SERVPRO Cleanup Crew

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

There’s no such thing as a small disaster—especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub floors, causing major problems over time. You need help—fast. No matter what time of day or night, contact SERVPRO St Clair County to begin emergency mitigation.

Emergency mitigation means that under normal circumstances, we will be on-site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility. Every SERVPRO technician is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages.

SERVPRO of St Clair County will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents. Help ensure the value of your property by calling us at 205-525-0332.

SERVPRO's Standards

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service?

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained production team responds quickly, whether it be you need water damage restoration or you might simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on our SERVPRO team for all of these residential services as well as more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

Restore & Replace

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Let's talk about content restoration. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

We know how much your belongings mean to you. They're more than just content; they're photos, they're your babies first outfit, they're memories. We understand that. That's why we pride ourselves on being able to do our best to Restore > Replace.

SERVPRO Is One Team!

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair is a franchise independently owned and operated, just like the other 1700 SERVPRO franchises.  Being part of the SERVPRO system means that while each owner owns and runs his or her own franchise, we are also a part of a SERVPRO network that stretches across North America.  All of our trucks are painted the same familiar SERVPRO green, our staff is uniformed in the same SERVPRO swag, and we are all subject to the same SERVPRO corporate standards and requirements.  What this means for our customers is that you can rely on SERVPRO no matter where you are to provide a thorough and consistent service for whatever restoration job you give us.  This is much different than using any old restoration vendor .  Being the industry leader in cleaning and restoration means that SERVPRO franchises are called upon more often than any other company.  Let us be the ONE Brand, ONE Team you call! 

Clean Up After A Storm

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm causes damage to your home, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to start the cleanup process. Due to flooding and other factors, however, there are several ways in which cleaning after a storm often differs from cleaning after other types of damage from water.

1. Water Is Removed

Whereas a pipe break may only require a certain area of the house to be cleaned, and it likely will not result in a major flood, storms can cause extensive water damage. Standing flood water can often be contaminated, meaning that removing the water can be hazardous if not done correctly. It’s important to use protective equipment, like masks, boots, gloves and other items when removing water that is polluted.

2. Home Is Dried

Once water is removed from the home after a storm, it’s important to dry out the area. Keep the home dry will help prevent mold growth. However, it’s important to make sure the right equipment is used while drying the area out after flooding. Using a vacuum cleaner or putting on a fan when a ceiling is drooping can be hazardous as well as ineffective. Once the home is dry, the next process of cleaning and restoration can begin.

3. Sanitization Is Required

Since storm floodwater is often contaminated, a home that has sustained flood damage is often typically thoroughly sanitized. In addition to cleaning items within your home, which may include furniture, clothes or other personal belongings, the home itself may require special cleaning. Often, the process of disinfecting a home includes eliminating the causes of unpleasant odors as well as eliminating odors themselves, and the use of disinfectants as well as the use of antibacterial treatments.

Knowing the differences between pipe burst flooding and a storm water damage can give you a better idea of what to expect and where to start the cleanup and restoration process. You could find it useful to work with water and storm damage professionals as you begin to restore your home.

Are You Ready?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to be prepared for disaster to strike. Without the proper preparation, families and communities can be completely devastated. Even though local officials and relief workers will be on a scene after disaster, they may not be able to reach everyone immediately. Therefore, it is important to prepare your home for the needs of your family, your neighborhood and your community.

When preparing for emergencies it is important to remember that basic utility services such as gas, water, electricity and telephones may not be available for a period of time. It will be vital to have certain supplies to mitigate these outages.

At a minimum, keep the following items in a central location in your home. Ensure that family members are aware of the "kit" in case of an emergency. Below is a list of items to keep on hand:

• 1 flashlight per person
• Extra batteries
• 1 gallon of water per day, per person
• Car charger for cell phone
• Non-perishable canned foods (be sure to have a non-electric can opener)
• Utensils
• Battery operated radio and clock
• First-aid kit
• Spare fuel
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Infant supplies
• Prescription medicine and glasses
• Whistle to signal for help
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Sanitary items
• Pet supplies

Keep the SERVPRO of St Clair County number 205-525-0332 handy in case of an emergency.

SERVPRO Has Fast Reactions

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water damages not only the building but also the intangibles of your St Clair County business. When you cannot be open to provide services or products for your customers and community for even a few days the harm done to your brand can be permanent. Our professional crews work quickly and offer restoration plans that frequently permit your business to remain open during our efforts. 
 
The SERVPRO project manager assigned to your business works with you to find the source of the water incursion and to devise a plan that permits part of your operation to remain open while our crews dry out wet areas. A retail enterprise that closes because of a disaster has only a 50 percent chance of reopening. We take pride in helping niche businesses stay the course while we complete a successful restoration. 
 
Our team of trained technicians uses powerful extractors in the areas where water collected, and air movers and dehumidifiers to continue the moisture reduction. We swiftly erect temporary barriers shielding the work area and rely on our top of the line equipment to dry the area fast. Using only certified and experienced workers speeds the tasks without any loss of quality. 
 
You also desire the special ambiance of your historic location to remain even after significant recovery efforts are complete. SERVPRO has a restoration mindset, not a demolition and replace or remodeling tendency. We strive to understand what is special about your space, and use our skills and care to ensure post-water damage your space looks and feels “Like it never even happened.” 
 
SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to exceed your expectations when it comes to restoring water damage in your eclectic home furnishing store. Call 205-525-0332 for a consultation with one of our experienced assessors. 

SERVPRO Is the Business Partner Here For You

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair County is your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

To keep a business going takes all the help you can find. When you manage a property or own a business, you know that you need every hand just to keep things running. Something that causes a disruption or a loss can be devastating for you and your property.

The good news is your retail space, rental property or manufacturing facility has a silent partner built in right here in our Alabama neighborhood. SERVPRO is your ally, invested in your business, ready to carry the burden of emergency planning and deep-cleaning to keep your success plan on track.

Large Loss Recovery. Flooding, fires and storms are one of the leading causes of financial loss for businesses. These emergencies cause damages across the United States that are compounded when recovery actions don’t start right away. We have seen the destruction left behind after even a small tornado here and across Alabama, and we understand how devastating any storm can be to a business. SERVPRO is ready to respond with our highly trained employees and proven emergency services to shorten your downtime and speed your recovery, 24 hours a day.

Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery starts before an emergency happens when your business has a plan in place. We can work with you to write an Emergency Ready Plan. This plan will be unique to your business and can include alternate work locations, a chain of command and temporary vendors. The plan begins as soon as you say “go,” and recovery for your business begins.

Cleaning of All Kinds. Along with being well known for our disaster recovery services, SERVPRO has been cleaning for a long time. We can handle basic deep-cleaning of high-traffic areas, carpets and upholstery, as well as specialty cleaning needs including trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal. There isn’t a scenario we haven’t dealt with, and we can cover any cleaning needed.

Restoration Services. A pipe burst suddenly. Heavy rains created flooding. The new employee burned food in the office break room. When you manage a property or own a business, there will be several reasons for needing restoration, and SERVPRO of St. Clair County is prepared to take them all on. We have lived and served in this community for a long time, and we are ready to get your business back to work.

Industry Specialization. There isn’t an industry we are not familiar with in this community. We are ready for anything, and whatever unique needs your business has, we can clean or restore them. Most often we can work in an enclosed area while you keep your business running.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today 205-525-0332 to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Commercial HVAC Cleaning

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

It's easy for the cleaning of air ducts and HVAC systems on your property to go forgotten, but it is important to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance. Like anything else in a home or business, air ducts accumulate dust and dirt over time. Other the factors that may increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning are pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, cigarette or cigar smoke, water contamination or damage to the home HVAC system, or home renovation and remodeling projects. A general rule of thumb is that if your air ducts look dirty, then they probably are. 

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends that dirty HVAC systems be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Clean HVAC systems can result in an improved air quality of your home or business. Regular cleaning may also increase your energy savings and give your HVAC system a longer lifespan.

If air duct and HVAC system cleaning goes beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, or if you want cleaning done for your home's system call SERVPRO of St Clair County today at (205)525-0332!

SERVPRO Has Fast Reactions To Water Recovery

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Water damages not only the building but also the intangibles of your St Clair County business. When you cannot be open to provide services or products for your customers and community for even a few days the harm done to your brand can be permanent. Our professional crews work quickly and offer restoration plans that frequently permit your business to remain open during our efforts. 
 
The SERVPRO project manager assigned to your business works with you to find the source of the water incursion and to devise a plan that permits part of your operation to remain open while our crews dry out wet areas. A retail enterprise that closes because of a disaster has only a 50 percent chance of reopening. We take pride in helping niche businesses stay the course while we complete a successful restoration. 
 
Our team of trained technicians uses powerful extractors in the areas where water collected, and air movers and dehumidifiers to continue the moisture reduction. We swiftly erect temporary barriers shielding the work area and rely on our top of the line equipment to dry the area fast. Using only certified and experienced workers speeds the tasks without any loss of quality. 
 
You also desire the special ambiance of your historic location to remain even after significant recovery efforts are complete. SERVPRO has a restoration mindset, not a demolition and replace or remodeling tendency. We strive to understand what is special about your space, and use our skills and care to ensure post-water damage your space looks and feels “Like it never even happened.” 
 
SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to exceed your expectations when it comes to restoring water damage in your eclectic home furnishing store. Call (205)-525-0332 for a consultation with one of our experienced assessors.

5 Common Causes Of House Fires

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fires are one of the most hazardous types of damages that can wreak chaos on your home. While safety measures may be put in place to combat fire (like having a fire extinguisher handy or a fire alarm system installed), knowing what the most common causes are can be a good first step in prevention of fires.

Cooking Equipment

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are ranked as the number one cause of house fires in the United States. It’s important to always be alert and aware when cooking in your kitchen, and to not leave items unattended. Pots and pans can easily overheat, food can burn, and any time large quantities of grease or oil are involved they can spray and splatter, taking only seconds to ignite into flame. Be sure to keep an eye on your cooking area at all times, and remove any combustible items like dish towels, paper towels and oven mitts so there are no flammable objects within range.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical fires are one of the most common threats homeowners face. From overloaded electrical outlets to malfunctioning appliances, fires can start quickly and grow strong. Be careful not to overload your circuits or leave lights on overnight, and if you can, start conducting an annual inspection of your home’s electrical systems. This will help you identify and locate any faulty wiring, damaged outlets or other issues your system may have.

Smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to house fires that occur in the United States each year. Lit cigarettes accidentally dropped somewhere in the home can quickly ignite its surroundings and build to dangerous levels of fire and smoke. The best way to significantly reduce the risk of this happening is to stop smoking altogether or by smoking outdoors. However, if you choose to smoke inside your home, take proper precautionary measures: don’t smoke in your bedroom or forget to extinguish your cigarette if you become drowsy. Use large, deep ashtrays, and keep them away from anything that will burn. And finally, check around for any fallen embers and properly dispose of them as soon as possible.

Dryers

This one may surprise some people, but your dryer could pose as a major hazard for your home if not properly maintained. When lint and dust build up over time, the dryer vent becomes clogged with highly flammable materials. When you run your dryer, it exposes the vent to high temperatures that can cause the build up to combust. Regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap and routinely inspecting the vent for blockage is the best way to avoid this potential danger.

Candles

Candles provide wonderful aromas and stunning ambiance to any room, but can be hazardous the moment you neglect them. Always blow out a candle before you leave a room – an unattended open flame is asking for trouble, and can quickly lead to a house fire. In addition to blowing it out, be sure to clear away any flammable materials from the vicinity of the candle prior to lighting it. Trimming the wick can also help reduce the size of the flame, better containing it.

If you are worried about any of these different types of hazards that may exist in your home or place of business and you have any questions, feel free to call our team of trained professional technicians here at SERVPRO of St Clair County. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Don't Doubt Your Fire Extinguishers

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

If something flares up at your St Clair County home or business, act immediately and it will mitigate the amount of chaos and loss a fire can cause. Make sure your evacuation path is safe and will remain so, and the first line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Educating yourself as well as others on the proper containment before flames spread is key to promptly extinguish fire damage. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends the widely used P.A.S.S. acronym for remembering the simplified procedure of operating an extinguisher:

• Pull the safety-pin at the top to break the safety seal
• Aim for the bottom of the fire
• Squeeze the handle or button
• Sweep horizontally while still aiming at the fire’s base

Spraying should continue until the blaze disappears. If the fire is still blazing after the extinguisher’s contents are empty, you should immediately remove yourself and others from the premises. If the roar of the flames continues to grow or presents a threat to the evacuation route, get to safety and let emergency services arrive.

There are multiple different types of fire extinguishers. Some should definitely not be used in certain types of fires as they may worsen the fire damage. They have different labels displaying certain classes so you can easily distinguish their uses.

Class A are water-based extinguishers for cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and plastic fires. Class B use carbon dioxide to put out fires in flammable liquids such as oil and grease. Electrical fires need either a Class C or multipurpose dry chemical agent. 

A kitchen fire requires a special class K wet and dry chemical extinguisher that is specially made to handle intense deep fryer fires that Class B cannot.

In the aftermath of a fire, there will be damages. Your home or place of business can receive professional restoration from your local commercial fire restoration company. Knowing how to choose and use the appropriate fire extinguisher, you are able to lessen the fire damage to make restoration services even easier and cheaper. Fires don’t have to turn your profits red too. 

SERVPRO Storm Restoration Services

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair County water damage, fire damage and disaster restoration specialists are the best choice when dealing with any type or size disaster.

From small leaks to major damage, their franchise professionals have the edge over the competition because of their quick response time, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of the trade. They possess the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and thoroughly. Their goal is to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

• Speed

 SERVPRO is faster when dealing with disaster than other restoration services. Especially when dealing with water damage and flooding, timing is critical. Within minutes water can spread throughout the property, and quickly absorb into walls, carpet, floors and your belongings.

Within 24 hours, surfaces will begin to tarnish and furniture can begin to bend, swell and crack, and mold spores begin to settle. After a week, mold and property damage will worsen, even to the point of total contamination. SERVPRO is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Their quick response time will help to minimize any damage and help save money on restoration costs.

• Professionalism

SERVPRO is a franchised company, which means their franchise professionals go though an extensive, company-wide training process that guarantees that they are at the top of their field. All of the SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals are versed in the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC. They have extensive water damage restoration training, and will monitor the entire restoration process to completion.

• Advanced equipment and techniques

SERVPRO of St Clair County water damage professionals have the expertise and the top of the line equipment to deal with your restoration needs. Because each restoration project requires different solutions, SERVPRO of St Clair County has a wide variety of professional equipment. They will take you through the process of: initial contact, damage assessment, water removal/extraction, dehumidification, sanitizing/cleaning and into restoration.

What To Do If You Have A Water Damage

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded home is a devastating event for any homeowner. It has the ability to ruin many of your possessions in addition to your property itself. Due to the fact that water damage can quickly become permanent if not addressed as soon as possible, if you do suffer flood damage to your home, it’s important that you call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to help restore the home. Here are some things you can do immediately after a flood to start the restoration process.  

Call Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of how bad a flood has hit your home, it has likely done some significant damage to some of your possessions and to the structure of your home. Soon after you recognize the damage, you should call your insurance agent.

Check Before Entering Home

Before you re-enter your home after flood damage, check for any structural damage that may have occurred. Severe flooding or water damage has the ability to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you enter the home without closely inspecting what you’re walking into, the building could potentially collapse, trapping you inside. Once you’ve entered the home, you should be very careful about where you’re walking, especially if you’re moving from carpeting onto a hard surface.  

Document Evidence

Once you have entered the home, document the evidence of that damage that has been done by taking photos of it. If there are any questions, particularly by your insurance company about the validity of your claim, you’ll have evidence to show them. While you document the damage, save any items that you can. Some items, such as porous materials, may have been damaged beyond repair. When the SERVPRO crew arrives to restore the home, they’ll save as many items as possible. But if there are items that have not been damaged, you can take them out to avoid any further potential damage.  

Take Inventory

While you’re examining the damage that has occurred in your home, make a list of the damage or lost items in the home. Make sure to include the date they were purchased and their value with any receipts you may have. Store that list with any inventory of your possessions that you may have taken before the flood. If any of your possessions must be disposed of, which some may, make sure you have photographs of the items.  

Turn Off Power

After the flood damage occurs, turn off all power, especially to the affected rooms. Also refrain from using any electrical appliances as you could electrocute yourself if you’re standing in water. Keep the power to the home off until an electrician can come and thoroughly inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to turn back on again.  

Prevent Mold

Mold thrives in environments where moisture is present which makes flooded parts of a house ideal for mold growth. The existence of mold in a home can be hazardous so it’s important to prevent the mold from growing if at all possible. Removing any wet contents from the home as soon as possible will help to prevent such mold growth around the home.  

Proper Protection

Regardless of how well you think you can clean up after a flood, you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to ensure that as much of your property is salvaged as possible. But if you do decide to start the cleanup process before they arrive, it’s important that you are properly attired. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots when dealing with flood water to ensure your safety. 

Give us a call at (205)-525-0332

We have SERVPRO Standards

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

Always Stay Prepared With the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with a disaster or emergency, you rest assured SERVPRO of St Clair County will be there to help.

In Alabama, we know that local businesses are the heart of our culture. Our small businesses keep our towns running, but keeping a business running can be like walking on a tightrope.

You have your staff to take care of, payroll to make and a social media presence to maintain, all while competing in a marketplace with an ever-changing landscape. Your full-time job is more accurately an “overtime” job.

One business disruption can derail a small business for good. FEMA reports that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster, and another quarter of businesses that do reopen are forced to close within a year.

Having a good plan in place can make all the difference, shortening our time away from our businesses and keeping our small town culture moving forward. SERVPRO of St Clair County wants to get your business ready for anything that may come your way.

Natural disasters and emergencies are not something we want to think about. But when they happen, we don’t want to find ourselves adding to the alarming statistics by completely derailing. We can work with you so that while you focus on thriving in our community, you can rest assured your business will stay on track when the unthinkable hits.

Three-quarters of all small businesses do not have a plan in place in the event of an emergency or disaster. That needs to change.

We can help prepare your business for a disaster. Our experts will evaluate your business needs and create a plan that covers everything from data recovery and backup to alternate work locations. With our Emergency Ready Plan, you and your team will know the chain of command, alternate vendors you can work with and much more.

Faced with a business world that has the recent memory of pandemic closures and an unclear future, SERVPRO of St Clair County is proud to serve alongside you in order to maintain the businesses that make our area so unique. Reach out to us today to get your Emergency Ready Plan started.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO of St Clair County @ 256-378-1319 to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Recovery & Cleanup

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of St Clair County to get the job done.

If you spot a green truck in your neighborhood, you probably assume that someone has experienced disaster or accident! When that green truck arrives, you can also assume that they are in good hands.

Here at SERVPRO of St Clair County, we are most well-known as a cleaning company, but we want people to understand that we are a full-service company. That means that we will not only clean your home or business as needed—we will also restore or even reconstruct whatever is necessary.

Here is what we can offer you:

Water damage recovery. Water damage of any kind can be a real headache to deal with. SERVPRO of St Clair County can help you restore what got ruined, and we can also teach you where to keep an eye out for any type of leaks.

Fire damage recovery. Fires are reported every 23 seconds in the United States. And fires can do a lot of damage, from the burning to the soot to the smell! That’s why we send in our technicians with the best, top-of-the-line equipment.

Mold removal. If you have had water damage of any kind or size, then you know mold can creep up out of nowhere. It can also threaten the structure of your home, and it spreads easily. That’s why you should leave mold removal up to the professionals.

Storm recovery. Storms of any kind can cause minor or major damage to a structure. With SERVPRO of St Clair County by your side, we will be with you through the entire process, from cleanup to restoring or even reconstructing.

Commercial needs. We offer business owners the same services we offer homeowners, as well as a little more, like specialized cleaning and care, so that you can present your company with pride.

General cleaning. Cleaning can be a tedious job that we all like to put off, but our SERVPRO of St Clair County technicians will clean carpets, upholstery and more. We know a heavy-duty clean is something every home and business deserves.

Specialty cleaning. Our cleaning isn’t limited to the basics. We will do document restoration, air duct cleaning or even biohazard cleaning. Basically, if it can get dirty or grimy, we can and will get it cleaned.

Construction. Sometimes so much damage is done to a home or business that the only option is reconstruction. You can rely on us here at SERVPRO of St Clair County to not only help ease that process, but we will not stop until you are happy with the outcome.

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 of St Clair County to get the job done.

The Water Damage Numbers Say It All

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of St Clair County.

Being a homeowner is something to be proud of! You worked hard to accomplish buying your own home, and you also work hard at keeping it well-maintained.

So, that’s why we wanted to share some information regarding water damage to your home. While you might do everything to prepare for events, things don’t always go according to plan. Statistically speaking, you are likely to encounter water damage of some kind.

While you can’t prevent every disaster, the truth is you can be better prepared by keeping appliances and pipes well-equipped and maintained. By doing this, at least you know you did your part to avoid becoming part of the statistics.

24. This references the percentage of all home insurance claims filed because of water damage. One out of every 50 homeowners file a water claim in a year’s timeframe.

48. This is how long you have, 48 hours, before mold begins growing in your home. Water damage can cause major problems the longer it sits, so reacting quickly is best.

98. Do you have a basement in your home? This number is the percentage of how many homes with a basement experience water damage at some point.

10,234. Water damage, no matter the size, can cause major damage to your home. This number reflects the amount of money paid out to homeowners after filing a water claim. Because water doesn’t only affect your home—it also affects the possessions inside your home.

14,000. If you had to guess how many water damage experiences happened daily, would you guess 14,000? If so, that’s right! This is how many Americans encounter water damage every day. That means every six seconds there’s a newly busted pipe or leaky appliance somewhere.

13,000,000,000. Billions of dollars are paid out each year to fix water damage here in the United States. $13 billion worth to be exact. When you look at previous statistics, you’ll see how this number can be possible.

The numbers can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that most water damage is preventable. Make sure you keep up with home maintenance and plumbing and make repairs as needed! While nothing is ever fully preventable, doing these things can certainly help.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Sprinkler Maintenance For Fires

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler maintenance is an easy thing to forget when most businesses will never experience a fire. Fire sprinklers on your commercial property need to be checked regularly in order to prevent a disaster. When sprinklers fail to turn on, the fire damage can be devastating. Follow these simple steps to ensure your sprinklers work well. 

1. Make Sure the Water Is Turned On

It may seem obvious, but missing this step can be devastating. Confirm the water valves leading to your sprinklers are turned on. This step needs to be performed after all maintenance jobs involving water valves. 

2. Do Not Paint Over the Sprinklers

Perhaps it is tempting to paint over fire sprinklers to help them blend into the decor. However, it is important to remember they are functional, not decorative. Paint can block water flow, thus preventing them from fulfilling their purpose. 

3. Do Not Block the Sprinklers 

Make sure you do not block sprinklers, especially when utilizing precious storage space. Sprinklers cannot do their job well if they are obstructed. 

4. Check for Corrosion or Build-up

This sprinkler maintenance step is similar to not painting over the sprinkler system. Make sure to periodically check for corrosion or buildup so the sprinklers can work optimally. 

5. Make Sure the Sprinkler Pipes Don’t Freeze

Saving money by turning the heat down in an empty building may seem like a practical choice. The problem is that wet pipes can freeze in cold temperatures, preventing the sprinklers from functioning properly. Keep your building warm enough to prevent freezing pipes. 

6. Do Not Hang Things From Sprinklers 

While it is tempting to hang items from sprinklers, remember that sprinklers are not meant to hold any kind of weight. Hanging things from sprinklers can cause them to bend or break, and a broken sprinkler is no help if there is a fire. 

Keeping up with your fire sprinkler maintenance is just as important as fire prevention. Even with proper maintenance, accidents can still happen. When they do, your emergency restoration services partner can help get you back to work again. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 205-525-0332 and let us help you today!

Cleaning For Commercial Jobs

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You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of St Clair County for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your work space look its very best.

Have Questions? Call Today – (256) 378-1319!

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of St Clair County offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard & Sewage
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Drapes & Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floors
• Odor Removal & Deodorization 
• Vandalism

Safety For Smoke Alarms

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Properly functioning smoke alarms are a key aspect to general home safety when it comes to potential home fires. Unfortunately, statistics point to the fact that approximately 60 percent of home fire deaths are a direct result of fires in properties without working smoke alarms. While it may seem like an afterthought or a bonus for a home, the reality is that smoke alarms save lives and missing or broken smoke alarms can be the cause of fire deaths or fire injuries. When a fire starts in a home, it spreads incredibly fast. As such, it is absolutely essential for all South Florida homeowners to have working smoke alarms installed throughout their homes to ensure they can get out as quickly as possible.

Some experts say that a family has one minute or less to get out of a home in the event of a fire. Having a smoke alarm in the house in one of the most effective ways to save you and your family’s lives. Keep in mind the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Make sure your alarm system is interconnected so that when one alarm goes off they all do
• Check your smoke alarms every month to make sure they are functioning correctly
• Get new smoke alarms installed every 10 years
• Smoke alarms should be installed both inside and outside of all bedrooms or other sleeping areas
• Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of the home
• Replace smoke alarm battery at least one time a year (9-volt battery)
• Practice a fire drill in the event that the alarm goes off
• Once the smoke alarm sounds, everyone must get out of the house fast

An estimated 3,000 people are killed each year in the United States due to fires. Ensure that you and your family are taking every measure to be protected from fire danger. The first step in safeguarding your home is to deploy the above smoke alarm tips right away. If your home has suffered any fire damage, contact the professionals at SERVPRO today to learn more!

You Have Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO!

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Have you ever wondered about the work that goes into a fire damage?

