Tips to Stay Safe during Fire Damage: SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how serious your property damage may be, SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties is your local expert for restoring your home or business.

It's that time of year again - fire season in Maury County, TN, and surrounding areas. Between February and May, the weather gets hotter and drier, while the risk of house fires rises. A fire may start from a variety of sources, ranging from a faulty wire to an overloaded outlet to a kitchen mishap to a bonfire left unattended. It's critical to know how to react quickly and effectively if your home catches fire.

Here's What You Need To Know If A Fire Starts: 

The first line of defense against a house fire is to know how to use the proper fire extinguisher for the situation. This simple procedure can help save lives and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. If the fire spreads uncontrollably, evacuate immediately and stay away, then call 9-1-1. Leave all of your belongings where they are and save yourself and your loved ones.

If your clothing ignites, remember the old adage: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

It's critical to utilize the stairs if you live in a building with elevators in case of a fire. The elevator electrical system may be damaged by a fire, causing the shaft to operate like a chimney and rapidly fill up with deadly fumes.

Doors may be used to your advantage in a fire, potentially saving your life. If the doorknob or handle is hot, don't open it. If you can't exit through the primary route, look for another option. Do not open any doors that are warm to the touch.

Close any doors that might obstruct your exits, lay a wet towel beneath the doors, and call the fire department or 9-1-1 if flames, heat, or fire block your avenues of escape. Tell them exactly where you are so they can find you.

If you're near a window that you can't use as an escape, open it and wave a brightly colored cloth or use your phone flashlight to signal for help.

What To Do After a Fire

After a fire, it is important to contact a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties. We have the training, experience, and equipment to properly restore your home - "Like it never even happened."

If you try to clean up the fire damage yourself, you could end up making the situation worse both in your home and with your insurance company's process.

Trust the experts, and call today!

6 Home Maintenance Tips to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Maury/Giles Counties

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Maury/Giles County technicians are ready to assist you at a moment's notice. Call today for immediate assistance!

Water damage is both expensive and inconvenient, as SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties, your local water damage repair professional, knows all too well. In the long run, it will assist you avoid water damage and reduce your home maintenance expenses if you look after it properly. You're undoubtedly concerned if your home floods. You may significantly decrease the chance of water damage in your house by following these simple maintenance ideas.

2) Replace the old caulk around your windows to prevent water from getting in.

We get a lot of phone calls about window caulk water damage repair in Springhill, TN and the surrounding areas. Caulking your windows not only prevents water leaks but also improves the efficiency of your air conditioner while keeping the outside air out of your house. It's a simple operation that any homeowner can complete. Depending on the type, caulking can last anywhere from five to ten years; nevertheless, you should check your caulking every year and replace it if it begins to fracture or peel off the window.

Exterior door flashings should be inspected to see whether there are any tears or rust that would allow water in. Caulking the doors will also help prevent early door flashing failure.

2) Check for leaks in your water heater to avoid it from flooding and causing water damage.

When it comes to our emergency water cleanup services, heater failure is all too prevalent. Regularly maintaining your property may help you avoid a massive water heater flood. Make sure the temperature of the water heater's thermostat is set precisely and functioning properly to prevent pressure from developing, which may result in a leak.

Water heaters frequently develop rust or silt inside, resulting in undesirable tastes and odors in the water. If your water begins to make unusual noises, it's probably time for a checkup or a new water heater.

3) Immediately replace any leaking or damaged water hoses or connections on your plumbing appliances

Be on the lookout for any holes, kinks, fraying, deterioration, or corrosion on your plumbing's hoses and connections. If you detect any damage, have it repaired right away. In order to avoid pricey water damage expenses down the road, most manufacturers and plumbers recommend changing water hoses and connections every three to five years.

(5) Examine the roof and gutters for debris and any signs of moisture damage in the attic.

If the roof on your home does not drain properly, it may deteriorate. Water can seep into your property if this happens.

Look for dampness around vents, valleys, chimneys, pipes, and skylights. Any place on your roof with holes or connections is a potential source of leaks later on. If the flashing deteriorates as a result of weather, rusting, or losing its seal, water may flow into your house.

Check the inside of your attic for dampness or mold development. If you find moist, damaged, or moldy insulation, rotted or discolored boards or ceiling panels, or sheetrock puckering, you may have a leak on your hands.

6) Clean and inspect the HVAC condensation lines for any leaks or obstructions.

If your HVAC condensation lines become clogged, water leaks out and damages your home's surrounding areas. Check your condensation pipes on a monthly basis to ensure they're clear of debris.

