declutter Your Furnace Area

If your furnace is located in a designated area, or it’s in the corner of a basement or garage, make sure the two-foot radius around it is clear of clutter. Radiating heat (and certainly direct contact) from the furnace can cause flammable materials to ignite. Resist the urge to use your furnace area for storage.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your furnace is gas-powered, carbon monoxide detectors can be as important for you as smoke alarms. The gas in your furnace is odorless, and you may not notice a leak until it’s too late. A detector can give you the assurance that things are running smoothly.

In addition to your regular fall maintenance, make sure to have your heating unit examined to give yourself a comfortable, fire-safe fall and winter season.

If fire should become a problem at home, we can help you with restoration and recovery. Contact SERVPRO to get the pros in green working for you right away.

SERPVRO assists with large commercial loss

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

If your company encounters any damage to your property, call the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield.

Floods, fires, blizzards and other extreme weather disasters or workplace incidents may cause enormous damage to warehouses, offices, retail shops and other commercial structures.

Flooding and fire disasters are two of the most common causes of severe economic losses.

COMMERCIAL WATER DAMAGE. Commercial water damage from flooding or other events can be devastating and costly. According to the U.S. government, the average commercial flood claim in the past five years has been around $89,000. Flooding may cause major damage to flooring, building material and drywall, putting the structure at danger. Furthermore, valuable and essential machinery and electronics may be damaged.

When you call SERVPRO, we will arrive as soon as possible to begin removing flood water and prevent it from spreading and creating further damage and difficulties.

SERVPRO professionals are highly trained and prepared to remove huge amounts of standing water and excess moisture from commercial buildings. We can also dry and repair construction materials, documents and electronics that have been damaged.

Our skilled water removal equipment can remove large amounts of standing water, while our cutting-edge drying equipment can remove excess moisture from any afflicted areas of the property. We can restore any of your essential devices (computers, TVs, monitors and so on) and assist in the recovery of lost data if they are damaged. We may also provide comprehensive restoration services if any structural aspects of your building are affected.

COMMERCIAL FIRE DAMAGE. Another disastrous catastrophe that might happen in a business environment is a fire. When they occur, they usually spread swiftly and do significant damage to the property and its contents.

Because damages are caused not only by the fire itself, but also by soot, smoke, firefighting attempts and other byproducts, there is more to clean and restore than the building itself.

We clean up and repair all affected areas after a fire through highly specialized solutions. As well as repairing any structural damage caused by the fire, we can also repair items that have been harmed by soot, smoke or water damage from firefighting efforts as much as possible.

While fires and floods are two of the most prevalent calamities that companies and organizations encounter on their property, there are still a plethora of other large loss events that we can handle. If you are a company owner who has encountered a damaging incident on your property, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield and we’ll respond to your emergency immediately.

Tips For Recovering After a House Fire

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

House fires trend to peak during the winter. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield Counties is available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

No one likes to think about suffering a loss like a house fire, but it’s a reality for millions of American families every year. House fires aren’t a seasonal risk to your home, but they do happen more frequently during the winter months.

If your family suffers a house fire, even one that does extensive damage, you can take steps to recover what you can from your home and recover emotionally, too. These tips can help you start the restoration process and help you deal with the aftermath of a house fire.

Taking the First Steps

The American Red Cross offers the following tips to help you in the immediate aftermath of a house fire.

After you’ve gotten everyone out of the house and treatment for any injured people or pets, then these are your next steps:

Let your loved ones know you’re safe. This is an important step, especially when news of a fire or issue can spread quickly.

Don’t go back into your home until it’s secured. The authorities will let you know when it’s safe to go back to your house. Please don’t go in there before because it can be unsafe.

Get in touch with your insurance company. You’ll want to let them know what happens to get the restoration process started.

Tips for Dealing With Emotions

It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions after your home suffers a fire. They can range from grief to anger to depression. The American Psychological Association offers this advice to help you begin the process of recovering emotionally.

Find ways to reduce your stress. That can include exercise, meditation and deep breathing.

Don’t make major life decisions. It’s smart to avoid switching jobs or making other major choices while dealing with these complicated emotions.

Talk about your feelings. Whether you choose a therapist, family members or a close friend, it’s smart to talk to someone about what’s going on.

Don’t set expectations. There is no way you “should” be dealing with these issues. Instead, do what you can and be kind to yourself.

Take good care of yourself. Eat balanced meals and get plenty of sleep. It will help you better deal with a stressful situation.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help.

The 411 on Commercial Water Damage Prevention

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

If your business is affected by water damage, reach out to your local restoration expert SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield.

Water damage is often unanticipated and comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it is caused by a flash flood, a burst pipe or a leaky roof. No matter if it is pooling water in your ceiling that can go unnoticed or you’re standing in water up to your knees, water damage can cause significant untimely and costly interruptions to your operations.

In many circumstances, however, preventive measures can be taken to avert severe delays or property damage. The following are a few recommendations to inspect and prepare you in protecting your facility from water damage:

Check for plumbing issues. One indicator of plumping issues could be if you’ve observed a substantial increase in your water bill, a pipe or plumbing equipment is almost certainly to fault. You can check your walls, floors and ceilings for indications of leaks. Discoloration or mildew development is also a reliable indicator that a pipe is damaged or leaking. Whatever you discover, be certain to get it repaired as quickly as possible.

Install a water-sensing device. You can find water sensors available at practically any home improvement store. The devices provide alerts or alarms in the case of a water leak, allowing you to contain the damage and respond quickly. The majority of sensors may be connected to your smartphone or integrated with your facility’s security system, enabling you to get alerts even while you’re not on-site.

Look at the windows and doors. Water making its way indoors from outside during storms or rain is another frequent cause of water damage. Examine the area surrounding your windows, doors and any other exposed locations. Be sure to reseal any gaps or cracks using caulking that is waterproof. Additionally, refinish window or door trim to provide additional protection against decaying seals and trimming.

Regularly inspect the roof. Have an expert inspect your roof to discover places that might leak. Different types of roofing may need different treatments such as sealing on a regular basis to provide an additional layer of protection. Additionally, remember to clean the gutters to ensure that rainfall flows easily away from the roof. Take note of locations that are prone to drainage problems. Along the outside your building, be sure to look for spots that may be prone to water accumulation if the ground gets too wet. Consider getting the help of a landscaper or drainage specialist to do an inspection of the area and provide proper draining.

If your business is affected by water damage, enlist the help your local experts at SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington. We are here to help 24⁄7 whenever disaster might strike.

The Sights, Smells, and Sounds of Water Damage

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

?If you suspect water damage in your home, call SERVPRO 24 hours a day.

Water damage can hide for a little while before revealing itself in your home, but it can only hide for so long. Depending on the type and location, it may be a matter of a few minutes, hours or days before you notice something’s going on, but eventually the water will collect itself somewhere or affect something you can’t help but notice.

Let’s look at the most common ways you can catch a leak in the act, and hopefully put a stop to it before it becomes a full-blown problem.

Spots. They call those fraud protection overlay images “watermarks” for a reason. One of the absolute telltale signs of water damage is noticing dark or wet spots on your ceiling or walls, both indicative of a leak from above. These can let you know there’s a problem on the roof or in the attic, or something happening with a pipe inside the wall.

Paint or drywall that flakes or bubbles. Paint can’t cover a water leak for long—eventually it will show in the form of cracking, bubbling or flaking. And drywall will expand, crack or otherwise fluff up as it becomes damp. (It will also weaken significantly.)

Puddles and pooling water. You clean up a puddle in the floor or under a cabinet, or you dry a wet spot in the carpet, only for it to come back. Uh oh. There’s something under there causing water to pool up and seep through.

Running water sounds. Like we said, water leaks can hide for a while before they become visible. But a keen ear in a quiet moment might help you catch something going on. Be on the listen-out for the sound of running water inside the walls when no plumbing is in use. You should also heed sounds like bubbling, gurgling or whistling from your water heater or plumbing in general.

Moldy smell. A musty, pungent odor can be a dead giveaway that moisture has gotten out of control or that water damage is evident in a basement or bathroom. If you catch that signature smell, mold is already growing and you need to take action.

Your utility bill. If your home doesn’t tell you about hidden water leaks, your utility bill may. If you notice an uptick without explanation, it could indicate a hidden leak—for example, a puncture or root invasion in an underground pipe that could lead to serious foundation problems.

If leaks lead to water damage, you’ve got a friend in the restoration community. Call SERVPRO to get yourself safely back in the dry.

Potential Spring Weather Hazards Across The Country and Close to Home

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield is a click away.

The United States is the third largest nation in the world, coming in behind Russia and Canada based on land mass.

When you have such a large geographical area encompassed in one country, “spring weather” season can have a much different meaning depending on where you are. There are all types of different weather events, which means there will also be different weather threats.

With spring right around the corner, read on for a look at what different parts of the country can expect, weather-wise.

First, let’s take a look at the Pacific Northwest region. The residents here experience heavy rainfalls during the spring months, causing flooding and water damage. There are areas with high elevations that may be dealing with a different type of wet weather—remnants of snow or ice melting, which cause problems of their own.

Now looking at the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions, these regions basically don’t know the difference between winter and spring! This region experiences winter weather to the fullest, dealing with snowstorms and blizzards all the way until early summer at times.

Then you have people living on the West Coast who don’t even know what winter weather is, as it’s almost non-existent in this area. Rather than blizzards or snow, they are dealing with excessive heat waves. These heat waves can endanger the lives of those living in the area, and they also contribute to wildfire conditions.

When you get to the middle part of the United States, you will notice that from Iowa to Texas they are dealing with dry, windy weather! Things like wildfires, windstorms and derechos are just a few of the weather hazards this area faces during spring. Not to mention an area that is named “Tornado Alley” is in this region as well.

Then you have the Southeast region, where we are located. We see spring as a wonderful time of the year; however, we do experience our fair share of weather hazards. Intense thunderstorms and even tornadoes are common this time of year. And states that border the ocean also have to look out for rip currents and early-season hurricanes.

So, what’s the point here? No matter what “spring weather” looks like in your neck of the woods, there are always weather hazards! That’s why despite of where you live, you will need to be prepared for any kind of weather event.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

How Thorough Should My Business' Severe Weather Plan Be?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you need assistance creating a Safety Plan for your business, give SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield a call.

If you have not yet done so, adding “create a severe weather plan” to your to-do list is a must as a business owner. Not only is an emergency action plan required by OSHA for all employers, but it is also a good idea for everyone involved.

Being prepared can keep you and your staff safer in the event of a severe weather incident, and can encourage everyone to stay calm in what can quickly turn into a chaotic scenario. However, if you are new to emergency action planning, you may be wondering how thorough your severe weather plan should actually be. While it is important to make sure all of your bases are covered, it is also important to remember that weather is unpredictable by nature and your plan should ultimately reflect that.

The Basic Outline of Your Severe Weather Action Plan

**Determine where everyone will go.** In the event of severe weather that strikes while staff is on-site, it is important that everyone stays put until the threat has passed. You will want to determine in advance what the safest area of your building is, as that is where everyone should go when the weather turns sour. Ideally, this will be a room at or below the ground floor of the building that is free from any windows or external-facing walls.

**Determine what everyone will need.** In the event of severe weather, a power outage is extremely likely. That is why it is important to create an emergency kit for your staff, stored in the area you will seek shelter. This kit should include flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and anything else to keep everyone comfortable during a power outage. It is also a good idea to include food and water so no one will need to leave the area prematurely.

**Determine your communication plan.** Trying to communicate with employees during a chaotic scenario is less than ideal, so think in advance about how you will keep them updated. Communicate the severe weather protocol in advance, and ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do if there is an imminent threat.

*If your building is damaged by severe weather, you can count on us. Get in touch today to learn more about our restoration process.*

Understanding Fire Sprinkler System Requirements for Commercial Spaces

4/3/2022 (Permalink)

If your business is damaged from a fire, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield to make it "Like it never even happened."

If you own a business or other type of commercial space, fire safety is extremely important. Not only is adhering to fire codes a must to allow for your continued operation, but it is also key that you do everything you can to protect your staff and your customers who are working and doing business inside the space.

Preparations can also reduce the impact of a fire, and given that over half of businesses are not able to recover after a fire emergency, doing what you can to reduce a fire’s impact is a prudent move.

One vital element of safety and harm reduction is a fire sprinkler system. While fire sprinklers are not *always* required in commercial buildings, they are more often than they are not—and even if they are not required in your specific situation, it is likely worth having them installed given that sprinklers are effective in stopping 88% of commercial fires when they are installed.

How Do I Know if I Need Fire Sprinklers in My Commercial Space?

While every area will have local fire codes for businesses that may vary, some of the national guidelines are included below:

* Fire sprinklers must be installed in any new commercial building exceeding 5,000 square feet, or any building that is renovated to contain 5,000 square feet after construction.

* Buildings more than 55 feet in height must have fire sprinklers on every floor.

* Self storage buildings must have fire sprinklers installed, except in single story facilities with no indoor corridors.

* If the municipal water pressure to the building is not adequate to pressurize the sprinkler systems, a fire pump should also be installed.

If you are unsure about whether you need a sprinkler system in your commercial space, or you have questions about the system you have, your local fire department will likely be able to connect you with the right person to make an assessment. In addition to installing fire sprinklers, they can help you determine if your fire escape routes, fire exits and fire extinguishers are up to code as well.

If your business is damaged from a fire, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial restoration services for businesses impacted by fires, floods and more.

SERVPRO's Process for Fire Restoration

4/2/2022 (Permalink)

When your home or business endures fire damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield from start to finish.

After a fire strikes your home or business, you’re left with damage from the fire as well as water saturating everything from the firefighting efforts. None of that would be a surprise to our experts here at SERVPRO, as we have the specialized fire restoration expertise to return your house to its pre-fire state.

Every fire damage situation is unique and necessitates a unique remedy, but the overall procedure remains the same. The following is how we will handle a “normal” fire damage situation.

Initial contact. We are on call 24 hours a day and seven days a week, including all holidays. Disaster doesn’t wait for office hours to strike, and we don’t wait to respond. When you contact us, the restoration procedure starts. Our experts will ask a number of questions about the fire damage so that we can get started immediately with the necessary equipment and resources.

Inspection. To establish the degree of the fire, water, smoke and soot damage, we will thoroughly check and test every room. By doing this, we are able to formulate the proper strategy. Fires can cause the air quality to be unsafe, so it’s important not to re-enter the property until experts have determined it is safe to do so.

Water removal. If there is water damage present as a result of firefighting efforts or sprinkler systems, we will begin the water removal procedure immediately to ensure the bulk of the water is removed. If there is any remaining water, it will be removed using dehumidifiers and fans, and the drying process will begin from there.