Well SERVPRO of St Clair County is specialized with fire restoration training, we work very hard to make every aspect of your disaster as stress-free as possible. With every fire damage there comes a unique set of difficulties, but the process ends up remaining the same – and our trained team of production technicians are fully equipped to deal with every fire damage they come across, even the most challenging of fire damages.

If you look at the items listed below it will help you to better understand the fire restoration process.

1. Emergency Contact 

   The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

   We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

3. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

   Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

4. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

   The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

   We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

   We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

   Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

No matter how challenging your fire damage maybe, SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to restore your home to preloss conditions. Call us @ 256-378-1319 with any questions you may have. 

How Does Water Damage Hardwood Floors

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Hardwood flooring is an everyday staple of construction in many St Clair County homes, but caring for this material can often be a challenge. Moisture and saturation can distort the shape and weaken the integrity of these materials, which can ultimately cause homeowners to need to replace them. To avoid this costly repair and reinstallation of hardwood, seek the experience and industry-leading equipment of restoration professionals that can address this saturation effectively. 

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that addressing flooring damage in their home after a water loss incident in St Clair County is only involved as removing surface moisture and standing water. In truth, these situations can often move far beyond the surface and affect into subflooring material. The only way to know the full extent of the spread of water damage is to utilize the advanced detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras available to our SERVPRO team. 

We understand how vital it is to address water damaged flooring as quickly as possible because, within a few days, hardwood flooring and vinyl alternatives can begin to swell and distort. Bloating can cause the tongue and groove connections of the individual planks to disconnect, separating entire portions of flooring. Once this degradation begins, it is no longer possible for professionals to reverse this damage and controlled demolition techniques become necessary instead. 

Our SERVPRO team can work quickly to set up our Injecti-Dry System with drying mats to begin a slow and steady draw of moisture from these affected materials. By tenting over these mats, our team can better regulate the loss of moisture from the planks, helping to keep constant monitoring of moisture content to ensure that the flooring does not get overly dry which can be equally destructive. 

We understand how critical a fast response is to protecting hardwood flooring in your house, and so our SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals stay available 24/7 to help. You can trust our experienced and equipped professionals to make flooring damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at (205)-525-0332

What To Do If You Have Water Damage

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A flooded home is a devastating event for any homeowner. It has the ability to ruin many of your possessions in addition to your property itself. Due to the fact that water damage can quickly become permanent if not addressed as soon as possible, if you do suffer flood damage to your home, it’s important that you call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to help restore the home. Here are some things you can do immediately after a flood to start the restoration process.  

Call Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of how bad a flood has hit your home, it has likely done some significant damage to some of your possessions and to the structure of your home. Soon after you recognize the damage, you should call your insurance agent.

Check Before Entering Home

Before you re-enter your home after flood damage, check for any structural damage that may have occurred. Severe flooding or water damage has the ability to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you enter the home without closely inspecting what you’re walking into, the building could potentially collapse, trapping you inside. Once you’ve entered the home, you should be very careful about where you’re walking, especially if you’re moving from carpeting onto a hard surface.  

Document Evidence

Once you have entered the home, document the evidence of that damage that has been done by taking photos of it. If there are any questions, particularly by your insurance company about the validity of your claim, you’ll have evidence to show them. While you document the damage, save any items that you can. Some items, such as porous materials, may have been damaged beyond repair. When the SERVPRO crew arrives to restore the home, they’ll save as many items as possible. But if there are items that have not been damaged, you can take them out to avoid any further potential damage.  

Take Inventory

While you’re examining the damage that has occurred in your home, make a list of the damage or lost items in the home. Make sure to include the date they were purchased and their value with any receipts you may have. Store that list with any inventory of your possessions that you may have taken before the flood. If any of your possessions must be disposed of, which some may, make sure you have photographs of the items.  

Turn Off Power

After the flood damage occurs, turn off all power, especially to the affected rooms. Also refrain from using any electrical appliances as you could electrocute yourself if you’re standing in water. Keep the power to the home off until an electrician can come and thoroughly inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to turn back on again.  

Prevent Mold

Mold thrives in environments where moisture is present which makes flooded parts of a house ideal for mold growth. The existence of mold in a home can be hazardous so it’s important to prevent the mold from growing if at all possible. Removing any wet contents from the home as soon as possible will help to prevent such mold growth around the home.  

Proper Protection

Regardless of how well you think you can clean up after a flood, you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to ensure that as much of your property is salvaged as possible. But if you do decide to start the cleanup process before they arrive, it’s important that you are properly attired. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots when dealing with flood water to ensure your safety. 

Give us a call at (205)-525-0332

Storms Coming Through!!

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

There is no storm too big or too small that we can’t handle. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County.

Types Of Storm Warnings

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Storm Warnings can pop up anywhere: TV, cell phone warnings, radio, etc., but do we really understand what these warnings mean? Know these definitions so you are prepared for any storm:

• Tornado Watch Conditions are ripe for tornadoes within the watch area. Tornadoes associated with hurricanes and tropical storms are typically a very significant cause of death and damage.
• Tornado Warning A tornado has been spotted visually or on radar. Usually issued for a county. If a tornado WARNING is issued where you live, GET TO THE MIDDLE OF THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A STRONG BUILDING IMMEDIATELY!!! 
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch Conditions are ripe for severe thunderstorms within the watch area.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning There is a severe thunderstorm in or heading for the warned area. Treat this like a tornado warning!!
• Flash Flood Watch Flash floods are likely to occur in the near future. Be alert for rising water and be prepared to have to move to high ground.
• Flash Flood Warning Flash floods are occurring or expected to occur in the near future. If this happens, get to high ground immediately, and GET AWAY FROM VEHICLES... it only takes 18 inches of water to sweep a car or truck away!
• High Wind Advisory Windy conditions may occur in the advisory area. This usually makes for unsafe conditions while driving, especially in (but not limited to) large vehicles. Also, avoid boating anywhere in the advisory area.
• High Wind Warning Very strong winds are expected or already are occurring that present a significant danger while driving, boating and other outdoor activities. Often issued near tropical storms and hurricanes.

Job Training

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Even when hiring someone that has experience in the Restoration Industry, on the job training is still a necessity. On the job training goes much farther than making sure your staff is trained for any job they might come across. On the job training ensures that everybody in the company understands what’s going on throughout every job and are up to the company’s standards.

Everybody being on the same page ensures that Restoration Technicians, Project Managers and all office personnel know what is happening, and therefore anyone can explain it to the clients.

Often, companies’ standards differ in some ways from the industry standards because the industry standards are set to just the necessities and SERVPRO of St Clair County goes above and beyond. Employees being trained should understand why we do a job a certain way this will advance their career and further their abilities. Getting the job done isn’t good enough, getting the job done right and making sure that the problem will not arise again is the SERVPRO way. The more training that employees have means that your company can take on more expert level, higher paying jobs increasing revenue and our reputation. It also is a benefit for the employee because they will be smarter at their job, helping them make their job easier, and they can make more money with the more they know. Job training is so important to the success of the company, and it makes sure everybody is on the same page, doing the job right, all the time. Whether we are performing service for a commercial building or residential home, you can ensure the job will always be done correctly and efficiently. If you are interested in joining the SERVPRO of St Clair County team call us at 205-525-0339.

Storms Hit, SERVPRO Is On The Way

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

There is no storm too big or too small that we can’t handle. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County.

Here Is How To Keep Your Water Bill Low

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

We’ve talked a lot about how to prevent and reduce the risk of water damage in your home, but what about reducing the cost of water in your home?

Here are a few tips from our team of experts here at SERVPRO of St Clair County that will help you keep your water bill lower while helping your home and the environment in the process:

1. First and foremost, it’s important to identify and then fix any water leaks you may have. Not only can leaks potentially drain thousands of gallons worth of water, they can lead to major water damage problems for your home. Check faucets, drains, and plumbing around the house to look and listen for any signs that could indicate a leak. If you find one, get it fixed right away!

2. Use your dishwasher! That’s right – running a full load of dishes in the dishwasher is actually a much more efficient use of water than washing dishes individually by hand. The key here though is running a full load, that’s how you’ll get the most out of your water usage.

3. Take shorter showers, or switch to a low-flow shower head. Reducing your shower time by even a couple of minutes makes big cuts in the amount of water you use from month to month. As an alternative, low-flow shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute, which according to the US Department of Energy could end up reducing you water bill by 25-60 %, saving you a significant amount of money in utility bills.

4. Insulate your water pipes. One trip to the hardware store for some foam insulation cut in the shape of a pipe and your half-way there! Taping insulation to your water pipes will help them heat up water faster, which in turn means less time running water from your sink or shower waiting for it to warm up.

5. Limit your use of the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. Instead, scrape whatever excess food that’s on your dishes into the trash, then place them in the dishwasher – remember? We want a full load! Disposals use a lot of water to flush things down the drain, so reducing its use will reduce the amount of water you’re using in your kitchen.

With these tips to get you started, you should start seeing a drop in your water utility bill in no time. By being mindful of your water usage and aware of the condition your pipes, faucets, and appliances are in, you can help prevent any costly water leaks or damaging water spills.

What To Do When You Have Water Damage

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded home is a devastating event for any homeowner. It has the ability to ruin many of your possessions in addition to your property itself. Due to the fact that water damage can quickly become permanent if not addressed as soon as possible, if you do suffer flood damage to your home, it’s important that you call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to help restore the home. Here are some things you can do immediately after a flood to start the restoration process.  

Call Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of how bad a flood has hit your home, it has likely done some significant damage to some of your possessions and to the structure of your home. Soon after you recognize the damage, you should call your insurance agent.

Check Before Entering Home

Before you re-enter your home after flood damage, check for any structural damage that may have occurred. Severe flooding or water damage has the ability to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you enter the home without closely inspecting what you’re walking into, the building could potentially collapse, trapping you inside. Once you’ve entered the home, you should be very careful about where you’re walking, especially if you’re moving from carpeting onto a hard surface.  

Document Evidence

Once you have entered the home, document the evidence of that damage that has been done by taking photos of it. If there are any questions, particularly by your insurance company about the validity of your claim, you’ll have evidence to show them. While you document the damage, save any items that you can. Some items, such as porous materials, may have been damaged beyond repair. When the SERVPRO crew arrives to restore the home, they’ll save as many items as possible. But if there are items that have not been damaged, you can take them out to avoid any further potential damage.  

Take Inventory

While you’re examining the damage that has occurred in your home, make a list of the damage or lost items in the home. Make sure to include the date they were purchased and their value with any receipts you may have. Store that list with any inventory of your possessions that you may have taken before the flood. If any of your possessions must be disposed of, which some may, make sure you have photographs of the items.  

Turn Off Power

After the flood damage occurs, turn off all power, especially to the affected rooms. Also refrain from using any electrical appliances as you could electrocute yourself if you’re standing in water. Keep the power to the home off until an electrician can come and thoroughly inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to turn back on again.  

Prevent Mold

Mold thrives in environments where moisture is present which makes flooded parts of a house ideal for mold growth. The existence of mold in a home can be hazardous so it’s important to prevent the mold from growing if at all possible. Removing any wet contents from the home as soon as possible will help to prevent such mold growth around the home.  

Proper Protection

Regardless of how well you think you can clean up after a flood, you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to ensure that as much of your property is salvaged as possible. But if you do decide to start the cleanup process before they arrive, it’s important that you are properly attired. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots when dealing with flood water to ensure your safety. 

Give us a call at (205)-525-0332

Cleaning Carpets In St Clair County

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Carpets are an everyday staple for modern Dallas homes, and as such, become among the first materials to suffer the damages of migrating water losses. As challenging as it might seem to dry out saturated carpeting, our professionals have premier tools that can make the task much more efficient and thorough. With the right response to the situation, you do not have to lose portions of the flooring or the entire carpeted area due to irreparable damages.

As much as homeowners must also contend with other layers of water damage in St Clair properties when water loss incidents occur, not addressing the carpeted areas promptly can ensure that deterioration and decomposition of the material become too severe to salvage. There are multiple strategies that our SERVPRO professionals can attempt to remove moisture and saturation from this flooring, and it depends mostly on the type of material, the severity of the damage, and the accessibility of the saturated region of carpet.

As premier restoration professionals, we invest in the top-tier extraction and drying equipment available in our trade. For several inches of standing water, we might need to use portable extractors like wet-vacs or sump pumps before we can address the saturation of the carpeting directly. Most often, the moisture penetrates beyond the carpet itself into the subflooring, padding, and even the wooden joists, supports, and plywood beneath. While air movers and dehumidifiers can get placed underneath the affected floor when possible, this does not always adequately address the moisture concerns.

The ideal approach for restoring water-damaged carpeting in your home is to utilize self-propelled extraction tools. These are motorized so that they can offer the same level of pressure at a consistent rate as the unit moves along the carpeted areas. These tools use the weight of the operating SERVPRO technician to force moisture to the surface from the carpet and pad beneath it.

Restoring carpets is not always a guarantee, especially if water exposure has been a prolonged event. Our SERVPRO of St Clair County team can work with multiple strategies and tools to protect these flooring materials when possible. Give our professionals a call anytime at (256)-378-1319.

SERVPRO Cleaning Services

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At SERVPRO of St Clair County we are most commonly known for Fire and Water – Cleanup & Restoration but did you know that we also provide several cleaning services including carpet cleaning?

Our technicians use the latest IICRC** training and top-of-the-line equipment to extract soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings. First, our technicians apply a shampoo to the carpet to get it clean and to deodorize. Then, they remove the shampoo, soils and stains through hot water extraction. Once the carpet is dried, it will look and smell like new!

Our other cleaning services include:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds

Call our office today for more information. We are happy to help make any size mess “Like it never even happened.”

(205)-525-0332

**Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

During Fires Every Second Counts

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Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan:

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and nighttime.

Call SERVPRO of St Clair County with any questions you may have.

Fire Restoration

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Have you ever wondered about the sort of work that goes into remediating a fire?

With SERVPRO of St Clair County specialized fire restoration training, we work to make every aspect of your disaster as stress-free and straightforward as possible. With every fire comes a unique set of difficulties, but the overall process remains the same – and our highly trained team of technicians are equipped to deal with even the most challenging of fire damages.

Take a look at the list below to better understand the fire restoration process.

1. Emergency Contact 

   The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

   We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

3. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

   Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

4. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

   The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

   We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

   We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

   Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call The Cleanup Crew

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There’s no such thing as a small disaster—especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub floors, causing major problems over time. You need help—fast. No matter what time of day or night, contact SERVPRO St Clair County to begin emergency mitigation.

Emergency mitigation means that under normal circumstances, we will be on-site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility. Every SERVPRO technician is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages.

SERVPRO of St Clair County will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents. Help ensure the value of your property by calling us at 205-525-0332.

SERVPRO Standards

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How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

We Are The Professionals That Understand

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Whenever you have a problem with your home, the first impulse is usually to tackle the problem yourself. Sometimes this can be the right choice, and the problem’s easy enough to solve on your own. Other times it’s much safer and smarter to call in the pros from the beginning.

Tracking down tricky leaks is one of those times. Sure, some leaks are easy to track down, but water has a way of traveling odd paths. So once finding a leak gets tough, then it’s time to call in some help. And here’s why:

They Know Where to Look

Water can travel strange paths before it finally comes out into your home, and you might be surprised how far it can come. That discolored spot on your basement ceiling could actually be caused by a leak in your roof, or your wall on the opposite side of the house.

Professionals have tracked down hundreds, even thousands of leaks over the years. That experience gives them a wide variety of usual suspects to check, and a good number of unusual ones, too.

They Know What to Look For

That slight, turquoise line along your copper pipe? That’s where water has run along the outside and caused the copper to oxidize. It’s a sure sign that a leak is sending water traveling on the wrong side of the pipes.

Pros know these and dozens of other signs. What looks like a bit of dirt to you might indicate a serious leak in your roof, foundation, or wall. Or it might just be some dirt. A professional will be able to know the difference for certain.

They’ve Got the Right Equipment

Most of us can only use our eyes or sense of touch to lead us to water, but not the professionals. They have a wide variety of specialized equipment that can sense moisture and humidity through walls or probe underground for water deposits using ground penetrating radar.

This equipment can be expensive to buy and tricky to use. They have years of experience using the equipment, and know how to put it to good use.

SERVPRO of St Clair County 205-525-0332

Restore & Replace

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Let's talk about content restoration. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

We know how much your belongings mean to you. They're more than just content; they're photos, they're your babies first outfit, they're memories. We understand that. That's why we pride ourselves on being able to do our best to Restore > Replace.

Cleanup after a storm hits

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm causes damage to your home, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to start the cleanup process. Due to flooding and other factors, however, there are several ways in which cleaning after a storm often differs from cleaning after other types of damage from water.

1. Water Is Removed

Whereas a pipe break may only require a certain area of the house to be cleaned, and it likely will not result in a major flood, storms can cause extensive water damage. Standing flood water can often be contaminated, meaning that removing the water can be hazardous if not done correctly. It’s important to use protective equipment, like masks, boots, gloves and other items when removing water that is polluted.

2. Home Is Dried

Once water is removed from the home after a storm, it’s important to dry out the area. Keep the home dry will help prevent mold growth. However, it’s important to make sure the right equipment is used while drying the area out after flooding. Using a vacuum cleaner or putting on a fan when a ceiling is drooping can be hazardous as well as ineffective. Once the home is dry, the next process of cleaning and restoration can begin.

3. Sanitization Is Required

Since storm floodwater is often contaminated, a home that has sustained flood damage is often typically thoroughly sanitized. In addition to cleaning items within your home, which may include furniture, clothes or other personal belongings, the home itself may require special cleaning. Often, the process of disinfecting a home includes eliminating the causes of unpleasant odors as well as eliminating odors themselves, and the use of disinfectants as well as the use of antibacterial treatments.

Knowing the differences between pipe burst flooding and a storm water damage can give you a better idea of what to expect and where to start the cleanup and restoration process. You could find it useful to work with water and storm damage professionals as you begin to restore your home.

Why are emergency board ups necessary

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

If your home, has recently experienced damage from a disaster such as a fire, severe storm, wind, or hail, you might be left with shattered windows and a compromised roof. If not addressed quickly, your house will be left vulnerable to the elements and even more damage can occur. When in this type of emergency situation, you will need tarp and board up services right away.

What Is Emergency Board Up?

The process of emergency board up is simple but necessary if a window breaks before a storm or during some sort of disaster. Shattered windows leave the inside of your house exposed and can lead to secondary damage. Since it is not always possible to immediately repair a window, plywood can be placed on windows to temporarily prevent further harm.

How Can Board Up Services Help?

There are several ways board up services can benefit you including:

• Preventing storm damage by boarding up windows beforehand
• Keeping your home intact while a remediation specialist does repairs
• Detering vandals and thieves from entering
• Ensuring you receive insurance coverage

Do You Need Roof Tarping Services?

In the case of fire damage or extreme wind, often your roof will experience damage in addition to your windows. Broken shingles or a weakened structure can allow water to make its way into your home or can cave in creating an unsafe environment. For this reason, many people will also need roof tarping services after an emergency. This includes placing a tarp over large gaps or broken areas of your roof.
When unable to immediately fix your home’s windows or roof after an emergency occurs, board up and roof tarping services can provide temporary protection for the interior of your home until the necessary repairs can be made. While you might hope you can get by without this service, the risk of further damage occurring is high. For this reason, it is essential you seek help right away.

You have water damage in St Clair County? Call SERVPRO!

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Eliminating Commercial Water Damage in St Clair County

St Clair County business owners may find that news headlines often showcase disasters like fires, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Still, water claims tend to top the charts in terms of everyday risk to commercial facilities. Not only can water damage deteriorate structures without thorough mitigation, but it can create the conditions that allow mold and other microbes to thrive. 

If your St Clair County business has been effected by water, you can count on SERVPRO technicians to eliminate the disaster quickly and easily. This team knows that water damage does not occur on a 9-to-5 schedule, so technicians strive to provide service 24/7, 365 days a year, including during the holidays. Professional cleanup that focuses on salvaging your assets when it is safe and feasible to do so can be vital to saving you time, money, and stress. 

Critical Factors for Preserving Office Electronics  

Maintain consistent temperatures. Temperature fluctuations can have significant effects on computer equipment, especially servers. Keep the air around servers at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain reliability. 

Monitor humidity. In your office's computer room, data center, or similar areas, keep relative humidity between 45% and 55% to prevent condensation that can corrode, rust, or short-circuit equipment.

Be mindful of water-related risks. Water leaks cause a whopping 24% of data center outages, which is both harmful for your possessions and your ability to generate revenue.

Manage your cables. Not only can disorganized cables cause equipment interference that can lead to network outages, but mitigation experts may need more time to repair and maintain equipment.  

How SERVPRO Saves the Day

SERVPRO technicians train in proper safety practices with water damage and electronic equipment. They have extensive experience in cleaning data centers, computing areas, and server rooms in commercial facilities. Professionals take great care in ensuring that electronics are turned off and safely contained. We erect drying chambers made of plastic sheeting or polyethylene to contain devices and maintain proper relative humidity and temperatures during the drying process. SERVPRO can also recommend or enlist the aid of certified electronics restoration professionals to preserve your equipment and minimize replacement costs. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County strives to aid local businesses by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (205)-525-0332 today for fast disaster cleanup. 

SERVPRO Will Be There After A Storm

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

St Clair County homes have benefitted from the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO team. As leading storm response professionals, we can assess the immediate damages when we first arrive and perform several emergency services. In most cases, many homeowners might think that the most restoration companies can offer immediately following a storm is board up.

As beneficial as fast board up services can be following storm-related flood damages in St Clair County homes, the other actions that our professionals can take when we arrive can have an equally beneficial effect on the residence. Understanding what to expect both from our experienced mitigation specialists and our licensed general contractors arriving at the damaged household.

Temporary Fencing
One of the most pressing concerns of homeowners, when they must vacate their property, is what becomes of their house when they are not around. Our SERVPRO team keeps close tabs on your property and what it needs and can deter intrusion and even animal infestations when you are away from the house with the installation of temporary fencing.

Extraction
Standing water is a grave concern for your home, primarily because of how prolonged exposure can weaken construction materials and irreparably damage contents in the house. Extraction is often one of the first focuses of the arriving water restorers of our team. We have multiple options regarding equipment, though, without the presence of solids to battle, the standard choice is the electric portable submersible pump.

Tree Removal
Trees can be catastrophic to homes, and their presence after the storm can hinder the immediate mitigation work that the property needs. Our in-house general contractors can remove this tree and its remnants to ensure that the work begins on the household as soon as possible.

As damaging as wind and storms can be to area businesses and homes, our SERVPRO of St Clair County team can help however you need. We have effective emergency services that can save you money and time. Give our technicians a call today at (205)-525-0332

Smoke Alarm Safety!!

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Properly functioning smoke alarms are a key aspect to general home safety when it comes to potential home fires. Unfortunately, statistics point to the fact that approximately 60 percent of home fire deaths are a direct result of fires in properties without working smoke alarms. While it may seem like an afterthought or a bonus for a home, the reality is that smoke alarms save lives and missing or broken smoke alarms can be the cause of fire deaths or fire injuries. When a fire starts in a home, it spreads incredibly fast. As such, it is absolutely essential for all South Florida homeowners to have working smoke alarms installed throughout their homes to ensure they can get out as quickly as possible.

Some experts say that a family has one minute or less to get out of a home in the event of a fire. Having a smoke alarm in the house in one of the most effective ways to save you and your family’s lives. Keep in mind the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Make sure your alarm system is interconnected so that when one alarm goes off they all do
• Check your smoke alarms every month to make sure they are functioning correctly
• Get new smoke alarms installed every 10 years
• Smoke alarms should be installed both inside and outside of all bedrooms or other sleeping areas
• Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of the home
• Replace smoke alarm battery at least one time a year (9-volt battery)
• Practice a fire drill in the event that the alarm goes off
• Once the smoke alarm sounds, everyone must get out of the house fast

An estimated 3,000 people are killed each year in the United States due to fires. Ensure that you and your family are taking every measure to be protected from fire danger. The first step in safeguarding your home is to deploy the above smoke alarm tips right away. If your home has suffered any fire damage, contact the professionals at SERVPRO today to learn more!

HVAC Cleaning For Commercial Property!!

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

It's easy for the cleaning of air ducts and HVAC systems on your property to go forgotten, but it is important to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance. Like anything else in a home or business, air ducts accumulate dust and dirt over time. Other the factors that may increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning are pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, cigarette or cigar smoke, water contamination or damage to the home HVAC system, or home renovation and remodeling projects. A general rule of thumb is that if your air ducts look dirty, then they probably are. 

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends that dirty HVAC systems be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Clean HVAC systems can result in an improved air quality of your home or business. Regular cleaning may also increase your energy savings and give your HVAC system a longer lifespan.

If air duct and HVAC system cleaning goes beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, or if you want cleaning done for your home's system call SERVPRO of St Clair County today at (205)525-0332!

Storm Warnings!!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Warnings can pop up anywhere: TV, cell phone warnings, radio, etc., but do we really understand what these warnings mean? Know these definitions so you are prepared for any storm:

• Tornado Watch Conditions are ripe for tornadoes within the watch area. Tornadoes associated with hurricanes and tropical storms are typically a very significant cause of death and damage.
• Tornado Warning A tornado has been spotted visually or on radar. Usually issued for a county. If a tornado WARNING is issued where you live, GET TO THE MIDDLE OF THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A STRONG BUILDING IMMEDIATELY!!! 
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch Conditions are ripe for severe thunderstorms within the watch area.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning There is a severe thunderstorm in or heading for the warned area. Treat this like a tornado warning!!
• Flash Flood Watch Flash floods are likely to occur in the near future. Be alert for rising water and be prepared to have to move to high ground.
• Flash Flood Warning Flash floods are occurring or expected to occur in the near future. If this happens, get to high ground immediately, and GET AWAY FROM VEHICLES... it only takes 18 inches of water to sweep a car or truck away!
• High Wind Advisory Windy conditions may occur in the advisory area. This usually makes for unsafe conditions while driving, especially in (but not limited to) large vehicles. Also, avoid boating anywhere in the advisory area.
• High Wind Warning Very strong winds are expected or already are occurring that present a significant danger while driving, boating and other outdoor activities. Often issued near tropical storms and hurricanes.

Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler maintenance is an easy thing to forget when most businesses will never experience a fire. Fire sprinklers on your commercial property need to be checked regularly in order to prevent a disaster. When sprinklers fail to turn on, the fire damage can be devastating. Follow these simple steps to ensure your sprinklers work well. 

1. Make Sure the Water Is Turned On

It may seem obvious, but missing this step can be devastating. Confirm the water valves leading to your sprinklers are turned on. This step needs to be performed after all maintenance jobs involving water valves. 

2. Do Not Paint Over the Sprinklers

Perhaps it is tempting to paint over fire sprinklers to help them blend into the decor. However, it is important to remember they are functional, not decorative. Paint can block water flow, thus preventing them from fulfilling their purpose. 

3. Do Not Block the Sprinklers 

Make sure you do not block sprinklers, especially when utilizing precious storage space. Sprinklers cannot do their job well if they are obstructed. 

4. Check for Corrosion or Build-up

This sprinkler maintenance step is similar to not painting over the sprinkler system. Make sure to periodically check for corrosion or buildup so the sprinklers can work optimally. 

5. Make Sure the Sprinkler Pipes Don’t Freeze

Saving money by turning the heat down in an empty building may seem like a practical choice. The problem is that wet pipes can freeze in cold temperatures, preventing the sprinklers from functioning properly. Keep your building warm enough to prevent freezing pipes. 

6. Do Not Hang Things From Sprinklers 

While it is tempting to hang items from sprinklers, remember that sprinklers are not meant to hold any kind of weight. Hanging things from sprinklers can cause them to bend or break, and a broken sprinkler is no help if there is a fire. 

Keeping up with your fire sprinkler maintenance is just as important as fire prevention. Even with proper maintenance, accidents can still happen. When they do, your emergency restoration services partner can help get you back to work again. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 205-525-0332 and let us help you today!

SERVPRO Of St Clair County Storm Restoration Services

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair County water damage, fire damage and disaster restoration specialists are the best choice when dealing with any type or size disaster.

From small leaks to major damage, their franchise professionals have the edge over the competition because of their quick response time, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of the trade. They possess the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and thoroughly. Their goal is to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

• Speed

 SERVPRO is faster when dealing with disaster than other restoration services. Especially when dealing with water damage and flooding, timing is critical. Within minutes water can spread throughout the property, and quickly absorb into walls, carpet, floors and your belongings.

Within 24 hours, surfaces will begin to tarnish and furniture can begin to bend, swell and crack, and mold spores begin to settle. After a week, mold and property damage will worsen, even to the point of total contamination. SERVPRO is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Their quick response time will help to minimize any damage and help save money on restoration costs.

• Professionalism

SERVPRO is a franchised company, which means their franchise professionals go though an extensive, company-wide training process that guarantees that they are at the top of their field. All of the SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals are versed in the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC. They have extensive water damage restoration training, and will monitor the entire restoration process to completion.

• Advanced equipment and techniques

SERVPRO of St Clair County water damage professionals have the expertise and the top of the line equipment to deal with your restoration needs. Because each restoration project requires different solutions, SERVPRO of St Clair County has a wide variety of professional equipment. They will take you through the process of: initial contact, damage assessment, water removal/extraction, dehumidification, sanitizing/cleaning and into restoration.

How Water Can Damage Hardwood Floors!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Hardwood flooring is an everyday staple of construction in many St Clair County homes, but caring for this material can often be a challenge. Moisture and saturation can distort the shape and weaken the integrity of these materials, which can ultimately cause homeowners to need to replace them. To avoid this costly repair and reinstallation of hardwood, seek the experience and industry-leading equipment of restoration professionals that can address this saturation effectively. 

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that addressing flooring damage in their home after a water loss incident in St Clair County is only involved as removing surface moisture and standing water. In truth, these situations can often move far beyond the surface and affect into subflooring material. The only way to know the full extent of the spread of water damage is to utilize the advanced detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras available to our SERVPRO team. 

We understand how vital it is to address water damaged flooring as quickly as possible because, within a few days, hardwood flooring and vinyl alternatives can begin to swell and distort. Bloating can cause the tongue and groove connections of the individual planks to disconnect, separating entire portions of flooring. Once this degradation begins, it is no longer possible for professionals to reverse this damage and controlled demolition techniques become necessary instead. 

Our SERVPRO team can work quickly to set up our Injecti-Dry System with drying mats to begin a slow and steady draw of moisture from these affected materials. By tenting over these mats, our team can better regulate the loss of moisture from the planks, helping to keep constant monitoring of moisture content to ensure that the flooring does not get overly dry which can be equally destructive. 

We understand how critical a fast response is to protecting hardwood flooring in your house, and so our SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals stay available 24/7 to help. You can trust our experienced and equipped professionals to make flooring damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at (205)-525-0332

What You Should Do When You Have Water Damage

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

A flooded home is a devastating event for any homeowner. It has the ability to ruin many of your possessions in addition to your property itself. Due to the fact that water damage can quickly become permanent if not addressed as soon as possible, if you do suffer flood damage to your home, it’s important that you call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to help restore the home. Here are some things you can do immediately after a flood to start the restoration process.  

Call Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of how bad a flood has hit your home, it has likely done some significant damage to some of your possessions and to the structure of your home. Soon after you recognize the damage, you should call your insurance agent.

Check Before Entering Home

Before you re-enter your home after flood damage, check for any structural damage that may have occurred. Severe flooding or water damage has the ability to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you enter the home without closely inspecting what you’re walking into, the building could potentially collapse, trapping you inside. Once you’ve entered the home, you should be very careful about where you’re walking, especially if you’re moving from carpeting onto a hard surface.  

Document Evidence

Once you have entered the home, document the evidence of that damage that has been done by taking photos of it. If there are any questions, particularly by your insurance company about the validity of your claim, you’ll have evidence to show them. While you document the damage, save any items that you can. Some items, such as porous materials, may have been damaged beyond repair. When the SERVPRO crew arrives to restore the home, they’ll save as many items as possible. But if there are items that have not been damaged, you can take them out to avoid any further potential damage.  

Take Inventory

While you’re examining the damage that has occurred in your home, make a list of the damage or lost items in the home. Make sure to include the date they were purchased and their value with any receipts you may have. Store that list with any inventory of your possessions that you may have taken before the flood. If any of your possessions must be disposed of, which some may, make sure you have photographs of the items.  

Turn Off Power

After the flood damage occurs, turn off all power, especially to the affected rooms. Also refrain from using any electrical appliances as you could electrocute yourself if you’re standing in water. Keep the power to the home off until an electrician can come and thoroughly inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to turn back on again.  

Prevent Mold

Mold thrives in environments where moisture is present which makes flooded parts of a house ideal for mold growth. The existence of mold in a home can be hazardous so it’s important to prevent the mold from growing if at all possible. Removing any wet contents from the home as soon as possible will help to prevent such mold growth around the home.  

Proper Protection

Regardless of how well you think you can clean up after a flood, you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to ensure that as much of your property is salvaged as possible. But if you do decide to start the cleanup process before they arrive, it’s important that you are properly attired. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots when dealing with flood water to ensure your safety. 

Give us a call at (205)-525-0332

Unclean Air Ducts

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

The summer months are here. After a cool Winter, many will be turning their air conditioners on more and more as the temperature rises. But, indoor air can get polluted with dust, allergens, and other small particles. If you are concerned about your indoor air quality, you might benefit from having your air ducts cleaned. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned may make a difference in the overall quality of your indoor air. And, cleaning your air ducts may also help your HVAC system function more efficiently.

When it comes to air duct cleaning, homeowners often have many questions. Here are a few of the most common:

Does a professional air duct cleaning really make a difference?
A professional air duct cleaning can benefit you in more than one way. First, the cleaning will remove dust, debris and other pollutants from your air duct system. This can be beneficial to anyone living in the home who suffers from allergies, has breathing problems, or is sensitive to pollutants. Second, clean air ducts can result in a more efficient HVAC system. When your home’s ventilation system is clean, it can function more efficiently – which may ultimately save you money on your monthly energy bill.

How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Unless you are in the midst of a home renovation project or you live in an area with extremely high pollution, you should not need to clean your air ducts more than once a year. In fact, after your air ducts are professionally cleaned, you may not need another thorough cleaning for several years. For advice on how often you should have your air ducts cleaned, make sure to ask your air conditioner repair company. If the air conditioner company does not offer air duct cleaning services, they should be able to provide you with the name of a reputable company to call.

Can I clean the air ducts in my home myself?
Many homeowners wonder if they can clean their home’s air ducts with their own vacuum cleaner. In reality, it is practically impossible to clean an air duct system with a regular vacuum. Air duct cleaning companies use special equipment that is designed to specifically clean air ducts. As a homeowner, one of the best things you can do to prevent pollutants from infiltrating your air ducts is regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters.

Is a professional air duct cleaning expensive?
The cost of air duct cleaning services varies. Factors that are taken into consideration when an air duct cleaning company provides you with a quote include the number of air ducts in your home, the age of your home, the length of time since the air ducts were last cleaned, the current condition of the air ducts, and more. 

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (205)-525-0332

SERVPRO Of St Clair County Cleaning Services

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of St Clair County we are most commonly known for Fire and Water – Cleanup & Restoration but did you know that we also provide several cleaning services including carpet cleaning?

Our technicians use the latest IICRC** training and top-of-the-line equipment to extract soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings. First, our technicians apply a shampoo to the carpet to get it clean and to deodorize. Then, they remove the shampoo, soils and stains through hot water extraction. Once the carpet is dried, it will look and smell like new!

Our other cleaning services include:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds

Call our office today for more information. We are happy to help make any size mess “Like it never even happened.”

(205)-525-0332

**Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

SERVPRO Fast Reaction To Water Recovery

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Water damages not only the building but also the intangibles of your St Clair County business. When you cannot be open to provide services or products for your customers and community for even a few days the harm done to your brand can be permanent. Our professional crews work quickly and offer restoration plans that frequently permit your business to remain open during our efforts. 
 
The SERVPRO project manager assigned to your business works with you to find the source of the water incursion and to devise a plan that permits part of your operation to remain open while our crews dry out wet areas. A retail enterprise that closes because of a disaster has only a 50 percent chance of reopening. We take pride in helping niche businesses stay the course while we complete a successful restoration. 
 
Our team of trained technicians uses powerful extractors in the areas where water collected, and air movers and dehumidifiers to continue the moisture reduction. We swiftly erect temporary barriers shielding the work area and rely on our top of the line equipment to dry the area fast. Using only certified and experienced workers speeds the tasks without any loss of quality. 
 
You also desire the special ambiance of your historic location to remain even after significant recovery efforts are complete. SERVPRO has a restoration mindset, not a demolition and replace or remodeling tendency. We strive to understand what is special about your space, and use our skills and care to ensure post-water damage your space looks and feels “Like it never even happened.” 
 
SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to exceed your expectations when it comes to restoring water damage in your eclectic home furnishing store. Call (205)-525-0332 for a consultation with one of our experienced assessors. 

Importance Of Smoke Detector Working

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Importance of a Working Smoke Detector

We took a call from a client who got an unpleasant early morning wake up call: her smoke alarm was going off.  She awoke to discover a small electrical fire had started in her kitchen.  With the early warning, her son and her were able to put out the fire and minimize the damage before it spread.  Now, imagine, if a fire started in the early hours in your home, while everyone was sleeping….and there was no Smoke Detector to awaken you and your family?

Since they came onto the market in the early 70’s, smoke detectors have reduced fire fatalities roughly in half.  Most fire fatalities are from smoke inhalation, a working smoke detector can get you responding sooner!

Here are some Smoke Detector tips to help keep your family safe:

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

If you and your family do experience a fire, call upon your Fire Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of St Clair County today at 205-525-0332!

Storms Coming Through, SERVPRO Will Be There!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

There is no storm too big or too small that we can’t handle. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County.

SERVPRO Works Together As One Big Team!!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair County is a franchise that is  independently owned and operated, just like the other 1700 SERVPRO franchises around the US.  Being part of the SERVPRO system means that while each owner runs his or her own franchise, we are also a part of a SERVPRO network that stretches across North America and works together to be the best team they can be. All of our trucks are painted the same familiar SERVPRO green color that we know and love, our staff is uniformed in the same SERVPRO uniforms, and we are all subject to the same SERVPRO corporate standards and requirements that are held high for each and every franchise.  What this means for our clients is that you can rely on SERVPRO teams no matter where you are to provide a consistent service for whatever damage you may have in your home or place of business. This is much different than using any other restoration company.  Being the industry leader in cleaning and restoration means that SERVPRO franchises are called upon more often than any other company. Let us be the ONE Brand and number ONE Team you call! 

Don't hesitate to call us @ 256-378-1319 for all of your restoration needs!!

All Day, Every Day!!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

We know that storms don't wait for business hours. We know that water leaks of any kind don't wait for a weekday. We know that fires of all sorts don't discriminate. That's why we are here for you all day, every day. 

We are locally owned as well as operated. What this means  is that we are close by and prepared and ready to respond when any type or size disaster strikes your St Clair County home or place of business. We have highly trained production technicians and state-of-the-art equipment that is rearing and ready to respond and properly restore your house to preloss conditions. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County is already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make a disaster "Like it never even happened."

Don't hesitate to give us a call today at 256-378-1319 for any of your restoration needs. 

We Will Restore And Replace!!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Let's take a second and talk about content restoration. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County, one of our specialties is restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise in “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while trying to save your beloved keepsakes that could not ever be replaced. We take the time to pretest your contents so that we can determine what items can be restored back to their preloss condition before whatever damage might have occurred. We use several different methods of cleaning your contents, including the following listed below:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

We know how much your precious items mean to you. They're more than just contents; they're prized photos, they're your baby's first outfit he/she wore as a newborn, they are all of your wonderful memories and we understand that. That's why we pride ourselves on being able to do our very best to Restore as well as Replace your precious items. 

If you have any sort of damage to your home where you may need your contents cleaned, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of St Clair County @ 256-378-1319 and we will be glad to assist you. 

SERVPRO Standards

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service?

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained production team responds quickly, whether it be you need water damage restoration or you might simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on our SERVPRO team for all of these residential services as well as more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

Are You Prepared In An Emergency?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know up to 50% of businesses that suffer in any sort of disaster may never reopen their doors? Of all the businesses that do so happen to survive a disaster, the majority of those businesses had an emergency ready plan in place.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, we can minimize the businesses interruption by having an immediate down the T plan of action. Knowing what to do, being ready and prepared and knowing what to expect in advance is the key for timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damages can affect your place of business.

Here are some of the things you'll get for taking advantage of the free ERP app- 

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Make this your first step to protect your business, your employees as well as your livelihood. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 256-378-1319 to learn more about how we can help you be "Ready for whatever happens."

Fire Damage, Call SERVPRO!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered about the work that goes into a fire damage?

Well SERVPRO of St Clair County is specialized with fire restoration training, we work very hard to make every aspect of your disaster as stress-free as possible. With every fire damage there comes a unique set of difficulties, but the process ends up remaining the same – and our trained team of production technicians are fully equipped to deal with every fire damage they come across, even the most challenging of fire damages.

If you look at the items listed below it will help you to better understand the fire restoration process.

1. Emergency Contact 

   The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

   We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

3. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

   Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

4. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

   The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

   We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

   We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

   Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

No matter how challenging your fire damage maybe, SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to restore your home to preloss conditions. Call us @ 256-378-1319 with any questions you may have. 

The Best At Water Damage Restoration!!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair County is available all day everyday for your water damage emergency needs, weather they be large or small. When you are dealing with any kind of water damage, immediate action is very crucial. Any sort of delay of just waiting a few hours can greatly increase the severity of any sort of water damage.

SERVPRO of St Clair County understands that when you call us, you may be feeling very confused, all sorts of stress, as well as very vulnerable. You need an expert like our team of trained technicians to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of St Clair County has the specific water damage training to help you through this tough time in your life. We specialize in all sorts of water damage restoration—in fact, it's the main expertise of our business.

What you can Expect

When you call SERVPRO of St Clair County, our office staff will ask you several questions regarding the water damage you have experienced in your home or place of business. These questions will help our team best determine what equipment as well as resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed for the damage as well. 

Our SERVPRO Representative will also ask several questions which are listed below:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of St Clair County

SERVPRO of St Clair County specializes in the cleanup as well as restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our trained technicians are well aware of the process of property damage restoration. From the initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to just the regular IICRC-industry certification, you be rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property to preloss condition.

Carpet Affected By Water Damage?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of St Clair County standards of carpet and upholstery cleaning show that not only will we extract that water and grime stuck in your carpet, we will also remove any unwanted dust and dirt. Our professionally dried and cleaned carpets will make all the difference in freshening up your home or place of business and improving indoor air quality. The major casualties that happen in a flooded home is flooring, particularly carpets. Once it is soaked and soaked through, both it and the underlying padding will potentially need replacement, which is an added expense that most homeowners or business owners would like to avoid. If there is a case of heavy flooding, whether it's from a natural disaster, a broken appliance, a busted pipe, or any other kind of water emergency, many people think that there's no chance that their carpets can ever be saved – but you can rest assured that SERVPRO of St Clair County will be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Just give us a call @ 256-378-1319 with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Why Should You Choose SERVPRO?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

What happens when any sort of disaster strikes and you are left to pick up all of the pieces? What in the world happens when the worst case scenario is the one you see before your own eyes, who can you trust these days to restore normalcy to your everyday life and take away the stress that comes with dealing with any kind of disaster aftermath?

At SERVPRO of St Clair County, we truly exist to lighten your load and take care of any kind of disaster situation you may have. We understand that planning for any kind of disaster is one thing, but going through it is something absolutely different. While insurance is there to help you for a reason, our team makes sure your home or business is highly taken care of by our elite team of highly trained professionals. 

Where it all at once seemed it was lost, by utilizing our restore first mentality, our highly trained technicians come into your home or business looking to restore them back to preloss condition. In addition to salvaging many items that can’t ever be replaced such as documentation, family heirlooms, or things of very sentimental value, our restorative approach is much more cost-efficient than replacing everything and starting back over from scratch.

Though we never wish disaster on anyone, we know good and well that these situations unfortunately happen. SERVPRO of St Clair County exists to take away the stress and make those situations “Like it never even happened.” 

To All Business Owners!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know that SERVPRO is an industry leader when it comes to commercial fire and water clean-up and restoration. And that we are available to respond to your businesses fire and water emergencies all day every day. We also have full access to resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 franchises, which means no disaster or damage is too big for us to handle.

Something that you may not know of is that we are so much more than just a fire and water restoration service! We offer professional services to get your business looking its best. Maybe your office’s carpets could use some sprucing up, or maybe your restaurant’s kitchen could use a deep cleaning. How dirty is your duct work? Imagine how dirty the duct work is on the inside! We have the right cleaning tools and products to get the job done.

You can depend on SERVPRO of St Clair County to get your workplace in tip top shape. Call us today at 256-378-1319.

Have No Doubts With Fire Extinguishers!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

If something flares up at your St Clair County home or business, act immediately and it will mitigate the amount of chaos and loss a fire can cause. Make sure your evacuation path is safe and will remain so, and the first line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Educating yourself as well as others on the proper containment before flames spread is key to promptly extinguish fire damage. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends the widely used P.A.S.S. acronym for remembering the simplified procedure of operating an extinguisher:

• Pull the safety-pin at the top to break the safety seal
• Aim for the bottom of the fire
• Squeeze the handle or button
• Sweep horizontally while still aiming at the fire’s base

Spraying should continue until the blaze disappears. If the fire is still blazing after the extinguisher’s contents are empty, you should immediately remove yourself and others from the premises. If the roar of the flames continues to grow or presents a threat to the evacuation route, get to safety and let emergency services arrive.

There are multiple different types of fire extinguishers. Some should definitely not be used in certain types of fires as they may worsen the fire damage. They have different labels displaying certain classes so you can easily distinguish their uses.

Class A are water-based extinguishers for cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and plastic fires. Class B use carbon dioxide to put out fires in flammable liquids such as oil and grease. Electrical fires need either a Class C or multipurpose dry chemical agent. 

A kitchen fire requires a special class K wet and dry chemical extinguisher that is specially made to handle intense deep fryer fires that Class B cannot.

In the aftermath of a fire, there will be damages. Your home or place of business can receive professional restoration from your local commercial fire restoration company. Knowing how to choose and use the appropriate fire extinguisher, you are able to lessen the fire damage to make restoration services even easier and cheaper. Fires don’t have to turn your profits red too. 

There Are Five Common Causes Of House Fires!!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are one of the most hazardous types of damages that can wreak chaos on your home. While safety measures may be put in place to combat fire (like having a fire extinguisher handy or a fire alarm system installed), knowing what the most common causes are can be a good first step in prevention of fires.

Cooking Equipment

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are ranked as the number one cause of house fires in the United States. It’s important to always be alert and aware when cooking in your kitchen, and to not leave items unattended. Pots and pans can easily overheat, food can burn, and any time large quantities of grease or oil are involved they can spray and splatter, taking only seconds to ignite into flame. Be sure to keep an eye on your cooking area at all times, and remove any combustible items like dish towels, paper towels and oven mitts so there are no flammable objects within range.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical fires are one of the most common threats homeowners face. From overloaded electrical outlets to malfunctioning appliances, fires can start quickly and grow strong. Be careful not to overload your circuits or leave lights on overnight, and if you can, start conducting an annual inspection of your home’s electrical systems. This will help you identify and locate any faulty wiring, damaged outlets or other issues your system may have.

Smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to house fires that occur in the United States each year. Lit cigarettes accidentally dropped somewhere in the home can quickly ignite its surroundings and build to dangerous levels of fire and smoke. The best way to significantly reduce the risk of this happening is to stop smoking altogether or by smoking outdoors. However, if you choose to smoke inside your home, take proper precautionary measures: don’t smoke in your bedroom or forget to extinguish your cigarette if you become drowsy. Use large, deep ashtrays, and keep them away from anything that will burn. And finally, check around for any fallen embers and properly dispose of them as soon as possible.

Dryers

This one may surprise some people, but your dryer could pose as a major hazard for your home if not properly maintained. When lint and dust build up over time, the dryer vent becomes clogged with highly flammable materials. When you run your dryer, it exposes the vent to high temperatures that can cause the build up to combust. Regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap and routinely inspecting the vent for blockage is the best way to avoid this potential danger.

Candles

Candles provide wonderful aromas and stunning ambiance to any room, but can be hazardous the moment you neglect them. Always blow out a candle before you leave a room – an unattended open flame is asking for trouble, and can quickly lead to a house fire. In addition to blowing it out, be sure to clear away any flammable materials from the vicinity of the candle prior to lighting it. Trimming the wick can also help reduce the size of the flame, better containing it.

If you are worried about any of these different types of hazards that may exist in your home or place of business and you have any questions, feel free to call our team of trained professional technicians here at SERVPRO of St Clair County. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Tips For Keeping Those Water Bills Down

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

We have talked about all sorts of ways to prevent and reduce the risk of water damages in your home or place of business, but what about reducing the cost of that water bill you receive?

Here are a few tips from our wonderful highly trained team of experts here at SERVPRO of St Clair County that will help you keep your water bill lower while also helping your home or business and the environment in the process:

1. First and foremost, it’s important to identify and then fix any water leaks you may have. Not only can leaks potentially drain thousands of gallons worth of water, they can lead to major water damage problems for your home. Check faucets, drains, and plumbing around the house to look and listen for any signs that could indicate a leak. If you find one, get it fixed right away!

2. Use your dishwasher! That’s right – running a full load of dishes in the dishwasher is actually a much more efficient use of water than washing dishes individually by hand. The key here though is running a full load, that’s how you’ll get the most out of your water usage.

3. Take shorter showers, or switch to a low-flow shower head. Reducing your shower time by even a couple of minutes makes big cuts in the amount of water you use from month to month. As an alternative, low-flow shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute, which according to the US Department of Energy could end up reducing you water bill by 25-60 %, saving you a significant amount of money in utility bills.

4. Insulate your water pipes. One trip to the hardware store for some foam insulation cut in the shape of a pipe and your half-way there! Taping insulation to your water pipes will help them heat up water faster, which in turn means less time running water from your sink or shower waiting for it to warm up.

5. Limit your use of the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. Instead, scrape whatever excess food that’s on your dishes into the trash, then place them in the dishwasher – remember? We want a full load! Disposals use a lot of water to flush things down the drain, so reducing its use will reduce the amount of water you’re using in your kitchen.

With these helpful tips to get you started, you should start seeing a big drop in your water bill in no time at all. By also being mindful of your water usage and very aware of the conditions your pipes, faucets, and appliances are in, you can help prevent any costly water leaks or damaging water spills that may occur.

Trust In Us!!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

We are... Faster To Any Size Disaster

Any sort of flooding or water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does our team. SERVPRO of St Clair County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services all day everyday—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

We are... Highly Trained Professional Technicians

Our technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

We have... Advanced Technology

The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology as well as the techniques used in the restoration and remediation industry. These advancements allow our professional technicians to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

Call SERVPRO of St Clair County with any of your water damage needs! We are always available at 256-378-1319.

