Can SERVPRO really help me?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

When do you need to call SERVPRO? 

Our team of trained specialists understands the cleanup and restoration process with water damage to homes. There are several steps for this process which are listed below:

-Inspect and develop a plan

-Water Removal using advanced equipment

-Drying and Dehumidication

-monitoring the process throughout the service

SERVPRO utilizes moisture meters and  infrared camera imagery to determine the wet or damp areas and then develop an action plan. Some of the devices we use are wands connected to portable wet vac-used for initial water removal. Deep extraction tools like  riding rover or weighted wands are used to remove water that has soaked into the padding beneath the carpet. 

Moisture meters are used to determine if the baseboards and walls are wet. Usually the baseboards will need to be pulled in a water damage and holes placed into the wall to receive some air flow to dry the wall cavity out. 

If you need SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo just give us a call at 601-634-0909

What does a mitigation company do?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we take a our jobs serious if you have a water damage. Besides removing badly damaged items, such as upholstered sofas and carpet,s we also inspect your structure. If water is soaking and weakening your drywall or is collecting behind your walls, our team can detect and remove it.  Some  of the equipment we employ for the extraction includes-

Drying mats

Truck mounted pumps

Submersible pumps

Let SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo help you in your time of need. Call us at 601-634-0909 and leave your Vicksburg home "like it never even happened." 

Fire Damage Cleanup

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Small fires and flare ups in your commercial building could leave behind more than some singe marks and smoke. Air quality plays a considerable part in the safety of those in your business and how easily cleanup and restoration actions can be successful. We prioritize improving air quality after a fire gets extinguished. 

One of the first steps toward overcoming fire damage in your commercial property is working to influence the environment and reduce harsh odors that can develop during combustion. Counteractant materials and actions lessen the severity of offensive malodors while helping the fire damaged property. 

Removing soils-surface cleaning is an essential early step in managing airborne contaminants and odors. The less soot and smoke solids present on surfaces, the less influence these deposits have on the environment. 

Safe debris disposal-SERVPRO professionals must also prioritize removing heaped bulk materials, charred remnants, and ash fro the floors where combustion has occurred. 

Counteraction agents-we have several products designed to lessen the strength of malodors, such as absorbent beads and granules that can hold odor molecules and all them to be conveniently removed. 

Removing smoke smells-couteractant measures are only partially effective, however, we must remove harsh smells using deodorization equipment like foggers, oxidation units and hydroxyl machines. 

 The greatest obstacle to air quality is the odor that does not exist. Whether is is your staff or your customers, the sight of fire damage can often create an imaginary burning smell even if deodorization was a success. 

After a fire, you can count on SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo to get your home back together. 

How to determine what can be restored?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

If a home has suffered fire damage in Yazoo City, damage to the contents will occur. Our fire and smoke restoration technicians have the experience and equipment needed to ascertain what gets restored. Several factors affect cleanability. Those are:

Types of Surface

Amount of Heat

Age of Surface

Amount of Moisture

Air Pressure

Impingement 

Temperature Change

We know at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, that YOU want to return to normal as soon as possible and we want that also. As our techs start to clean, repair, and restore your home after fire damage, they apply certain basic cleaning principles. These include: 

Inspecting the affected area to locate smoke residues

Identifying the types of residues

Identifying the type of surfac

Capture and remove smoke residues

Dispose of residues

Although these basic methods apply to every job, SERVPRO handles every unique situation. Every single fire is different. For fire service, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909

Is Your Generator Ready for Hurricane Season?

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

We have had a lot of tornado's in the last 3 months in the Vicksburg area and now we are headed into hurricane season! Is your generator prepared? In order to ensure your generator is functioning properly take these maintenance tips into consideration. 

The typical life expectancy for a generator is between 20,000 and 30,000 hours, serving a crucial role while waiting for a storm restoration company to come to your business. 

Weekly:

You are going to need to perform small maintenance tasks every week. These include:

Running the engine

Checking for alarms or warnings

Ensuring adequate fuel levels for an emergency

Setting the engine to auto mode

Checking that the circuit breaker is closed

Ensuring there are no leaks

Monthly:

On a monthly basis, you will need to spend more time checking fluid levels, such as the coolant and oi.  You should also check the battery to ensure you are ready for a disaster. 

Bi-Annual:

You are going to  want to check the thermal protection levels every six months. At the same time, inspect the drive belts to ensure they have the proper tension and are in good condition. 

Annual:

A certified technician will need to come out every year and perform crucial tasks, such as cnanging the engine oil, fuel filter, air filter, and spark plugs. If any extra maintenance is needed, like a coolant system flush, your technician will perform these items at your annual service. 

take precautions like this can have many benefits for your home or business. The primary one is that you put off replacing your equipment longer.  If you are looking to push the maximum number of hours and avoid generator problems, you need to consider required preventative maintenance. 

For any storm-related damage, call the storm professionals at 601-634-0909. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is always here to help! 

What Smells?

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

The water damage from a natural disaster in your home often comes with odors and mold growth that can be hard to find. If you suspect you have mold but don't see any growth, we recommend finding an industrial hygienist who can find out what mold may or may not be in your home.  Other measures you can take to help with the funk are below:

Air It Out

Open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate in your residence. This should help dissipate any lingering smells that remain and will also facilitate the drying of the affected areas. 