Cleaning. SERVPRO removes smoke and soot from ceilings, walls and other surfaces using highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment and processes. We’ll clean up all of the fire-damaged items and areas that can be cleaned and repaired. We will also work to return your possessions to their pre-fire state by applying a number of cleaning processes. We can clean and restore electronics, documents, upholstery and more. We also specialize in industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to eliminate odors.

Restoration. If during the cleaning process we determine that certain areas of your property cannot be cleaned, we also provide comprehensive restoration and rebuilding services. Restoration and rebuilding efforts include everything from modest repairs like drywall replacement, painting or carpet installation to substantial repairs like the complete rebuilding of different areas or rooms in your home or property.

When your home or business endures fire damage, you can trust that SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield will be ready to be a helping hand and will get your home restored quickly and thoroughly to its pre-fire condition.

Tornadoes 101

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Spring storms can cause major damage to your property. If you experience any damage reach out to SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield.

Georgia is prone to severe weather of all types but is particularly prone to thunderstorms and tornadoes. All of Georgia is prone to tornadoes throughout the whole year, but they are most likely to occur from March through May and peaking in April.

When there is severe weather, be sure to keep a close eye on how the weather changes and know how to identify tornadoes. Tornadoes are often accompanied by thunderstorms and can develop quickly, so it’s important to have dependable ways to get updates about storms by turning on your radio or TV, or by having notifications on your phone for weather alerts.

A tornado watch means that there hasn’t been a tornado sighting yet, but the weather is favorable for them to happen.

Once a tornado watch is issued, it’s important to stay notified through the tornado warning system in your area, stay tuned to local radio stations or an NOAA radio or have notifications on your mobile device for weather updates.

Most tornado-prone areas have an outdoor siren system. Know how to distinguish between the siren’s warnings for a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

A tornado warning is sent out as soon as a tornado has been spotted or shown on the weather radar. You should seek shelter as soon as a tornado is on the way.

Some tornadoes come quickly and without warning, so it is important to know what to look for. Signs that a tornado may be approaching include:

• A rotating funnel-shaped cloud
• Dark or green-colored sky
• Large, dark, low-lying cloud
• Hail
• Loud roar that can be compared to a train

If a tornado is heading your direction, it’s important to take shelter immediately in the lowest indoor area of whatever building you are in, away from windows. The best places to go are basements and cellars, but hallways or other windowless, centrally located areas are good, too.

If you are outdoors, find a place to take shelter, but if that is not possible, find a ditch and lay face down, covering the back of your head and neck with your hands.

Tornadoes and other severe storms can cause serious damage to your property. If your property is damaged by a storm in any way, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield has you covered. We are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week so we can begin the restoration process immediately.

What Is Your Business’ Storm Readiness Plan?

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

If you need help getting your business prepared for a storm, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield counties.

A severe storm is an unpredictable thing—with atmospheric uncertainty and ever-changing conditions, the timeline and severity of a storm can often be in question until the moment it moves into an area.

However, this uncertainty is not an excuse to not be prepared. In fact, it is all the more reason for business owners to put a plan into place. Not only does OSHA require all employers to draft a written emergency action plan to comply with their standards, but it is also a good idea from a practicality standpoint. Below, we will take a look at some key elements of your storm readiness plan to include so you can keep yourself and your employees as safe as possible should the weather turn dangerous.

What Do I Do for My Business’ Storm Readiness Plan?

**Create an emergency kit in case weather strikes on the job.** Unfortunately, storms never adhere to a convenient schedule, meaning the odds are high that one may strike while everyone is actively in the office. If this is the case, keeping everyone safe and comfortable is top priority while you wait for the storm to pass. An office emergency kit, which should include food, water, flashlights and a weather radio at minimum, will keep everyone comfortable should the power go out and require you to stay put until the threat is over.

**Communicate with your employees.** Trying to communicate instructions and convey new information in a stressful scenario is never ideal, so take this opportunity to communicate with your employees in advance so they are aware of the severe weather protocol. Let them know what your plan is, where they should seek shelter in bad weather and what to expect in an emergency scenario.

**Protect your business’ data.** Because most things are digital now, rain can be quite dangerous to business data. Be sure that your data is backed up, either on an external hard drive or in the cloud, so it can be retrieved even if key computers get water damage due to severe weather.

*If your business sustains damage due to a storm, we are the team to call. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.*

Areas we Inspect After Storm Damage

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield will help you with the whole restoration process after a storm. Call us today.

You never know when you might suffer property damage due to bad rain, storm damage, wind or debris. In the wake of severe weather, you’ll want to contact SERVPRO to inspect, document and restore any damages to your business for you.

There is a lot you can do to mitigate storm damage, but it’s never completely preventable. Storms can be extremely costly to businesses.

In fact, experts predict that storm and flood damage could cost businesses over $13 billion in 2022.

It’s not always easy for the untrained eye to spot damage after a storm, and damage that goes unnoticed can grow and become even more costly and destructive. When you call SERVPRO to inspect the damage, here are just a few of the main areas we would look for when inspecting your property:

The Roof

Roof damage is one of the most often-occurring kinds of storm-related property damage. We will inspect the roof for loose, curled, missing or cracked shingles.

Additionally, dark patches on asphalt shingles may indicate water damage. Dents or weakened areas on the shingles are indicators of hail storm damage.

We will check for water damage indoors that has sneaked through a damaged roof. Water stains or leaks running down the wall, through a skylight or pooling in the center of the ceiling are further indications that the roof has a leak.

However, not all indications of water damage are obvious. The wisest course of action is to hire an expert to evaluate your house and search for indicators of a leaking roof.

The Exterior

Following a severe storm, you’re likely to find debris scattered around the exterior of your property. These pieces of debris may strike your property, cars or other structures, such as barns or machinery.

We will inspect the whole exterior of your property for loose or broken siding, doors, windows and gutters, among other things. Oftentimes, the exterior can be a significant source of unwanted water leakage that can cause interior water damage and flooding during a storm.

Dents or bends in gutters are often the result of hail, wind and/or debris damage. It is critical to employ an expert to evaluate, record and repair any possible damages precisely and safely.

Windows and Doors

Windows may potentially sustain damage during a severe storm, especially one with heavy winds. Our technicians will inspect the glass for broken panes, shattered glass, chips, scratches and fractures. Additionally, we will search for indicators of damaged seals that allow water to enter through windows and doors.

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield will help you with the whole restoration process after a disaster, from damage assessment through restoration and rebuilding. Do not hesitate to contact our professionals to get your storm damage emergency repaired immediately and properly.

The 2 Things Your Business Needs in a Disaster

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

??Let SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & Whitfield guide you toward preparedness, and get the best cleanup and recovery team in the industry.

You spend a lot of time getting your business ready—ready for launch, ready for your customers, ready for holiday shopping, for the new product unveiling, the list goes on. But how much thought have you put into getting your business ready to deal with a disaster?

All too often business are completely taken aback and derailed after a major disaster event disrupts their routine. In fact, 40–50% of small businesses never reopen after being disrupted by a natural disaster. For businesses whose margins can be razor-thin, it’s devastating to have to close for days, even weeks at a time.

When disaster strikes, you need two things in place.

A Business Interruption Plan

You need to know if, how and where you can continue doing business if your main location is temporarily disabled or unavailable.

Take time to develop a communications plan to reroute phone calls, update your website and share messaging in other ways. Establish backup vendor relationships and alternate-site workspaces, and practice the plan in case the day you need it should ever arrive.

A SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

A disaster you’re prepared for has less of a chance of impacting you to a crippling degree. That’s why it’s so important to have a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile.

When we help you assess your risk and create a no-cost plan, you can have the peace of mind knowing a set of procedures can automatically spring to action should a disaster come.

Your SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile will include risk assessment, a compilation of critical emergency information, protocols and chain-of-command communications for emergency services, and crucial information for you and your teams. It will also enable SERVPRO get to work immediately on recovering your business and restoring your facilities so you can get back to work in your home base.

You can’t prevent natural disasters, but you can prepare for them. With a little planning, you can keep your business on track even in an evacuation or crisis.

Let your local SERVPRO guide you toward preparedness, and get the best cleanup and recovery team in the industry on your side when you need us most. Contact us today to get your READY Profile started.

Reduce the Chance of Commercial Storm Damage

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

If storm damage ever causes a mess at your business, call the pros at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield.

Without warning, high-velocity winds from severe weather can damage your business. No storm’s timing or severity can be fully predicted.

Tornadoes are a common occurrence here in Georgia. Tornado winds can reach up to 300 mph in the most powerful tornadoes. Wind speeds of this magnitude can lift vehicles into the air, tear houses and businesses apart and turn shattered glass and other debris into dangerous projectiles.

It might feel like there’s nothing that can be done to prevent the full severity of storm damage, but a few simple precautions can be taken to help reduce the chance of property damage and save you money on repairs and missed productivity.

The Roof

It is critical to ensure your roof can hold up against storm damage. Storms may cause shingles to fly off or be broken by hail and debris.

To ensure that your business’ roof is protected against wind damage, get it assessed for a variety of factors, including the following:

• Shingles have a high wind and impact resistance rating
• Shingles are snugly secured and fitted together
• The roof sheathing is set firmly in place
• The connection between the roof and the walls is sufficiently secure to prevent the roof from being lifted off by high winds and updrafts
• HVAC equipment, skylight and pipelines are securely fastened and will not blow away

Exterior Walls and Doors

Different types of exteriors are more or less prone to damage from storms than others. In fact, steel siding is known as one of the most durable siding options available, as it can withstand harsh storms and damaging winds.

Some commercial spaces can be primarily glass, brick or concrete exteriors, which all have different levels of tolerance to storm damage. To make sure your building’s exterior is protected from wind damage, check the following:

• The structure is well-sealed to prevent wind from entering gaps and crevices and damaging the interior of your business
• Siding and windows are attached securely
• All entry doors are triple-hinged and protected with a deadbolt lock
• Overhead doors are well-reinforced and capable of withstanding heavy winds

Outdoor Areas

Many commercial properties have exterior spaces, from walkways to playgrounds. Perhaps you have outdoor benches, tables and chairs or potted plants.

Check the following to ensure that the areas around your property are protected against damaging winds and storms:

• Storage sheds and structures are securely anchored
• Everything you keep outdoors (equipment, inventory and supplies) is either secured or readily moved inside
• Dumpsters, outdoor lighting fixtures and fences are secured
• Large bushes and trees in close proximity to your structure are healthy and pruned
• Outdoor advertising or signage are secured

You’ve worked hard to get your business to where it is today. If storm damage ever causes a mess at your business, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield to handle any and all storm disaster cleanup and restoration.

Can Lightning Cause Serious Property Damage

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning can cause serious property damage. If you need help repairing your home after lightning damage, contact SERVPRO of GMSW today.

Though most rain fronts that pass through our area are no major event, severe weather is something that is entirely different. Severe weather can strike nearly any time of year if conditions are right, and with it, bring heavy rains, high winds, lightning strikes, hail and more—all of which can be rather dangerous.

Many of us are cognizant of the injuries and fatalities that lightning strikes in particular can cause. Around the world, they are responsible for 2,000 deaths each year and many more injuries. However, did you know that lightning can cause serious property damage, too? Below, we will be taking a look at why lightning strikes where it does and the types of damage to be aware of.

Why Does Lightning Strike Where it Does?

The majority of lightning strikes that occur during any given thunderstorm will be from one cloud to another as the electrical charge is transferred from area to area in a storm. However, with all this electricity in the air, lightning can also begin to target the ground, as objects such as buildings, trees and bushes send up sparks to meet it. While it is true that taller objects are more likely to be struck by lightning, it is not a guarantee—lightning will strike anywhere there is a charge, whether it be the ground, a tree or a home.

How Does Lightning Cause Damage?

When lightning strikes a building, it can cause serious property damage as a result. The main ways this can happen are:

* Damage due to fire where lightning strikes. When lightning strikes, it is incredibly hot—and therefore, this heat will be transferred to the impacted target. In many cases, this will cause immediate combustion at the site of the strike.

* Damage due to electrical fires. In addition to the threat that lightning can cause an initial fire where it strikes, it can also cause damage due to electrical fires. Because lightning carries an electric charge, it will travel through a building’s wires once it makes contact—this can cause damage to those wires and lead to an electrical fire, either immediately or later on.

* Water damage due to impact. Even if it does not start a fire, lightning will leave a hole where it strikes a home, which can lead to water damage if it is raining.

*If you have damage to your home, due to lightning or other storm-related causes, we are the team to call. We are here 24/7 to help—get in touch today.*

How Does Water Damage Lead to Mold?

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

If mold invades your home, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield today!

Water damage is something that no homeowner ever wants to experience, but unfortunately, it is a rather common occurrence. Between hidden leaks that can pop up in your plumbing system, water seepage in crawl spaces or surprise roofing issues, there are lots of ways that water damage can pop up in a home.

While water damage is an inconvenience, it can lead to an even more pressing concern: mold growth. Mold growth thrives in damp places, so any time water works its way into an area it should not be in, there is a high chance that mold will find its way there as well. Below, we will look at why mold and water damage are so closely related so you can be on the lookout for any signs of growth.

Why Water Damage Often Leads to Mold

**Mold loves humidity.** The nature of water damage can vary, but in incidents where there is flooding or general dampness in an affected area, the humidity levels can get rather high. Basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms can all turn into very humid areas, which can create the ideal environment for mold to take hold. Ideally, the humidity in an area should stay below

50% at all times in order to discourage mold growth.

**Mold spores need moisture to grow.** Many people are surprised to learn that mold spores are everywhere—in nature, mold aids with the decomposition of organic material, and its spores spread via the air. Therefore, mold spores are always floating around looking for an ideal place to land, which is how they wind up in homes (often after hitching a ride on clothes, shoes or pets). However, mold spores require moisture to grow, so while they may work their way into homes, if they cannot find an area with moisture that they can grow, they will not be able to

reproduce.

**Mold grows well in contaminated waters.** Oftentimes, water damage is caused by water that is not necessarily clean, such as rainwater or floodwater. Mold can grow especially well in these types of waters because of all the bacteria that is already present, making water damage of this type especially susceptible to mold growth.

*If you are curious about how mold remediation works, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our remediation services or to report mold damages.*

Let's Prepare Your Emergency Ready Plan Together

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield will be there

Being a business owner can seem easy—the idea of getting to pick your hours is ideal! But the reality is, you’re always on call, whether you are there or not, and you are responsible for things like employee relations, payables and safety!

Disasters or accidents can disrupt your business in only a matter of minutes. It’s actually scary to see that FEMA states 40% of small businesses will not reopen after a natural disaster, and a quarter of those that do reopen are forced to close their doors within a year.

That’s why it’s imperative to have a safety plan in place for your business. Three-quarters of all small businesses don’t have a plan in place, and now is the perfect time to make the change. We are here and ready to help you become better prepared.