Pour one-half cup of plain, white vinegar down the condensate drain once to four times a year to clear out blockages and grime. Bleach should not be used since it might harm your metal drain pan and cause it to degrade. If you detect an accumulation of debris or mold, our SERVPRO experts can assist you with any water damage.

We are Here to Help You with Any Water Repair Needs You May Have

If you have water damage in your house or workplace, call our team at SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties for immediate assistance.

Our courteous, well-experienced staff are always happy to answer any questions you might have. Save our phone number in case you need help again in the future, or contact us right away for a prompt response from one of our IICRC-trained water restoration specialists.

We are always Here to Help!

Spring Storms and Weather Events in the United States | SERVPRO® of Maury/Giles Counties

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to severe weather. SERVPRO of Maury/Giles Counties is a click away if you experience any damage.

The United States, being one of the world’s largest countries in the world, has a tremendously diverse and expansive landscape. As a result, seasonal weather here is not one-size-fits all—different sections of the nation encounter different weather patterns, which results in variable degrees of weather threats for various regions.

Let’s examine the weather patterns that may occur as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses collide throughout the country—and also what we can consider here in Tennessee.

The spring months in the Pacific Northwest are prone to heavy rain, which may result in flooding and water damage. Snow will continue to accumulate at higher elevations, and the melting and runoff associated with it can bring problems of their own.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast have the longest duration of winter, and will see frigid weather throughout the season. From Maine to the Dakotas, folks can expect cold weather and the possibility of blizzards and heavy snow even until late spring or early summer.

On the other hand, the Southwest and southern West Coast will need to keep an eye out for extreme heat waves that can damage lives and property. The South Pacific region, including Hawaii, will be on high alert for the possibility of tsunamis produced by tectonic activity.

The central United States, from Iowa to Texas, will also need to be on the lookout for windstorms, derechos and the potential of wildfires, which may spread rapidly when winds are high and conditions are dry. A notable portion of this area is Tornado Alley, which is especially prone to tornadoes.

Finally, here in the Southeast, we can expect to have a wide range of severe weather events, from thunderstorms and tornadoes in landlocked areas to early-season hurricanes along the coast later in the spring. In Middle Tennessee, late-season snow has affected several areas.

Wherever you live in the United States, extreme weather is a possibility. While it may vary from state to state, it never hurts to be aware of and prepared for severe weather.

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

Minimize the Risk of Fire Danger in Your Home

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home in Mount Pleasant, TN.

Fire is a word no one likes to think about, much less experience in his or her home in Mount Pleasant, TN. The loss of a home’s structure, contents, and harm to family members in a home fire is a devastating and traumatic experience. The good news is that risks can be minimized with careful fire preparation practices.

Your home and family are unique and so will your preparations be, but there are some basics that should be attended to in order to prevent a blaze from breaking out. Here are some of the basic items to attend to.

Basic Steps to Fire Preparation

• Make sure the furnace and water heater are in good working order and well-maintained
  
• Never operate space heaters or candles near curtains or other flammable materials or leave them unattended
• With your family, make a plan for escape in the event of a fire and make sure they all now how to call for help
• Use fire-safe procedures when cooking and don’t allow oil or grease near heating elements or allow to overheat
• Install an adequate number of smoke detectors throughout the home and keep working fire extinguishers at easy reach.
  
  

Involving Your Household

Fire safety is a family event. Together with household members, discuss the steps needed. Let everyone be involved in helping – get them excited about fire preparation and prevention rather than afraid of a potential home fire. Tailor your rules to each person as needed - Don’t allow a teenager to burn an open candle in their bedroom for instance. Make sure any family members who smoke do so safely, not smoking in bed and making sure all cigarettes and any matches are fully extinguished.

An emergency building restoration company in Mount Pleasant, TN, can do much to help repair and salvage your home after a fire. But with proper fire safety practices, and participation from your family, a blazing disaster is much less likely to happen in your home.

3 Steps To Take After Your Water Heater Breaks

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water from your leaking water heater is classified as “category 1,” meaning it’s clean water.

Steps To Deal With a Failed Water Heater

When faced with a leaking water heater, it can feel like a whirlwind of shock and confusion while you try to figure out what to do. Repairing water damage is costly, and you often have only a short amount of time to successfully protect your home and resolve the issue. Here are the first steps you need to take to deal with a failed water heater.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

Shutting off the water as soon as possible ensures that no additional water floods your home. Otherwise, the water will just keep pouring in from the leaking water heater.