3 Questions About Fire Alarms

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

You as a home owner probably have at least one or two smoke alarms in your home, but how often do you really think about that? For many people, the answer is probably “never.” Your alarm can help prevent all sorts of fire and smoke damages in your home by warning you at the first indication of a blaze of fire, but only if you follow the correct and proper procedures. The next time you find yourself thinking about your fire alarm, ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Do you have the right number of smoke alarms in your home?
It is unlikely that you only have one fire alarm in your home, but it is possible that you still don’t have as many as you should. There is no set number of alarms that you should have in your house as the answer depends on the size of your residence. Each level of your home, including basements and attics, should have at least one alarm. There should be an alarm placed inside each bedroom as well as in the hallway outside each sleeping area.

2. When is the last time you replaced your alarms?
While you might think about changing the batteries in your smoke alarms, at least when they start beeping at you as a reminder, you might not have considered that the alarms themselves need replacing as well. The detectors in a fire alarm will start to wear out between eight to ten years after you’ve started using it, so it is important to replace them around this time.

3. Are you taking proper care of your alarms?
In order to keep your alarms working properly, they should be well maintained. Be sure to replace the batteries immediately when the reminder sounds so that you know they will work in case of an emergency. Each fire alarm should be cleaned regularly and tested at least once a month.

A fire damage restoration service can help in the event of a fire but keeping properly maintained alarms in the necessary areas of your home can help prevent significant damage and keep you safe.

Restoration Of Commercial Property

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Do you often find that your basement is always wet after what might just seem a small storm? Are you having to deal with the continuous drying of your basement during snow season? You are not alone. The majority of homeowners have the same issues with excess water or moisture intruding into their basements during very poor weather situations and are looking for all sorts of solutions to their problem.

SERVPRO of St Clair County technicians understand that a wet basement can cause all sorts of problems. As a finished living space, any moisture intruding into your basement can ruin carpet, drywall, insulation and framing.

Water getting into a cellar you use for your storage can warp flooring one level above and encourage the spread of mold to other areas of your home. 
 
Inclement weather conditions that occur such as rainfall and melting snow have the ability to produce thousands of gallons of water and can cause all sorts of major problems you simply aren't ready to handle.

Maintaining clean gutters and making sure that you provide the proper soil slopes in your landscaping can channel excess water away from your home. Correct R-rated attic insulation can help prevent ice damming on the roof and gutters leading to more harm.

Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 256-378-1319 with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Call SERVPRO We Understand!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Whenever you have a certain problem with your home or place of business, the first impulse is usually to tackle the problem yourself. Sometimes this may be the right choice, and the problem’s easy enough to solve on your own. Other times it’s way safer and smarter to call in the pros from the beginning.

Finding tricky leaks is one of those times. Sure, some leaks are easy to track down, but water has its own way of traveling odd paths. So once you find a leak that's tough, then it’s time to call in some help. And here’s why:

They Know Where to Look

Water can travel all sorts of strange paths before it finally decides to come out into your home, and you might be surprised how far it can go. Those discolored spots on your basement ceiling could actually be caused from a leak in your roof, or your wall on the opposite end of the house.

Our highly trained professionals have tracked down hundreds, even thousands of leaks over the years. That experience gives our team a wide variety of usual suspects to check, and a good number of unusual ones, too.

They Know What to Look For

That slight, turquoise line along your copper pipe? That’s where water has run along the outside and caused the copper to oxidize. It’s a sure sign that a leak is sending water traveling on the wrong side of the pipes.

Pros know these and dozens of other signs. What looks like a bit of dirt to you might indicate a serious leak in your roof, foundation, or wall. Or it might just be some dirt. A professional will be able to know the difference for certain.

They’ve Got the Right Equipment

Most of us can only use our eyes or sense of touch to lead us to water, but not the professionals. They have a wide variety of specialized equipment that can sense moisture and humidity through walls or probe underground for water deposits using ground penetrating radar.

This equipment can be very expensive to buy and very tricky to use. They have years of experience using the equipment, and know how to put it to good use.

SERVPRO of St Clair County 256-378-1319

Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Broken Pipes?

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded kitchen in St Clair County

Imagine coming home from work to find your worst nightmare of a flood in the bathroom or kitchen. Water can cause a ton of damage in a small amount of time. Luckily, your insurance provider may help you pay for emergency restoration services.

What Is Covered

A typical homeowner's insurance policy pays for the harm caused by an unforeseen or sudden issue. Your insurance may cover damage that results from the following problems:

• Leaking air conditioner
• Cracked pipe or water tank
• Broken washing machine
  
  

Keep in mind that your policy will only cover water damage caused by an emergency within your home. It does not include harm caused by a weather event such as a rainstorm or hurricane. It also doesn’t cover destruction resulting from overflowing sewers. However, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home from these potential disasters.
The insurance company can also deny your claim if it determines that the flooding was caused by your negligence. Specifically, if the insurer concludes that your failure to properly maintain your pipes caused them to break or burst, you may have to pay for repairs yourself. This means you should check your pipes regularly and address any small cracks or leaks immediately. Those who live in colder climates should also take steps to prevent pipes from freezing.

Initial Versus Resulting Damage

This insurance money can be used to clean and replace items that were harmed or destroyed by the excess water. Insurance should even cover the cost of removing the water and preventing mold growth. However, many policies do not include the expense of repairing the item that caused the flood in the first place. You will likely have to pay to fix the broken pipe or appliance yourself.
If your St Clair County, home suffers a water emergency, your insurance coverage can make the repair process less painful. However, in order to ensure that the provider accepts your claim, you should perform regular maintenance on your appliances and pipes.

What To Do After Commercial Water Damage

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Damage due to a water loss.

Commercial water damage often involves larger spaces, pipes, or roofs, and it may be more costly to fix than damage in a residential structure. If your commercial property in Las Vegas, NV has sustained damage from broken pipes or a leaky roof, you should take steps to reduce the amount of excess water and contact a commercial restoration service that specializes in water cleanup.

Cleaning up after a leak can be a messy process, but there are several ways to limit the extent of the damage and the potential for secondary damage. Immediately after a leak occurs, you should:

• Use buckets, mops, or towels to prevent water from soaking into building materials, carpet, furniture, or other items.
• Contact a plumber or roofing company to handle the leak as soon as possible.
• Contact a cleanup and restoration service that’s certified to handle leaks and prevent secondary damage within 24 hours of the leak.

Once you have dealt with the broken pipe or any other source of excess water in your commercial property, you should contact a certified commercial restoration service to dry, clean, and restore the affected areas to their original conditions.

A water damage restoration company can provide several services, including:

• water mitigation by removing standing water from your commercial property
• Dehumidification and ventilation to control moisture and prevent secondary damage, such as mold growth
• Restoration of property damaged by storms, burst pipes, or roof leaks

If broken pipes or a leaky roof have caused damage in your commercial property in St Clair County you should contact a local or regional service that specializes in water damage cleanup and restoration. The sooner you fix a leak and address any damage that has resulted, the more affordably, effectively, and quickly you will be able to restore your property to a functional and safe condition. 

3 Tips for Locating Unseen Mold

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

A musty smell could be the cause of mold growth

3 Tips for Locating Unseen Mold

When you have a mold smell in your St Clair County home or business there may be a problem. Unfortunately, odor alone is not always enough to locate the problem. If you haven’t found the source of the smell, here are a few things you may want to consider.

1. Look for Water Problems

In many cases, a persisting fungus smell can also indicate a moisture problem. This is because most mold growth occurs around areas of water damage. If you have a location in your company property that has sustained water damage this should be the first place you look for possible mold. Consider leaky appliances or bathroom areas, but also check around the foundation or areas of damage in the roof.

2. Call a Professional

It’s also highly recommended to contact a remediation service whenever you notice a mold smell. These professionals will have a good idea of where the source of the odor may be. In the event that mold spores are not visually identifiable, they should still be able to perform several tests in order to determine if mold is present on the company property.

3. Have a Test Done

If you can’t see the source of the mildew smell, the restoration professional can complete a series of tests to determine if and where mold may be. They may conduct an air test, take a residue sample, or even take a sample of material that mold may be growing on. Once the results have been determined the remediation service can let you know what the best course of action will be.
Locating a mold smell at your place of business can take a little time. Consider areas where water damage or other moisture problems have occurred around the business property. If the source of the odor remains unfound the professional remediation service can have some tests done to determine the location and mold type of anything located on the company property

Insurance Agents and the SERVPRO Claims Inventory System

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can make your job easier when you access the claims inventory system

SERVPRO Can Make Your Job Easier

When disaster strikes in ST Clair County just about everyone in the community is involved in some way. If you're an insurance agent serving this community, you may have concerns about your own home and business place, as well as the responsibility to handle an insurance claim for each of your clients. SERVPRO can make your job easier when you access the claims inventory system.

Parts of the Claims Inventory System

There are three parts of the system that work together to help you pull up the information you need as quickly as possible:

• The Claims Information Center contains many relevant facts and figures including a history of claims and even answers to some of your most asked questions.
• The ReportER database is handled through corporate headquarters, so you can access relevant information from around the country.
• The Management Dashboard puts all of the access tools in a user-friendly platform, so you won't have to struggle to find the information you need.
  
  
  

Completing an insurance claim accurately can be a time-consuming task and may be overwhelming if you have your own properties to worry about. With the SERVPRO claims inventory system at your fingertips, you can enjoy many benefits.

How the Inventory System Helps Agents

What exactly does the inventory system have to offer? Insurance agents can use the system to look up facts according to claim type and within a specific geographic location (such as nationally or locally.) Agents can get more information about cause of loss information or run comparisons of job costs. The database also keeps track of response times, company performance compared to national averages, and individual file reviews.

Simplify the Claims Process and Move On

Working through an insurance claim for someone else who requires the services of property damage reconstruction professionals while your own home or commercial property has been affected by a disaster can be difficult. With a lot of facts and comparisons all in one place, you may find the claims process has been streamlined and simplified, letting you move on to other things.

Biohazard.. What is that?

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO

Biohazard - a risk to human health or the environment arising from biological work, especially with microorganisms.

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. Using the correct safety equipment to clean biohazards and the correct chemicals and procedures when a site in your home or business has been contaminated is the SERVPRO® of St Clair County way.

We have a team of professional crew members that can handle the situation quickly, respectfully, and correctly to leave the affected area without a trace of contamination. 

SERVPRO® of St Clair County is always here to help during any disaster, whether it be water damage, fire damage, storm damage or biohazard.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO® of St Clair County for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, SERVPRO® of St Clair County is ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact the professional biohazard cleaning service to discover more about our biohazard restoration services and secure our help.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of St Clair County, 205-525-0332]

Catch Appliance Leaks Before Water Damage Occurs

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

If your home experiences any flooding or other water issue, SERVPRO of St Clair County is here to dry, clean and repair any damage.

All household appliances that utilize water are prone to leaks in one way or another, but if these leaks are not caught early on, water damage can begin.

Because many appliances are not moved or inspected with frequency, this water damage can be harbored for ages before homeowners are made aware—this is why regular inspections are so important for prevention.

<h3these-appliances-for-leaks-often">Inspect These Appliances for Leaks Often

Hot Water Heater
The lifetime of a hot water heater will typically span 10 to 15 years, but leaks can start much earlier than this. The seals and pipes connected to the hot water heater can often break down, so keeping an eye out for any accumulation both during and after use is a smart move.

Refrigerator
The rarity with which refrigerators are moved can lead to secret water damage that festers for ages before it is brought to light. A refrigerator’s water lines are typically made from a soft plastic that can easily fail, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.

Dishwasher
A dishwasher’s tubing is just as problematic as a refrigerator, but is even more isolated and utilizes far more water. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover water damage caused by older models of dishwashers, so regular checks are extremely important to keep up with.

Washing Machine
Washing machine hoses are some of the most common sources of leaks. Because they are notorious for this, it is recommended that they are inspected at least once a month by homeowners so you can be sure no issues have arisen. In addition to these regular checks, they should be fully replaced every five years in order to prevent hidden deterioration.

Air Conditioner
The drain in your HVAC unit is designed to keep condensation from pooling in and around the unit, but if this drain malfunctions, water damage can quickly be caused. Reference your manufacturer’s manual to determine how often your unit should be inspected and serviced—having a professional technician evaluate your machine is the best defense against HVAC-created water damage.

Avoiding Fire Hazards in the Kitchen

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are rated as the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries.

Has your kitchen been designated as a place for family and friends to gather and spend quality time together as, perhaps, a cozy comfort food meal is cooking? Well, the kitchen is also a space where many home fires occur.

Cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries with the leading cause of these kitchen fires being unattended cooking.

State Farm paid out a whopping $130 million for homeowners insurance claims related to grease and other cooking fires in just 2017 alone. According to the insurance company, these are the worst states for kitchen fires:

• North Carolina
• Texas
• Pennsylvania
• California
• Ohio
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New York
• Alabama
• Georgia

<h4fire-safety-tips">Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

Staying in the kitchen while cooking is not the only fire safety tip you should be following. Here are some other helpful tips to observe while cooking:

1. Are you wearing loose-fitting clothing or long sleeves? They could catch on fire if you aren’t careful while cooking over the stove. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.

2. Do you keep flammable items away from the stovetop? Make sure kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains aren’t too close to the stovetop when cooking. Ideally, anything flammable should be moved away from the stovetop.

3. Do you have a fire extinguisher readily accessible to the kitchen? Hopefully you have at least one fire extinguisher located in your home, ideally one that is near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.

4. How are you disposing of your hot grease? Even if the grease is not on fire, it could be hot enough to cause something in the trash to catch fire. You should let the grease cool a bit and then dispose of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the smoke points of the oils you cook with. Be sure to never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.

5. Have you created a fire escape plan for an emergency? No one wants something bad to happen, but it’s better to be safe rather than sorry if an emergency were to occur. Review exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO of Clair County is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Uses Multiple Options for Drying Hardwood Floors

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Water quickly damages hardwood floors. SERVPRO has the know how to restore your floors. Call us today!

Strategies to Remove Water in Wood Flooring Homes

With engineered or hardwood plank flooring in your Dallas residence, situations like water loss incidents could have a dire effect. Despite the severity of the loss situation, migrating water can get absorbed into the planks faster than many homeowners might believe. Because engineered wood typically gets comprised of thin materials pressed together, this material is especially susceptible to saturation and splitting. 

When you need to consider water removal for your St Clair County home flooring, our SERVPRO team has multiple options for wood materials. The approach chosen depends on the saturation levels of the material, when water damage stays on the surface, when free moisture in the plank exists, and when the water has bonded with the molecular structure of the flooring. Once water becomes ‘bound’ in the wood plank floors, these physical deformities develop. 

Air Movers  

Air movers are often the first line of defense for almost every drying task that our professionals undertake. These tools are vital in removing a vapor barrier that exists during evaporative drying. These high-velocity machines displace the cool air trapped above the surface of wood plank flooring to allow the material to dry evenly and quickly. 

Drying Mats 

Drying mats are one of the specialty pieces of equipment that our professionals have to address saturation in porous, hard materials like wood plank flooring. With a consistent, slow draw of the moisture trapped in the planks, we can regulate the water removal process and ensure that these materials do not get dried too quickly or too completely, both of which could damage the wood. 

Reconstruction 

When there are no feasible solutions for removing trapped moisture in the flooring, and physical deformities have already developed, it is necessary to remove these portions. Our SERVPRO contractors can utilize controlled demolition techniques to only remove the areas overly damaged by the migrating water to protect subflooring materials. 

These are a few of the strategies that our SERVPRO of St Clair County team can use to manage water loss situations in area homes. No matter how we can help, give our team a call at (205)- 

Why Professional Restoration Services are Necessary After Fire Damage

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

It is tempting to remove debris after a fire, but you can unintentionally spread soot. SERVPRO knows how to remove debris and restore your home.

Reasons DIY Fire Damage Cleanup is a Bad Idea in St Clair County Homes 

After fire damage occurs in a home, the number one priority of most homeowners is to get life back to normal as rapidly as possible. One of the biggest mistakes they make is cleaning up the smoke damage and removing charred items themselves. Both of these actions have the capacity to make the situation worse.  

When homeowners work on a fire damage in their homes on their own, the outcome can be less favorable than they expected. Some cleaning products or incorrectly used methods can increase the loss and render items unrestorable.  

Stop the Spread of Soot

Setting up containment is something that rarely gets done in DIY cleanups. SERVPRO technicians know soot particles can exist smaller than the human eye can see. If the fire loss area does get contained, it can spread throughout the home and require more cleanup to remove the soot and odors. 

Improper Cleaning Makes it Worse

It is vital to test smoke residues on surfaces before cleaning. Because a fire can burn at different temperatures in a single room and various types of items get charred, an array of residues get left behind. While sheetrock and wood structural elements tend to leave behind a light, powdery residues called dry smoke, plastic, and rubber items produce wet smoke, which is thick and can prove challenging to remove from surfaces without the proper cleaning agents.  

SERVPRO techs carefully test and use methods such as dry cleaning sponges to carefully lift away dry smoke. When wet cleaners come into contact with wet smoke, it drives the particles deeper into the surface, and this can mainly ruin painted walls and require further restoration efforts such as ceiling over painted walls to lock in the soot and odor and ready the wall for repainting. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County when you need fast, complete fire damage cleanup and restoration service. The certified technicians have the tools and knowledge to make the fire loss "Like it never even happened." 

St Clair County Homes Benefit from Rapid Mold Remediation Done By SERVPRO

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Moldy Walls in Your Bathroom? Fast--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Remediation

How Mold Can Form in Your St Clair County Master Bathroom

When St Clair homeowners think of mold growing in their homes or their property, they visualize areas like their crawlspace or some similar dark and damp area. While these areas can become prone to this damage, they are not the only areas of your home that remain at risk for this debilitating growth. Bathrooms are often some of the locations where mold and mildew can commonly get discovered, and this can be from numerous sources.

While you might not think of mold damage as a reason to call out professionals to your St Clair County home, this organism can cause both structural concerns as well as prolonged health effects without the right intervention. Your master bathroom can have many sources of moisture damage from undried overflows from the bathtub, leaking connections for the sink or toilet, or even just poor ventilation that does not allow steam to leave the room as efficiently as it should.

Our SERVPRO professionals can inspect this area of your property upon arrival to determine where the moisture is most prevalent, and work to determine its root cause as we set up containment strategies to prevent the spread of the mold damage to other areas of your home. Our technicians have mositure detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras to help determine the precise locations of moisture pockets so that drying efforts can be as efficient as possible.

We can work to remove the mold that has affected organic materials throughout the bathroom area such as the vanity, cabinets, and fabrics. In some situations, drying and sanding materials can effectively remove newly forming mold growth, but in other situations, these cabinets and affected materials must get removed entirely to prevent the continued spread of this health-hazardous growth. We also treat the exposed wall cavities with an antimicrobial product to help limit future mold growth.

No matter what must occur to remediate and restore your master bathroom following mold growth, our SERVPRO of St Clair County remediation technicians can see it through every step. Let us remove the mold and restore the damage it has caused in your home by calling (205)-525-0332

Cleaning After a Storm

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Air movers in a Alabama home after a tropical storm

When a storm causes damage to your home, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to start the cleanup process. Due to flooding and other factors, however, there are several ways in which cleaning after a storm often differs from cleaning after other types of damage from water.

1. Water Is Removed

Whereas a pipe break may only require a certain area of the house to be cleaned, and it likely will not result in a major flood, storms can cause extensive water damage. Standing flood water can often be contaminated, meaning that removing the water can be hazardous if not done correctly. It’s important to use protective equipment, like masks, boots, gloves and other items when removing water that is polluted.

2. Home Is Dried

Once water is removed from the home after a storm, it’s important to dry out the area. Keep the home dry will help prevent mold growth. However, it’s important to make sure the right equipment is used while drying the area out after flooding. Using a vacuum cleaner or putting on a fan when a ceiling is drooping can be hazardous as well as ineffective. Once the home is dry, the next process of cleaning and restoration can begin.

3. Sanitization Is Required

Since storm floodwater is often contaminated, a home that has sustained flood damage is often typically thoroughly sanitized. In addition to cleaning items within your home, which may include furniture, clothes or other personal belongings, the home itself may require special cleaning. Often, the process of disinfecting a home includes eliminating the causes of unpleasant odors as well as eliminating odors themselves, and the use of disinfectants as well as the use of antibacterial treatments.

Knowing the differences between pipe burst flooding and a storm water damage can give you a better idea of what to expect and where to start the cleanup and restoration process. You could find it useful to work with water and storm damage professionals as you begin to restore your home.

When Are Emergency Board Up Services Necessary?

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

The process of emergency board up is simple but necessary if a window breaks before a storm or during some sort of disaster.

If your home, has recently experienced damage from a disaster such as a fire, severe storm, wind, or hail, you might be left with shattered windows and a compromised roof. If not addressed quickly, your house will be left vulnerable to the elements and even more damage can occur. When in this type of emergency situation, you will need tarp and board up services right away.

What Is Emergency Board Up?

The process of emergency board up is simple but necessary if a window breaks before a storm or during some sort of disaster. Shattered windows leave the inside of your house exposed and can lead to secondary damage. Since it is not always possible to immediately repair a window, plywood can be placed on windows to temporarily prevent further harm.

How Can Board Up Services Help?

There are several ways board up services can benefit you including:

• Preventing storm damage by boarding up windows beforehand
• Keeping your home intact while a remediation specialist does repairs
• Detering vandals and thieves from entering
• Ensuring you receive insurance coverage

Do You Need Roof Tarping Services?

In the case of fire damage or extreme wind, often your roof will experience damage in addition to your windows. Broken shingles or a weakened structure can allow water to make its way into your home or can cave in creating an unsafe environment. For this reason, many people will also need roof tarping services after an emergency. This includes placing a tarp over large gaps or broken areas of your roof.
When unable to immediately fix your home’s windows or roof after an emergency occurs, board up and roof tarping services can provide temporary protection for the interior of your home until the necessary repairs can be made. While you might hope you can get by without this service, the risk of further damage occurring is high. For this reason, it is essential you seek help right away.

Water Damage in St Clair County? CALL SERVPRO!!!

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

We have the best team and equipment to properly handle any size water damage disaster in your home. We are available 24/7, so don't hesitate.

Eliminating Commercial Water Damage in St Clair County

St Clair County business owners may find that news headlines often showcase disasters like fires, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Still, water claims tend to top the charts in terms of everyday risk to commercial facilities. Not only can water damage deteriorate structures without thorough mitigation, but it can create the conditions that allow mold and other microbes to thrive. 

If your St Clair County business has been effected by water, you can count on SERVPRO technicians to eliminate the disaster quickly and easily. This team knows that water damage does not occur on a 9-to-5 schedule, so technicians strive to provide service 24/7, 365 days a year, including during the holidays. Professional cleanup that focuses on salvaging your assets when it is safe and feasible to do so can be vital to saving you time, money, and stress. 

Critical Factors for Preserving Office Electronics  

Maintain consistent temperatures. Temperature fluctuations can have significant effects on computer equipment, especially servers. Keep the air around servers at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain reliability. 

Monitor humidity. In your office's computer room, data center, or similar areas, keep relative humidity between 45% and 55% to prevent condensation that can corrode, rust, or short-circuit equipment.

Be mindful of water-related risks. Water leaks cause a whopping 24% of data center outages, which is both harmful for your possessions and your ability to generate revenue.

Manage your cables. Not only can disorganized cables cause equipment interference that can lead to network outages, but mitigation experts may need more time to repair and maintain equipment.  

How SERVPRO Saves the Day

SERVPRO technicians train in proper safety practices with water damage and electronic equipment. They have extensive experience in cleaning data centers, computing areas, and server rooms in commercial facilities. Professionals take great care in ensuring that electronics are turned off and safely contained. We erect drying chambers made of plastic sheeting or polyethylene to contain devices and maintain proper relative humidity and temperatures during the drying process. SERVPRO can also recommend or enlist the aid of certified electronics restoration professionals to preserve your equipment and minimize replacement costs. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County strives to aid local businesses by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (205)-525-0332 today for fast disaster cleanup. 

Removing Kitchen Water Damage in a St Clair County Home

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can ruin your St Clair County home, call SERVPRO we will help.

Winter can be a trying time for pipes in any home. Whether you are struggling with pipe leaks, frozen pipes, or other plumbing concerns that come from the weather during this season, it is crucial to address them quickly. All it takes is a hole as small as 1/8" to pour hundreds of gallons of water into your home each day.

If the kitchen of your St Clair County home has suffered a water damage, IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians are ready to restore your home to a preloss condition. These disaster mitigation specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, because disasters do not occur on a 9-to-5 schedule. Along with a stringent background check, our employees are often US veterans. We appreciate their service to our country, and we have a hiring campaign to have these exceptional individuals as part of our team. 

Signs of Damaged Pipes in Your Kitchen

Winter can be a risky time for pipes, so keep an eye out for the signs of frozen or damaged plumbing in your kitchen:

• Temperature. The most significant factor that determines whether pipes can freeze is whether the weather is at or below freezing temperatures. Have your plumbing inspected for potential vulnerabilities as soon as possible, ideally before the first frost or the next dip in temperatures.
• Frost. Check exposed pipes for frost accumulation on the outside of the pipe, especially under the kitchen sink. This is a common warning sign that the pipe is frozen.
• Water. If water is not coming out of the faucet and there is either no water or only a slight trickle, the pipe supplying the water to that faucet might be frozen.
• Odors. One of the biggest giveaways of a blocked or frozen pipe comes in the form of strange smells. Because blockage prevents the travel of water through the pipe, the only way for odors to move is up through drains.