We are always ready and proud to serve our local communities such as Roberta, Fort Valley, Byron and Zenith, along with so many others. Together we will work to get your Emergency Ready Plan started. Being locally owned and operated means we are all neighbors, and we will help our neighbors through the good and bad times.

When we work together, our goal is to help minimize downtime within your company, and help everyone understand what to do. We will carefully review and analyze your business needs to determine what you might need in the face of a disaster. From there, we’ll detail exactly what to do, including alternative locations to work from and data backup, so that you can react with confidence and not chaos.

Business owners have to worry about enough, and disaster planning is one thing that we can help take off your plate. Contact your local SERVPRO experts to help you prepare your Emergency Ready Plan. You can trust us to protect your business and employees!

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.

How Can High Winds Cause Damage During a Storm

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has been damaged due to high winds, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murry, & S. Whitfield 24 hours a day. ??

When it comes to severe weather, there are a lot of ways it can cause harm to an impacted area. More than 75% of deaths pertaining to natural hazards are a result of severe weather, and the property damages caused by storms can be far-reaching and severe. When most people consider severe weather hazards, heavy rains and lightning strikes are probably the first things that come to mind—but unfortunately, straight-line winds can also be significantly damaging to property and people.

Damaging straight-line winds are anything over 50–60 miles per hour, but gusts can reach up to 100 miles per hour if conditions are favorable. When thunderstorms are over an area, they will often cause downdrafts of wind that impact the ground below in several unfavorable ways, which we will look at below.

How Do High Winds Lead to Storm Damage?

**They can rip limbs from trees.** While trees grow to have a certain amount of flex to them in order to withstand the threat of high winds, occasionally, branches will still be ripped from the tree. This is especially true of branches that grow at an odd angle or are less than healthy, which is why trimming trees regularly is so important. When limbs are ripped from trees, they can become high-speed projectiles, crashing into any object or home that ends up in their path.

**They can topple mobile homes.** Because straight-line winds can reach up to 100 miles per hour, they can easily generate an extremely strong force—and in many cases, this can be enough to topple mobile homes or trailers. Even anchored mobile homes can be at risk if winds are strong enough, which puts the people who seek shelter in these homes at serious risk.

**They can make homes more susceptible to water damage.** High winds and water damage often go hand in hand, because winds can cause damage to homes that make them more susceptible to water damage. Projectiles carried on the wind can shatter windows, which will then let in rain. Additionally, high winds can damage roofing shingles, flashing and other exterior elements of the home designed to keep moisture out, resulting in hidden leaks that can be costly.

*If you have storm damage to your home, you can count on our team to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our restoration processes—we’re here 24/7 to help.*

What Conditions Are Right for Mold to Grow?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can make you feel sick. Call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield if you have mold in your home.

Mold growth is a complicated issue for homeowners to have to face. While mold can only grow if the conditions are right, there are many instances where this is the case—and once mold establishes itself, it is extremely difficult to fully get rid of it without professional help with the remediation process.

Fortunately, the conditions where mold is likely to grow can be abated in most instances. Because prevention is so important when it comes to mold management, today we will be looking at the conditions that are ideal for mold to grow and how they can be prevented.

The Conditions That Mold is Likely to Grow In

**Warm, humid conditions.** Mold requires moisture to grow, but it does not always have to be standing moisture that allows it to start its process. Humid areas, such as bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms, are prime candidates for mold growth in the home. When the air in an area becomes saturated with humidity, it can lead to high moisture throughout the room which can allow mold to become established.

**Poorly ventilated areas.** Mold spores are spread via the air, so when areas are poorly ventilated, it is much easier for mold to settle in one spot and begin to reproduce. This is doubly concerning as areas with poor air circulation are also typically areas with high humidity, which can create an even more ideal environment for mold spores to land in. Installing fans or other types of air flow system in areas without much ventilation is a great way to prevent mold.

**Any area with untreated moisture damage.** Mold will often establish itself around water damage, as it thrives on moisture. Any area that has a buildup of moisture is ripe for mold growth, which means hidden leaks are often first identified by the signs of mold around the area. This is why it is so important to have water damage abated quickly and professionally when it occurs, because the longer it is left untreated (or if it is untreated properly), the worse a mold problem is able to become.

*If you are in need of mold remediation or would like to learn more, we would love to help. Contact us today to learn more about our mold remediation services!*

What Types of Places Are Likely to Attract Mold Growth?

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

If mold invades your home, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield to evict it!

Mold growth can be a frightening thing for homeowners to deal with. It is an insidious and stubborn problem that can cause significant damages if not treated quickly and professionally by mold remediation experts—but how do you know if you are at risk of experiencing mold growth?

One of the only positives about mold is the extremely specific conditions that it needs to grow. Mold is only likely to be found in a few places where the environment is right for it to be able to take hold.

Below, we will be taking a look at what these places are so homeowners know exactly where to keep their eye out for these harmful spores. Preventing mold and treating it quickly when it does arise is the best way to stop the issue from getting out of hand.
The Places Where Mold Is Likely to Grow

**In bathrooms and laundry rooms.** Mold thrives in areas with high moisture content, so anywhere that experiences regular and high humidity—such as bathrooms and laundry rooms—is likely to be a haven for mold. Establishing consistent airflow and mitigating the humidity in these areas can go a long way in preventing mold from ever growing in these places.

**In basements and crawl spaces.** Basements and crawl spaces are often popular spots for mold to be discovered because of how ideal their conditions are. Not only is humidity typically high in these areas, but they are also often dark and may even experience water damage from ground seepage if they are not properly weatherproofed. Dank odors and condensation in these areas are often a sure sign that mold is likely to take hold.

**In areas that have experienced water damage.** Water damage is a serious issue for several reasons, including the fact that it is likely to give rise to mold growth if it is not treated properly. Whether the water damage is from a hidden leak in the plumbing system or a flooding issue, it is important that it be addressed quickly by water restoration professionals to completely remove the moisture and ensure that mold is not likely to become a lurking threat.

*If you are in need of mold remediation, water damage restoration or would simply like to learn more, we are here 24/7 to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.*

The Dangers That Occur When Severe Weather Strikes

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged from flash floods, lightning, or hail call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield 24 hours a day!

More than simply being an inconvenience, severe weather can cause serious damage in a variety of ways. In addition to being dangerous enough to cause personal injury to anyone who has not sought out adequate shelter, severe weather can also cause property damage to any homes or businesses in the line of the storm.

While severe weather can often move through an area without causing much damage, any time it is a possibility, it is wise to be vigilant so you know when to seek safe shelter to protect your family. Below, we will be taking a look at the types of hazards that happen during severe weather so you can be better prepared for their occurrence.

The Types of Hazards That Occur During Severe Weather

**Flash flooding threats.** Flash flooding is a serious problem, in part because it is quite unpredictable—hence the term “flash.” Flash flooding is more common in low-lying areas, but it can happen anywhere that receives a heavy amount of rainfall in a short period of time. Rapidly rising creeks and ponds are often sources of flash flooding, but even overwhelmed storm drains can become backed-up and impact an area.

**Fire hazards from lightning strikes.** Lightning strikes can occur any time there is a thunderstorm, and they are responsible for around 2,000 deaths per year throughout the world. In addition to being dangerous for anyone caught outside, lightning strikes can also introduce serious fire risks when they strike homes. Lightning can start a fire when it hits a home, due to the intense amount of heat it transfers, but it can also cause electrical fires as it travels through (and damages) a home’s wires on its way to seeking grounding.

**Damage due to high winds and hail.** Severe weather is often accompanied by high, straight-line winds up to 100 miles per hour—which as you can imagine, can cause serious damage. High winds can break off tree branches and turn them into projectiles, which can shatter windows, damage roofs and make homes susceptible to water damage as a result of being vulnerable to heavy rains.

*If severe weather strikes your home, you can depend on us to help. We have a team of storm restoration experts on hand 24/7—contact us today to learn more.*

Whatever the Disaster, We’re Here to Help Your Business

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what causes the damage, we can handle it. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, South Whitfield are your local restoration experts.

Even on a normal day, it’s difficult to operate a business. With so many competing demands for your time and attention, it’s easy to see why managing or owning a business might be a little stressful.

Consequently, if something were to interrupt business like damage from a natural disaster, you might need some experts to step in and lend a hand.

SERVPRO is the industry leader when it comes to commercial disaster cleaning, recovery and restoration. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet after a crisis by handling the cleanup and restoration process so you can continue to focus on what you need to do to keep your business going.

No matter what causes the damage, we can handle it:

Smoke and fire damage. The NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year that cost an annual average of over $110 million in property damage. We can take care of everything from the demolition and reconstruction of your building to the elimination of smoke odors.

Water damage. Damage caused by water seeping inside the building from any number of things, such as a storm, leaky roof, broken pipes, an overflowing water heater and other unanticipated problems, can cause issues from carpets getting saturated to drywall getting destroyed and even structural integrity potentially becoming compromised. No matter what happens, we’ll get you back up and running quickly and thoroughly.

Weather-related disaster damage. Natural disasters affect one out of every three businesses, and many of them are not prepared. One way to be prepared is to know what to do between disaster and the completion of your restoration. We can set your business up with a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan, which will help you know exactly what to do if disaster should strike.

Regardless of the nature or severity of your needs, we can assist you in getting back to business as quickly as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, South Whitfield when you’re ready to have the best in disaster cleaning and recovery on your side. We’re here to assist you in preparing for or recovering from a catastrophe.

Have a Strong Commercial Fire Safety System

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can happen to any business. If your workplace experiences any damage from fire, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield counties.

Fires can cause serious damage and inconvenience to businesses. Ensuring that you are prepared for a fire before it happens will protect your employees and your facility.

With these four critical components, you can construct a solid fire safety system that will help curb a fire if one happens to spark up at your workplace.

Smoke and Fire Alarms

When it comes to fire safety in the workplace, the first and most important line of defense is a working fire and smoke alarm system. Everyone is alerted when the fire alarm goes off, indicating that there is a possible threat and that an emergency evacuation is required.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are really only helpful for small fires, but knowing how to use one could prevent extreme damage to your facility. When using fire extinguishers, you and your employees should use OSHA’s “PASS” system:

P—Pull the pin on the extinguisher

A—Aim at the base of the fire

S—Squeeze the handle

S—Sweep at the fire, and move side to side

Sprinkler System

The usage of a sprinkler system is important as well. Sprinkler systems can be programmed to activate when the temperature reaches a specific level and can douse even very large flames.

You’ll likely need a professional inspector to provide regular inspections to ensure sprinkler and standpipe systems are properly maintained and running. As with any emergency equipment that is not used every day, ensuring it is in working condition regularly is essential.

Emergency Lighting and Signage

Conditions may be hectic and confusing during a fire. The building’s electrical power also often goes out. It might be difficult to see or navigate the building due to power outage, sprinklers going off, as well as smoke in the air.

People are more likely to be able to see well enough to leave the building and find safety if the facility is equipped with backup emergency lights that turn on automatically, along with lighted exit signs.

A fire can happen to any business. If your workplace happens to be affected, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield has expert fire restoration professionals who can assist you immediately.

The 2 Most Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time to cause problems. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, S. Whitfield counties is ready 24 hours a day.

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to let a few things slip your mind. Perhaps checking your facility for water damage is one of those tasks. Water damage can sneak in quietly, but can pack a big punch if it isn’t found and treated quickly.

Water damage can cause expensive losses for business. Thankfully, it’s not impossible to find and address water damage early on, before it gets to be a major issue.

There are a lot of ways water can creep into your facility, but these two are the most common:

Leaks in the plumbing system. A pipe breaks, an appliance hose ruptures or if your facility has a fire, the suppression sprinkler system turns on and drenches your facility in water.

Pipes may also unexpectedly leak during freezing conditions due to frozen water. Burst pipes are sometimes difficult to detect since they are not as visible from the surface and may not always result in obvious puddles of standing water.

Water stains near piping areas or the development of musty odors are evidence of plumbing leaks. You might notice the stains on the ceiling, running down the walls or on your floors.

Roof leaks. Leaky roofs are often the result of severe rainfall combined with insufficient or incorrect roof drainage. Excessive rainfall, such as that seen during natural disasters, may often result in widespread damage when it leaks inside.

This sort of damage has the potential to develop further if it goes unnoticed with fewer people in the facility, like overnight or on a weekend. Roof damage may also result in secondary damage such as unsightly mold development, if left unattended for an extended period of time.

Commercial property insurance typically provides coverage for unforeseen pipe bursts, malfunctioning appliances and sprinkler system water damage caused by a property fire. Insurance also often includes coverage for damage to major equipment, which is crucial in the event of roof water leaks.

Water damage doesn’t wait for convenient times to cause problems, and we don’t wait for convenient times to respond. If water damage creeps up at your commercial property, SERVPRO is ready 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help.

SERVPRO Gives You a Seamless Recovery Process

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve got the tools and technology to handle any job. Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield to learn more.

Doesn’t a cake sound delicious? If it didn’t before the beginning of that sentence, it probably does now.

So let’s bake one from scratch. Ready? First, we’ll go to the local poultry farmer to get some eggs, then the dairy farm for milk. Then we’ll head over to the mill for flour (unless you want to mill it at home for authenticity, and…sugar from the cane fields, maybe?

Yeah, you could go to those extreme lengths to get all your ingredients. But it’s the 21st century, and at this point most of us are looking to find one place we can go to get all the things we need for a cake, or whatever other confectionary delight you may have in mind.

Most of our shopping isn’t modular anymore, because part of what makes a great business great is that it offers a level of convenience that makes it easy to use and often decreases the buyer’s cost.

One of the many great things about being your local SERVPRO is that we can provide you with a single place to take care of every element of restoration after a disaster. Whether the nature of your damage is from water, fire, natural disaster or anything in between, we can get your home fully back to tip-top shape from beginning to end.

Need carpet dried and cleaned? We’ve got you. Drywall burned up in a fire? We can replace it, finish it, and even paint it. (You know we started as a painting business, right?)

Everything from reframing and construction to the tiniest finishing touches—we can make it happen, and you don’t have to worry about the process dragging on because multiple companies and sets of contractors have to wait on each other, communicate poorly, undo, redo and haggle with your insurance agent. From step one to done, SERVPRO has it under control.

We’ll even talk to your insurance company to simplify that process, too.

So when a heavy storm rips through the house, an unexpected flood fills your basement with water, or an electrical fire eats up your hallway, don’t call five companies—call one.

Did you hear the oven ding? Cake’s ready.

For an A to Z cleanup, recovery and restoration solution, you don’t have to worry. Your local SERVPRO has all the tools and teams necessary to finish your project, no matter how complex.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Handle Your Cleanup and Recovery

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield Counties has your back.

Have you heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule? It’s an idea popularized by author Malcom Gladwell that says, essentially, it takes 10,000 hours to master one’s craft and become an expert.