2. Call a Professional

If you are concerned about how much water impacted flooring and walls, it will be important to procure an expert’s help with water removal. Your local specialists in Pulaski, TN, will have the necessary insight and equipment to ensure that all water and hidden moisture from the broken water heater is safely removed, diminishing the risk of mold or rot from water damage.

3. Dry the Area

While you are waiting for your local water damage restoration professionals to arrive, you want to make sure you have no standing water ruining flooring and furniture, so do your best to dry the area thoroughly. This includes setting up industrial-sized fans, removing furniture and opening windows to encourage air flow.

4. Clean Where Necessary

Thankfully, water from your leaking water heater is classified as “category 1,” meaning it’s clean water. With category 1 floodwaters, there isn’t usually a pressing need to sanitize after a flooding situation. You’ll still want to clean and dry any affected furnishings to prevent black mold, but cleanup usually is less expensive overall.

In short, if your water heater malfunctions, shut off the water, call for backup and do what you can while you wait. By acting quickly and being prepared, you can set yourself up for a fast restoration process.

Business Management: Preparing for Disaster

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

Keep back up of all data.

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is an often overlooked element of business. However, knowing how you will react in an emergency has a lot to do with survival and, essentially, business preparedness. Without a definitive and well-executed plan, you potentially risk losing your business in the weeks and possibly months following a disaster. To ensure the survival of your company, make sure you at least understand the four essential elements of disaster preparation.

1. Know Your Insurance Policy

It is not enough to know that you have insurance coverage. You need to understand the extent and limitations of that policy so that you can make more informed decisions in the event of a disaster. Being intimately aware of your policy’s restrictions means that you can be better prepared for your financial obligations if an emergency should occur.

2. Contact Critical Vendors

Disaster preparedness mandates that you keep a list of all contacts pertinent to business operations. This list should have the information of all vendors critical to your services so that you can keep them in the loop. You don’t want vendors restocking your inventory at a facility that doesn’t exist anymore.

3. Keep Backups of All Data

If your building experiences a fire, you don’t want your company’s critical files turning to ash. Backing up all critical data via secure cloud services or off-site facilities is a great way to protect data from fire or water damage. There are companies called managed service providers that specialize in protecting digital information.

4. Develop a Response and Communication Plan

While a disaster restoration specialist in the Spring Hill, TN, area can help you create a response plan by assessing your business, you will need to create an effective communication plan with your managers and other critical staff. Response and mitigation are only part of the solution. As a manager, you must keep the business running even in the absence of a facility.

Disaster preparedness is a critical component of any business operation. When disaster strikes, your business cannot afford to halt altogether. Maintaining pivotal operations for your brand's survival is vital.

Tips for Salvaging Electronics After a Fire

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Following an electrical fire, you should unplug everything.

How to Recover Electronics After a Fire

An electrical fire can result in significant property damage. These fires can result in damage to the building itself or to the possessions inside, including electronics. This is a frightening prospect for business owners in Columbia, TN, who are worried about spending a lot of money to replace computers, appliances and other electronics. Fortunately, a professional fire damage remediation service can help get your electronics back up and running soon. Here are some things to keep in mind to stop you from doing more harm than good.

1. Keep Warranties

Most warranties will cover damage that occurred as a result of disasters. You should hang onto the warranties for all electronics from computers to microwaves. Most of these warranties will be good for at least one year.

2. Unplug Everything

Following an electrical fire, you should unplug everything. There are a couple of reasons why this should be done. A fire could cause additional damage to an electronic if it is still receiving power. There is also a concern that the water brought in by firefighters to subdue the fire could cause the electronics to malfunction.

3. Do Not Attempt to Turn Electronics Back On

Some electronics will still technically be fine after a fire. However, if you attempt to turn them back on without having a professional remediation expert look at them first, then they could short-circuit. Water may be present in the system. That water can be removed and the rest of the items can be salvaged, but if you turn them on when components are still wet, then you could inadvertently damage something that would have been fine without your intervention.

The best course of action immediately following an electrical fire is to simply leave electronics alone. Let a professional handle the computer cleanup. Trying to fix something without knowing what you are doing could end up costing you more.

Why Does This Mold Keep Coming Back?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold is nobody’s friend.

Why Does This Mold Keep Reappearing?

You saw mold and like a dutiful homeowner, you scrubbed it all away. And it stayed gone – for a little while. The fact is black mold can get deep into porous surfaces and show up again and again. Here are a few reasons why you keep losing the battle against mold in your Spring Hill, TN, home.