How SERVPRO Can Help

The most crucial step technicians take before establishing drying goals and extracting water from your home is measuring moisture with a variety of advanced tools. If you have a pipe leak behind an exterior kitchen wall, for example, technicians can use infrared cameras to detect moisture behind visible surfaces that might be affecting structural materials such as studs, insulation, and drywall. 

Other measurement tools, including penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters, are consistently used throughout the cleaning and drying process and compared with the ideal relative humidity for various materials.

SERVPRO of St Clair County can ensure that your kitchen looks, "Like it never even happened." You can call (205)-525-0332 for a cleanup that begins within hours.

Call SERVPRO Immediately After A Water Loss Occurs

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of St Clair County for any help you may need. Our service line is always available day or night! 256-378-1319

When a broken pipe happens inside your home, water coming out in a steady stream floods the area rapidly. Lost water like this can evaporate fast enough to cause other problems inside your home. High amounts of water vapor can lead to a range of issues, from microbial infestations to loosened wall coverings.

We help property owners stabilize their home's humidity levels, which can prevent water damage from developing. We use thermal imaging equipment to locate water leaks, trapped water, and areas with higher-than-normal amounts of moisture content. Our drying equipment includes pumps of different sizes, air movers, desiccant machines, and dehumidifiers. Air scrubbers also play a role in making your home secure again, "Like it never even happened."

Water damage that occurs after water loss events can happen anywhere inside the house. Water does not stay confined to only the area where the pipe broke. This is why we use thermal imaging equipment in looking for damaged areas that might remain undetected otherwise. Peeling paint on ceilings is more evident than mold hidden inside wall spaces and under cabinet bottoms. However, both need mitigation and cleanup work to keep your home healthy.

When homeowners call us immediately after an incident, we can extract the water and completely prevent water damage from spreading to other areas of the home. This process may seem highly intensive, but we must ensure that we extract the water as it spreads. Water travels to drier locations steadily, but extraction efforts can significantly slow this down.

Extracting water is only part of the work, and we set up the other machinery to ensure that water cannot settle in any location. Trapping it as either a liquid or as vapor in the air re-establishes dry conditions again. When a slow leak and not a broken pipe with sudden water loss caused the problem, we use similar methods. Either way, we restore dry conditions that protect your home from the effects of water damage.

SERVPRO performs both preventative work against water damage and mitigation where current damage exists. Contact us for more information by calling 256-378-1319

3 Things You Should Know About Mold Growth in Kitchens

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere

Whether you notice mold in your fridge or bread mold, the presence of mold in your kitchen in St Clair County can be frustrating. However, knowing more about why mold so often grows in kitchens can help you prevent mold in your own kitchen.

1. Mold Thrives in Humid Environments

Kitchens are often the perfect environment for mold growth due to frequent high levels of humidity. Many appliances in the kitchen use water, which can also increase the chance that mold will grow. Though it isn’t always possible to keep humidity low while cooking, using fans or opening windows to improve the airflow in the kitchen can help to lessen the likelihood that mold will grow.

2. Mold on Certain Foods Is Common

Seeing bread mold is not uncommon, though many people are unsure why mold grows on bread so often. In addition to needing water, mold also needs organic material to grow. Fungus growth can appear on a variety of foods, but mold on bread is particularly common because bread is often stored in warm environments, such as in breadboxes, and bread is a good source of food for mold.

3. Mold Can Grow in Cooler Environments

Though some people may believe they don’t have to worry about mold growing in cooler areas in their kitchen, mold can in fact grow in a wide variety of temperatures and environments. Fridge mold is one of the most common types of mold growth in kitchens. Though keeping your kitchen at a cooler temperature can help prevent mold in some instances, it’s also helpful to keep all surfaces, including inside the refrigerator, clean in order to prevent mold growth.

In combination with an understanding of where mold tends to grow and why, steps such as keeping your kitchen cool and dry, store food appropriately and keeping your kitchen clean can make it easier to prevent bread mold and other types of mold growth in your kitchen. However, if you need assistance with mold removal, it can help to contact mold specialists.

Why SERVPRO- The Right Choice

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Make SERVPRO of St Clair County your choice after a water damage occurs!

As a customer of SERVPRO of St Clair County, we want you to know that every SERVPRO technician that enters your home is trained to safely clean and restore your home or business after its faced a loss.

The following steps are taken to Clean and Restore Your Home or Business after a water loss: 

- Identify the Source/ Type of Water

- Measure Temperature and Humidity for Drying Analysis

- Survey the Extent of Damage and Inspect the Premises for Hidden Moisture

- Perform Emergency Water Extraction

- Move and Block furniture and Contents

- Inspect Carpet Pad/Carpet and Provide Service

- Apply Necessary Treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization)

- Utilize Advanced Drying and Monitoring Equipment

- Dispose of Refuse 

All our SERVPRO of St Clair County technicians are IICRC certified and have extensive knowledge about our services and equipment. We have the professional training and equipment to help make water damage “Like it never even happened."

Give us a call 24/7 at 205-525-0332.  You’ll be happy you made the right choice.

3 Factors That Can Increase the Chances of Flooding in Your Basement

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a cracked foundation in your home you should get it fixed to avoid any flooding in your basement.

Some homeowners in St Clair County, experience the occasional basement flood more often than others. Homes where lower-level flooding happens regularly often show signs of at least one of the following factors.

Shoddy Work

If corners were cut during construction, it's likely that your basement will bear the consequences.Water damage experts recommend that you inspect your home for problems that need to be fixed:

• Bad seals on basement floors and walls
• Improperly positioned downspouts that direct water toward the house rather than away from it
• Cracks in the foundation
  
  

Some of these problems may be expensive to fix, but doing so can save you more money in flood repairs in the long run.

Clogged Drainage

Regular home maintenance is important. It's more than just making your home look nice, though. Keeping your gutters clean can help your drainage system work properly during a heavy rainstorm. If they are clogged, water is likely to run down the side of your house, resulting in a basement flood. Cleaning the debris out of your gutters on a regular basis, particularly in the fall when leaves tend to gather there, not only looks good but also protects your home.

Poor Site Planning

A tendency toward basement flooding may go as far back as when the site for your home was chosen. If it was built in a low-lying area, you may have a flooded basement every time a big storm comes your way. Over time, sediment can build up to create a barrier against floodwaters. Until that happens, however, you can build up terraces in your landscaping plan to redirect the water's flow elsewhere.
Several factors can contribute to flooding on the lower levels of your home, and you may not be aware that any of them are a problem until the first flood happens. Your home may not be resistant to a basement flood now, but there are several things you can do to decrease your chances of water damage in the future

Every Second Counts

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Practice your fire escape plan during the daytime and nightime

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan:

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and nighttime.

Call SERVPRO of St Clair County with any questions you may have.

Our Professionals Can Help After A Storm Has Damaged Your Home

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Give our technicians a call today at (205)-525-0332

St Clair County homes have benefitted from the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO team. As leading storm response professionals, we can assess the immediate damages when we first arrive and perform several emergency services. In most cases, many homeowners might think that the most restoration companies can offer immediately following a storm is board up.

As beneficial as fast board up services can be following storm-related flood damages in St Clair County homes, the other actions that our professionals can take when we arrive can have an equally beneficial effect on the residence. Understanding what to expect both from our experienced mitigation specialists and our licensed general contractors arriving at the damaged household.

Temporary Fencing
One of the most pressing concerns of homeowners, when they must vacate their property, is what becomes of their house when they are not around. Our SERVPRO team keeps close tabs on your property and what it needs and can deter intrusion and even animal infestations when you are away from the house with the installation of temporary fencing.

Extraction
Standing water is a grave concern for your home, primarily because of how prolonged exposure can weaken construction materials and irreparably damage contents in the house. Extraction is often one of the first focuses of the arriving water restorers of our team. We have multiple options regarding equipment, though, without the presence of solids to battle, the standard choice is the electric portable submersible pump.

Tree Removal
Trees can be catastrophic to homes, and their presence after the storm can hinder the immediate mitigation work that the property needs. Our in-house general contractors can remove this tree and its remnants to ensure that the work begins on the household as soon as possible.

As damaging as wind and storms can be to area businesses and homes, our SERVPRO of St Clair County team can help however you need. We have effective emergency services that can save you money and time. Give our technicians a call today at (205)-525-0332

Space Heater Safety

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Dangers of plugged in space heaters

The ability to return to a cozy, heated home after spending time outside will become increasingly important as temperatures rapidly drop this winter in St Clair County. While many homeowners utilize central heating systems to maintain warmth in their homes, many seek additional heat through space heaters. Creating a warm environment, space heaters can be helpful in heating a specific room, but space heaters do not come without safety risks. Space heaters caused an estimated 25,000 residential fires and 300 deaths each year, according to a 2013 study by The Consumer Product Safety Commission. While this statistic is alarming, your home’s individual risk can be decreased and your family can be kept safe with a thorough understanding of space heater safety.

Combustible objects, such as curtains, rugs, clothes, or paper can ignite if they come into contact with a space heater. To prevent a fire from starting, remember to always keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustible items while in use. Additionally, you should also be conscious of keeping your space heater situated on flat, level surfaces and away from major walkways in your home, as a fire could ignite if someone were to trip over the heater, knocking it over onto an object. Always be sure to check your space heater, including its cords and plug, for damage prior to usage. Damage increases the space heater’s risk of malfunctioning and creating a dangerous situation. Therefore, if you discover that the space heater has sustained any damage, do not use the unit. Finally, space heaters should never be left unattended during use. A nearby person could most likely detect a fire early on from the smoke smell and initial flames, which would decrease the chances of the fire spiraling out of control and protect the home from potential destruction. Therefore, it is imperative that you power down the space heater and unplug the unit before leaving the room.

Despite your best efforts to use space heaters safely, accidents can still happen. Taking precautions such as installing smoke detectors on every floor of your home can therefore serve as beneficial backup plans and help to protect your home from destruction. Lastly, if you have children or pets in your home, be sure to keep a watchful eye while a space heater is in use, as they could burn or injure themselves if they get too close. If your home sustains fire damage as a result of space heater usage this fall, you can count on SERVPRO for all of your restorative needs.

Prevention of Water Damage When Your On Vacation

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

If you are taking a winter vacation, then be sure to insulate your pipes to avoid a water pipe repair

The last thing you want to worry about while on vacation is having to deal with a water pipe repair back home. Therefore, before you pack your bags, be sure to run through this water damage prevention checklist.

• Thorough Home Inspection
• Clean Gutters and Downspouts
• Check Sump Pump
• Insulate Pipes
• Shut off the main
• Ask someone to check-in
  
  

Thorough Home Inspection
Many a broken pipe starts out as small manageable repairs. Therefore, before you take off, go through your home inspecting under sinks, faucets, visible plumbing and even appliances. Then, contact a plumbing specialist in St Clair County and request an inspection. Any leaks or damage should be repaired before you leave.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Next, head outside and clean those clogged gutters and backed up downspouts. If water can run freely off of your roof, then it will seep beneath shingles and into your attic space eventually.

Check Sump Pump
Do you dread a flooded basement? Then, be sure to check and maintain your sump pump. While these small devices don't seem like much, they can ensure that your basement stays dry while you're away.

Insulate Pipes
If you are taking a winter vacation, then be sure to insulate your pipes to avoid a water pipe repair. Exterior and exposed pipes are especially vulnerable to freezing and bursting, so you should ensure that these lines are covered.

Shut Off the Main
Are you planning on leaving for several weeks or longer? If you are, then turn off the water main and drain the lines before you go.

Ask Someone to Check-in
Last, you can ask a friend to check on your property occasionally while you are away. Give them a key so they can do a walk-through every time they visit.
Preparation and taking preventative action is a sound way to reduce the risk of water pipe repair while on vacation. However, to make sure that all your bases are covered, consider having a professional inspection of your plumbing system before you leave.

St Clair County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your St Clair County basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 864-292-6399

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of St Clair County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 205-525-0332

How to Have a Warm and Safe Winter

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Have a safe winter this year!

Everyone loves to be cuddled up on the couch with your favorite blanket feeling the warmth of your beloved space heater, right? According to NFPA’s latest U.S. Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment report, released in 2018,heating equipment is the second-leading cause of U.S. home fires and the third-leading cause of home fire deaths. 

What if I told you that more than half (53%) of all heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment was too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.

SERVPRO of St Clair County wants to ensure your holidays are merry and bright, and your homes are filled with joy. Here are seven precautionary tips you can take when using a space heater:

1. Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from any flammable materials, including furniture, blankets, and wastebaskets.
2. Buy a space heater that includes an automatic shutoff. 
3. Do not plug space heaters under your desk on in other enclosed areas.
4. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater..
5. Never leave a space heater unattended.  Turn off and unplug heaters when not in use.
6. Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
7. Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.

If you do happen to experience fire loss of any sort in your home or business, we are here to help. Give us a call at (256)-378-1319, where we are available 24/7! Happy Holidays!

Drying Out Carpet Water Damage in St Clair County Homes

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

Carpets are an everyday staple for modern Dallas homes, and as such, become among the first materials to suffer the damages of migrating water losses. As challenging as it might seem to dry out saturated carpeting, our professionals have premier tools that can make the task much more efficient and thorough. With the right response to the situation, you do not have to lose portions of the flooring or the entire carpeted area due to irreparable damages.

As much as homeowners must also contend with other layers of water damage in St Clair properties when water loss incidents occur, not addressing the carpeted areas promptly can ensure that deterioration and decomposition of the material become too severe to salvage. There are multiple strategies that our SERVPRO professionals can attempt to remove moisture and saturation from this flooring, and it depends mostly on the type of material, the severity of the damage, and the accessibility of the saturated region of carpet.

As premier restoration professionals, we invest in the top-tier extraction and drying equipment available in our trade. For several inches of standing water, we might need to use portable extractors like wet-vacs or sump pumps before we can address the saturation of the carpeting directly. Most often, the moisture penetrates beyond the carpet itself into the subflooring, padding, and even the wooden joists, supports, and plywood beneath. While air movers and dehumidifiers can get placed underneath the affected floor when possible, this does not always adequately address the moisture concerns.

The ideal approach for restoring water-damaged carpeting in your home is to utilize self-propelled extraction tools. These are motorized so that they can offer the same level of pressure at a consistent rate as the unit moves along the carpeted areas. These tools use the weight of the operating SERVPRO technician to force moisture to the surface from the carpet and pad beneath it.

Restoring carpets is not always a guarantee, especially if water exposure has been a prolonged event. Our SERVPRO of St Clair County team can work with multiple strategies and tools to protect these flooring materials when possible. Give our professionals a call anytime at (256)-378-1319.

Water Removal Services for Homeowners

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

Our team is ready when disaster strikes!

Even if you do not live in a flood zone, St Clair County is prone to different types of water damage including backed up or burst pipes. If the excess water contains sewage, it can contaminate the area with dangerous bacteria. The water can also penetrate cabinets and spaces beneath them, causing damage to the wood and particle board, as well as hazardous mold growth.

When water damage threatens your St Clair County home, there is no time to waste. You need to contact SERVPRO at once to prevent additional damage and possibly, mold damage. We have a wide range of equipment for different types of restoration jobs, and our technicians are IICRC certified to ensure a smooth cleanup process.


The water removal process begins with a thorough inspection of your property, including a water damage assessment. SERVPRO technicians determine the scope of the damage to develop a proper plan of action. Being cautious and careful is also a priority, in addition to making sure sockets, appliances, and electrical items are not a hazard.

Our technicians check for the water source in your home and then stop it before commencing the drying process. However, we have to identify the category of water damage to restore your property safely to its original state. The type of water contamination affects the specific restoration process used to reverse the water damage. The main ones include clean, black, and gray water damage.

After inspecting your home for the extent of the water damage, SERVPRO professionals look for safety concerns and describe them to you. We then proceed to move furniture and other contents before blocking items to prevent rust or stains on the wet carpet. The water extraction process involves removing most of the water from your property. This step is important to avoid mold and secondary water damage. During this time, we use powerful vacuum units and pumps to quickly remove numerous gallons of water from your property.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If you need immediate water removal services, you can count on SERVPRO of St Clair County. Our extensive stock of water damage resources is available 24/7, helping us restore your property to preloss conditions as quickly as possible. For any assistance, call us today at (205)-525-0332.

Stay informed of Weather Threats!

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to your mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g.  AMBER Alerts). 

Government partners include local and state public safety agents, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service.  WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

This is America’s wireless industry helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens.

The great piece of this is that there is no signup required, and Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. With WEA, alerts may be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert.  The message will be no more than 90 characters.  WEA message will include a special tone and vibration, with both repeated twice.

The National Weather Service will send the following types of messages:

• Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
• Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings

How Fire Smoke Can Affect Your Health

8/24/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. They can get into your eyes and respiratory system, causing such health problems like burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. These particles can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases, and are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.

Some people are more susceptible than others. If you have heart or lung disease, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people. Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke and children are more susceptible to smoke for several reasons: their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes and more! With a heart or lung disease, smoke will make your symptoms much worse. Heart disease patients can experience chest pain, palpitations, or fatigue. Lung disease patients may not be able to breathe as deeply or as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, and wheezing. When smoke levels are high enough, everyone (healthy or non-healthy) can experience some of these symptoms.

At SERVPRO of St Clair County we are trained and certified by IICRC to mitigate and clean structures affected by fire or smoke, to request an inspection call us at 205-525-0332 or go to 

3 Ways To Escape From A Fire.

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to always think ahead by Being prepared, having a plan, and practicing that plan. these are essential to escaping a fire. Craft your plan by taking into account your home's particular layout and your household members. Let's look into the 3 different ways you can escape from a fire: 

1. Have an escape plan and practice it.

Start off by developing a fire escape plan and making sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire. Your plan should include all available exits from each room, and routes that lead from the room to a safe, open-air space. Be sure to designate a meeting space away from your home.

• It's important that your exit routes do not lead to a closed-in area that would prevent being able to escape.
• Make sure that everyone in your household knows how to unlock or unlatch any doors, windows, gates, or fences.
• Practice your escape plan every 2 months.

     2. Plan Around The Abilities Of Everyone in Your Household.

When making an escape plan, Take any handicaps or abilities into account. If you of someone in your household depend on glasses or hearing aids, and will need them in order to find their way out, make sure they're always on a nightstand or other easy access spots.

• It's best for anyone mobility issues to sleep on the ground level of a multi-story home.
• Contact your local fire services non-emergency number and tell them about anyone in your household with special needs that should be kept on file.

     3. Stay Low And Crawl To An Exit To Avoid Smoke Inhalation. 

Stay as low to the ground as possible while you swiftly make your way to the nearest exit, Especially if there is smoke in the area you're located. Smoke inhalation can cause you to lose consciousness, and the freshest air will be closest to the group since smoke, and toxic chemicals rise. In addition, staying low below the smoke will increase your ability to clearly see your escape plan.

Facts about fire

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Home fires in the United States are continuously a safety issue. In fact, more than 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in home fires. As such, being as educated as possible about home fires is important to protecting your loved ones and your house from potential fire hazards. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year throughout the country over 2,500 people die and 12,600 people are injured as a result of a home fire. While they certainly range in severity, fires are something that must be treated seriously no matter the size. Most natural disasters are scary due to their unpredictability, fires, on the other hand, are entirely preventable. The ability to prevent a fire from occurring lies largely in one’s fire education.

Keeping in the mind the following facts about fire can make a huge impact on staying safe in the event of a fire emergency or in preventing a fire from starting in the first place:

• 60 percent of home fire deaths happen when there are no smoke alarms or the smoke alarms are not working
• Every home should have a fire escape plan in place, but only 30 percent of Americans have one
• Each day, an average of 7 people in the U.S. die in a home fire
• The leading cause of home fire deaths is smoking materials
• The leading cause of home fire injuries is cooking equipment
• About 50 percent of home fires deaths are reported between the hours of 11pm and 7am
• The risk of dying in a fire is cut in half when there is a working smoke alarm present
• In the event of a home fire, everyone must get low to crawl under the smoke towards the nearest exit of the home
• Once a smoke alarm goes off, you only have a few seconds to escape the home

It is important to remember that after a fire no one should go back into the building unless instructed to do so by a firefighter. Fire damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO specializes in fire damage restoration and we’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Smoke Alarm Safety for Your Home

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Properly functioning smoke alarms are a key aspect to general home safety when it comes to potential home fires. Unfortunately, statistics point to the fact that approximately 60 percent of home fire deaths are a direct result of fires in properties without working smoke alarms. While it may seem like an afterthought or a bonus for a home, the reality is that smoke alarms save lives and missing or broken smoke alarms can be the cause of fire deaths or fire injuries. When a fire starts in a home, it spreads incredibly fast. As such, it is absolutely essential for all South Florida homeowners to have working smoke alarms installed throughout their homes to ensure they can get out as quickly as possible.

Some experts say that a family has one minute or less to get out of a home in the event of a fire. Having a smoke alarm in the house in one of the most effective ways to save you and your family’s lives. Keep in mind the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Make sure your alarm system is interconnected so that when one alarm goes off they all do
• Check your smoke alarms every month to make sure they are functioning correctly
• Get new smoke alarms installed every 10 years
• Smoke alarms should be installed both inside and outside of all bedrooms or other sleeping areas
• Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of the home
• Replace smoke alarm battery at least one time a year (9-volt battery)
• Practice a fire drill in the event that the alarm goes off
• Once the smoke alarm sounds, everyone must get out of the house fast

An estimated 3,000 people are killed each year in the United States due to fires. Ensure that you and your family are taking every measure to be protected from fire danger. The first step in safeguarding your home is to deploy the above smoke alarm tips right away. If your home has suffered any fire damage, contact the professionals at SERVPRO today to learn more!

Commercial HVAC Cleaning

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

It's easy for the cleaning of air ducts and HVAC systems on your property to go forgotten, but it is important to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance. Like anything else in a home or business, air ducts accumulate dust and dirt over time. Other the factors that may increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning are pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, cigarette or cigar smoke, water contamination or damage to the home HVAC system, or home renovation and remodeling projects. A general rule of thumb is that if your air ducts look dirty, then they probably are. 

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends that dirty HVAC systems be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Clean HVAC systems can result in an improved air quality of your home or business. Regular cleaning may also increase your energy savings and give your HVAC system a longer lifespan.

If air duct and HVAC system cleaning goes beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, or if you want cleaning done for your home's system call SERVPRO of St Clair County today at (205)525-0332!

We know your insurance coverage for mold!

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

From the insurance perspective, damage from mold, like rust, rot and mildew is excluded from the typical homeowner’s policy.

The Insurance Information Institute says mold is covered under the homeowner’s policy, only if it is the result of a covered danger. For example, the costs of cleaning up mold caused by water from a burst pipe are covered. But mold that develops from, say, humidity or flooding is a maintenance issue that the property owner is responsible for.

The insurance industry argues that in order to keep homeowners insurance affordable and available to the masses this coverage wound up being excluded. If the policyholder does want mold coverage there is going to be an additional premium for it.

One thing to keep in mind is that there have been fewer claims recently. But critics say that is simply because insurers no longer cover the damage, so if it's not covered people do not put in claims.

SERVPRO of St Clair County can mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at205-525-0332.

Call a Professional for Biohazard Situations

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

While many would like to conduct the cleaning or maintenance of their home or business following a biohazard situation, it is extremely important to call in a trained and certified biohazard cleaning company to handle these cleanups. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. We are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we are here to help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

1. Safety Equipment – Cleaning extreme situations requires the use of personal safety wear to protect cleaners from exposure to blood borne diseases, dangerous chemicals, and infection. The average person does not possess this type of PPE.
2. Cleaning Equipment – Thorough cleaning of locations affected by biological hazards calls for specialized equipment and cleaning solutions. Certified bio-remediation companies use advanced equipment and effective disinfectant solutions to leave client sites free of biohazards. Our staff are trained to use this equipment to remove all hazardous materials from your home – many of which you can’t even see.
3. Disposal – Objects that have come in to contact with human or animal blood or waste including needles, carpets, mattresses, and clothing should be disposed of properly so they do not pose a health threat to the public. We are required to transport and dispose of biohazard waste appropriately.
4. Ability to handle difficult scenes – The work involved in cleaning up after a crime or trauma is mentally, physically, and emotionally difficult for those connected to the victim to handle. Family and friends often find it extremely painful to see a loved one’s remains. Our team members have experience working in this taxing environment.
5. Peace of mind – Use of a professional biohazard cleanup company will leave you with complete assurance that your family and friends are safe from any harm posed by the biological hazards once present in your home or business.

What are Common Sources of Water Damage in St Clair County?

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

St Clair County Water Damage Causes Homeowners Should Know 

Water damage arises when unwanted water starts to pool in places where it is should not. In most St Clair County homes, different factors contribute to this excess water. When you know possible causes, you should take appropriate measures to ensure against a leak. You need to spot a problem when it arises and take control.  Early discovery of problems causes less work needed to restore your property. 

Leaking or bursting Pipes 

Pipes that leak or burst are common causes of water damage. Toilets and drains that get blocked and backed up may cause a high amount of pressure in the pipe, making it to leak or bust. Another problem that makes pipes to burst is garbage disposal not working correctly. Also, roots that grow into water or sewer lines may cause bursting of pipes. Rusty or old pipes are prone to leaking. You should get professional help from SERVPRO to clean things and restore your home as soon as possible. We use specialized test equipment to find hidden water in your property. 

Plumbing Problems 

Most plumbing problems occur within walls and are difficult to detect. They happen when pipe and hose joints are not appropriately attached. Routine inspections by SERVPRO team helps mitigate possible plumbing problems. 

HVACs 

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are common causes of water damage. Air conditioning systems need routine servicing, and if not maintained as required, they cause moisture buildup. Moisture cools and encourages secondary water damage. We use moisture detection devices to ensure that the areas have dried up.

