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
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
Last week and this week, Mississippi saw multiple tornadoes touch down in our territory, along with straight line winds. The devastation that these type of storms can produce to a homeowner's dwelling is monumental. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is always here to help pick up the pieces when disaster strikes! Our trained professionals care about every single home, and by calling 601-634-0909 it is guaranteed that the moisture in your home will be gone as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help get your life and home back to normal. We can help ease the stressful challenge of making a non salvageable list on your contents. We can actually test your furniture to see whether or not we think that it will be salvageable. We can supply your insurance company with all the needed paperwork and we are in constant contact with our insurers to help with anything that may arise in the midst of the incident. We are always here to help!
Water leaks in your home are never a good thing. If you do have an experience where water is not where it is supposed to be, you obviously need to know the cause of the unwanted water. Once the problem is corrected, it is imperative that you remove any remaining water. Damage caused by remaining water could be farm more costly than the original cause itself. Why? Because residual water will continue to damage key structures in your home, wood, sheet rock, etc. Prolonged water exposure can rot wood, soften drywall, and cause mold. So as soon as possible after fixing a water issue in your home, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo to come search out and removed the unwanted water. Time is not on your side, the longer you don't mitigate the water, it will cause more damage and we call that secondary damage. A minor water issue that is not addressed could become a major issue within your home!
Fire and smoke damage can be extremely stressful if an experienced team is not called to respond to the emergency. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is available to assist with a team of experts 24/7 to begin the recovery process of your property. Our team of highly skilled professionals undergo extensive fire and smoke restoration training and certification to restore your property. Our team of highly skilled professionals undergo extensive fire and smoke restoration training and certification to restore your belongs "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers extensive cleaning and restoration services to your fire and smoke damaged property.
-Structural Cleaning-ONce a fire loss has occurred SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will assess your fire and smoke loss to determine the depth of cleaning and equipment that must be used to thoroughly restore the structure. Ceilings, walls, carpeting, artwork, and wood floors all require a specific cleaning process. At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo professional may also be able to reduce the cost of refinishing and repainting surfaces by lightly cleaning surfaces with minimal soot. Lightly cleaning surfaces that have less fire and smoke damage will deodorize and prepare the surface for fresh paint.
-Contents Cleaning-our team of trained professionals will carefully inspect contents such as furniture, area rugs, and draperies to determine the most appropriate cleaning method. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide wet or dry cleaning methods to your contents. Additionally, preloss condition will be restored to other contents by our professionals using our extensive deodorization and cleaning methods. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide you with an inventory list if your loss has items that are deemed non-salvageable by the professionals.
-Deodorization-SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo also provide you with a specialized deodorization process to rid your property and contents of fire and smoke odors. Ask you SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo professionals to explain the various methods that are available and will work best for you and your family. Just give us a call at 601-634-0909. We are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
No matter what the source of water is that caused a flood on your property, there are steps you must take to protect your family, save your home, prevent health hazards and decrease the costs involved in the restoration process. Although flood damage can be remediated, it takes a concentrated effort by all those involved, from the homeowners that have been affected to the professional team that is tasked with remediating the water damage.
The Post-Flood Cleanup Process
Cleaning up after a flood is a long, arduous process that involves ieticulously removing all water damage, salvaging what you can and safely drying out the structure.
Remediationg Flood Damage
After the flood waters recede and the cleanup has been done, most homeowners are eager to get back into their homes and start rebuilding. The problem with going that route of repaid rebuilding after water damage is your wood has been submerged in water. Its surface has liley absorbed a large amount of water making the processs of rebuilding too quickly a cause for concern. that could lead to mold growth.
Preventing Mold Damage
your space mold-free before or after flood damage is key. Installing dehumidifiers that have a capacity large enough for your space can help you keep the humidity in your home low enough so that mold doesn't grow. Cleaning water soaked carpets and floors is difficult under any conditions but especially after a flood or storm
Being Prepared for Flood Damage
Rather than not know who to turn to in the case of flood damage or to try to DIY the repairs yourself, you can get a piece of mind by using the professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
Flooding, water damages and fire at commercial properties are often very complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether or not we are taking care of a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to access each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damage area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency arises in your business, give us at call at 601-634-0909. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is always here to help!
When does that drip, drip, drip become more than just an annoyance?
How bad can a drip really get? Better yet, how much damage can a drip really do you ask.
These are all pertinent questions that property owners must ask themselves. The average North American household wastes about 10,000 gallons of water from household leaks every year. Futhermore, one in ten homes have severe leaks that waste 90 gallons of more per day. Left unnoticed, these drips can turn into a major strain on your budget and patience in the end. Here are a few reasons why these drips occur and what you can do to keep them under control.