Noted achievers like Bill Gates in the tech world and Alex Rodriguez in sports and entrepreneurship subscribe to the idea that it takes concerted effort over a long period to be able to truly call yourself one of the best in a given field.

If the 10,000 hour rule holds true, then you can only imagine the level of expertise you can expect when you call your local SERVPRO to help you after a disaster in your home or business. Think about it—1,800 SERVPRO teams nationwide, doing business over the span of a half-century? We tried to do the actual math, but it just made us go cross-eyed.

The point is that when you call SERVPRO, you can be absolutely certain that you’re calling a reputable team of true experts, highly trained and heavily equipped for any home recovery need you may have.

Every SERVPRO franchise owner goes through complete training at the SERVPRO National Training Center, and every team member sits under them to extend that knowledge. We actually have a training house that we flood, set on fire and otherwise destroy, so that our teams can learn firsthand the latest techniques for restoring and repairing damaged homes, furnishings and more.

Expertise matters. And in an age where anyone can get on social media and crown themselves an expert, having a proven track record is what can set one service apart—and nobody has the track record of SERVPRO. For more than 50 years, we’ve satisfied literal millions of home and business owners with quality service and outstanding care.

When you call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties, you can rest assured you’re getting in touch with teams that know what they’re doing because they’ve been doing it for a lot of people, for a very long time. We’ve put in our 10,000 hours as a company many times over.

When you need thorough, expert home cleaning or restoration, you know who to trust. Contact SERVPRO when disaster strikes, and let the pros handle it.

Whatever Your Restoration Need, We’ve Got You Covered

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield counties to get the job done.

If you pass by a home or business that is up in flames, your heart truly goes out to those people. But when you see that green SERVPRO truck pull up, you know they are being well-taken care of.

At SERVPRO, we provide full-service cleaning, restoration and reconstruction services. So we will fix or clean things from top to bottom, and we will do it in a timely and efficient way.

Here’s a breakdown of SERVPRO services you can benefit from:

Water damage recovery. Whether you have encountered a flash flood that made its way into your home or you had a pipe that has busted, you can be certain that we will take care of you. When it comes to water, it doesn’t take much to do damage, and that’s why you should call us.

Fire damage recovery. A fire is reported every 23 seconds here in the United States. Fires, and the things used to put them out, can do a lot of damage, which requires lots of cleanup. That’s why we bring out all the help we can get.

Mold removal. Mold damage can creep up on you without you ever seeing it and can threaten the structure of your home. Once it’s established in your home or business, mold can spread quickly and easily, so call in the pros.

Storm recovery. Storms of any kind can cause damage, and no matter the size of damage it causes, you can count on us to help you restore your home or business.

Commercial needs. If you’re a business owner, have peace of mind in knowing we offer you all the same services we offer homeowners, plus a few extra!

General cleaning. Cleaning can be a headache for some, but for us here at SERVPRO, it’s pretty simple. We will provide your home or business cleaning services, including carpet or curtain cleaning and more.

Specialty cleaning. Sometimes you have cleaning needs that go beyond the basics. If you need specialized services such as document restoration or biohazard cleanup, we’re here to help.

Construction. Sometimes, damage can be severe and restoring your place is out of the question. The good news is you don’t have to find another company to help you—SERVPRO can reconstruct your home or business and get it looking “Like it never even happened.”

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Trust SERVPRO for Your Remodel

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

When you call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield counties, rest assured you’re getting in touch with the best restoration team in the business.

We talk a lot around here about recovery, damage from storms and fires, that sort of thing—and we should. A great deal of what we do revolves around helping families and business owners who are struck by sudden situations and find themselves in need of a trustworthy service company to help them restore their damaged homes and business.

That’s a role we’re proud to fill for millions of customers nationwide, and it’s gained us the industry-leader reputation we’re honored to have earned.

But it doesn’t take a tornado for you to take advantage of SERVPRO’s expertise.

Our highly trained construction teams can help you beautify, add on or remodel your home for no other reason than it being something you want to do. No disaster required.

Recent studies show that as many as 90% of homeowners plan on remodeling their homes at some point, and almost four out of 10 plan on doing it in the next year. If you’re one of these millions of homeowners, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield counties when you’re ready to make it happen, and you can trust the same expert teams who rebuild countless homes after disasters to give your kitchen, basement or whole home the facelift you’ve always dreamed about.

We cover the whole process, top to bottom—from inspection and gathering estimates, to mitigating any hazards or other difficulties that may hinder or interrupt the process, to full-service rebuilding and construction.

We can even go the extra mile and help you with dust control, contaminant protection and more with our premium services and EPA-registered preventive healthcare solutions.

You’ll love your new remodel, and you’ll love how easy the process is when you can trust one team to get your work done, instead of a rotation of multiple repair crews slowing down the job and struggling to communicate with each other.

You don’t have to wait for a flood, fire or natural disaster to take care of the expert construction services SERVPRO offers. We can help you build, rebuild or remodel your home and get the dream look you’ve always wanted.

If a remodel is in your future, you owe it to yourself to check with SERVPRO and get a quote. Call us today and get a local team of experts invested in your project.

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your Top Choice for Water Damage Restoration

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield counties is ready 24/7 to respond to your emergency water damage.

Having water damage your home is something that can feel extremely overwhelming. Whether you have a leak, a flood or other type of water-related issue, water damage can be disruptive to your life and your routine. And if you are unsure of how to handle it, it can be more disruptive than you imagine.

No matter where you live, it is important to understand your risk for flooding and other types of water damage—especially because one in 10 properties in the United States are at risk for flooding—so you can plan ahead for it. Water damage can come about suddenly, but having a plan in place for who to call can help you handle it quickly and efficiently.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Water Restoration at Your Home

**We respond quickly to your call.** Water damage is not something that you want to leave unattended for any length of time. Mold and mildew growth can start quite quickly after water damage, but the faster it is addressed, the less likely this is to be an issue. With our 24/7 emergency line, you can be confident that you can get in touch with us whenever you need us.

**We understand the intricacies of water damage.** Water damage is rarely a simple issue, and oftentimes, it is a rather complex one. Water can seep into many places that are not supposed to be wet, and when these areas are hidden, it is impossible to know the scope of the issue. Because we understand the intricacies of water damage, we monitor impacted areas to find any areas with hidden moisture to make sure any water damage is fully addressed.

**We have a national backup plan.** If there is a widespread issue that causes water damage, such as flooding, resources in the local area can be spread quite thin. We combat this issue by having the backing of our national brand—because there are SERVPRO locations across the nation, we can scale up resources, equipment and technicians as needed, so you can expect the same level of service even when there is an extreme need.

*If you need assistance with water damage in your household, you can count on us to be there for you. Get in touch with us at any time to learn more about our water restoration process.

A Fire Safety Checklist for Your Household

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is on standby to help you create your Emergency Ready Plan.

It is important for any household to practice fire safety as a regular part of their routine. House fires can be both devastating and dangerous, and on average, those in the household will have less than three minutes to escape should a fire begin.

Fortunately, by being vigilant about the prevention of house fires, you can reduce the likelihood of you ever having to experience one. While there is no way to completely eradicate your risk, there are plenty of steps you can take to make your home less susceptible to accidental fires breaking out.

A Checklist for Household Fire Safety

Practicing fire safety is a great way to reduce your risk of experiencing a fire at your home. By referencing this simple checklist, you can be sure you are taking necessary precautions to keep your household safe.

**Smoke Alarms**

* Ensure that you have smoke alarms on each level of the home and in every sleeping area.

* Test smoke alarms each month and replace batteries as needed.

* Note the install date for all alarms and replace after 10 years, even if they are still operational.

**Cooking Safety**

* Be sure to never leave the stove or oven on unattended.

* Keep flammable items, such as towels and wooden utensils, three feet from the stove.

* Store a fire extinguisher prominently in the kitchen.

* Understand the difference between grease fires and other types of fires, and know the methods for extinguishing each.

**General Safety**

* Be sure your household has a fire escape plan that you practice at least twice per year.

* Ensure that every area of your home has at least two exits.

* Store any flammable chemicals in accordance with their label recommendations.

* Keep matches, lighters and other flammable objects away from young children.

* Do not leave candles lit if they are unattended.

* Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from candles, space heaters or other sources of heat.

**Electrical Safety**

* Never overload electrical outlets or extension cords.

* Replace any frayed cords or wires immediately.

* Plug appliances and any heat-generating items directly into the wall, not into extension cords.

* If wall outlets ever feel warm to the touch, stop using them immediately and call an electrician.

*If you have damage from a fire, you can count on us to help. We are here 24/7 for restoration—contact us today to learn more about our processes.*

Creating Your Home’s Fire Safety Blueprint

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is ready 24/7 to respond to your emergency needs.

Increasing the fire safety of your home is a great goal. House fires can be traumatic and dangerous events, causing extensive property damage as well as injury or loss of life. However, if you have not previously considered your options for fire safety, getting into the habit of fire prevention around the house may seem like a daunting task.

The good news is that improving your home’s fire safety is ultimately quite a simple task. Once you assess where your gaps in fire prevention efforts are, you can implement simple new habits to better protect your home.

Below, we will help you identify where you could improve fire safety so you can figure out exactly what you can do to help keep your household safer from fires.

Determining Where to Improve Your Fire Safety at Home

**Consider personal safety first.** While fire prevention is quite important, the first thing you should do from a safety perspective is to consider how to protect your family if a fire does start. One of the best things you can do is install smoke alarms throughout the home and test them monthly to ensure they are operational. That way, anyone in the home will be alerted right away if a fire starts and can quickly get to safety. Additionally, you should draft a fire evacuation plan for your household and practice it regularly, so everyone is aware of what to do if the alarms do sound.

**Next, consider your daily habits.** Because many fires are started due to seemingly innocuous errors around the home, it is important to consider how your daily habits could have a role in your fire safety efforts. On average, how careful are you when cooking, lighting candles and utilizing flammable objects? Being aware of little things, like keeping flammable objects away from heat sources, can go a long way toward safety.

**Know the fire risks to watch for.** In addition to building good habits, knowing when to identify a fire risk is an important part of the puzzle. Things such as overloaded extension cords, frayed wires or space heaters being used improperly are red flags regarding fire safety—and quickly addressing them can go a long way towards prevention.

*If you have damage due to a fire in your home, you can count on us for restoration. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.*

Where to Start on Fire Safety Efforts for the Home

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield counties is ready 24/7 to help you prepare for emergencies.

If you are hoping to improve your household fire safety, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. House fires are certainly dangerous, but given the multitude of ways they can start, understanding what fire prevention measures to take around the home can seem like it will be a daunting task.

Fortunately, fire safety is actually quite simple! By adding certain habits into your household routines, you can make major strides in reducing your likelihood of a fire and keeping your family safer.

Read on to learn more regarding where to start when improving fire safety in the home.

How to Begin Your Fire Safety Efforts at Home

**Start with your smoke alarms.** If you are new to fire safety efforts, starting with smoke alarms is really the best thing that you can do. Most people will have less than three minutes to escape when a fire begins in the home, but smoke alarms can ensure all members of your household are alerted quickly so they can begin evacuating. Make sure you have smoke alarms installed throughout each level of the home and in every sleeping area, and test them once per month to be sure they are operational and do not need a battery replacement.

**Create an escape plan.** As previously mentioned, being able to escape quickly is so important in the event of a house fire. It is wise to draft a fire escape plan for your home, and practice it with each member of your household at least every six months. Be sure that you are able to execute your plan in around two minutes, and that everyone knows where to meet up once they are safely outside.

**Consider your cooking habits.** Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, so evaluating your cooking habits can be a great way to prevent fires from starting. Be careful about flammable objects near the stove and leaving food unattended while cooking. Additionally, make sure that you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen that is rated to handle cooking and grease-related fires.

*If you have damage to your home from a house fire, we are the team to call. We are here 24/7 to provide you with a rapid response. Get in touch today to learn more.*

The 3 Toxicity Levels of Water Damage

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the water damage, we can quickly set things right. Contact the SERVPRO of Gordon/Murray/South Whitfield team to learn more.

Water damage can happen all sorts of ways, and it can certain cause myriad problems, not the least of which is its potential for toxicity. But how do we determine which water sources are toxic and which aren’t? Why isn’t it safe to touch or swim in floodwater, but rain is fine—aren’t they the same?

These distinctions are very important, and there’s a governing body called the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification that helps us understand them.

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

Damage from so-called “clean” water is the least worrisome kind of damage, and assumes a certain level of cleanliness from its sources—typically things like refrigerators, water supply lines for appliances or even showers.

The nature of this type of damage means most of the damage mitigation involves simple drying, extracting and dehumidifying, and most instances of clean water damage don’t create health worries.

Category 2: Grey Water Damage

The next category is referred to as “grey” water. The sources of grey water include sources that aren’t inherently or necessarily toxic, but that could or may be—overflow from toilets, backups from an unfiltered sump pump, or even leaks from a washing machine which could have been holding toxic materials during the wash cycle.

Touching water from these sources may not cause immediate harm, but grey water is still to be avoided as it could cause potential danger all the same

“Black” water is the nasty stuff. It carries an immediate, inherent risk of toxicity, and it requires immediate action for removal to get these risks mitigated. Sewer backflows, broken toilet bowls containing fecal matter and other septic water fall into this category.

It may surprise you, but overflowing ground and river water fall into this category, as does flood water, because they may contain everything from waste to lawn-care chemicals and parasitic organisms. Black water can cause health effects, and affected surfaces like carpet or sheetrock must be removed. This water is also the most difficult to deal with in the aftermath, because it requires such care in cleanup.

No matter the water damage or the level of toxicity or danger to your home or family, we can quickly set things right. Contact your local SERVPRO team today to find out how we can tackle water problems of any size or nature.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Fire Restoration Needs?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield is ready 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency!

A house fire is something no one would like to experience, but unfortunately, they are a more common occurrence than most people realize. Every year, around 358,000 structures will have a fire event in them, causing billions in property damage across the United States.

House fires can lead to significant property damage as well as pose risks for injuries and deaths, so preparing as much as possible is a must for mitigating their impact.

Focusing on fire prevention is the best thing to do to keep your household safe, but it is also important that you have a plan for the aftermath of a fire just in case. Because smoke and soot can permeate rooms in the home that were not even impacted by a fire, it can be quite disruptive to your daily life—which is why we are here to guarantee a rapid response when you call us.

Why to Choose SERVPRO When You Need Home Fire Restoration

**We will get to you quickly.** Experiencing a house fire is a frightening thing, and if you have damage to your home, it is understandable that you will want it taken care of as quickly as possible. That is why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. We always provide a rapid response when you call us, no matter the hour.