What Is It?
What we know as black mold is actually stachybotrys chartarum. This microfungus is slow growing and thrives in dark, moist habitats. Typical places include:

• Basements
  
• Crawlspaces
  
• Bathrooms
  
• Beneath sinks
  

This fungus can come back again and again for a few simple reasons.

You’re Using the Wrong Thing
The internet is littered with sites recommending the use of bleach solutions to kill mold, but if you use them, be prepared to have to do so repeatedly. That’s because after mold is exposed to bleach, it can sometimes adapt and begin using it for nourishment. That means bleach can make mold grow even faster!

You’re Not Getting Rid of It All
While mold is known for creating unsightly dark spots, what you see on the surface is just the beginning. Like any plant or fungus, mold has roots that keep it in place. That means that cleaning the surface mold does nothing if you can’t get into the cracks and crevices that hold its roots. Eventually, those roots will generate more mold.

You Haven’t Changed Your Environment
Mold loves damp, dark places. Mold cleanup is great for getting rid of this unsightly fungus, but if you don’t fix the leaks, spills and other causes of the damp environment that bred mold, the fungus will simply come back.
Black mold is nobody’s friend. If you keep losing the war against mold, call a mold remediation specialist to figure out how to take back your home today.

Don’t Wait for an Insurance Adjuster To Act After a Residential Flood

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage cleanup in Lynnville, TN.

Three Reasons You Should Not Wate Time Following a Flood

No one wants to go through a home flood. Still, flood damage in Lynnville, TN, is more common than you might think. As you probably know, the hours following such an event are critical. If you wait for an adjuster from your flood insurance company before taking action, you may inadvertently allow more damage to occur. Here are three important reasons you should not waste time following a flood.

1. Water Gets Everywhere

Because it is a liquid, water can seep into parts of your home you may not think about. Even worse, sealed portions of your basement, crawl space and walls often prevent air from naturally drying moisture. If you wait for your adjuster to arrive before beginning water remediation or damage repair, the processes may be both more expensive and more invasive.

2. Mold Grows Fast

Part of the reason for having comprehensive flood insurance is to cover the cost of repairing mold damage. Like water, mold can grow in hidden parts of your home. Remediation experts have the knowledge, skill, experience and tools to quickly locate and address mold and mildew. Rather than waiting for an adjuster to inspect your home, working with a reputable service in the days following a flood is often your best bet to restore your home’s comfort, appearance and value.

3. Adjusters Are Busy

If broken pipes or backed-up plumbing caused your flood, your adjuster may respond quickly. On the other hand, if your home was part of widespread flooding, the insurance company’s representative may have a full schedule. In fact, you may wait weeks before your adjuster arrives. Remember, acting quickly is important, and waiting may cause more damage.

As a diligent homeowner, you carry flood insurance. You also likely have a duty to mitigate damage caused by rising waters. Rather than waiting until your insurance adjuster can inspect your home, begin the remediation and restoration process as soon as you can.

Removing Smoke Damage and Odor

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Ozone cleaning is one of the most effective methods of removing smoke odor.

Removing Smoke Damage and Odor

Restoring a business after a fire doesn't just involve repairing structural damage and replacing lost items. The lingering effects of smoke odor and smoke-related damage can be an additional, unwelcome hindrance to getting your business up and running. While an inexperienced individual can successfully remove evidence of smoke from a building, contacting a professional smoke cleaning service is always advisable. Specialists are experienced in addressing individual problems that might arise and will know how to avoid further damage to your property.

1. Assessing the Damage
Because smoke interacts chemically with many substances, it is essential that you act as quickly as possible to remove smoke residue from all affected surfaces. Inevitably, some items will be beyond repair, so identifying and removing these will significantly speed up the restoration process. Certain complex objects, such as air conditioning units can be restored, but require deep cleaning that may take time and know-how to disassemble.

2. Removing Physical Residues
Manually removing smoke residues is a necessary step for removing smoke odor from surfaces or items. It is important that you understand which smoke cleaning method should be used for which surfaces. Upholstery fabrics, for example, are likely to suffer damage from wet cleaning. Porous materials, on the other hand, are most easily cleared with a wet sponge.

3. Using Proven Chemical Cleaning Methods
Ozone cleaning and thermal fogging are two of the most effective methods of removing smoke odor. When used together, these usually eliminate all evidence of smoke damage from clean interiors. A complete exposure of all rooms will ensure that the job does not need to be repeated in the future.
Your Mount Pleasant, TN fire has probably created a significant strain on your business. With the proper smoke cleaning techniques, you can get back to work. Smoke removal is covered by many insurance plans, so don't skimp on the restoration process. When in doubt, talk to a professional.