Broken Seals
When your appliances were installed, the contractor put seals around all water connectors. But, as your appliances age, these seals tend to break or wear out. If you notice condensation or puddles near your appliances, you may have a broken seal. Getting this broken seal fixed immediately can save you a pretty penny in water damage costs.
Clogged Lines
Many clogged drains simply cause inconvenience. Some clogs, however, can lead to overflowing or burst pipes. For example, obstructions in air handler drain pans or in your gutters often lead to serious water damage. This is why it's best to keep your gutters and HVAC system clean to prevent serious clogs that can result in heavy drips.
Corrosion
As your plumbing systems ages, rust and other forms of corrosion may eat away at the pipes. If you notice any discoloration or warping on your pipes, have a plumber assess the damage right away. If you have an older plumbing system, consider replacing the pipes-since there is a high risk or corrosion for new models.
What to do When Your Rip Becomes Water Damage
If you have noticed an increase in your water bill, a musty smell around a drain, a change in water flow, or other warning signs of an active leak its best to scope out the problem for yourself.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo for any water issues you may have!
There are many reasons that you want to call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, and one of those reasons is the equipment that we use on the job site. Not only do we use air movers and dehumidifiers, but we also have specialty drying equipment as well.
One of those pieces of equipment that we have is our Injectidry system. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is the only mitigation in the area that uses this system. The Injectidry system is used when a loss has occurred and hardwood floors are affected. Unless the floor has begun to buckle, the Injectidry can be used to potentially save the hardwood flooring instead of having to pull and replace it. The Injectidry system contains a series of mats that are sealed tight to the floor, and the mats have hoses attached to the top that are hooked up to a vacuum that pulls the water out from underneath the floor. The water travels to a filling tank where it can be dumped out. We have saved many floors by using this system! If you have a water damage are hardwood floors are involved, give us a call at 601-634-0909!
Two dreaded word for homeowners:Mold and Mildew. Microbial growth can cause all kinds of issues and can be very expensive to mitigate. Many insurances companies have no mold coverage and some have extremely limited coverage for any kind of microbial activity.
Microbial growth grows best in dark, damp, humid and warm conditions and spreads by reproducing spores. We live in Mississippi so we can check the box for all of the above! Some common indoor types are Cladosporium, Penicillium,Alternaria and Aspergillus. These kinds of microbial growth, and others, can cause health effects.
Here are a few locations that are more likely to have mold issues in your area:
Antique shops
Greenhouses
Saunas
Farms
Mills
Construction Areas
Flower Shops
Summer Cottage
If you believe you are having a microbial growth issue in your home or business, let SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo come do a visual inspection for you.
When black or green spots start to show up on your walls and ceilings, there is a good chance that the spots are beginning stages of microbial growth. Microbial growth manifests when bacteria is allowed to cultivate in an ideal environment. Microbial growth needs moisture to thrive, and can have serious side effects of the tenants of the property. Do not let someone tell you that you can bleach the microbial growth away. If you just wipe away the microbial growth, it will come back with a vengeance. It will come back stronger. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is a reputable restoration and remediation company with a professional staff that brings many years of experience to the table. Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo and we will be more than happy to help you with any mold or mildew issues.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients. Here are a few reasons why so many insurance agents and adjusters trust us:
Fast Emergency Response:
Restoring commercial or residential property is the first priority at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo. Your insurance client will appreciate our immediate response and you will know we're doing everything we can to limit the damage and the costs.
Prestesting Reduces Claims Expense:
Like insurance agents and claims adjusters, we know restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Our goal is always to restore whenever possible and replace only when necessary. That's why SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo performs pretesting on every loss so we can determine restorability.
Claims Inventory Service:
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide insurance agents and claim adjusters with an itemized loss inventory. We give you a report and pictures of important items. Your work is made simpler and clearer because we provide you with a complete and accurate picture of the incident.
Serving Adjusters and Your Clients:
Our job is to reassure your clients, perform quality service,and report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim. We don't want you to have to deal with problems from vendors. Working with you, we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you've assigned. We offer you a 24 hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file within hours.
Here to Help:
The job of SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is to reassure the customer, provid excellent service and communicate with the insurance agents and adjusters quickly. We work together with the agents to provide quick and effective property restoration and make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO is recognized as the leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies nationwide. Did you know that SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer fast, reliable bio-hazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners too?
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminates can poser serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely removed such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. Your local professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo are trained to safely and effectively remove bio-hazardous 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 of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. SERVPRO can provide:
Over 40 years of experience as leading fire and water cleanup and restoration providers.