**We understand fire damage.** Fire damage is a complex thing. Not only is there the damage from the actual flames, but there is also smoke, soot and often moisture damage to consider. We approach fire damage with this in mind, and have the knowledge to tackle the entire spectrum of fire damage so it is like it never even happened.

**We have expert fire restoration technicians.** Because we always want to provide you with the best restoration service possible, we take our training programs very seriously and ensure that our technicians are well-versed in the world of fire restoration. Between third-party certifications and our own SERVPRO training that our technicians complete, you can be confident that the technicians assigned to your job know exactly what to do.

*If you are in need of fire restoration, let us be the team you call. Get in touch with us at any hour to learn more or to report your fire damage.

So You’ve Got a Sewage Backup

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup can be a serious problem, reach out SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield to learn more.

Water damage can be rough stuff in any form. Burst pipes, flooding and appliance issues all create difficult situations in their own right. But a sewage backup can be an entirely other level of both nastiness and danger.

Sewer problems can be the result of civil sewer systems that have aged past their primes, tree roots growing into sewer lines or blockages of a sanitary sewer main. Regardless of the cause, however, one thing is clear (or literally probably not clear at all)—sewer backups introduce toxins into your home, and they leave a difficult cleanup job in their wake.

When you find yourself faced with sewer damage, here are some things you should do immediately upon discovering the damage to ensure your safety and get things under control until your local SERVPRO team arrives.

Evacuate anyone vulnerable from the area. This includes seniors, children, even pets—anyone who may suffer more readily from the toxins sewage can introduce into your home’s atmosphere. Keep them safely away from the backup area until restoration is complete.

Shut off your main water supply and electricity if it’s safe to do so. If you can get to your power panel and water main safely, use them to stop the flow of water and decrease the odds of your water backup causing an electrical fire. Don’t do this if your electrical panel is under water, or if you would have to stand in water to turn it off. If you can’t safely shut off your own power and water, call your utility companies and have them do it.

Open windows in the affected area to encourage ventilation and get some fresh air flowing in.

Document your situation and take lots of photos for your insurance company. Be sure to include any items that have sustained damage, as these will be important for your insurance claim process.

Add a little bleach to standing water, if you can do so safely, so that the chlorine in it can do some disinfecting work and prevent the spread of bacteria. Don’t touch stained or affected areas, and don’t come in contact with what could be very dangerous water.

Don’t forget to call SERVPRO. We’ll be there quickly, get things cleaned and managed thoroughly, and we can work with your insurance company on your behalf.

Regardless of the cause of your sewage problem, SERVPRO has the tools and techniques to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Sewage backup is a serious problem, but we can take care of it and restore your home after the damage. Contact SERVPRO anytime to get the pros on your side.

Breaking Down the Fire Tetrahedron

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield Counties is ready around the clock to help you recover.

First things first, do you know the definition of a tetrahedron? To cut down on time, let us explain…it’s a three-dimensional, triangular shape with four equal sides.

Now that you know the basics of the geometric shape, let’s discuss what a fire tetrahedron is.

Basically, it’s a way of acknowledging that there are four components needed for fire to start—or four “sides” to the equation. If one of the sides is removed, the structure can’t stand and the fire can’t start.

The So-Called 100-Year Flood

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

If flooding or other water damage cause trouble for your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield counties.

Flood probability is based on a number of factors, and scientists and engineers use a specific set of criteria to determine the likelihood that rivers may flood in heavy storms. Flooding can happen wherever it rains, and it can cause troubles like 2019’s sudden troubles in Conyers; but there’s a certain term on which much of our flood conversation hinges: the “100-year flood.”

It’s a rather foreboding term, one that definitely makes the listener aware that it’s something to be concerned about. But what exactly is it? Is it a general term, or are there actually 100-year floods we can measure and predict?

First, a 100-year flood is a very real, scientific measurement, as opposed to a general declaration like, say, a gullywasher or deluge. Without getting overly technical, a 100-year flood is, in theory anyway, a flood that statistically should only occur about once every 100 years.

In other words, based on data from nearby rivers, bodies of water, elevation levels and other factors, a 100-year flood is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.

This kind of flood is also known as a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood.

So, does a 100-year flood only occur every hundred years? Well, yes and no. While the average space between them typically does meet that criteria, that doesn’t preclude the possibility of two 1% floods happening in back-to-back decades, years, or even months.

Flooding is unpredictable, but statistically speaking, the 100-year or 1% designation gives us a baseline for estimating the frequency and severity of a certain kind of flood.

Why does all this matter? Well, for one thing, aside from giving us a sense of how bad a flood was or could be, and how likely it may be to occur again, the 1% AEP flood is the basis for the National Flood Insurance Program, which, among other things, requires homeowners within high-risk flood zones to carry flood insurance.

So you can see why it’s important that we have both accurate flooding data and analysis as well as risk prediction. The accuracy of the portrait and prediction of 100-year floods could impact whether your home sits in a high-risk zone or not.

The 1% analysis also helps us plan things like infrastructure, drainage and building needs for flood plain areas.

The last 100-year flooding in our area came in the form of massive floods in September 2009, which resulted in half a billion dollars in damages, and actually reached the 500-year flood designation in some areas, meaning there was only a 0.2% chance of that flood occurring that year in this area.

Flooding isn’t inevitable, but it’s always a possibility when heavy storms overwhelm bodies of water or drainage systems. If flooding or other water damage cause trouble for your home or business, contact SERVPRO for fast, complete cleanup and recovery.

5 Places to Check After a Hard Rain

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can come from a number of places. If you find any signs of damage to your property, call SERVPRO of Gordan, Murray, & Fort Valley.

We get plenty of rain in the Fayetteville area. The national average for a given city is 38 inches of rain per year, and we beat that average that by more than 10 inches.

Now some of that rain courtesy of your standard, near-daily summer shower. But some of it, as you well know, comes from storms that pack quite a bit more punch.

As a homeowner, it’s incumbent upon you to protect your home as much from water damage as much as possible, or at least to stop it once it’s discovered. So after a heavy rain, here are the places you should check to make sure all is well.

Check your basement. If there’s one solitary place you can anticipate water damage at home, it’s the basement. Homes with basement have a 98% chance of experiencing excess moisture or flooding at some point, so check here first. If you see water pooling, paint bubbling or you smell a damp odor, you may have an issue.

Crawlspaces and attics. Much like the basement, these areas can become inundated with moisture. If you have a crawlspace instead of a basement, it’s subject to the same kind of moisture issues, and attic moisture can reveal to you that there’s a leak somewhere in the roof.

Check on your sump pump. Your sump pump works hard to move water away from your house during a big storm. You should test your pump quarterly, or after any major rainfall.

Examine your gutters. Your gutters catch more than rain, and there are plenty of ways for them to get clogged or even damaged. In particularly heavy rains, gutters can be overwhelmed by water flow, and that becomes even more likely if they are obstructed due to built-up dirt, granules from roof shingles, twigs and leaves.

Inspect your roof. You don’t have to get up on a ladder every time it rains, but after a heavy storm, particularly if you have overhanging tree branches, take a good look at your roof from the ground. If you notice anything that looks off—broken or warped shingles, unfastened flashing or gutters that seem out of place—call a professional to conduct a full examination.

Water damage can come from a number of places at home. If you find a source of water leakage has done harm to your property, call your local SERVPRO for fast, expert help.

The Most Common Roof Problems You’re Likely to Encounter

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Roof care is home care. If you find any signs of damage to your property, call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield.

One of the sneakiest water damage sources in your home is actually on your home. Your roof regularly takes a beating from weather, sun, wind, rain and more, and it does a great job overall. If we were talking percentages, we’d be looking at Hank-Aaron-meets-Ted-Williams-type numbers.

But roofs are also one of the last places we tend to check for leaks, and thusly, one of the last places we catch leaks before they become a problem.

Make this your year to change all that. Keeping an eye on these problem areas can keep water from sneaking into your home through cracks and gaps in the roof.

Storm damage. Wind, hail and other environmental factors can damage your roof during a storm. No matter the season, your roof takes a pounding from storms, and you should always inspect your roof visually after a major storm, at the very least. If you suspect anything negative may have occurred, play it safe and let a pro examine it.

Falling branches and tree damage. Overhanging branches can crack and fall, but they can also rub away the top layer of your shingles over time as they sway with the wind. Trimming trees and being mindful of their proximity to your roof can help you avoid bad shingles and subsequent leaks.

Flashing. Your roof likely already has holes in it, but they’re the kind you have to have. Chimneys, vent pipes, skylights and even HVAC systems all come through your roof for ventilation. If the flashing is poorly installed, or if it simply wears down over time, it can cause seams in your roof and pull shingles and tiles off their proper alignment. Flashing may also need to be resealed from time to time.

Mold. Those dark streaks and patches on your roof are easy to ignore, but they’re really patches of mold—and that’s never good. There are many reasons to get rid of mold whenever and wherever you see it, but in the case of your roof, that mold can eventually eat away at your roofing material, which can let water in.

Gutters. While technically roof-adjacent, this one certainly needs attention as well. Keeping your gutters free of debris and buildup can stop water from damming up and flowing into your house by getting under your shingles.

Time. The truth is, your roof has a life expectancy, and even within that window it’s likely to develop needs that you can’t see from the ground or as an amateur. An annual roof checkup is recommended in order to keep your roof performing at its peak. A professional can identify problems that are, and some that have not yet come to pass.

Roof care is home care, and leak prevention is the name of the game. If water damage becomes an unexpected part of your home ownership experience, contact SERVPRO to get things cleaned up and restored.

Why SERVPRO Is Your Go-To for Any Restoration Needs

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield is ready 24 hours a day to help with any restoration needs.

Needing restoration on your home is something that can feel rather overwhelming, but eventually, it is likely to happen. From damaging severe weather incidents to leaks or kitchen fires, there are many ways that a home can sustain damage, but fortunately, there are comprehensive solutions that can help ease the complications of restoration.

To better prepare your household to deal with damages that need restoration, it is best to think ahead regarding what company you would like to use. That way, when you discover damage, you can make the call immediately to begin the restoration process.

In most cases, it is vital that restoration happens quickly—so below, we have outlined a few reasons why we are here to be your go-to.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs

**We understand that each scenario is different.** While incidents that require restoration are quite common, every scenario is still different. For example, in spite of the fact that house fires impact more than 350,000 families each year, every fire causes damage that varies in its scope. That is why we make sure that we have the expertise to deal with damages of any type, so you can always feel confident when you call on us.

**We provide a response 24 hours a day.** When it comes to damage restoration, it is important to act fast. This is vital not only for helping your household get back to its usual state, but it is also a must to prevent further issues from arising, such as mold and mildew growth after water damage. For this reason, we are here to respond to your call 24/7, 365 days a year.

**We do more than damage restoration.** In addition to simply restoring the damage an incident has caused in your home, we also help with every aspect of the process. From helping you pack things up to dealing with your insurance agent to get the most for your claim, we aim to provide assistance in any way we can throughout the process.

*If you are in need of a go-to partner for residential restoration, you can count on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our process or to receive a rapid response to your damage.

Fires on Construction and Renovation Sites

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

If your construction project should be hindered by an unfortunate fire, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield.

A 2020 report by the National Fire Protection Association gives us insight into the most common fire dangers of unfinished properties. Some of these properties are in the construction phase, and some are undergoing major renovations. The published results are the culmination of a five-year study, looking at fires of this nature from 2013–2017.

These details serve to encourage adoption and adherence to NFPA standards and codes while building and renovating, in order to avoid the added cost and time of dealing with fires as a result of code violations.

The top three causes of construction and renovation fires are in a virtual tie for occurrence percentage, though their resulting damage varies. Electrical failure or malfunction causes 15% of construction fires, while another 14% each come from abandoned or discarded materials and heat sources too close to combustible materials.

Electrical malfunction also causes 16% of civilian injuries in these types of fires, while discarded material and combustion from heat sources cause 6% and 19%, respectively. Also of note is that fires caused by heat sources being too near to combustibles causes almost one fifth of all direct property damage from construction fires.

There are a few other causes of significance, though none with quite the impact of the top three. These include welding and cutting in close proximity to flammable materials or objects, unattended equipment, failure to properly clean work areas and various misuses of materials. The combination of these add up to 26% of construction fires and 27% of civilian injuries, but only 11% of property damage from fires on construction sites.

Adherence to fire codes and proper methodologies could prevent most of these unfortunate fires, and while it’s not always the most convenient way to do this, following these well-researched, thoughtfully crafted prevention codes is the safest way to manage any construction or renovation project.

Considering fire agencies respond to more than 6,000 construction fires alone each year, this report shows us that we’ve still got some ground to make up when it comes to proper fire safety methods.

If your construction project should be hindered by an unfortunate fire, we’re here to help, regardless of the cause. Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield. to find out how we can help you get back on track.

Where to Start on Fire Safety Efforts for the Home

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Improving your home's fire safety plan can be overwhelming. Let SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield help give you a head start.

If you are hoping to improve your household fire safety, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. House fires are certainly dangerous, but given the multitude of ways they can start, understanding what fire prevention measures to take around the home can seem like it will be a daunting task.

Fortunately, fire safety is actually quite simple! By adding certain habits into your household routines, you can make major strides in reducing your likelihood of a fire and keeping your family safer.

Read on to learn more regarding where to start when improving fire safety in the home.

How to Begin Your Fire Safety Efforts at Home

**Start with your smoke alarms.** If you are new to fire safety efforts, starting with smoke alarms is really the best thing that you can do. Most people will have less than three minutes to escape when a fire begins in the home, but smoke alarms can ensure all members of your household are alerted quickly so they can begin evacuating. Make sure you have smoke alarms installed throughout each level of the home and in every sleeping area, and test them once per month to be sure they are operational and do not need a battery replacement.

**Create an escape plan.** As previously mentioned, being able to escape quickly is so important in the event of a house fire. It is wise to draft a fire escape plan for your home, and practice it with each member of your household at least every six months. Be sure that you are able to execute your plan in around two minutes, and that everyone knows where to meet up once they are safely outside.

**Consider your cooking habits.** Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, so evaluating your cooking habits can be a great way to prevent fires from starting. Be careful about flammable objects near the stove and leaving food unattended while cooking. Additionally, make sure that you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen that is rated to handle cooking and grease-related fires.

*If you have damage to your home from a house fire, we are the team to call. We are here 24/7 to provide you with a rapid response. Get in touch today to learn more.

7 Tips for Workplace Fire Safety

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire should happen, remember the trusted name in restoration, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties.

Fire safety is a crucial part of running any business. Are you prepared? Run down this quick checklist to be sure.

1. Make an Emergency Action Plan. OSHA has a tool to help you comply with your workplace’s needed proper emergency standards and create an Emergency Action Plan to safely evacuate teams in a fire situation.