Malfunctioning Appliances

Household appliances get older and start to crack and rust. Also, their hoses weaken. Dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators, and washing machines are prone to deterioration. Hot water tanks and washing machines are two primary appliances in a home that cause water damage

Attic and Basement Concerns

Some areas of the home are susceptible to water damage. They include attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Moisture and water get to these areas from roof and pipe leaks. There is a need to inspect your home routinely in these areas.

Call the Experts

SERVPRO of St Clair County has specialized equipment and experienced staff that has undergone extensive training and certification to deal with water damage problems, professionally and safely. Call us at (205) 525-0332. We are available 24/7 and ready to help. 

Call the clean up team!!

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

There’s no such thing as a small disaster—especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub floors, causing major problems over time. You need help—fast. No matter what time of day or night, contact SERVPRO St Clair County to begin emergency mitigation.

Emergency mitigation means that under normal circumstances, we will be on-site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility. Every SERVPRO technician is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages.

SERVPRO of St Clair County will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents. Help ensure the value of your property by calling us at 205-525-0332.

What's in your ducts?

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of St Clair County's professional services is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.

• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.

• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.

• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of St Clair County today!

SERVPRO of St Clair County -(205)-525-0332

The Right Smoke Detector

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Having a smoke detector in your home is vital to making sure you and your family are safe. You should have one in every bedroom and on every floor of your home. You probably already knew how important these little alarms are, but do you know how to make sure that your smoke detector is a good one?

Smoke detectors can come in any size and shape, and they can be as cheap as $5 or as expensive as $150, so with all of these options, how do you know what to choose? First, there are two different types of detectors: ionized and photoelectric. Some devices are a combination of these two types.

Ionized smoke detectors work best when there are actual flames present. They are quick to sound the alarm when a lot of heat is produced.

Photoelectric smoke detectors work well with fires that start slow and tend to smolder and create a lot of smoke. Smoldering fires like these are usually pretty silent, so people do not always notice them at first; some people will actually develop breathing problems and pass out before they realize that a fire is occurring.

Both types of alarms are designed to detect fire no matter what, and both will be sufficient to get you and your loved ones out of the house in time as long as you keep up with maintenance such as testing the alarms and replacing batteries when needed. If you feel the need, you can put a mixture of the two types of alarms throughout your house. Regardless of what type you choose, make sure you have them in the kitchen, bedrooms, and any other important places in your home.

If your house or office suffers from a fire loss, call SERVPRO® of St Clair County at (205)-525-0332.

Avoiding fire damage while grilling

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Late Summer Grilling Can Lead To Fire Damage In St Clair COunty

The barbeque and grilling season is far from over in St Clair County. Cooking outdoors is popular for creating a festive atmosphere and delivering delicious, smoke-infused food to the dining table. Wood, charcoal, or gas grills do pose an elevated risk of household fire. If the flames jump to an exterior or interior portions of your home we can help with cleanup and restoration.

Outdoor grilling needs constant monitoring to avoid fire damage to your home. Even when you exercise caution variables such as wind gusts, or rambunctious pets can cause an accident that quickly turns into a crisis. During the relatively dry months of late summer, the grass or gardens near your house can ignite fast, spreading the line of fire to the exterior or inside of your dwelling. We respond to many fire cleanup scenarios where the source of the residue on surfaces in your home was an outdoor blaze.

SERVPRO warns that overhanging eaves, an awning, or roof can accelerate the transfer of heat and flames from even a small accidental outdoor fire from grilling. Despite burning just a few minutes before it is extinguished, the smoke and soot of a fire that escaped its containment system can make their way indoors, especially if open windows or heating or cooling intake vents are nearby. Think of how the aromas of your or a neighbor’s grilling waft into your house even when the cooking fuel is contained, and no emergency occurs.

Add to that the increase in smoke and soot if an outdoor fire jumps to the ground or the structure of your home. Fires started outside can grow in intensity if they catch the siding or trim of your home, and if a fire just outside the kitchen, where the majority of grilling spaces are, seeks and finds a burst of oxygen when the door opens, it travels inside with frightening ease. Firefighting efforts, both with fire extinguishers and water, may put out the fire but damage your home on their own. Fortunately, SERVPRO is a full-service restoration company, handling water, fire, and many other disasters.

If a gathering around the grill takes a turn for the worse, SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to help clean up and restore any areas of your home affected. Give us a call at (205) 525-0332 to get the recovery started.

Are You Ready?

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to be prepared for disaster to strike. Without the proper preparation, families and communities can be completely devastated. Even though local officials and relief workers will be on a scene after disaster, they may not be able to reach everyone immediately. Therefore, it is important to prepare your home for the needs of your family, your neighborhood and your community.

When preparing for emergencies it is important to remember that basic utility services such as gas, water, electricity and telephones may not be available for a period of time. It will be vital to have certain supplies to mitigate these outages.

At a minimum, keep the following items in a central location in your home. Ensure that family members are aware of the "kit" in case of an emergency. Below is a list of items to keep on hand:

• 1 flashlight per person
• Extra batteries
• 1 gallon of water per day, per person
• Car charger for cell phone
• Non-perishable canned foods (be sure to have a non-electric can opener)
• Utensils
• Battery operated radio and clock
• First-aid kit
• Spare fuel
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Infant supplies
• Prescription medicine and glasses
• Whistle to signal for help
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Sanitary items
• Pet supplies

Please visit the Redcross.org link below for more information on emergency preparedness

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m61440613_Be-Red-Cross-Ready-Preparedness-Factsheet.pdf

Keep the SERVPRO of St Clair County number (205-525-0332) handy in case of an emergency.

Effects of Water Damage

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage is a dread that many property owners hope not to have to suffer.  However, it’s a valid concern here in Hampton Roads especially after a heavy downpour, or a storm surge. 

Water damage can cost thousands of dollars of damage to your furniture, electronics, upholstery, appliances, and even your plumbing.  Water damage can also increase the risk of mold growth and contamination which can involve a costly mold remediation. Hiring SERVPRO of St Clair County, your local water damage restoration company will help make the cleanup easier and quicker.  Our experienced and trained technicians know the best ways to repair or replace the water damaged items and to clean up the water damage.

Water damage restoration is very important as well as the procedures.  The right procedures can help to save your cherished belongings as well as help to keep your home from being condemned.  SERVPRO® of St Clair County knows how to mitigate the effects of water damage and have experts to assess the water damage and determine a water restoration and removal plan.  We use high tech equipment and well documented procedures to control water damage.  Water in a basement may only require a short cleanup process, but water in other areas of the property will require more extensive remediation.

If you suffer a water damage loss call your local SERVPRO® of St Clair County, available 24/7 every day.  We are “Always here to help.”

We have right equipment!

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

There is never a convenient time for fire of water damage to strike your home or business. When you need thorough sanitizing call SERVPRO of St Clair County and we'll be there fast with the help to get your property back to its preloss condition. 

We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise and industrial grade air scrubbers and fogging equipment go well beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by fire or water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

SERVPRO of St Clair County understands that using professional equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. The right tool for the right job is vital to timely mitigation and restoration. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County Professionals have the right equipment to Sanitize your property:

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid disinfectant agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. Low pressure is applied to a high volume of air to push solution through a nozzle to create precisely sized tiny droplets.  The purpose is to create and disperse a disinfectant aerosol to reduce the numbers of airborne micro-organisms and also to apply disinfectant to surfaces that may be difficult to reach.  Ultra low volume sprayers, are lightweight, portable aerosol sprayers that allow you to disinfect areas quickly. The disinfectant hangs in the air before settling on and disinfecting the objects in the room.

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume creating dense fogs suitable for sanitizing confined areas.  The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles. When properly created and applied, thermal fogging delivers excellent sanitation and odor control.

Thermal Fogging Devices quickly penetrate hard to reach areas with thermal fogging. Thermal fogging devices use heat to create a visible, fog-like dry mist. These fogging machines produce a large amount of fog, and are useful in a large variety of settings. The heat from the device does not affect the chemicals in the disinfecting solution, so it does not lose effectiveness. Thermal fog reaches difficult areas such as cracks in the ceiling and crevices in furniture, walls and the floor. Use thermal foggers without risking exposure to the chemicals by standing in one location and allowing the fog to spread into the room.

Ozone Generator: The portable ozone generator eliminates a variety of odors caused by animals, cigarette smoke, mold and mildew, fire, and water damage. This machine generates “ozone”, which consists of unstable oxygen molecules (containing three oxygen atoms). Ozone chemically reacts with odor-causing molecules to oxidize residues and remove the odors. When using this piece of equipment, we follow the absolute and necessary guidelines of use. Once the deodorization process is complete, ozone quickly reverts to the normal oxygen molecule, leaving no residues. Once the odor is gone, the results are permanent. One of the features of the ozone generator is that it is made to be compact and portable, yet also be a durable and professional unit.

SERVPRO Professionals utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 
• Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Treatments - Depending on the scenario, we may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

Water, Flood, Fire or Mold Damage?

Call Today – (205)-525-0332

3 Tips for Conducting Workplace Emergency Drills

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

3 Tips for Conducting Workplace Emergency Drills

You probably participated in a fire drill when you were in school. Well, disaster drills are just as important for businesses in St Clair County. An unexpected event, such as a fire, severe storm or flood can stir up a lot of fear, panic and chaos. Conducting drills conditions your workers to react properly under these stressful conditions. Below are a few tips to keep your plan running smoothly.

1. Implement a Schedule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends regular drill sessions because it's the best way to prepare employees for an unexpected event. The number of drills your company needs to conduct can vary based on the following factors:

• Employee turnover rates
• Employee schedules
• Workplace risk factors
• State laws
• Local municipality laws or codes
• Industry-specific guidelines
  
  

For example, there are recommendations for fire drills. The International Fire Code recommends having a fire drill every 90 days. 

2. Keep the Drill Unpredictable

There are two types of crisis drills: planned and unplanned. The former is less disruptive to employee workflow and productivity. While it's more convenient, it's not the most effective approach. Often employees don't take planned drills seriously. On the other hand, an unannounced drill keeps staff on its toes. With this approach, employees are more likely to find the best and safest building exits during a real-life catastrophe.

3. Evaluate Each Drill

You can learn a lot from conducting post-drill evaluations. You can see what worked. You can identify problem areas. From there, you can devise an effective solution. Ongoing testing provides valuable feedback that helps employees remain safe during and after a crisis. 

Stay Prepared

A workplace fire drill (or another disaster drill) enhances employee safety. Practicing evacuations on a regular basis helps them remain calm when seeking safety in the midst of an unexpected disaster. Whether it’s a crisis ranging from a fire to a flood, you want to restore daily business operations as quickly as possible. You can do that with emergency restoration services in St Clair County.

A Fire Loss Estimate of Your St Clair County Property

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

The fire trucks are gone and now your St Clair County home and belongings are likely suffering from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from the firefighting efforts.  The restoration of your home and estimation of your fire loss begins when you call your local SERVPRO of St Clair County.

Our SERVPRO Professionals in Electronics, Structure, and Contents Restoration arrive to conduct pretests,  while inspecting the property to determine the extent of fire damage and the scope of needed cleaning, restoration, and repairs. These professional experts need to identify and consider the following and are only few to mention:

• The materials, and items affected by smoke or fire and the proper method for cleaning; 
• If your personal belongings need to be relocated while your house is being restored
• The areas that were not affected by soot and odor and protect those areas as soon as possible to avoid contamination 
• If the smoke residues are cleanable
• Conduct a complete inventory of items that are damaged beyond repair as a complete inventory is invaluable
• The amount of time needed to perform the cleanup with the most effective cleaning methods

Once the fire damage mitigation begins, you will be kept informed and your questions will be answered throughout the process. #AlwaysHereToHelp

Need an estimate for fire damage? Call our office at (205)-525-0332

The Importance Of On the Job Training

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Even when hiring someone that has experience in the Restoration Industry, on the job training is still a necessity. On the job training goes much farther than making sure your staff is trained for any job they might come across. On the job training ensures that everybody in the company understands what’s going on throughout every job and are up to the company’s standards.

Everybody being on the same page ensures that Restoration Technicians, Project Managers and all office personnel know what is happening, and therefore anyone can explain it to the clients.

Often, companies’ standards differ in some ways from the industry standards because the industry standards are set to just the necessities and SERVPRO of St Clair County goes above and beyond. Employees being trained should understand why we do a job a certain way this will advance their career and further their abilities. Getting the job done isn’t good enough, getting the job done right and making sure that the problem will not arise again is the SERVPRO way. The more training that employees have means that your company can take on more expert level, higher paying jobs increasing revenue and our reputation. It also is a benefit for the employee because they will be smarter at their job, helping them make their job easier, and they can make more money with the more they know. Job training is so important to the success of the company, and it makes sure everybody is on the same page, doing the job right, all the time. Whether we are performing service for a commercial building or residential home, you can ensure the job will always be done correctly and efficiently. If you are interested in joining the SERVPRO of St Clair County team call us at 205-525-0339.

Importance of a working smoke detector!

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Importance of a Working Smoke Detector

We took a call from a client who got an unpleasant early morning wake up call: her smoke alarm was going off.  She awoke to discover a small electrical fire had started in her kitchen.  With the early warning, her son and her were able to put out the fire and minimize the damage before it spread.  Now, imagine, if a fire started in the early hours in your home, while everyone was sleeping….and there was no Smoke Detector to awaken you and your family?

Since they came onto the market in the early 70’s, smoke detectors have reduced fire fatalities roughly in half.  Most fire fatalities are from smoke inhalation, a working smoke detector can get you responding sooner!

Here are some Smoke Detector tips to help keep your family safe:

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

If you and your family do experience a fire, call upon your Fire Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of St Clair County today at 205-525-0332!

Fast and Flexible water recovery!

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Quick Reaction After Damage can Save You Money

Water damages not only the building but also the intangibles of your St Clair County business. When you cannot be open to provide services or products for your customers and community for even a few days the harm done to your brand can be permanent. Our professional crews work quickly and offer restoration plans that frequently permit your business to remain open during our efforts. 
 
The SERVPRO project manager assigned to your business works with you to find the source of the water incursion and to devise a plan that permits part of your operation to remain open while our crews dry out wet areas. A retail enterprise that closes because of a disaster has only a 50 percent chance of reopening. We take pride in helping niche businesses stay the course while we complete a successful restoration. 
 
Our team of trained technicians uses powerful extractors in the areas where water collected, and air movers and dehumidifiers to continue the moisture reduction. We swiftly erect temporary barriers shielding the work area and rely on our top of the line equipment to dry the area fast. Using only certified and experienced workers speeds the tasks without any loss of quality. 
 
You also desire the special ambiance of your historic location to remain even after significant recovery efforts are complete. SERVPRO has a restoration mindset, not a demolition and replace or remodeling tendency. We strive to understand what is special about your space, and use our skills and care to ensure post-water damage your space looks and feels “Like it never even happened.” 
 
SERVPRO of St Clair County is ready to exceed your expectations when it comes to restoring water damage in your eclectic home furnishing store. Call (205)-525-0332 for a consultation with one of our experienced assessors. 

SERVPRO Cleaning services!!!

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of St Clair County we are most commonly known for Fire and Water – Cleanup & Restoration but did you know that we also provide several cleaning services including carpet cleaning?

Our technicians use the latest IICRC** training and top-of-the-line equipment to extract soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings. First, our technicians apply a shampoo to the carpet to get it clean and to deodorize. Then, they remove the shampoo, soils and stains through hot water extraction. Once the carpet is dried, it will look and smell like new!

Our other cleaning services include:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds

Call our office today for more information. We are happy to help make any size mess “Like it never even happened.”

(205)-525-0332

**Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

Unclean air ducts can spell illness in your St Clair home

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

The summer months are here. After a cool Winter, many will be turning their air conditioners on more and more as the temperature rises. But, indoor air can get polluted with dust, allergens, and other small particles. If you are concerned about your indoor air quality, you might benefit from having your air ducts cleaned. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned may make a difference in the overall quality of your indoor air. And, cleaning your air ducts may also help your HVAC system function more efficiently.

When it comes to air duct cleaning, homeowners often have many questions. Here are a few of the most common:

Does a professional air duct cleaning really make a difference?
A professional air duct cleaning can benefit you in more than one way. First, the cleaning will remove dust, debris and other pollutants from your air duct system. This can be beneficial to anyone living in the home who suffers from allergies, has breathing problems, or is sensitive to pollutants. Second, clean air ducts can result in a more efficient HVAC system. When your home’s ventilation system is clean, it can function more efficiently – which may ultimately save you money on your monthly energy bill.

How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Unless you are in the midst of a home renovation project or you live in an area with extremely high pollution, you should not need to clean your air ducts more than once a year. In fact, after your air ducts are professionally cleaned, you may not need another thorough cleaning for several years. For advice on how often you should have your air ducts cleaned, make sure to ask your air conditioner repair company. If the air conditioner company does not offer air duct cleaning services, they should be able to provide you with the name of a reputable company to call.

Can I clean the air ducts in my home myself?
Many homeowners wonder if they can clean their home’s air ducts with their own vacuum cleaner. In reality, it is practically impossible to clean an air duct system with a regular vacuum. Air duct cleaning companies use special equipment that is designed to specifically clean air ducts. As a homeowner, one of the best things you can do to prevent pollutants from infiltrating your air ducts is regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters.

Is a professional air duct cleaning expensive?
The cost of air duct cleaning services varies. Factors that are taken into consideration when an air duct cleaning company provides you with a quote include the number of air ducts in your home, the age of your home, the length of time since the air ducts were last cleaned, the current condition of the air ducts, and more. 

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (205)-525-0332

What to do when you experience water damage

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

A flooded home is a devastating event for any homeowner. It has the ability to ruin many of your possessions in addition to your property itself. Due to the fact that water damage can quickly become permanent if not addressed as soon as possible, if you do suffer flood damage to your home, it’s important that you call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to help restore the home. Here are some things you can do immediately after a flood to start the restoration process.  

Call Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of how bad a flood has hit your home, it has likely done some significant damage to some of your possessions and to the structure of your home. Soon after you recognize the damage, you should call your insurance agent.

Check Before Entering Home

Before you re-enter your home after flood damage, check for any structural damage that may have occurred. Severe flooding or water damage has the ability to compromise the integrity of the structure. If you enter the home without closely inspecting what you’re walking into, the building could potentially collapse, trapping you inside. Once you’ve entered the home, you should be very careful about where you’re walking, especially if you’re moving from carpeting onto a hard surface.  

Document Evidence

Once you have entered the home, document the evidence of that damage that has been done by taking photos of it. If there are any questions, particularly by your insurance company about the validity of your claim, you’ll have evidence to show them. While you document the damage, save any items that you can. Some items, such as porous materials, may have been damaged beyond repair. When the SERVPRO crew arrives to restore the home, they’ll save as many items as possible. But if there are items that have not been damaged, you can take them out to avoid any further potential damage.  

Take Inventory

While you’re examining the damage that has occurred in your home, make a list of the damage or lost items in the home. Make sure to include the date they were purchased and their value with any receipts you may have. Store that list with any inventory of your possessions that you may have taken before the flood. If any of your possessions must be disposed of, which some may, make sure you have photographs of the items.  

Turn Off Power

After the flood damage occurs, turn off all power, especially to the affected rooms. Also refrain from using any electrical appliances as you could electrocute yourself if you’re standing in water. Keep the power to the home off until an electrician can come and thoroughly inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to turn back on again.  

Prevent Mold

Mold thrives in environments where moisture is present which makes flooded parts of a house ideal for mold growth. The existence of mold in a home can be hazardous so it’s important to prevent the mold from growing if at all possible. Removing any wet contents from the home as soon as possible will help to prevent such mold growth around the home.  

Proper Protection

Regardless of how well you think you can clean up after a flood, you should call the professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County to ensure that as much of your property is salvaged as possible. But if you do decide to start the cleanup process before they arrive, it’s important that you are properly attired. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots when dealing with flood water to ensure your safety. 

Give us a call at (205)-525-0332

How Water Damages Hardwood Floors in St Clair County

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Addressing Saturation of Hardwood Floors in St Clair County Homes

Hardwood flooring is an everyday staple of construction in many St Clair County homes, but caring for this material can often be a challenge. Moisture and saturation can distort the shape and weaken the integrity of these materials, which can ultimately cause homeowners to need to replace them. To avoid this costly repair and reinstallation of hardwood, seek the experience and industry-leading equipment of restoration professionals that can address this saturation effectively. 

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that addressing flooring damage in their home after a water loss incident in St Clair County is only involved as removing surface moisture and standing water. In truth, these situations can often move far beyond the surface and affect into subflooring material. The only way to know the full extent of the spread of water damage is to utilize the advanced detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras available to our SERVPRO team. 

We understand how vital it is to address water damaged flooring as quickly as possible because, within a few days, hardwood flooring and vinyl alternatives can begin to swell and distort. Bloating can cause the tongue and groove connections of the individual planks to disconnect, separating entire portions of flooring. Once this degradation begins, it is no longer possible for professionals to reverse this damage and controlled demolition techniques become necessary instead. 

Our SERVPRO team can work quickly to set up our Injecti-Dry System with drying mats to begin a slow and steady draw of moisture from these affected materials. By tenting over these mats, our team can better regulate the loss of moisture from the planks, helping to keep constant monitoring of moisture content to ensure that the flooring does not get overly dry which can be equally destructive. 

We understand how critical a fast response is to protecting hardwood flooring in your house, and so our SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals stay available 24/7 to help. You can trust our experienced and equipped professionals to make flooring damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at (205)-525-0332

Why Choose SERVPRO of St Clair County for Storm Restoration Services?

6/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair County water damage, fire damage and disaster restoration specialists are the best choice when dealing with any type or size disaster.

From small leaks to major damage, their franchise professionals have the edge over the competition because of their quick response time, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of the trade. They possess the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and thoroughly. Their goal is to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

• Speed

 SERVPRO is faster when dealing with disaster than other restoration services. Especially when dealing with water damage and flooding, timing is critical. Within minutes water can spread throughout the property, and quickly absorb into walls, carpet, floors and your belongings.

Within 24 hours, surfaces will begin to tarnish and furniture can begin to bend, swell and crack, and mold spores begin to settle. After a week, mold and property damage will worsen, even to the point of total contamination. SERVPRO is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Their quick response time will help to minimize any damage and help save money on restoration costs.

• Professionalism

SERVPRO is a franchised company, which means their franchise professionals go though an extensive, company-wide training process that guarantees that they are at the top of their field. All of the SERVPRO of St Clair County professionals are versed in the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC. They have extensive water damage restoration training, and will monitor the entire restoration process to completion.

• Advanced equipment and techniques

SERVPRO of St Clair County water damage professionals have the expertise and the top of the line equipment to deal with your restoration needs. Because each restoration project requires different solutions, SERVPRO of St Clair County has a wide variety of professional equipment. They will take you through the process of: initial contact, damage assessment, water removal/extraction, dehumidification, sanitizing/cleaning and into restoration.

Prevent a Disaster With Proper Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler maintenance is an easy thing to forget when most businesses will never experience a fire. Fire sprinklers on your commercial property need to be checked regularly in order to prevent a disaster. When sprinklers fail to turn on, the fire damage can be devastating. Follow these simple steps to ensure your sprinklers work well. 

1. Make Sure the Water Is Turned On

It may seem obvious, but missing this step can be devastating. Confirm the water valves leading to your sprinklers are turned on. This step needs to be performed after all maintenance jobs involving water valves. 

2. Do Not Paint Over the Sprinklers

Perhaps it is tempting to paint over fire sprinklers to help them blend into the decor. However, it is important to remember they are functional, not decorative. Paint can block water flow, thus preventing them from fulfilling their purpose. 

3. Do Not Block the Sprinklers 

Make sure you do not block sprinklers, especially when utilizing precious storage space. Sprinklers cannot do their job well if they are obstructed. 

4. Check for Corrosion or Build-up

This sprinkler maintenance step is similar to not painting over the sprinkler system. Make sure to periodically check for corrosion or buildup so the sprinklers can work optimally. 

5. Make Sure the Sprinkler Pipes Don’t Freeze

Saving money by turning the heat down in an empty building may seem like a practical choice. The problem is that wet pipes can freeze in cold temperatures, preventing the sprinklers from functioning properly. Keep your building warm enough to prevent freezing pipes. 

6. Do Not Hang Things From Sprinklers 

While it is tempting to hang items from sprinklers, remember that sprinklers are not meant to hold any kind of weight. Hanging things from sprinklers can cause them to bend or break, and a broken sprinkler is no help if there is a fire. 

Keeping up with your fire sprinkler maintenance is just as important as fire prevention. Even with proper maintenance, accidents can still happen. When they do, your emergency restoration services partner can help get you back to work again. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 205-525-0332 and let us help you today!

Storm Warnings!

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Warnings can pop up anywhere: TV, cell phone warnings, radio, etc., but do we really understand what these warnings mean? Know these definitions so you are prepared for any storm:

• Tornado Watch Conditions are ripe for tornadoes within the watch area. Tornadoes associated with hurricanes and tropical storms are typically a very significant cause of death and damage.
• Tornado Warning A tornado has been spotted visually or on radar. Usually issued for a county. If a tornado WARNING is issued where you live, GET TO THE MIDDLE OF THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A STRONG BUILDING IMMEDIATELY!!! 
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch Conditions are ripe for severe thunderstorms within the watch area.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning There is a severe thunderstorm in or heading for the warned area. Treat this like a tornado warning!!
• Flash Flood Watch Flash floods are likely to occur in the near future. Be alert for rising water and be prepared to have to move to high ground.
• Flash Flood Warning Flash floods are occurring or expected to occur in the near future. If this happens, get to high ground immediately, and GET AWAY FROM VEHICLES... it only takes 18 inches of water to sweep a car or truck away!
• High Wind Advisory Windy conditions may occur in the advisory area. This usually makes for unsafe conditions while driving, especially in (but not limited to) large vehicles. Also, avoid boating anywhere in the advisory area.
• High Wind Warning Very strong winds are expected or already are occurring that present a significant danger while driving, boating and other outdoor activities. Often issued near tropical storms and hurricanes.