A SERVPRO franchise nearby-more than 1,500 franchises servicing 48 states.
More locations for faster responses.
Large loss capabilities-no fire or water damage is too big
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don't necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you help to minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. You will know what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is helpful in receiving timely mitigation and can help minimize the affects that fire and water can have on your business.
Call today for your free ERP to save your business time and money if your business suffers a disaster.
You can't plan when a storm could strike. It could be a holiday, a weekend, or overnight. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo always has a crew available for you!
We understand at SERVPRO that the most crucial time to start remediation of water is immediately. So using the most advanced equipment, we begin water removal and treatment of space to quickly restore your home back to preloss condition.
We are here for you 24/7, large or small. All you need to do is call 601-634-0909 for immediate service.
Our SERVPRO representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information(if applicable)
Address of affected property
When did the damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on site)?
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
1. Call SERVPRO to avoid water damage that could lead to mold growth.
Many consumers unintentionally create the right conditions that foster mold infestations. It begins with a water leak somewhere or perhaps an overflowing sink. Water spreads across the floor, into other rooms, soaking carpets and under padding. The leak is repaired, and the visible water is mopped up, and the flooring is allowed to dry naturally. These consumers may have created the perfect conditions for mold growth.
SERVPRO receives calls from consumers all the time about water clean up. A mold infestation has appeared, there is a musty smell in the area, and family members are experiencing health effects. We can help manage the initial water event, clean up the water and dry all areas affected to avoid future mold infestations.
2. Stop the Leak and Remove the Water
SERVPRO recommends that consumers manage the leak first and foremost. Turn the tap off, or shut off the main water supply, and make repairs if there is a water leak. Then call SERVPRO for help. SERVPRO will respond within 4 hours.
3. Extracting the Moisture
SERVPRO has the equipment to remove every last drop of water and dry your floors, including true hardwood, subfloors and carpeting.
4. Air Movers and Dehumidifiers
We also want to avoid any opportunity for mold growth. We use desiccant air dryers to remove moisture from hard surfaces such as hardwood floors. Carpets are sometimes lifted to expose the underpad and subfloors. Air movers are used for blowing air into these areas to absorb moisture, and dehumidifiers are used to removed humidity from the air.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo today at 601-634-0909
Smoke and Soot Can Leave a Lasting Odor in Your Home
Smoke and soot can cause hidden damage and odor. Our Production Techs are experts when it comes to smoke damage who can accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a plan of action.
Facts about Smoke and Soot
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.
Different Types of Smoke Did you know there are actually different types of smoke? There is what is called wet smoke and dry smoke! Check out the two types below in more detail. Wet Smoke // Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke // Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore, smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue // Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor
Hopefully, we all have easy access to a fire extinguisher in our home or place of business….The question is, do you know how to use one and on what types of fires?
A fire-extinguisher can certainly be very helpful in preventing fire and smoke damage from spreading throughout your home or office in Northeast Mississippi. If the worst happens, remember that SERVPRO of Tupelo and Amory/Aberdeen & West Point has caring experts to help you in cleaning up the damage left from a fire.
OSHA has some helpful training tips (see below). If you have any doubts or concerns at all, leave the premises and 911 once you are outside.
SERVPRO of Tupelo and Amory/Aberdeen & West Point wants you to know that you can try to fight a small fire if and only if:
You have the right class of fire extinguisher
You know how to use the fire extinguisher
You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than injuries to you or others.
Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers
Class A fire extinguishers should be used to put out fires involving cardboard, paper, wood, dried vegetation.
Class B fire extinguishers should be used to put out fires involving flammable and combustible liquids, such as gasoline, diesel, oil, and oil-based paints, and many solvents.
Class C fire extinguishers are suitable for use to extinguish fires that involve appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in or otherwise electrically energized, as well as for fires burning in close proximity to electrically-energized equipment.
Class D fire extinguishers are designed for use to extinguish combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium, and are often designed for the specific type of combustible metal. This does NOT include ordinary carbon steel, only metals that will burn when ignited.
Class K fire extinguishers are designed to be used for putting out fires that involve oils and greases used for cooking in kitchens, such as vegetable and animal-based oils and fat.
No one likes to think about the possibility of having a fire in their home. Fires can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent the likelihood of a home fire. Here are four tips for preventing a fire in your home.
1. Install Smoke Alarms
Fire preparation begins with installing smoke alarms in every sleeping room of your home. You should also have smoke alarms placed in hallways, kitchens, and family rooms. Once you’ve ensured you have the right number of alarms, be sure to test them monthly and replace batteries annually.