2. Train your teams. Once your plan is in place and you feel confident about its effectiveness, make sure your key leaders and teams know it by heart. You may only have about the time it takes to read this blog to escape a burning building, so it’s important that your leaders and teams know instinctively to spring into action.

3. Keep proper fire safety equipment maintained and ready. From fire extinguishers to sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, alarms and more, you’ve got a lot of helpful tools at the office, but they must be kept in good working order, easily accessible and ready to use. What’s more, your key leaders need working knowledge of the PASS Method and how to use any additional equipment.

4. Post all fire routes and exits visibly and clearly. Your exit routes should be carefully planned and then posted clearly, so that employees, customers and personnel can quickly see and understand them in a drill or emergency.

5. Conduct routine fire drills. Having a certain “muscle memory” for fire escapes is helpful, as time is a factor. Regular rehearsal of the plan can save time and even lives during an emergency, because your teams will be less prone to panic when they’re familiar with the drill.

6. Properly dispose any flammable materials. Letting papers or hazardous materials pile up around the workplace is only creating more dangerous fire scenarios and making a fire more likely to start or spread quickly. Always keep kitchens free of grease residue, and properly store or dispose of anything flammable that’s not mission-critical.

7. Eliminate electrical hazards at work. There are numerous potential hazards present at work, from poor grounding of equipment to faulty wiring or power cords. Always make sure any electrical system is properly installed, used and maintained to avoid a hazard.

If a fire should damage your workspace, we’re here to help. Call on SERVPRO to restore your property after a fire.

Why You Should Trust SERVPRO With Your Fire Damage Recovery

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is your local fire restoration expert. No job is too big for our team of experts.

Dealing with a fire is one of the most taxing things a homeowner could possibly imagine.

Fire causes all kinds of damage in your home, and recovering from a home fire encompasses dealing with physical, financial, emotional and mental recovery.

While SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties can’t help with all these areas, we can be your main source of property recovery and restoration. And we can get your home taken care of quickly, which can in turn aid in your emotional recovery as well.

Here’s why you know you can feel good about entrusting your fire recovery to us.

We’re Established.

We’ve been doing this a very long time. SERVPRO was established the same year Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the Supreme Court, if that gives you any idea.

That means we’ve got over 50 years’ experience helping families and homeowners deal with the effects of fire, and we’ll use all those years of innovation and experience to give you the most complete recovery possible.

We’re Skilled.

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties employs a team of experts, trained and equipped to handle anything fire may have done to your home. From reversing the effects of smoke damage to full-blown rebuilding efforts, we have the tools and work ethic to get it done.

We’re always up to date on the latest technologies, innovations and certifications, which multiplies our capacity for tackling even the toughest recovery projects.

We’re Very Fast.

When you click this link or call (706) 278-7378, you’re getting connected with a local team who can be onsite right away to get started.

You don’t have to wait for a team from somewhere else to mosey up to Calhoun, Chatsworth, or Dalton—no, we’re right here in Dalton which means when you need us, we’re the quickest option for your recovery. And we’re on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your emergency call.

When fire strikes at home, the choice is clear: SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is the name you can trust with your recovery and restoration.

If fire or other disasters do damage to your home, we’re here to make things right again. Contact us today to get fast, local recovery started on your property right away.

Let Us Help You Rebuild After a Storm

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

When storms strike your home or business, trust us to make things right again. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is here to help.

You know what SERVPRO does by now. You see the green truck with the orange logo, and you feel pretty sure somebody’s about to get some water damage cleaned up.

They had a pipe burst or a sewage backup, and a SERVPRO team is headed to get them back in the dry. Or maybe they had a fire in the kitchen, and the green team is on their way to clean up and remove the smoke damage and smell.

These things may all be true, and kudos to you for your acumen. But something you may not know about SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is that we can provide full-blown reconstruction when your home or business is damaged, whether you’ve had something as minor as drywall or carpet damaged by intruding water or you’ve experienced an extreme disaster. When disaster strikes, we’ve got the teams, the tools and the expertise to repair or fully rebuild.

Not only can we rebuild and reconstruct to get your home back to its preloss condition, but we can simplify your life by simplifying your post-damage process. You can trust SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties for initial damage assessment, for the emergent needs for repair and mitigation, and for putting your home back together the way you know and love it.

With a streamlined process handled all by one excellent team, you can have peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of, and nothing is missed or miscommunicated.

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is licensed for residential contractor services, so you know you can trust our workmanship as well.

We can help with every area of your repair, rebuild and reconstruction process, including board up, dry cleaning, electrical, and HVAC services, plumbing and much, much more. We can even help with temporary fencing and warehouse space.

There’s so much more to SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties than what you may think when you see the green truck. The bottom line is that if you’ve got a repair or restoration need of any kind at home, we can help you get it taken care of. Call us first—it’s likely we’ll be the only call you have to make. 

When storms strike your home or business, trust us to make things right again. From initial evaluation to the finishing touches, SERVPRO is here to make your life easier after a storm.

Do You Know What Pipes Are Vulnerable to Freezing?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage due to frozen pipes, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties today.

Experiencing winter weather can certainly be an inconvenience. Between cold temperatures and high winds, it is not a season designed for comfort. However, when things turn frigid, there is also cause for concern regarding the pipes in your home.

While frozen pipes may seem like a problem that only occurs in the chilliest of places, depending on your home’s construction and insulation levels, it is still a real possibility here, too.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing makes up over 23% of homeowner insurance claims in the United States. While instances of water damage due to frozen pipes may be covered on your insurance, it is still a headache that is better avoided when possible.

Below, we will look at the pipes in the home that are most vulnerable to freezing so you can be certain you know what to look out for.

The Pipes in a Home That Are the Most Vulnerable to Freezing 

Pipes along exterior walls of the home. Depending on your home’s layout, plumbing can be routed through the walls in a variety of ways. Plumbing for the interior is commonly routed through exterior walls, and if you have outdoor spigots on your home, these pipes are also exposed to more of the exterior temperatures. When things get rather cold, these are typically the first pipes to freeze.

Pipes in the attic, crawlspace or basement. If you have an attic, crawlspace or basement that is not insulated, it is important to note if you also have plumbing in these areas. If you do, know that these pipes are also prone to freezing if it were to get cold enough. These pipes are rarely routed close to a home’s insulation, so they may be extra exposed.

Any home in a southern climate. While we may think of frozen pipes as a problem that only occurs in the cold of the northern half of the country, it is very likely for homes in the south to experience frozen pipes, too. Pipes in the south are rarely insulated heavily, so when we do get a cold snap, they are likely to be impacted.

If you have water damage due to frozen pipes, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our water restoration services.

What to Do When You Need a Storm Shelter?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

If a storm should strike and do damage to your home, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties is here to help.

Some storms are worse than others. You can’t always see that kind of destruction coming, and the unfortunate truth is that some day a weather event may take place that may cause you to suddenly be in a place where staying or returning to your home isn’t a safe option.

In the following blog we’ll go through what you need to know—how to find a reputable shelter nearby, how to know if you’re eligible, what to bring and what to expect.

Find a reputable shelter, such as a Red Cross shelter. Red Cross shelters are free and open to absolutely anyone in need due to a disaster or emergency. Service animals (not pets) are also welcome, and the shelter can assist with food or supplies.

The Red Cross provides a searchable map on their website, which can help you find the nearest shelter. Additional shelters open during a crisis, so it always pays to check.

If you have special needs or have requests regarding food, supplies or religious requirements, the Red Cross volunteers will do what they can to accommodate you and make you comfortable.

You can bring certain items with you, such as bedding, clothing and medication. If you have children who have a beloved special stuffed animal or blanket, they are welcome to bring it for comfort.

You can also bring your own emergency kit. Of course, if you don’t have time to pack these things before you evacuate, or the emergency happens while you are away from your home, the shelter will do everything possible to get you what you need.

Don’t bring weapons, illegal drugs or alcohol to the shelter; they will not be allowed inside.

Your Red Cross shelter will provide a safe refuge from the storm or disaster event, food and water, first-aid and basic health services, as well as a laundry list of other helpful things like childcare, laundry and access to case workers who can assist you with recovery.

Red Cross shelters remain open until all guests have procured a safe place to stay, and they will help you as needed when you return home, or if you need assistance finding a temporary place to stay while your home is repaired.

There may be other shelters available in the event of an emergency as well, but you always know the Red Cross is a trustworthy sign of help in a crisis.

If a storm should strike and do damage to your home, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is here to help. Contact us anytime to make a connection or find out how we can help restore or even rebuild your home after a weather emergency.

Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage due to frozen pipes, Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties today.

Having the pipes in your home freeze is far more than simply an inconvenience. While you may not be able to use the taps in your house while the pipes are frozen, they can also burst and lead to serious water damage throughout your home.

In fact, the Insurance Information Institute has found that 23% of all the homeowners insurance claims made in the United States are related to water and freezing.

While we tend to think of pipes freezing as something that happens in extremely cold climates, any time the weather falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is possible for pipes to freeze. Understanding what signs to look for is key for knowing if your pipes are frozen—and if you notice them, acting quickly is a must to avoid costly damage.

Below, we will look at a few key signs that may indicate that you have a frozen pipe on your hands so you can take action right away.

Signs That the Water Pipes in Your Home Have  Frozen

No water is coming out of the taps. If you turn on a faucet or tap in your home and do not get water as usual, that may be a sign that your pipes are frozen. Frozen pipes may result in no water flow at all, or they may cause only a trickle to come out of the faucet—regardless, experiencing this is certainly cause for concern.

You experience an odd odor from your tap or drain. If you have an odd odor in your home, and it seems to be coming directly from a drain or tap, that may mean the pipes have frozen. If there are odors in the pipe that are blocked by ice, they will not be able to escape as usual, and will only be able to travel back the way they came.

There is frost on your pipes. If you have pipes that are exposed in your basement, crawlspace or attic, you can check for frost on them if you suspect they may be frozen. Any time frost has accumulated on the outside of a pipe, that is a good indication that you have a full or partial freeze on your hands.

If you have water damage due to frozen pipes, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our water restoration services and how we can help you.

A Guide to Fire Code Considerations for Your Commercial Space

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your business needs help with fire damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties 24/7/365.

If you own or operate a business or other commercial space, understanding how to protect your investment and your employees from harm related to fire damage is a must. Not only are fires extremely dangerous for anyone who is in the area, but they can also be devastating to businesses—it is estimated that over half of businesses are unable to recover from a fire.

Fortunately, businesses are able to take many precautions when it comes to fire prevention, and national commercial fire codes are a great place to start. While each area will have their own local codes that should also be followed, below, we will examine some of the national codes that can help you keep your business safe and operational.

Fire Codes Pertaining to Commercial Sprinkler Systems 

While they are not required in all types of commercial buildings, a commercial fire sprinkler system can be a fantastic way to reduce the risk of a fire severely impacting your business. Typically, the rules for fire sprinkler systems are that they must be installed in any commercial building over 5,000 square feet and any building that is taller than 55 feet in height.

Fire Codes Pertaining to Fire Alarms 

While smaller commercial spaces are not always required to have a fire alarm system, installing them is a simple enough process that it is always a good idea. By alerting people to the fire quickly, your employees and customers will have more time to escape, which could potentially save a life. If possible, it is best to invest in interconnected fire alarms, so that when one is triggered, they will all sound to alert everyone in the area.

Fire Codes Pertaining to Fire Extinguishers 

All businesses are required to have fire extinguishers on the premises, but how many and where they should be located varies based on the size and nature of the commercial space in question. Additionally, business owners are required to have fire extinguisher training with all employees at least once per year to be certain that everyone is aware of how to use a fire extinguisher and comfortable with the best practices.

If your business needs help with fire damage, you can count on us. We are here 24 hours a day to help you recover in the aftermath of a commercial fire. Contact us today to learn more.

Why to Choose SERVPRO When Your Home Needs Reconstruction

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

When damage happens at home, we’re ready to jump into action. Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties to get help right away.

Not all emergencies are created equal. Sometimes the extent of a restoration need is to have carpet professionally dried, furniture restored or mild smoke smell removed—all things that are certainly within our capability.

But some emergencies take a bigger chunk out of your life, ruining whole areas of your home—your subfloor, drywall and even your framework. It’s in these times that you’ll be glad to know you’ve got a team on your side who can not only handle the cleanup, but also perform any necessary reconstruction, to restore your home to its original, preloss state.

Our first aim is restoration. We want you to be able to keep your original possessions, and we’ve got both modern and time-tested techniques to get them dried, sanitized and ready for use again.

But when something more is needed—when an electrical fire eats away your walls from the inside, for example—we can take care of everything, start to finish.

When you choose SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties for reconstruction, that means all your needs are cared for by one team, with clear communication, synergy and expertise. You’ll have a faster, easier and more effective recovery time, plus the peace of mind knowing it’s all being handled by the industry leader with over 50 years’ experience in the field. And your insurance company will love you for keeping things simple.

Reconstruction requires expertise, because existing parts of your home have to be properly fitted to match reconstructed areas, which are built in or rebuilt to replace damaged ones. It’s not an easy task to make it look natural and seamless, but your SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties team is up for the challenge.

Considering the widespread damage that can happen to your home because of a few inches of floodwater, it’s easy to see why reconstruction can become necessary. But you can rest easy knowing that should the need arise, your friends at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties have the expertise, tools and teams available around the clock to get your cleanup and reconstruction handled quickly, safely and completely.

When damage happens at home, we’re ready to jump into action. Contact SERVPRO when reconstruction and recovery are needed after water damage, fire or mold outbreak.

Keeping Track of Fire Safety at Your Business

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your business, you can depend on SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties.

For business owners, there are few things more important for the safety of you and your staff  than ensuring you have the right fire protections  in place. Fires can be absolutely devastating for businesses, with over half never being able to  recover after the damage—but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to decrease the likelihood that  you will ever experience a fire at all.

All businesses are subjected to certain fire codes  set forth by the National Fire Protection  Association, which provide a great guideline for  making sure you are being as safe as possible. In addition to adhering to fire codes when you are first starting out, it is also important to make sure you are regularly auditing your fire safety efforts to be sure nothing slips through the cracks. Below, we have listed out some helpful tips for  doing just that.

Keeping Track of Your Fire Prevention Efforts in the Workplace

Make sure you have enough (working) fire extinguishers. It is required that all commercial spaces have fire extinguishers on the premises, though how many and where they are located will vary depending on your specific situation. That being said, it is important to check your fire extinguishers regularly—while they do have a long shelf life, there will be an indicator on each one that will let you know if it is time to be replaced.

Check or install commercial sprinkler systems. While not every business is required to have a sprinkler system, they can be a great investment for any commercial space. Sprinkler systems are extremely effective at stopping fires quickly, so even if your business is not technically required by codes to have them, it might be worth considering having a sprinkler of some sort put into place.