Call the Professionals that Understand

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Whenever you have a problem with your home, the first impulse is usually to tackle the problem yourself. Sometimes this can be the right choice, and the problem’s easy enough to solve on your own. Other times it’s much safer and smarter to call in the pros from the beginning.

Tracking down tricky leaks is one of those times. Sure, some leaks are easy to track down, but water has a way of traveling odd paths. So once finding a leak gets tough, then it’s time to call in some help. And here’s why:

They Know Where to Look

Water can travel strange paths before it finally comes out into your home, and you might be surprised how far it can come. That discolored spot on your basement ceiling could actually be caused by a leak in your roof, or your wall on the opposite side of the house.

Professionals have tracked down hundreds, even thousands of leaks over the years. That experience gives them a wide variety of usual suspects to check, and a good number of unusual ones, too.

They Know What to Look For

That slight, turquoise line along your copper pipe? That’s where water has run along the outside and caused the copper to oxidize. It’s a sure sign that a leak is sending water traveling on the wrong side of the pipes.

Pros know these and dozens of other signs. What looks like a bit of dirt to you might indicate a serious leak in your roof, foundation, or wall. Or it might just be some dirt. A professional will be able to know the difference for certain.

They’ve Got the Right Equipment

Most of us can only use our eyes or sense of touch to lead us to water, but not the professionals. They have a wide variety of specialized equipment that can sense moisture and humidity through walls or probe underground for water deposits using ground penetrating radar.

This equipment can be expensive to buy and tricky to use. They have years of experience using the equipment, and know how to put it to good use.

SERVPRO of St Clair County 205-525-0332

Do you need restoration help with your commercial property?

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Do you find that your basement is always wet after a small storm? Are you having to deal with continuously drying your basement during snow season? You are not alone, the majority of homeowners have issues with excess water or moisture intrusion into their basements during poor weather situations and are looking for a solution to their problem.

SERVPRO technicians understand that a wet basement can cause multiple problems. As a finished living space, any moisture intrusion into your basement can ruin carpet, drywall, insulation and framing.

Water getting into a cellar you use for storage can warp flooring one level above and encourage the spread of mold to other areas of your home. 
 
Inclement weather events such as rainfall and melting snow have the ability to produce thousands of gallons of water and can cause major problems you simply aren't ready to handle.

Maintaining clean gutters and making sure that you provide the proper soil slopes in your landscaping can channel excess water away from your home. Correct R-rated attic insulation can help prevent ice damming on the roof and gutters leading to more harm.

Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at (205)-525-0332 to help you!

Three Questions To Ask Yourself About Fire Alarms

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

You probably have at least one smoke alarm in your home, but how often do you really think about it? For many people, the answer is probably “not often.” Your alarm can help prevent fire and smoke damage in your home by warning you at the first indication of a blaze, but only if you follow proper procedures. The next time you find yourself thinking about your alarm, ask yourself these questions.

1. Do you have the right number of smoke alarms in your home?
It is unlikely that you only have one fire alarm in your home, but it is possible that you still don’t have as many as you should. There is no set number of alarms that you should have in your house as the answer depends on the size of your residence. Each level of your home, including basements and attics, should have at least one alarm. There should be an alarm placed inside each bedroom as well as in the hallway outside each sleeping area.

2. When is the last time you replaced your alarms?
While you might think about changing the batteries in your smoke alarms, at least when they start beeping at you as a reminder, you might not have considered that the alarms themselves need replacing as well. The detectors in a fire alarm will start to wear out between eight to ten years after you’ve started using it, so it is important to replace them around this time.

3. Are you taking proper care of your alarms?
In order to keep your alarms working properly, they should be well maintained. Be sure to replace the batteries immediately when the reminder sounds so that you know they will work in case of an emergency. Each fire alarm should be cleaned regularly and tested at least once a month.

A fire damage repair service can help in the event of a fire but keeping properly maintained alarms in the necessary areas of your home can help prevent significant damage and keep you safe

Trust SERVPRO

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

We are... Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of St Clair County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

We are... Highly Trained Technicians

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

We have... Advanced Technology

The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow our professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

Call us with any of your water damage needs! We are always available at 205-525-0332

The SERVPRO Standard

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

Are you Emergency Ready?

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Up to 50% of Business Will Never Reopen! 

Did you know up to 50% of businesses that suffer a disaster may never reopen? Of the businesses that do survive a disaster, the overwhelming majority had an emergency preparedness plan in place.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Here's some of the things you'll get from taking advantage of this free app- 

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Ready to Get Started?

Make your first resolution be to help protect your business, your employees and your livelihood. Call SERVPRO of St Clair County at 205-525-0332 to learn more about how we can help you be "Ready for whatever happens" in the New Year!

We’re Experts on Fire Remediation

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered about the sort of work that goes into remediating a fire?

With SERVPRO of St Clair County specialized fire restoration training, we work to make every aspect of your disaster as stress-free and straightforward as possible. With every fire comes a unique set of difficulties, but the overall process remains the same – and our highly trained team of technicians are equipped to deal with even the most challenging of fire damages.

Take a look at the list below to better understand the fire restoration process.

1. Emergency Contact 

   The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

   We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

3. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

   Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

4. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

   The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

   We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

   We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

   Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Why Choose SERVPRO for your water damage restoration?

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

We're Glad you Asked?

SERVPRO of St Clair County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of St Clair County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About Us

SERVPRO of St Clair County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Did you suffer a Water Damage that effected your Carpeting?

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO standard of carpet and upholstery cleaning will not only extract that water and grime stuck in your carpet, it’ll also remove any unwanted dust and dirt. A professionally dried and cleaned carpet will make all the difference in freshening up your home and improving indoor air quality. The major casualties of a flooded home is flooring, particularly carpets. Once it's soaked, both it and the underlying padding will potentially need replacing, which is an added expense that most homeowners would like to avoid. In the case of heavy flooding, whether it's from a natural disaster, broken appliance, burst pipe, or other water emergency, many people think that there's no chance their carpet can ever be saved – but you can rest assured SERVPRO of St Clair County will be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO?

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

What happens when disaster strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces? When the worst case scenario is the one you see before your eyes, who can you trust to restore some sense of normalcy to your everyday life and alleviate the stress that comes with dealing with disaster aftermath?

At SERVPRO of St Clair County, we exist to lighten your load and take care of your disaster situation. We understand that planning for a disaster is one thing, but going through it is something completely different. While insurance is there for a reason, we make sure your home or business is taken care of by our elite team of highly trained professionals. 

Where at once it seemed like all was lost, by utilizing our restore first mentality, our experts come into your home or business looking to redeem what once seemed lost. In addition to salvaging many items that can’t be replaced such as documentation, family heirlooms, or things of sentimental value, our restorative approach is much more cost-effective than replacing everything and starting from scratch.

Though we never wish disaster on anyone, we know very well that these situations unfortunately happen. SERVPRO of St Clair County exists to alleviate the stress and make those situations “Like it never even happened.” 

Dear Business Owners:

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Odds are that you know SERVPRO is an industry leader when it comes to commercial fire and water clean-up and restoration. And that we are available to respond to your businesses fire and water emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have access to resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 franchises, which means no project is too big for us to handle.

Something that you may not be aware of is that we are so much more than just a fire and water clean-up service! We offer professional services to get your business looking its best. Maybe your office’s carpets could use freshening up, or maybe your restaurant’s kitchen could use a deep cleaning. How dirty are those A/C vents? Imagine how dirty the air ducts are on the inside! We have the right cleaning tools and products to get the job done.

You can depend on SERVPRO of St Clair County to get your workplace looking its very best. Call us today at 205-525-0332.

Extinguish all doubts on how to use a fire extinguisher!

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

If something ignites at your St Clair County business, acting immediately will mitigate the amount of mayhem and loss a fire can cause. If your evacuation path is safe and will remain so, the first line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Educating yourself and others on the proper containment before flames spread is key to promptly preventing fire damage. 

Simplify the Steps for Easy Recollection in Stressful Times

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends the widely used P.A.S.S. acronym for remembering the simplified procedure of operating an extinguisher:

• Pull the safety-pin at the top to break the safety seal
• Aim for the bottom of the fire
• Squeeze the handle or button
• Sweep horizontally while still aiming at the fire’s base

Spraying should continue until the blaze disappears. If the fire still roars after the extinguisher’s contents are empty, you should immediately evacuate yourself and others. If the blaze grows or presents a threat to the evacuation route, get to safety and let emergency services arrive.

Be Prepared With the Correct Class Within Grasp

There are multiple types of fire extinguishers. Some should not be used in certain fires as they may worsen the fire damage. They have labels displaying certain classes so you can easily distinguish their uses.

Class A are water-based extinguishers for cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and plastic fires. Class B use carbon dioxide to put out fires in flammable liquids such as oil and grease. Electrical fires need either a Class C or multipurpose dry chemical agent. 

A kitchen fire requires a special class K wet and dry chemical extinguisher that is specially made to handle intense deep fryer fires that Class B cannot.

Do Your Best and Let Professionals Handle the Rest

In the aftermath of a fire, there will be damage. Your business can receive professional restoration from your local commercial fire restoration company. Knowing how to choose and use the appropriate fire extinguisher, you are able to lessen the fire damage to make restoration services even easier and cheaper. Fires don’t have to turn your profits red too. 

Tips For Keeping Your Water Bill Low

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

We’ve talked a lot about how to prevent and reduce the risk of water damage in your home, but what about reducing the cost of water in your home?

Here are a few tips from our team of experts here at SERVPRO of St Clair County that will help you keep your water bill lower while helping your home and the environment in the process:

1. First and foremost, it’s important to identify and then fix any water leaks you may have. Not only can leaks potentially drain thousands of gallons worth of water, they can lead to major water damage problems for your home. Check faucets, drains, and plumbing around the house to look and listen for any signs that could indicate a leak. If you find one, get it fixed right away!

2. Use your dishwasher! That’s right – running a full load of dishes in the dishwasher is actually a much more efficient use of water than washing dishes individually by hand. The key here though is running a full load, that’s how you’ll get the most out of your water usage.

3. Take shorter showers, or switch to a low-flow shower head. Reducing your shower time by even a couple of minutes makes big cuts in the amount of water you use from month to month. As an alternative, low-flow shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute, which according to the US Department of Energy could end up reducing you water bill by 25-60 %, saving you a significant amount of money in utility bills.

4. Insulate your water pipes. One trip to the hardware store for some foam insulation cut in the shape of a pipe and your half-way there! Taping insulation to your water pipes will help them heat up water faster, which in turn means less time running water from your sink or shower waiting for it to warm up.

5. Limit your use of the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. Instead, scrape whatever excess food that’s on your dishes into the trash, then place them in the dishwasher – remember? We want a full load! Disposals use a lot of water to flush things down the drain, so reducing its use will reduce the amount of water you’re using in your kitchen.

With these tips to get you started, you should start seeing a drop in your water utility bill in no time. By being mindful of your water usage and aware of the condition your pipes, faucets, and appliances are in, you can help prevent any costly water leaks or damaging water spills.

5 Common causes of house fires

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Fire is one of the most hazardous types of damage that can wreak havoc on your home. While safety measures can be put in place to combat fire (like having a fire extinguisher handy or a fire alarm system installed), knowing what the common causes are can be a good first step in preventing fire.

Cooking Equipment

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are ranked as the number one cause of house fires in the United States. It’s important to always be alert and aware when cooking in your kitchen, and to not leave items unattended. Pots and pans can easily overheat, food can burn, and any time large quantities of grease or oil are involved they can spray and splatter, taking only seconds to ignite into flame. Be sure to keep an eye on your cooking area at all times, and remove any combustible items like dish towels, paper towels and oven mitts so there are no flammable objects within range.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical fires are one of the most common threats homeowners face. From overloaded electrical outlets to malfunctioning appliances, fires can start quickly and grow strong. Be careful not to overload your circuits or leave lights on overnight, and if you can, start conducting an annual inspection of your home’s electrical systems. This will help you identify and locate any faulty wiring, damaged outlets or other issues your system may have.

Smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to house fires that occur in the United States each year. Lit cigarettes accidentally dropped somewhere in the home can quickly ignite its surroundings and build to dangerous levels of fire and smoke. The best way to significantly reduce the risk of this happening is to stop smoking altogether or by smoking outdoors. However, if you choose to smoke inside your home, take proper precautionary measures: don’t smoke in your bedroom or forget to extinguish your cigarette if you become drowsy. Use large, deep ashtrays, and keep them away from anything that will burn. And finally, check around for any fallen embers and properly dispose of them as soon as possible.

Dryers

This one may surprise some people, but your dryer could pose as a major hazard for your home if not properly maintained. When lint and dust build up over time, the dryer vent becomes clogged with highly flammable materials. When you run your dryer, it exposes the vent to high temperatures that can cause the build up to combust. Regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap and routinely inspecting the vent for blockage is the best way to avoid this potential danger.

Candles

Candles provide wonderful aromas and stunning ambiance to any room, but can be hazardous the moment you neglect them. Always blow out a candle before you leave a room – an unattended open flame is asking for trouble, and can quickly lead to a house fire. In addition to blowing it out, be sure to clear away any flammable materials from the vicinity of the candle prior to lighting it. Trimming the wick can also help reduce the size of the flame, better containing it.

If you are worried about any of these hazards that may exist in your home or have any questions, feel free to call our team of professionals here at SERVPRO of St Clair County. We’ll be happy to assist you!

SERVPRO is ONE team!!

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair is a franchise independently owned and operated, just like the other 1700 SERVPRO franchises.  Being part of the SERVPRO system means that while each owner owns and runs his or her own franchise, we are also a part of a SERVPRO network that stretches across North America.  All of our trucks are painted the same familiar SERVPRO green, our staff is uniformed in the same SERVPRO swag, and we are all subject to the same SERVPRO corporate standards and requirements.  What this means for our customers is that you can rely on SERVPRO no matter where you are to provide a thorough and consistent service for whatever restoration job you give us.  This is much different than using any old restoration vendor .  Being the industry leader in cleaning and restoration means that SERVPRO franchises are called upon more often than any other company.  Let us be the ONE Brand, ONE Team you call! 

24/7/365

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

We know that Alabama storms don't wait for business hours. We know that water leaks don't wait for a weekday. We know that fires don't discriminate. That's why we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. 

We are locally owned and operated. This means we are close by and ready to respond when disaster strikes your St Clair County home or business. We have highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment ready to respond and to properly clean and restore your house so that it feels like home again.

SERVPRO of St Clair County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 256-378-1319.

Restore>Replace

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Let's talk about content restoration. 

SERVPRO of St Clair County specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

We know how much your belongings mean to you. They're more than just content; they're photos, they're your babies first outfit, they're memories. We understand that. That's why we pride ourselves on being able to do our best to Restore > Replace.

When storms hit, SERVPRO is ready!

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

There is no storm too big or too small that we can’t handle. Call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay and Randolph County.

Commercial Clean Up

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Daily cleaning versus deep cleaning, your staff do not have time to worry about the set in soils of your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of St Clair Co for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your work space look its very best. Hire a professional commercial cleaning company for your business or apartment complex to help maintain your facility even better! Find out more about our general commercial cleaning and our specialty commercial cleaning by calling us @ 256-378-1319 where we are always here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Storms Brewing!

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring storm- and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals of SERVPRO of St Clair Co use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage. SERVPRO of St Clair Co is always part of helping the storm teams.  If future storms cause flooding, our highly trained technicians with SERVPRO of St Clair Co are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond immediately to your property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. Our highly trained technicians will closely monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal. 

Storm Damage Hits!

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service

Flooding, water emergencies and storm damage don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of St Clair Co provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (256) 378-1319!

Faster to Any Size Emergency

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of St Clair Co arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

EXTREME HEAT

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick, and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect. 

According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces--often in more rural surroundings--remain close to air temperatures." These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset "due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure." Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC). If you live in humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15 degrees hotter. Extreme heat is a serious danger.

Destroy Odors with DEODORIZATION!

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke, and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IIRC), SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals @ 256-378-1319! Whether its fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll help make it "Like it never even happened."

Other Odors that may require DEODORIZATION:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

In a disaster, SERVPRO is "Ready for whatever happens."

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

When a storm or disaster strikes, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is poised and "Ready for whatever happens." With a network of more than 1,700 Franchises, the SERVPRO System strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and highest flood waters. Providing experience, manpower, equipment, and other resources, the Disaster Recovery Team assists SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals. SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team has responded to hundreds of disaster events. In the aftermath of a disaster, there is only one objective, to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We helped with 2017 Hurricane Harvey, 2017 Mid-West Flooding, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Freeze, 2018 Indiana Area Microburst, 2018 Mid-West Freeze, 2018 Maryland Flooding.

Build an Emergency Kit

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit. Ready. gov suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to include in your kit: 

• 3 day supply of non-perishable foods
• Water (one+ gallon per person per day) 
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medication 
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Fire extinguisher
• Hygiene products
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Matches in waterproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
• Whistle to signal for help
• Pet supplies
• Infant formula and diapers
• Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container

You Can Be Ruined, Or You Can Be Ready with the Help of Technology

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Technology can now be a vital tool in preparing for water damages or other disasters, as well as during or after to stay informed of the situation and in communication with others. From common technology you already use on a day-to-day basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare, the following will help you be ready in the event of a water damage or other disaster. 

Store Information Online

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer free ways to store different types of files, from a word document to images of important documents. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets if necessary. 

Follow the News

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA. local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed through Twitter.

Whenever there is a water damage make sure you are always ready and have ways to get in touch with people. If you have questions don't hesitate to call us @ 256-378-1319, where we are always "Here to Help!"

• You can also keep a condensed emergency kit in your vehicle as well.

When They Call You, You Call Us!

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Your Policyholder or Property Owner!

When you have water damage, your policyholder or property owner looks to you to handle the situation. You collect information and provide reassurance everything will be returned to normal. SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals understand your priority is helping restore the property of the insured's or owner's peace of mind, while minimizing the loss on a claim. 

The first 24 hours following a water incident are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professional will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled properly by completing the following steps.

Inspection

SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals will inspect affected areas of the property to determine the extent of damage. They will also review the inspection with you, your insured, or property manager and answer any questions before beginning work.

Emergency Services

Next, SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals will take immediate steps to protect the home or property and personal belongings from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing for drying. They will explain in detail the needed emergency services step-by-step.

Monitoring

To help ensure your insured's or owners home and personal belongings, or property are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professional will monitor the drying process. The results will be consistently communicated to you throughout the monitoring process.

Restoration Services

SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals will replace structural materials such as drywall and baseboards, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of the property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you, your insured, or owner to help ensure their property was returned to preloss condition when possible. 

Managing Mold

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

Call the Team in Green

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed. 

Mold Management

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. 

Mold Containment 

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress. 

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Take Precautions

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your businesses building, be alert for:

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the business building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage in your place of business, drywall, sub floors and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in your business. 

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today – (256) 378-1319!

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of St Clair County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of St Clair County can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

Commercial Cleaning

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of St Clair County for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your work space look its very best.

Have Questions? Call Today – (256) 378-1319!

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of St Clair County offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard & Sewage
• Trauma & Crime Scene
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Drapes & Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floors
• Odor Removal & Deodorization 
• Vandalism

Storm Damage!

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (256) 378-1319!

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of St Clair County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of St Clair County will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

We are proud to be a part of our community and strive to provide the residents and business owners in our area the fastest response times and our best work each and every day.

Storm Damage & Inclement Weather

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO of St Clair County can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps cost low.

SERVPRO of St Clair County can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• HVAC Services
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Marble Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

Black Mold!

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of St Clair County immediately. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (256) 378-1319!

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of St Clair County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too and are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

Mold Remediation

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of St Clair County, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Mold and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Mold and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today – (256) 378-1319!

Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of St Clair County can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Fire Damage Restoration

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today – (256) 378-1319

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of St Clair County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of St Clair County can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

SERVPRO Fire Damage

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

• 24 Hr Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Locally Owned and Operated
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry Highly Trained Technicians

When your St Clair County home or business suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. You may feel stressed and confused after such a disaster and you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of St Clair County has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time.

We’ll treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (256) 378-1319!

Why Choose SERVPRO of St Clair County?

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster 

SERVPRO of St Clair County is dedicated to responding immediately to your Birmingham fire damage emergency. A faster response is the key to help prevent additional damage and reduce the restoration cost.

We’re Fire and Water Damage Specialists

We specialize in fire and water restoration. We’ve received advance training in restoration techniques, and we have the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property.

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Our Restore vs. Replace Mentality

We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is substantially less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas. This “restore first” mentality also allows us to get your home or business back to pre-fire condition quicker and with less disruption.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of St Clair County is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

Commercial Mold Remediation

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call a SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professional, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Mold and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Mold and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today @ 256-378-1319!

Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, they will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. They have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Commercial!

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Retail Facilities
• Education Facilities
• Property Management
• Healthcare Facilities
• Hospitality Facilities
• Food Service Facilities

Have Questions? Call Today 256-378-1319!

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm and Major Events
• Disaster Recovery Team

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on a SERVPRO Franchise Professional to get the job done right the first time. They’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.

• Commercial Cleaning Services

Fire Damage!

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

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

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

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 
Call 256-378-1319!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Mold Removal Vs. Mold Remediation

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. To learn more about our mold remediation process.

• Step 1: Emergency Contact 256-378-1319
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

Signs of Mold? Call Today 256-378-1319!

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants and have the potential to cause other health effects. 
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Flooding

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

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

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

Have A Water Damage Emergency?
Call 256-378-1319!

With over 1,700 Franchises nationwide, there’s a SERVPRO of St Clair Co Professional nearby and ready to serve you.

What To Do After Flooding

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

What NOT To Do After Flooding

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

Mold

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 256-378-1319!

Problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional for mold remediation services.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Water Damage!

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of St Clair Co Franchise Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies

Have Questions? Call Today 256-378-1319!

Why Choose a SERVPRO Franchise Professional?

They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately to water emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

They're Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. They have extensive water damage restoration training with an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

They Use Advanced Water Restoration Equipment and Techniques

Their advanced equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your home and belongings. They finish the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

Storm!

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year.

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give our Professionals a call and they’ll be there fast with the help you need.

•  24 Hour Emergency Service
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
•  Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 256-378-1319!

Disaster Recovery Team

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable. Learn more about the Disaster Recovery Team.

Storm Damage Coming Through!!

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today 256-378-1319!

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

Why Choose a SERVPRO Franchise Professional?

They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Learn More

They're Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

They specialize in water and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have extensive water damage restoration training that enables them to get you back to normal.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Learn More

They Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have a national network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Team strategically located throughout the country.

Learn More

Regardless of the Storm Damage, They Can Help

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.

• Flooding caused by heavy rains
• Hurricanes and tidal surges
• Tornadoes and wind damage
• Ice and snowstorms
• Wild fires

Water Damage & Your Policyholder

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

When they have water damage, they look to you to handle the situation. You collect information and provide reassurance everything will be returned to normal. SERVPRO of St Clair Co professionals understand your priority is helping restore your insureds property and peace of mind, while minimizing the loss on a claim.

The first 24 hours following a water incident are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of St Clair Co professionals will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled properly by completing the following steps.

INSPECTION

SERVPRO of St Clair Co professionals will inspect affected areas of your insured's home to determine the extent of damage. They will also review the inspection with your insured and answer their questions before beginning any work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Next, SERVPRO of St Clair Co professionals will take immediate steps to protect your insured's home and personal belongings from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing their home for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you and your insured step-by-step. 

MONITORING

To ensure your insured;s home and personal belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO of St Clair Co professional will monitor the drying process. The results will be consistently communicated to you throughout the monitoring process. 

RESTORATION SERVICES

SERVPRO of St Clair Co professionals will replace structural materials such as drywall and baseboards, reinstall carpets, and clean affected ares of your insured property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with your insured to ensure their property was returned to preloss condition when possible. 

Emergency Water Damage Process

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

ONE HOUR:

Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of St Clair Co. Professionals will contact you to arrange for service. You'll know help is on the way!

FOUR HOURS:

Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of St Clair Co. Professionals will be on-site to start mitigation services. the key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

DETAILED EXPLANATION:

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO of St Clair Co. Professional will walk through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

PRETESTING:

SERVPRO of St Clair Co. Professionals will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

EIGHT HOURS:

Within eight hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

CLEANING & RESTORATION:

SERVPRO of St Clair Co. Professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help to regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH:

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

SERVPRO OF St Clair CO. IS HERE TO HELP!

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT WATER DAMAGE OR YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE A WATER DAMAGE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL US @ 256-378-1319!

Fire Damage Process

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of St Clair Co. have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (256) 378-1319

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Restoring Your Commercial Business

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage!

Flooding and water damage events in Talladega, Clay and Randolph County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, clean water or black water sources, we make sure to work quickly to assess each situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. 

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

We regularly get emergency calls because of water events; leaking roofs, broken pipes, sprinkler systems, broken plumbing fixtures, and many more unique causes.  Clean water, grey water, black water… All require correct assessment and immediate attention to assure proper restoration and avoid further damage. 

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We have in-depth resources, certified staff, and we are available 24/7/365.  So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call 256-378-1319

Always Ready To Get Things Done Right

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

In 2016, Baton Rouge, Louisiana got hit with one of the worst floods in US history. In just a few hours, the flood waters were rising and homes and business fell victim to the flooding rain. Residents fled their homes and business owners had no choice but to evacuate as quickly as possible.