Dry the Wet Areas

You may install dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Removing moisture from porous and absorbent surfaces such as carpet and upholstery can greatly reduce the chance of foul aromas remaining after the flood and can mitigate the appearance of mold. 

Deodorize  Your Home

There are natural methods that you can utilize to expedite the deodorizing process in your house.  Baking soda sprinkled into carpets or other absorbent surfaces can be vacuumed up with getting rid of foul odors.  On less porous surfaces, vinegar applied liberally can aid in combating persistent smells. 

Keep an Eye Out for Mold

As with any area that has had prolonged exposure to moisture, mold growth can be a threat that, if not addressed immediately can become a huge problem.  It is imperative that proper steps are taken to ensure that mold and spores do not have the opportunity to spread in your home. 

Sewage

Sewage loss can lead to  your home being contaminated by sewage contents when floodwater finds its way past your threshold. This can leave behind an overpowering smell even after the moisture has been removed due to the bacteria in the water.  These horrendouse smells often cannot be removed by household cleaners and require the services of  a professional flood restoration company. 

Eliminating odors can be  a tricky thing, so give us a call at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909

Modern Technology During Major Disasters

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Technology can cause stress and sometimes is more of a burden than helpful.  However, in the case of emergencies such as natural disasters, it can be extremely helpful for keeping you updated and letting friends and family know where your are.  You more than likely already have the technology in your home to keep you and your family safe during a disaster, so follow these tips to use it effectively! 

Remember, always be sure to keep portable charges ready in your emergency kit so you can always access your technology when you need it most. 

Social Media for News

Using social media is a great way to get up-to-date news straight to your smartphone. Almost all local and national government has social media pages that are updated regularly, especially during a natural disaster. 

Mark Yourself Safe

Another way to use social media is to mark yourself safe.  Facebook offers a  feature called Safety Check that allows you to mark yourself safe if you are in the area of a dangerous situation.  Marking yourself safe lets friends and family know that although you are in the area of disaster, you are safe.  The Red Cross offers a similar feature called Safe & Well which is both an app and a website where you can mark yourself as safe for friends and family. 

Use Online Storage

Services like Google Drive and DropBox are a great way to store personal information online in a safe manner. Keeping copies of identification cards, passports, insurance policies, medical records, and pet information is important is your documents get lost in a disaster or you forget them when you are  evacuating.  You can also access DropBox and Google drive on any computer or phone, just make sure you remember your password! 

Stay Safe and Stay Charged!  

Is Your Business Prepared?

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Most companies require yearly fire drills in order to ensure safety and follow fire department guidelines.  Many employees and managers dislike fire drills due to the interruption during the day.  However, these drills could save lives at some point. 

Here are some tips to follow to help with fire drills:

Always take them seriously. Leading by example is a great way to get employees on board. Also having drills without warning will allow for employees to take them more seriously. 

Prepare your team ahead of time. Before there ever is an actual drill, make sure employees know what the  fire plan is.  Especially if you work in a high-rise building, making sure employees know where exits and emergency stairwells are is important. 

For employees that could be dealing with customers during a fire drill, provide them with a few bullet points they can use during their conversation.  For example due to a local emergency, the call must be disconnected and we will return your call once we are back.  

If your business experiences a fire, we have the resources in order to mitigate both fire damaged items and move damaged structures. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can get you back into your office in no time! 

Water Damage at Your Business

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Does your business have a plan? Flooding and other natural disasters can cause business in Vicksburg, Ms. to shut down for good. However, implementing plans to deal with certain situations, such as a broken pipe and getting water restoration professionals quickly can help your company survive. This is known as a business interruption plan, and there are several different steps to help you develop it. 

1. Determine Your Risks

When calculating the risks that could interrupt your operations, examine both environmental and human-caused risks, such as floodind and a running faucet. Consider which ones you can prevent and the unavoidable ones. ONce you have identified them, you should delve deeper into each hazard. Then, rank your disasters based on their likelihood of occurring and their severity. 

2. Calculate the Costs

Once you have analyzed all potential risks, calculate the costs they would bring. For example, flood could cause lost of income, extra expenses, contractual penalities, and business closure. 

3. Read Your Insurance Contract

The next step is to examine your insurance policy. Interruption insurance can be filed for when there is property damage or a  government shutdown that prohibits your business from operation. These funds are available during the period of restoration. However each policy can differ, so you must closely examine yours to understandy any restricitions such as exclusions, waiting periods, and coverage limits. 

4. Implement Prevention Strategies

There are several strategies that you can develop to reduce your interruption. This includes preventing risks, deterring criminal activity, and planning to mitigate unpreventable hazards.  

5. Create Communications Plans

Having a communication plan is the best way to keep customers and employees informed about your business's status during a disaster. A good plan will include a command chain, scripted messages, and open communication channels. 
Taking the steps helps minimize the interruption of your business from large water damage and other disasters. This is the basis for creating a basis for creation a business interruption plan. 

Picking up the pieces after a tornado

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – 601-634-0909

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “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:

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

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including:

•  A quicker remodeling process
•  Protecting items from potential damage
•  Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by water. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

•  Television sets
•  DVD players
•  Computers
•  And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the water damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a storm event happens, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

•  Preloss list and value of contents
•  Detailed and accurate report
•  Better information to settle claims quicker
•  Assistance with burden of proof for claims
•  Peace of mind when you need it most