Be sure you are reviewing fire safety with your staff. Fire safety efforts are great, but if your staff is ill-prepared for a fire, they can be all for naught. Make sure you are regularly going over fire routes, fire exits, evacuation protocols and fire extinguisher use with your staff. That way, everyone will know exactly how to take action in the event that a fire begins, which can eliminate confusion in a panicking situation.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your business, you can depend on us. Contact us today to learn more about our fire restoration services.

Understanding Fire Sprinkler System Requirements for Commercial Spaces

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

If your business is damaged from a fire, contact us about our commercial restoration services for businesses impacted by fires, floods and more.

If you own a business or other type of commercial space, fire safety is extremely important. Not only is adhering to fire codes a must to allow for  our continued operation, but it is also key that you do everything you can to protect your staff  and your customers who are working and doing business inside the space.

Preparations can also reduce the impact of a fire, and given that over half of businesses are not able to recover after a fire emergency, doing  that you can to reduce a fire’s impact is a prudent move.

One vital element of safety and harm reduction is fire sprinkler system. While fire sprinklers are not always* required in commercial buildings, they are more often than they are not—and even if they are not required in your specific situation, it is likely worth having them installed given that  sprinklers are effective in stopping 88% of commercial fires when they are installed.

How Do I Know if I Need Fire Sprinklers in My Commercial Space?

While every area will have local fire codes for  businesses that may vary, some of the national guidelines are included below:

* Fire sprinklers must be installed in any new  commercial building exceeding 5,000 square feet, for any building that is renovated to contain 5,000 square feet after construction.

* Buildings more than 55 feet in height must have fire sprinklers on every floor.

* Self storage buildings must have fire sprinklers installed, except in single story facilities with no indoor corridors.

* If the municipal water pressure to the building is not adequate to pressurize the sprinkler systems, a fire pump should also be installed.

If you are unsure about whether you need a sprinkler system in your commercial space, or you have questions about the system you have, your local fire department will likely be able to connect you with the right person to make an assessment. In addition to installing fire sprinklers, they can help you determine if your fire escape routes, fire exits and fire extinguishers are up to code as well.

If your business is damaged from a fire, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial restoration services for businesses impacted by fires, floods and more.

Is Your Household Prepared for Severe Weather?

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

If you have damage to your household due to severe weather, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties today.

While severe weather is an inevitable occurrence, it is something that many people find themselves to be unprepared for when the moment strikes. Because many storms come and go without ever causing damage, it is all too easy to assume that there is no real danger present—until there is.

Preparing for severe weather may not be the most glamorous of tasks, but it is something that will help keep you and your family safer during severe weather—and it can even reduce the likelihood of damage occurring to your home, too. If you are unsure whether your family is prepared as possible for severe weather, read on to learn some things to take note of.

A Checklist to Make Sure Your House Is Prepared for Severe Weather

Do I have an emergency kit built? You should have an emergency kit located in an easily accessible place that contains enough food and water for every member of your household for at least a few days, as well as first-aid supplies, flashlights and batteries.

Do I have a designated safe storm area? Having a place to go to in case of severe weather is a must, so it is wise to designate an area of your house as your family’s safe place. Ideally, this is a basement, but it can also be a bathroom, closet or any other area in the home that does not have any windows.

Do I know where my local shelters are? You will typically be advised by emergency officials to stay put in the event of severe weather, but if there is an evacuation order, it is important to know where to go. Make sure you know where the shelters in your area are located and which ones accept families with pets, if applicable.

Do I have an emergency radio? During severe weather, cell phones can be an unreliable source of information between power outages and cell phone reception issues. An emergency weather radio, either a hand crank or battery-powered model, is the most reliable way to get pertinent information from local weather officials.

If you have damage to your household due to severe weather, do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here 24/7 to provide a rapid response— contact us today.

Why Your Home Needs to Be Dried After Water Damage

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes at home, choose SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties for safe, thorough restoration.

If you’ve never experienced water damage at home, consider yourself fortunate (especially if you have a basement, but that’s for another blog.) Water damage is one of the most common issues for homeowners, and it causes a massive $13 billion in damages each year in the United States alone.

That’s a lot of water coming into homes, doing all sorts of damage—ruining carpets and subfloors, soaking furniture and drywall, even causing rot in wood framing and mold just about everywhere. And while you may be able to get rid of some of it in the short-term with a wet/dry vac or a sump pump, you’d be amazed at how much is still there. You can rid yourself of much of the water, but the leftover moisture can really cause a lot of trouble.

Here’s why you should call SERVPRO to do a total drying of your home after water damage.

You can’t see what you can’t see. Your basement, carpet or other area may look dry to the human eye, but there are elements of moisture you can’t see. Fibers, woods, cracks and crevices are hiding dampness that need removal in order for the drying process to be complete.

We’ve got more than eyeballs—we have instruments and methods specifically designed to accurately measure the moisture levels in your home after a water event, plus the heavy-duty tools to rid you of it.

Mold is growing, and it’s not healthy for you to try and clean it. In fact, “cleaning” mold areas often leads to further mold growth, because your cleaning methods are spreading spores you can’t see all over. Even your shoes are carrying mold spores through your home.

Mold growth starts in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and it’s very hazardous to your health. The only way to stop mold is to get rid of the moisture that allows it to grow, and the only way to truly dry your house out after a water event is for a professional to do it.

Flood water and black water are toxic. When flood waters come in or your sewer backs up, your house is now full of floating contaminants, and this stuff is not to be dealt with lightly. Your local SERVPRO team is equipped with proper protection and tools to deal with biohazard materials, and we can safely and properly deal with whatever may be living in that water.

When water damage strikes at home, choose SERVPRO for safe, thorough restoration. Contact us today to see how we can help.

How to Choose a Designated Storm Shelter Area in Your Home

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties today to learn about how our storm restoration services can help you in the aftermath.

Severe weather is a frightening thing to think about, but unfortunately, it is something that one
must consider.

Severe weather can strike anywhere and be quite unexpected, and if you are caught off-guard by its arrival, it can be rather dangerous, too. Preparing and planning ahead is the best way to
minimize the impact that severe weather has on your household, so doing what you can to keep
yourself safe is a wise decision.

One of the first things to do as you increase your severe weather preparedness is to choose a designated area of your home where your family knows to go if there is severe weather in the
forecast. That way you will all immediately know where to head when there is the threat of severe weather and you can streamline the process of sheltering until the event passes.

Below, we will help you think through which areas of your home might be best for sheltering in place so you and your household can stay safe.

Deciding Which Area in Your Home to Use as a Storm Shelter

Use the lowest possible level of your home. Severe weather typically brings high winds with it, and can even lead to tornadoes. That is why it is recommended to choose a storm shelter on the lowest area of your home—if you have a basement or cellar, this is the most ideal, but if not, somewhere on the ground floor of the home is a good place to start.

Choose an area without windows, if possible. Windows can get blown out in storms, either due to high winds or airborne debris such as tree branches or potted plants. If you can, choose a shelter area that has no windows to minimize your risk of injury while sheltering.

Pick a spot in the middle of the house. A good rule of thumb is to put as many walls between yourself and the storm as possible. While this will vary quite a bit based on the layout of your home, try to pick a sheltering area that is toward the middle of your house so the walls can act as a sturdy buffer against the storm.

If you have storm damage to your home, we are the team to call. Contact us today to learn more
about how our storm restoration services can help you in the aftermath.

Thank You First Responders!

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Thank you to all of our first responders. You are all heroes!

SERVPRO is set to host the fourth annual SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, a great college football game honoring the everyday frontline heroes in towns and cities across the nation. This year’s game will be played Tuesday, Dec. 28, at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium, located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in University Park, Texas. Kickoff for the contest is set for 2:15 p.m. (CT) on ESPN. 

Each year, SERVPRO asks their franchisees nationwide to submit the name of a first responder in their local community to be considered for special recognition at the game. SERVPRO selects one first responder from this group of nominees to be honored with an award. 

In previous years, through the generosity of corporate partners, the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl has been able to provide thousands of free tickets for first responders to attend the bowl game with their families. 

“SERVPRO professionals deal with the aftermath of the unexpected every day,” said Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC, “but first responders deal with the unexpected when it’s happening. They are first on the scene, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect people and property. The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is our opportunity each year to say ‘thank you’ on a national stage to these brave men and women – and their families – who set an example of courage and sacrifice for all of us.” 

Time Is More Than Money

12/26/2021 (Permalink)

When water causes damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties for a quick response.

You know the old adage as well as we do: Time is money. At least since its 18th century usage by Ben Franklin, it’s been an aphorism used to convey the cost of slackness in one’s work, or the value of being diligent.

And it holds a kernel of truth. In many situations, waiting to act, work or adapt will cost you fiscally. And while this is also true when it comes to home repair, it doesn’t convey or reveal the full truth.

Time is indeed more than money. Time is damage.

When your home experiences a damaging incident such as a water line break or fire, it’s absolutely imperative that you act quickly, and that your service company does the same. That’s one of many reasons SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency service—we know every minute spent waiting means a deeper, more destructive impact on your home, and more time you have to spend with your life upended from it.

After a fire, for example, your home will immediately be inundated with stains from soot—heavy discoloration of walls and objects begin right away, and only deepen the longer you wait. This damage becomes permanent in only a few days’ time, making it impossible to remove without completely rebuilding the walls.

Further down the line, your home could experience structural damage, warping and permanent smoke smell, not to mention the effect on your furniture, clothes and more.

When your home experiences a water damage emergency, the urgency is much the same, though the effect differ. Belongings, documents and furniture experience immediate damage, some of which is reversible if fast action is taken. But the longer things sit, the more permanent the damage becomes—drywall, sub-flooring, and belongings can all become lost, warped or rusted.

Then, of course, there’s mold. In only 24 to 48 hours, mold growth begins unless moisture is completely dealt with and extracted. Regular drying or removal of dampness won’t do—if you want to ensure the safety and sanitation of your home after water damage, complete extraction is necessary.

So you see, time in this case is much more than money, though it will cost more to undo the damage done to homes in which more time has passed. When an emergency comes, take advantage of the ²⁴⁄₇ care of SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

When water or fire damage your home or business, call on the industry leaders in restoration and recovery. Contact SERVPRO to get help now.

How to Occupy Yourself While You Wait for the Other Guys to Show Up

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

When you have a water or any other emergency, we’re here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties to get help right away.

So you had a pipe burst at 11 p.m., woke up from a dead sleep because the kids are screaming about water rushing through the bathroom, and in your sleepy, panicked haze you called a service company that doesn’t offer 24-hour emergency service.

Hey, we’ve all made mistakes. No judgment here.

But now you’ve got time to kill, because the other guys won’t be on site for another nine hours or so. You’re up and your adrenaline is spiked, so you probably won’t be able to sleep again for a while, so we thought we’d offer some helpful activities you could get into in the meantime. Might as well make the best of the waiting, right?

With all this time on your hands, you could:

Read a classic novel. You’re going to be waiting for a while; why not distract yourself and engage your imagination by curling up with a classic book after you shut off your main water valve? You could read The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, or maybe even Pride and Prejudice start to finish before the 9-to-5 guys arrive.

Smoke some ribs. Fire up the smoker, and you could have some delicious barbecue ready in time for breakfast. Smoke a rack at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for six hours using the 3-2-1 method, and pour some apple juice over it for a delicious, sweet touch.

Run a triathlon (or two). If you feel like getting some exercise, now’s a perfect time. You’ve got time to bike, swim and run your way around town, towel off, hydrate and even do it again if you want. Considering the average triathlon time is around three hours, you’ll be able to make it home and hit the showers well before that other company’s team arrives to help dry out your home.

We’re speaking playfully, of course, but the grain of truth is there—when you have an incident at home, especially a water incident, there’s no time to wait. And if you choose the wrong service company to look after your home, you could be left doing just that.

SERVPRO is proud to offer around-the-clock service, because we know the importance of immediate action, both to save your home and to deliver peace of mind to anxious homeowners.

The clock is running. Your service company should be, too.

When you have a water, fire or mold emergency, we’re here to help—quickly. Contact SERVPRO to get help right away when you need it most.

Decorate Safely!

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties wish you all a save and happy holiday season!

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season - however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:

?Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles. 

?Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

?Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed. 

?Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.

?Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees. 

?Keep anything that can catch on fire - like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains - away from your stove top. 

?Designate one person to walk around your home or business to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

Your local SERVPRO franchise professionals wish you all a save and happy holiday season!

Deep Fried Turkey Safety Tips

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Practice proper caution when cooking this holiday season. Keep SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties on speed dial - 706-278-7378.

Deep Fried Turkey has become a wide spread delicacy this time of year.  Many famous chefs have stated that deep frying a turkey is a quick method of cooking that provides a crispy and flavorful bird.

However, deep frying a turkey is a more dangerous way of cooking.  Having gallons of hot cooking oil over an open flame can be a recipe for disaster. The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled deep fryers due to their risk of injury and damage to your property. 

If you still choose to use a deep fryer for your holiday feast, please follow the following safety measures provided by the National Fire Prevention Agency:

• Set up your deep fryer on a flat surface, more than 10 feet away from any structures.

• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before slowly placing it in the hot oil.

• Do not leave the fryer unattended.  Continuously monitor the temperature of the oil.

• Protect yourself. Lids and handles can become very hot and cause burns. Wear proper personal protective equipment.

• Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times.  A multipurpose, dry-powder unit is best.  Be sure to keep children and pets away from the area while cooking. 

*Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 11

Know Your Smoky Situation!

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Trust the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties to clean up smoke damage in your home or business.

Fall time usually means more family time.  Whether cooking s'mores over a fire pit, getting the turkey cooked for dinner or smoking up some wings, the one by-product of all fires is smoke.  Along with these activities, the risk of fire damage to homes increases as well.

There are two different types of smoke: wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.

SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties professionals are thoroughly trained in fire clean up and restoration.  It's important to know the different type of smoke that could affect your property:

• Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber). Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

• Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood). Fast-burning, high temperatures; heat rises, therefore smoke rises

• Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire). Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

• Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs). While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

• Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue). Special loss situations require special care.

*Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 11

Holiday Safety Travel Tips

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Have a safe and happy holiday season from your friends at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties.

Many of us have spent a significantly larger amount of time than normal at home over the last year and a half. With the holidays fast approaching, perhaps you are going to visit family or friends. When you intend to travel, taking a little extra time to prepare your house for your absence can keep your home safe, increase your peace of mind while you’re away, and help reduce the chances of unexpected problems.

For example, emptying the fridge and pantry of foods that will perish in your absence is a good practice; consider freezing items that could be saved for later. Throw your items away before your weekly trash pick-up, to avoid critters feasting on your refuse. To ensure that you are aware of any thawing of the freezer, place a cup of ice in there. When you return, if the ice is still separate, the food should be fine. If, however, the ice has melted, that indicates that the contents in your freezer thawed and re-froze, which means you should throw away what was in there.