The area was completely devastated in a very short time. When home and business owners were finally able to enter back into their properties, the work that needed to be done to clean up what was left was truly overwhelming.

In the meantime, SERVPRO Storm Teams were already making plans to send production crews to the area to help these home and business owners with getting their lives back together. SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay and Randolph Counties was honored to participate with the SERVPRO Storm Teams in the cleanup efforts. Within hours, we were packed, fully loaded with equipment and crew, and in route. Thousands and thousands of phone calls were flooding our SERVPRO call center from residents of the Baton Rouge area needing our help. As a crew representing our SERVPRO Storm Team, it was our responsibility to contact the customers, schedule on site visits to their home or business, provide a thorough job scope and estimate of required work, and if given the go ahead from the customer, start the cleanup and drying process. We talked to dozens and dozens of home and business owners who needed an expert to help them with the mitigation process. Our production crews provided demo or tear-out service removing carpet, drywall, etc., tested areas for moisture and set up air movers and dehumidifiers, hauled out damaged items, among other services. We monitored equipment daily to make sure the drying process was complete. Sometimes our help meant offering a shoulder to cry on or a hug as we walked through a customer's living room which had been completely destroyed by the floodwaters. It was hard work both physically and emotionally to walk alongside the people we met and work hand-in-hand making a dent in the work that needed to be done.  Our SERVPRO green trucks were everywhere. We are "Faster To Any Size Disaster."

Mold You Must Be Informed

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

One of our favorite ways to connect with our clients is to host CE classes. It gives us a chance to educate our customers on topics important to them and it allows our clients to complete required CE credits for their businesses. Throughout the year we hold various CE classes on the following topics: Fire, Water, Mold, and Ethics. We at SERVPRO have been approved by the insurance industry to host these classes for agents and adjusters. We follow strict guidelines on course content, course facilitators, and attendee certification procedures in order to meet all the requirements to host these classes for our clients.

Mold is a hot topic in our area because the weather conditions in Alabama are ideal for mold growth. It is something home and business owners are calling us about frequently. And certainly something that our agents and adjusters have to field questions about often.  The class objectives are:

- Understand the evolution of mold awareness

- Acknowledge mold as part of our environment

- Understand the basics of mold remediation

- Understand the effect of mold on buildings

- Recognize how mold is affecting Insurance Professionals and the Insurance Industry

Mold is a reality in our area and being informed on how to handle it is the first line of defense! "Find and remove the source" is an important tip that was repeatedly emphasized in the class.

Faster To Any Water Damage

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

There is never a good time for it to be raining inside a building. But when it's June in Alabama, AND the building is an elementary school, AND over half the building is saturated, AND a new school year is fast approaching we are really in a pickle!  An in-depth job scope and work plan are developed quickly to get the water out and dry the interior. Industrial water extractors, a desiccant dehumidifier the size of a tractor trailer, plenty of staff, and SERVPRO know-how to get the job started quickly and correctly. Working around the clock for days, our employees and hundreds of pieces of equipment work away to get the elementary school cleaned up and ready for the first day of school.  What a sense of satisfaction it is to see this school opening right on time due to the hard work of our SERVPRO employees along with the faculty and staff of the school and the community!! It just goes to show that no job is too big or to small for our SERVPRO team. With over 50 years in the industry, we know just what to do in the case of a water event that causes damage to a school, business or home! We make it "Like it ever even happened"!! 

Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

There is never a good time for it to be raining inside a building. But when it's June in Alabama, AND the building is an elementary school, AND over half the building is saturated, AND a new school year is fast approaching we are really in a pickle!  An in-depth job scope and work plan are developed quickly to get the water out and dry the interior. Industrial water extractors, a desiccant dehumidifier the size of a tractor trailer, plenty of staff, and SERVPRO know-how to get the job started quickly and correctly. Working around the clock for days, our employees and hundreds of pieces of equipment work away to get the elementary school cleaned up and ready for the first day of school.  What a sense of satisfaction it is to see this school opening right on time due to the hard work of our SERVPRO employees along with the faculty and staff of the school and the community!! It just goes to show that no job is too big or to small for our SERVPRO team. With over 50 years in the industry, we know just what to do in the case of a water event that causes damage to a school, business or home! We make it "Like it ever even happened"!! 

Smoke & Soot Cleanup

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Commercial Work

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Boxes upon boxes upon boxes. We never know how many boxes to expect when we have commercial jobs. But before we know it, we will have a warehouse full of them.  After all, when our customer has a water or fire event in his/her business, before we can start the clean up, we have to get everything else out of the way. This could mean moving couches or desks or even bookshelves full of collectibles; either way, smaller items have to be boxed up and stored away safely by our packing experts. If items have to be cleaned due to damage done to them in a water or fire event, commercial customer contents will have to be boxed initially on site, brought back to our warehouse, unboxed in order to be cleaned, and then boxed again once they have been detailed. Most days our warehouse is completely full of these boxes. Sometimes they stay stored in our warehouse for weeks and months if construction is necessary at the site of the damage after we do the initial mitigation work. We are grateful to help our customers in many ways. So let us do the heavy lifting and the packing for you. It's what we do!

Fire Restoration

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet. 

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies

If you need any Cleaning and Restoration Services call us at 256-378-1319!

How To Try To Understand Mold

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. 
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Water Damage Restoration

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals of St Clair County respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. If you need any help with a water damage no matter if it is big or small just give us a call and we will be there to help.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• We are a Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry 
• Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies

If you have any water, fire or mold damage call us at 256-378-1319 and we are here to help you in any way!

Be Prepared for the Storm

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

• Choose foods your family will eat.

• Remember any special dietary needs.

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.

• Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener

• Protein or fruit bars

• Dry cereal or granola

• Peanut butter

• Dried fruit

• Nuts

• Crackers

• Canned juices

• Non-perishable pasteurized milk

• High energy foods

• Vitamins

• Food for infants

• Comfort/stress foods

Call us directly at 256-378-1319

Storms!!

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Your safety during a storm is the number one priority for you, your family, and your employees.

Being prepared for a storm and having an emergency plan in place is necessary.

Look for Storm Warning Signs

Tornadoes typically occur when there is a severe thunderstorm in the area. Rain, hailstorms and lightning strikes are some of the signs of a possible tornado. Some other warning signs of an oncoming tornado include:

* Orange or Green Skies
* Rumbling or Roaring Sounds in the Air
* Very Calm Conditions after a Storm
* Damaged Power Lines or Debris
* Rotation of the Clouds

Staying Informed during a Storm

Local television and radio stations are your best source for updates on how the storm is developing. However, if you hear a tornado siren, you should immediately head to the nearest shelter. Some more modern forms of staying informed is live streaming from your local emergency broadcasters such as James Spann and following your local weather news casters on twitter. DO NOT REPLY on solely this as your means of monitoring a storms progression, but these will help in case you do not have access to television or radio.

SERVPRO of St Clair County has been here to help many victims from severe storms. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the St Clair County community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be. Call us in your time of need 256-378-1319 We are #heretohelp.

Mold Remediation

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold begins as an airborne spore mass. Mold is microscopic with many smaller spores, so when something causes these spores to stir up, these thousands of smaller spores are set free. The spores will remain airborne until they settle onto a surface. These spores need an organic material, or food source, water, as little as two days time, and temperatures between 32 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit to grow.

Organic matter can be, paint, paper, insulation, natural fibers, plants, potting soil, caulk and many more items. Controlling the humidity in your home, will help with mold growth prevention. This is why SERVPRO of St Clair County sends its employee's to WRT training for water damage restoration. The SERVPRO crew team will make sure the conditions in your home are correct to dry out the area after the damage and prevent mold from the beginning.

For all your Mold Remediation needs call us at 256-378-1319

Do's & Don'ts Of Mold

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives:

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 256-378-1319

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional for mold remediation services.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Mold Growth

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Once you become aware that mold is growing in your St Clair County home, removing the microbial growth should be your biggest priority. Extensive mold removal is not a DIY project. Rule of thumb is if there is about 10 square feet or more of mold growth, don't attempt mold remediation on your own. Play it safe and hire a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO of St Clair County.

Mold is a fast growing fungi that feeds off moisture and in the humid south, it can spread rapidly. In the event of an appliance flood or mass amounts of moisture in your home, the proper mitigation of that excessive moisture is necessary or conditions will be in place for microbial creation. The airborne spores can develop into strings of colonies that bloom into large areas of mold patches. Mold can show up in the form of black spots, blue, green, white or even red staining on porous surfaces. Discoloration on your walls and ceilings will also present other problems.

Mold can leave an unpleasant odor as it permeates through walls, flooring and HVAC ductwork throughout your home. This musty odor may start out very faint and can become more apparent as the growth intensifies. Attempting to mask the odor does not solve the underlying problem. 

The Importance of Hiring a Professional like SERVPRO

Sometimes as homeowners, we are inclined to attempt the mold removal process ourselves, this strategy is not always advisable. SERVPRO's cleaning crew goes through an extensive amount of training and professional licensing to learn how to properly clean, remove, and if possible restore your home. Once you go beyond fungi on the bathroom tiles or a small patch under the kitchen sink, it is time to consider seriously professional assistance. SERVPRO mold remediation experts will use specialized equipment that demands expert handling for mold containment, air filtration, and cleaning. They will also identify and eliminate most present mold to ensure that your home is restored to its original condition. 

Fire Devastation

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

It's devastating to experience the chaos of a fire in your St Clair County. Not only is it difficult to deal with the loss, but the clean up too. If it is a small isolated fire, getting the area cleaned and repaired should be a priority.

The first thing to consider is the ash and smoke damage that occurred. These can lead to corrosion, discoloration and unpleasant odor. Getting ash and smoke cleaned up immediately will prevent any of these from leading to an even larger problem. 

Take action and follow these steps if you find yourself handling the aftermath of a house fire. 

1. Contact your insurance company.
2. Contact your local fire restoration company – SERVPRO of St Clair County.
3. Take photographs of the damage.
4. Keep a record of all conversations with your insurance company.
5. Make a list of everything you lost or that was destroyed.
6. Find a place to stay while your restoration company cleans up your property.

While a house fire is a trying experience, it helps to have a game plan in place. So remember these steps for the next time you or a loved one is handling the aftermath of a house fire and call SERVPRO of St Clair County 256-378-1319

Smoke Alarms Are Needed

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms. Most of us forget we have them in our homes until the battery gets low. Most people do not even realize their homes do not have smoke alarms installed, or worse they do not have enough installed to reach critical points in the home. Our owners’ sister passed from not having had working smoke alarms in the home and it was very tragic. He is very persistent about making sure people have working smoke alarms in their homes. All of us never thought about here at SERVPRO of St Clair County but its truthful, having smoke alarms determines a life or death situation. You are helping someone keep from risking their life by making sure they have working smoke alarms in their home.

Fires!

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers Tips for Preventing Fire Damage to Your St Clair County Kitchen

The kitchen is the number one "hot spot" for fires leading to fire damage in your home. Cooking with grease and oil can be hazardous to your health for reasons other than nutrition and diet. One of the most dangerous incidents that can happen in your home is a grease fire. There are several preventative measures that you can implement to decrease the likelihood of a grease fire in your kitchen. Access the information below, provided by SERVPRO, to minimize an accidental kitchen fire.

Keep It Clean. Because most of us have numerous domestic and professional responsibilities, there is often little time to clean everything as thoroughly as we'd like to. Nevertheless, it's important to know that cleaning up all drips and spills from the stove area each day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent fire damage in your kitchen from a grease fire. Large spills are easy to spot and can be cleaned up quickly. As you cook, remember to wipe away substances that spill over the side of the pan. Also, keep the area around a burner or flame free of spills and grease all the time.

Be Safe With Cooking Oils And Fats. When you cook with oil, be sure that you know what your temperature rating is. Not all oils and fats are alike. Refined fats can be safely heated to higher temperatures because there are few impurities. However, allowing your cooking oil to become too hot can cause it to ignite. If you note that oil is starting to smoke, be sure to take it away from the source of heat immediately. If a fire ignites within the frying pan, never throw water on top of it.

Know Your Fire Extinguisher. Type ABC or B extinguishers contain proper chemicals and propellants to put out grease fires. Your kitchen extinguisher should be a C02 or a dry chemical extinguisher. Each year check for the expiration date of use for the fire extinguisher. Keep one close at hand, perhaps under the kitchen sink base cabinet. However, you should never utilize a water-based extinguisher for this type of fire. Water will not blanket the flames causing oxygen deprivation and will splash and spread the flames to other areas. Minimize smoke and fire damage by quickly extinguishing the flame.

Call SERVPRO for Fast, Friendly Fire Damage Restoration Services

Awareness of the above tips will make your kitchen and household a safer place. However, happenstance can still allow a fire to occur in your Tuscaloosa home. If this should happen, make the call to a company you can trust – SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified technicians are skilled in restoring your property quickly and safely. Moreover, we offer the friendly, detailed customer service necessary to keep you calm and confident throughout the fire damage restoration process. Our aim is to return your home to its preloss condition ASAP.

Restoring Your Commercial Property

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage!

Flooding and water damage events in St Clair County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, clean water or black water sources, we make sure to work quickly to assess each situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. 

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

We regularly get emergency calls because of water events; leaking roofs, broken pipes, sprinkler systems, broken plumbing fixtures, and many more unique causes.  Clean water, grey water, black water… All require correct assessment and immediate attention to assure proper restoration and avoid further damage. 

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We have in-depth resources, certified staff, and we are available 24/7/365.  So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call 256-378-1319

Spring Cleaning All Year Round

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Spring has come and gone but if anyone is like me they like to do spring cleaning even when it is not spring and we want you to keep your commercial business in good condition all year long! We want you to prevent mold, water leaks, and even fires! 

In the meantime, here are some helpful tips about Spring-Cleaning for 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. You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives. 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 by paring down the items on top to the essentials only. Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you've establishes for them.

-Create a daily paper system: Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "to read," "to do," and "to file." Establish set days for each, so that you don't get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.

-Sort your catch-all drawer: Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands. Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.

-Eliminate digital clutter: Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Organize digital files and your email inbox just as you would paper files- with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders. Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.

-Disinfect regularly: Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains and fingerprints. Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes. 

Why Choose SERVPRO

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

These are a few reasons why you should choose a professional like SERVPRO for your commercial restoration needs:

• The process of fire and water restoration is very involved when it is performed properly.
• With quick reaction time and the appropriate skill set, a technician can help to prevent further damage and repair that which has already been done
• The process and equipment used during fire and water restoration will vary from case to case, since different materials require their own unique care. 
• For fire damage, general cleaning is done to remove ash and soot from ceiling to floor. 
• The quick remediation of the problem is important for more than repairs, it is also a health consideration
• Choose a company for fire and water restoration with the appropriate licenses and proof that they have the proper insurance.
• Whether the work to be done is in a commercial or residential location, technicians with experience and certification should perform the damage recovery.

SERVPRO Job Progress

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Do you ever wonder how SERVPRO keeps up with every customer’s job progress? SERVPRO of St Clair County has a pretty tried and true method to keep everyone up to date on the progress of every job. When a customer first calls in a loss, we at SERVPRO of St Clair County enter all of the pertinent information into a form called the FNOL or “First Notice of Loss.” This form is sent to everyone involved including our First Responders, Office staff so they can communicate with your insurance company, managers and ownership so they know the status of every job in progress. Every note, assessment, detail associated with that job from that point forward is attached to that initial FNOL so that it is at our fingertips if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Different Types of Storms

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Tornadoes 

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your warning system for your community.


2. Pick a place where you know your family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be a basement or, if there isn't a basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or even a closet on the lowest floor. Keep the places uncluttered.


3. If you are in a high up building and do not have enough time to go down to the lowest floor, pick a space in the hallway in the center of the home or business.


4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.


5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

Thunderstorm Safety Steps

Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and can cause about 80 fatalities. These are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear the thunder, you are definitely close enough to the storm to be struck by any lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.


2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.


3. If you are driving down the road, pull off of the roadway and park your car. Stay inside of the car with all the windows up and closed and turn on your emergency flashers. Avoid touching any metal or other surfaces that can conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.


4. If you happen to be inside. unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any other electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.


5. If you happen to be caught outside and cannot reach any safe buildings, avoid any high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

Flooding

Heavy rains can fill rivers and streams, and bring flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you can do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate immediately. When a flood or even a flash flood warning is issued for your area make sure you head for higher ground and you stay there.


2. Stay away from any floodwaters.


3. If you come upon any flooded road while you are driving, turn directly around and go a different path. If you are caught on any flooded roads and waters happen to be rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to some higher ground. Most cars can be immediately swept away by less than two feet of moving water.


4. Keep children out of the water. 


5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize any flood danger.

Keep Mold Out!

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

1. Identify any problem areas in your home or business and correct them. Preventing any mold from growing and spreading might be as simple as ripping up any carpet that is in any damp basement, installing a mold-resistant product, or even repairing any damaged gutters.
2. Dry any wet areas immediately. Mold cannot grow without some form of moisture, so tackle any wet areas right way.
3. Prevent any moisture with proper ventilation. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner or even taking a shower or doing laundry does not invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathrooms, your kitchen, laundry room and any other rooms with high-moisture.
4. Equip your home with any mold-resistant products. Building a new home or business or even renovating an old one? Well make sure to use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or even mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints.
5. Monitor any humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure any humidity with a moisture meter that you can purchase at your local hardware store.
6. Direct any water away from your home or business. If the ground that surrounds your home or business isn't sufficiently sloped down away from the foundation, water can collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
7. Clean and repair your roof gutters if needed. Have your roof gutters cleaned on a regular basis and have them inspected for damage. Repair them if necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after any storms that may indicate a leak.
8. Improve air flow in your home or business. Without good air flow in your home or business, the excess moisture may appear on your walls, and open doors to closets that could be colder than in the rooms they are in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold away.
9. Keep mold off of houseplants. They are beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean -- and mold absolutely loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your home or business. 

Police Line Do Not Cross

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Biohazard, Crime Scene, And Vandalism Cleanup

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help with the following issues:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups 
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

State and local regulations vary. Contact us at 256-378-1319 for 24-hour emergency service.

Be Prepared With An ERP

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help you ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens." In the even of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shutoff valve locations and priority areas. Call us at 256-378-1319 to establish your Emergency READY Profile!

Flooding Can Happen Anywhere!

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as: 

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee failure

Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Until SERVPRO Arrives!

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

If you ever have a water damage from a clean source, lets say water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things you can do before SERVPRO arrives:

• Shut off the main source of the water.
• Turn off all circuit breakers for wet areas of the home or business if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much of the excess water as possible by mopping it up and blotting.
• Wipe all the excess water from wood furniture after removing all lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up all wet upholstery cushions for an even drying process.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between all furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place all paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are of value and sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep all furniture from skirting off damp floors.
• Hang all draperies with coated hangers to avoid them having contact with wet carpeting or floors.

Take Flooding Serious!

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below!

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?

• Flash Flood Warning: A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.


• Flood Warning: A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.


• Flood Watch: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.


• Flood Advisory: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

NO WATER DAMAGE IS TOO BIG OR SMALL

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Whether a flood or leaky pipe, SERVPRO of St Clair Co. can help.

When damage affects your home or business, you want it to be restored as soon as possible. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have restored property for over 45 years. SERVPRO is the trusted choice for hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, because they know SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the experience to do the job right.

The first 24 hours following a water incident are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.

Inspection

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

Emergency Services

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and prepare the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step.

Monitoring

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.

Restoration Services

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

Before any further water damage occurs to your home or business and belongings, contact us at 256-378-1319!

When They Call You, Call Us

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Your Policyholder

When they have water damage, they look to you to handle the situation. You collect information and provide reassurance everything will be returned to normal. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals understand your priority is helping restore your insured's property and peace of mind, while minimizing the loss on a claim.

The first 24 hours following a water incident are the most important in preventing a secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled properly by completing the following steps.

Inspection

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect affected areas of your insured's home to determine the extent of damage. They will also review the inspection with your insured and answer their questions before beginning any work.

Emergency Services

Next, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will take immediate steps to protect your insured's home and personal belongings from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing their home for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you and your insured step-by-step.

Monitoring

To ensure your insured's home and personal belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will monitor the drying process. The results will be consistently communicated to you throughout the monitoring process.

Restoration Services

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will replace structural materials such as drywall and baseboards, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your insured's property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with your insured to ensure their property was returned to preloss condition when possible.

Before any further damage occurs to your insured's property and belongings, contact us at 256-378-1319!

What's In Your Ducts?

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Sweep away years of dust and dirt-to help reduce the potential for damage and health risks.

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. 

The SERVPRO Proven Duct Cleaning System Is Cost-Efficient

Inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) is a service offered by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use a portable ventilation and air duct system to remove years of dust and grime.

Duct Cleaning May Not Always Be Necessary

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork. In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning may become an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, your SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

The SERVPRO System Is The Difference-WE CAN HELP:

• Remediate bacteria, fungi, and mold
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate offensive odors
• Provide free written inspections and estimates

Call Us at 256-378-1319 and we can help protect your health and your property from ventilation and air quality issues.

Crime Scene Cleanup

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Call The Cleanup Team That Is Faster To Any Size Disaster

Your disaster may not always be fire and water related, but the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO are still "Here To Help" when it comes to other situations. Biohazard, crime scene cleanup and vandalism services, many never think of until a related disaster strikes you or your insured's home, business or property. Equipped with the knowledge, experience, and training, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will start helping the moment you call. When disaster strikes, make sure you have experienced professionals on the line. No matter how big or small, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will be ready to help make your property damage "Like it never even happened."

Board-Ups

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Leave The Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals

Whether after a fire, storm, or other structural disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through-especially if it is your property that has been damaged. Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected damage can also be as dangerous as the damage itself. Your SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can board up the damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it "Like it never even happened." 

If you have any questions feel free to contact us: 256-378-1319!

Important Tips From The ICC

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Disaster Safety & Mitigation

• If you live in a high wind or hurricane prone area and do not have tested and code-approved shutters for protection from windborne debris, consider temporarily protecting your doors and windows by mounting exterior grade , 7/16" minimum thickness plywood and fastening it into place. 
• Consider building or retrofitting to create a tornado-safe room in your home. 
• In wildfire prone areas, remove fine (dead grass, leaves, etc.) and coarse fuels (dead twigs, branches, etc.) within 30 feet of a building to create a survivable space in case of wildfire. Be sure to remove dry leaf and pine litter from roofs, rain gutters, decks, and walkways.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of water to move an SUV-sized vehicle.

SERVPRO Biohazard Cleanup Services

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

Our local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help with:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

What is lurking in your ducts?

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt - Helping Reduce Potential for Damage and Health Risks

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of a SERVPRO Franchise Professional's service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

The SERVPRO System is the Difference - We Can Help:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi and Mold.
• Reduce potential for Mold Growth.
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency.
• Eliminate Offensive Odors.
• Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates.

1-4-8

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

Faster To Any Size Disaster

With over 1,500 franchises, SERVPRO has a location close to you. That means we start helping you faster.

• 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

SERVPRO'S 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines help ensure timely communication and response. Quick and accurate response can minimize loss expense from secondary damages and aid in policyholder retention.

1.  Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service.

2. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).

8. Within eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the adjuster by a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.

*Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help provide a solution to your water damage needs. You will welcome our familiar face in your time of need.

• Uniformed Franchise Professionals will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification to begin providing a resolution to the water damage situation.
• Technicians communicate their assessment with you in detail before beginning the cleanup and restoration process where appropriate. 
• Franchise Professionals utilize industry guidelines, knowledge, training and industrial equipment to examine the extent of the damage.
• Restoration services include moisture detection, water extraction, dehumidification contents inventory and drying validation.
• Technicians close the job in a timely manner through electronic claims reporting, consistent communication and professional restoration techniques.
• SERVPRO Franchise Professionals - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

IF YOU HAVE A WATER DAMAGE CALL US: 256-378-1319

Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup & Restoration

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your local Franchise Professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits - these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture disinfecting as they clean. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized.

Vandalism Damage Do's and Don'ts

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

DO:

• Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
• Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON'T:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture or other contents that may be used for repair.

Any kind of damage, whether it be water, fire, mold or a biohazard; we will be there to help you in any way you need us. We make sure to make it like it never even happened and we are faster to any size disaster.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVPRO OR NEED HELP WITH A DAMAGE CALL US: 256-378-1319!

Faster To Any Size Disaster!!

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

CALL THE CLEANUP TEAM THAT IS FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER!

Spring is in the air! With the warmer weather comes the tradition of spring cleaning, a time to organize and clean the environments--home, business, office--we encounter on a daily basis.

Perhaps you are selling a home and want to vanquish years of cigarette smoke odor that won't go away, or want to see if your ducts or HVAC system needs to be cleaned. Detailed articles on dryer vents, deodorization, and ducts are featured this month, but SERVPRO Franchises also offer the following cleaning services: 

• Carpet Cleaning
• Upholstery and Drapery Cleaning
• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning
• Hard Floor Cleaning

Whatever your spring cleaning needs, SERVPRO has you covered. Call us at 256-378-1319 to discuss or schedule your necessary spring cleaning services.

DRYER VENTS!!

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING DRYER VENTS

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. to reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured's home or business, SERVPRO can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird's nest or other potential obstacles. For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact us at 256-378-1319 and we will be glad to help you.

DEODORIZATION!!

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

DESTROY ODORS WITH DEODORIZATION!

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IIRC), SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO's own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

Ask us today to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you. If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact us at 256-378-1319. Whether it's fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll help make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Types!!

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

UNDERSTANDING WATER TYPES

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage From Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call us at 256-378-1319 if you have any questions about a water damage.