Set your thermostat for your absence. Consider turning off the water at the main line. If you do turn off the water, remember to run the faucets until they are dry, and flush all the toilets and turn off their incoming water at the base of the tank. If you will be gone awhile, it might be a good idea to turn off your hot water heater as well, or set it to vacation mode, to save energy.

Make sure that all exterior windows and doors are locked, including the garage. If you have a hide-a-key, think about moving it inside, or giving it to a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. If you have a fireplace, close the flue to prevent animals and birds from coming inside from that route.

Aside from ensuring that your home avoids accidental damage in your absence, you want it to appear that you are not gone. Set lights on a timer, ask your neighbors to check on your property, and do not post about being out of town on social media. By following these suggestions, you will be in a good position to enjoy your holiday season!

*Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 11

Military Family Month

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties thanks the military families in our communities! Your sacrifice is appreciated!

Every day, military families get up and honor their service members.  Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters, and every family member in between honor them by supporting their families while they are off on active duty and training endeavors.  They are the ones keeping things running at home; Tracking all the bills, benefits, news, and trying to make a difference in their families' lives while their loved ones are serving.

November is Military Family Month, the time set aside to recognize family at home.  An excerpt from the 2020 Presidential proclamation stated, "During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we celebrate the loved ones of our country's men and women in uniform and recognize the sacrifices they have made in support of our Nation's heroes."

SERVPRO® is a proud supporter of our active service members and those veterans that have given their all for our country.  We encourage you to reach out to their families and share your gratitude. You can create a care package for their spouse at home, adopt a military family for the holidays, visit war memorials with your family, or even a simple "Thank You" will mean so much to them.

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." - James Allen

*Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 11

Choosing the Appropriate Fire Extinguisher

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties is your local fire damage expert for cleaning and restoring your home or business.

Did you know there are different types of fire extinguishers? Knowing the different classifications ensure that you have the right one on hand for any potential fires you may have at your home or business.

Class A: This is the most common extinguisher, and can be used to putout fires in ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.

Class B: Used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil.

Class C: Designed for fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment electrically energized or plugged in.

Class D: For use on flammable metals; often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working withthese metals.

Class K: Intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are becoming more popular in the residential market for use in kitchens.

*Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 11

How to Find a Water Leak in Your Bathroom

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Every year, approximately one out of every 50 homeowners will file a water damage claim on their insurance.

Do you know the signs of a water leak in your bathroom?

While sometimes an issue with a leak is obvious—and can cause major problems—there are subtle signs that are easier to miss. The good news is that you can find and repair leaks in your bathroom before they cause major issues to your home if you know what to look for.

Claims for bathroom leaks are part of the millions of water damage claims that are filed every year. On average, about one out of 50 American homeowners every year file a water damage claim. Many of them do it because of leaks in their home.

If you’re dealing with a water leak behind your bathroom wall or in any other part of your home, these tips can help you correct the problem before it becomes a more serious issue.

Dealing With a Water Leak Behind Your Bathroom Wall

Here’s what to do if you notice the signs of a water leak in your bathroom.

Know what you’re looking for. Signs of water leak in your bathroom can include water pooling on the floor, damp or stained drywall, or a musty odor. If you notice these signs, it’s time to start searching for your leak.

Check the usual culprits. You can test things in your bathroom to see if the leak is coming from common spots in your bathroom. That includes your sink, showers and tub. If you’re handy, you can do some of the work yourself. Otherwise, it’s smart to call in a licensed, trusted plumber to check out your bathroom and find the source of the leak.

Correct the issue. You’ll want to be certain the leak is fixed and that any resulting water damage to your home has been repaired. That’s the best way to protect your property and be sure that the damage doesn’t spread.

If you have water damage in your home due to a sewer backup, 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.

Do You Know Where Your Tornado-Safe Room Is?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Storm season is on its way. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties is available 24/7 in case a storm event hits your home.

Here’s a simple question with an answer that can help you keep your family safe: Do you know where the safest room in your house is if a tornado strikes?

That may sound like an odd thing to ask, but given that Georgia has, on average, about 30 tornadoes every year, it’s worth considering. These storms are dangerous and can damage property, cause injuries and even death. So it’s a good idea to know where to go in the event you need protection from a tornado.

There are a lot of options in today’s market. Some homeowners even opt to have a safe room added to or created inside their existing home. But many homeowners don’t have the ability to take this step. In these cases, it’s smart to know where to go in your existing home.

Here’s what the experts recommend to look for in a tornado-safe room:

Find a windowless space in the interior of your home. Your safe room is best if it doesn’t have exterior walls or windows. Think about bathrooms or closets.

Choose a room on the lowest floor of your home. The best spaces to take shelter during a tornado are on the lower floors of your home. Choose spaces on the lowest floor or the basement.

If your home isn’t safe, know an alternative location. Experts agree that in mobile or modular homes no room is safe from a tornado threat so it’s a good idea to have an alternative place to go. Additionally, if you live in a high-rise building or an apartment, ask your building manager about laundry rooms, basements or other safe areas.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Ensuring Your Business Has the Right Pandemic Protocols

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If your business is in need of a deep cleaning, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties.

Over the past year, business owners in Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield Counties and the surrounding communities have reevaluated many things about doing business.

That’s understandable. After all, no one saw a pandemic coming.

But now that one is here, business owners have to navigate the murky waters of providing services, staying open and safely serving their customers and clients.

Some of these resources may be able to help you do just that.

Things to Consider

Many businesses have already been looking into remote work policies for employees who can do their jobs remotely. But here are some thoughts from HR experts to help businesses navigate this unprecedented time.

Reevaluate your work from home policies. Of course, not every job can be done from a home office. But some can. Experts recommend evaluating the duties your employees are performing and decide what can and can’t effectively be done in a remote office.

Find tools to help with productivity. Many employers worry about what working from home will do to productivity. Luckily there are apps, tools and management systems available to help you and your employees monitor things.

Consider your PTO policies, too. Employees might need more flexibility during this time. Not many people leave town on vacation, but people might need extra leave time to deal with online learning and childcare issues.

Some jobs and businesses do have to account for some degree of in-person service. (Restaurants are a great example of this type of business.)

In that case, then it’s a good idea to look to CDC guidelines for updates about social distancing, masking and hygiene best practices.

You can use this information to guide how your own business is dealing with the pandemic.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

What Kind of Smoke Alarm Should I Install?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If your home should become damaged by fire, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties. We are your local restoration company.

Fire safety is critical for homeowners. Your home is so full of important things that neglecting fire safety can be tantamount to failing to protect your loved ones, not to mention all the memories and memorabilia you’ve worked so hard to make and acquire.

That’s why smoke detectors are recommended (and in some cases, mandated) for every home, or even every bedroom.

But did you know there are two main types of traditional smoke detectors? It’s true, and each type focuses on a different indicator before it sends an alert.

So what are they, and which should you choose for your home?

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Photoelectric alarms use light to detect fire threats. They have an LED light inside, which shoots a light beam into a light-sensing chamber. When the beam is interrupted by smoke or particles, the light is refracted to a different area of the chamber, striking a photosensor that triggers the alarm mechanism. Photoelectric alarms are typically better at sensing smoldering fires, such as fires caused by smoking materials left unattended, which create a large amount of smoke.

Ionization Smoke Alarms

Ionization alarms actually house a minor amount of radioactive material which causes air between two electrodes to ionize, meaning the air itself becomes electrically charged. When smoke enters the alarm chamber, it decreases the current as it disrupts the flow of ions between the plates, and when the current is reduced, the alarm sounds. This kind of alarm is better at sensing fast-flaming fires, such as those caused by ignition of flammable liquids, grease or anything that creates lots of flames with smaller amounts of smoke.

So which is right for you? Truthfully, it’s best to be aware of any kind of fire, so the best solution is to either install both kinds of alarms, or to install a modern alarm that combines these technologies to detect both smoldering fires and fast-flaming fires.

If your home should become damaged by fire, no matter the source or fire type, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties is equipped to restore your home to its original state. Call or click today to find out more.

Preparing Your Business for a Storm

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

A Severe Weather Plan can help you prepare for an approaching hurricane or another severe weather event. Make sure everyone in your business, especially your leadership team, understands the Severe Weather Plan. Each year, review the plan and update it as necessary.

• Take the necessary precautions
• If a storm threatens, secure your building and move equipment/furniture to a secured area.
• Protect data with backup files
• If your business depends on data processing, consider an alternate site. You should also make provisions for alternate communications and power.
• Employee safety comes first. Prepare, distribute and follow your business hurricane plan for recovery.
• Consider providing shelter to employees and their families and helping with supplies after a storm.
• Establish a rendezvous point and time for employees in case communications are disrupted.
• Establish a call-down procedure for warning and post-storm communications.
• Provide photo IDs and a letter of authorization to enter the building.
• Check your hurricane evacuation level and FEMA flood maps to determine if your business location is vulnerable to storm surge or freshwater flooding.
• Have your building(s) inspected by a licensed professional to find out if your workplace is vulnerable to hurricane force winds and what is recommended to retrofit.

Do I Need Flood Insurance for my home?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have the right coverage for your home?

Standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance does not cover flood damage. To protect your home, be sure to understand the risk of flooding and what your insurance options are. You will need flood insurance if you live in a designated flood zone. But flooding can also occur in inland areas and away from major rivers. Flood insurance is available for renters as well as homeowners, but a special policy required as flood insurance – like earthquake insurance – is not part of standard homeowner’s coverage. Flood policies are provided by the federal government and some private insurers. The federal government provides flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While they are underwritten by the government, NFIIP policies are generally sold through private insurance agents. In some areas, primary flood insurance may be available through private insurers. However, the NFIP provides only actual cash value coverage for your possessions. That means you’ll get the current value of your possessions, which may be considerably less than the cost you’ll incur to replace them, especially if they are older and have depreciated in value.

Deep Fryer Safety

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Should you find yourself faced with a kitchen fire, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties.

Here in the south, fried foods are a necessary food group. It's as essential to our way of life as sweet tea. Frying foods at home is much easier thanks to residential deep fryers. So if you find yourself hankering for some fried chicken or veggies, following these tips to ensure you don't need to call the fire department or SERVPRO. 

*Know your oil smoke point. Each type of cooking oil has it's own smoke point. This is the temperature that your oil begins to smoke and could catch fire. 

*Don’t overfill your deep fryer. Most deep fryers have a max fill line. What most people don't account for is that this should include the food, not just the oil. Overfilling your deep fryer could result in spilling oil and causing a fire and uneven cooking due to the oil temperature dropping. 

*Do not deep fry wet food. Water can cause hot oil to splash and spill over potentially resulting in a fire. Most frozen foods are already mostly dry, but fresh foods can contain a lot of moisture and need to be patted down before putting in hot oil. 

*Keep your deep fryer in clear surroundings. Many deep fryers aren't cool to the touch when cooking. Make sure the are around your deep fryer is free from flammable and combustible materials. 

*Make sure your deep fryer has a break-away cord. This is a standard safety feature on most home deep fryers to keep the fryer from tipping over if the cord is tripped up by something or someone. However, not all have this so inspect yours and use accordingly.

*Have a lid on hand. While not necessary, smothering is the safest way to put out a grease fire. If your deep fryer doesn't come with a lid, find something you can use that will work just as well. 

*Keep a fire extinguisher handy. There are many people who've never thought to have a fire extinguisher in their kitchen in case of a fire. There are many options available for a fire extinguisher made for home use, so make sure you have one to on hand in your kitchen.

*Keep track of your temperatures. Many deep fryers have a built in temperature gauge to track how hot your oil is and make sure your fryer is cooking at the proper heat. These can malfunction so having a separate clip-on thermometer as a back up is a great idea. 

*Dispose of oil properly. Always let the oil cool down completely before storing or disposing of it. If storing, make sure to filter out all food particles so your oil doesn't spoil prematurely. If disposing, make sure to pour into a air tight container. Never pour oil down a drain as it can cause the drain to clog and back up. 

*Use proper protective equipment. Most foods won't splatter as long as excess moisture is removed, but fatty foods like bacon will splatter regardless. Using the handle on the fryer basket will protect you, but having protective gloves as secondary protection is always a good idea. 

Should you find yourself faced with a kitchen fire, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

*Source: Deep Fryer Safety Tips

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties is your local expert to make sure your home, business, and school is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey moving forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Are you ready to communicate to your customers and employees that you've chosen a higher standard of clean? Are you ready to be Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned?

Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned is a defensive program that SERVPRO® offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 global pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When you choose Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you have selected a higher cleaning standard-you are Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned. Beyond fire and water, SERVPRO® professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills-always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC and other local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will help ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

How Critical are the First 24 Hours?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Experience has shown that fast, appropriate action delivered within the first 24 hours can dramatically reduce secondary damage.

Fire or water losses, even smaller incidents, can result in costly claims over time. The longer smoke, soot, or moisture have to permeate contents and structural components, the more secondary damage one can expect to encounter.

SERVPRO® professionals have been performing fire and water cleanup and restoration services for nearly 50 years. Experience has shown that fast, appropriate action delivered within the first 24 hours can dramatically reduce secondary damage. Smoke and soot have less time to chemically interact and damage or destroy contents, and moisture is prevented from spreading and breaking down structural components or promoting the growth of mold and mildew.

Offering 24-hour emergency services, SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties is committed to responding to fire and water claims during the most critical time period following a loss. Usually onsite in less than four hours, our team of professionals will arrive prepared to begin emergency mitigation services to help prevent secondary damage to the structure and contents.

SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties utilizes specific industry technology designed for the collection and reporting of claims information for the insurance industry. Our team of professionals can quickly gather the necessary information an adjuster will need to authorize the cleanup and restoration process. The end result is a better, more informed decision-making process, which can speed up the cleanup and restoration of the policyholder's property.

The objective of critical response is to help return homeowners and business owners' properties back to its preloss condition while also controlling claims costs. SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties can provide the emergency service, mitigation, cleanup and restoration experience and industry-specific technology to help you accomplish these goals. When a policyholder experiences a fire or water loss, even those that fall under the deductible limit or are excluded under their policy, they reach out to SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties to help protect their property and contents now and in the future.

*Source: Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 1

Decluttering Your Office

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

A clean workspace can help productivity by decreasing stress.

A clean environment is a healthy environment. Improve your living and workspaces this spring. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you declutter your office.

• Divide your workspace into zones. Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.
• Keep only what you need at arm's length. Boxes of pens, stacks of papers, and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter.
• Create a daily system for organization. Consider creating hanging files or baskets.
• Sort through your catch-all "junk" drawer. Go through your drawers every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.
• Eliminate digital clutter by organizing your work inbox. Keep icons on your desktop to a minimum.

If you need a little help, don't worry, SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties professionals have the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time.