2. Educate
Education is key to increasing the safety of your loved ones. Teach children the following fire safety basics:
Stop, drop and roll
Fire crawl
Checking doors for heat
Escape routes
The location and sound of smoke alarms
Emergency phone numbers
3. Create an Escape Plan
Everyone should create a fire escape plan. Creating a plan of action is one of the best fire preparation tips to keep your family safe. Draw a floor plan of your house and mark all possible exits, including doors and windows, in each room. Walkthrough your home and ensure that all exits are free from clutter and that children know how to open and safely exit each window.
4. Practice Your Plan
Once you have a plan in place, it’s wise to practice it. Choose at least two times a year to hold fire drills. These drills can either be planned or spontaneous. A good run-through of the plan will identify any areas that need to be adjusted or improved. Remember to emphasize that once you get outside, you should stay outside of the house. Never go back inside a home that is on fire.
The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. But the season also brings many fire risks. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.
Decorations
Fall decorations, like dried flowers, leaves and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Since these items are dry, they can ignite very easily and spread flames quickly.
Have A Plan
Be sure you have a Fire Preparedness Plan and your family knows what to do if a fire breaks out in your home. Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
Protect your family by teaching your children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
Ensure your smoke alarms are in working order and that you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher.
Make Halloween Safe
Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabrics. If you are making your costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or a flame.
It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn, and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
Be Careful in the Kitchen
With the holidays quickly approaching, your kitchen may be working on overdrive. While cooking, it can be easy to get distracted, especially if you have children. However, kitchens are a high-risk area for household fires, so it’s important to remain watchful.
Never leave food unattended while cooking, especially working with oil. Hot grease can splash and ignite. Keep flammable objects, like washcloths, potholders, and paper towels, away from the stovetop.
If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed. Turn it off and wait for the fire to extinguish.
Safely Use Your Fireplace
As the weather turns cold and brisk,fireplaces can bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to any home. However, if fireplaces are not properly cared for, they can lead to an increased fire and smoke risk. Make sure your fireplace is clean and well maintained and never left unattended when lit.
While you can take precautions to prevent fires this fall, sometimes accidents happen. If your home suffers any fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo.
After smoke or fire damages a home, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909, and we’ll assess the damage and make your home “Like it never even happened.”
What Happens To Your Office Equipment After A Commercial Loss
If your building was flooded, whether by a storm, or a burst pipe, then you will likely be dealing with quite a bit of damage. Along with the structure of the building and the furniture inside, your equipment can be affected as well. If you have flooded electronics, it is important to handle them cautiously to prevent further damage. The following tips can help.
1. Remove Them From the Water Immediately
It is probably obvious that the first thing you should do is remove your electronics from the water. The longer they are submerged, the more damage they are likely to suffer. Quickly relocate them to a dry area to prevent additional problems from moisture.
2. Wipe Down the Exterior
While you are most likely more concerned with the inside of your flooded electronics, you should not neglect to care for the exterior. Use a towel or cloth to thoroughly dry the outside of any affected items to prevent corrosion. This also keeps any water on the outside from entering the device.
3. Do Not Turn Them On
It can be tempting to check the state of the electronic damage by turning on your equipment, but this is not a good idea. Even if the outside is dry and it looks like it might be fine, moisture may be hiding on the inside. If you turn on your device before it has completely dried, this can cause even more damage that may make repairs impossible.
4. Have Them Inspected by a Professional
If your devices have been submerged in water, you need to have them examined by a professional to determine the extent of the electronic damage. In some cases, they may be able to repair them, saving you from the cost and frustration of having to purchase a replacement. Flooded electronics are just one of several problems caused by water damage. If you need to have work done on your building, a cleanup and restoration service can do this for you. They can have your building back to its previous condition quickly and can salvage many of your damaged belongings.
It’s always a good idea to hire a professional to come inspect your HVAC system; if any maintenance is needed, that same company can take care of it right away. You will want to have an inspection done every fall and again in spring, after the heavier use months during winter and summer. A professional will inspect and clean all of your unit’s wiring and mechanisms, which would be a bit challenging for anyone without the training or expertise. Using a professional ensures that the future of your business’ HVAC is bright!
As a business owner, there are several simple maintenance chores that you can do to prolong your system’s life and increase its efficiency between professional inspections and maintenance, such as:
Regularly:
Get a high-efficiency, pleated air filter for your system
Keep your heating units and AC free of pollen, leaves, and grass
Keep two feet of space clear around your outdoor AC and heating units
Inspect refrigerant lines every month
Replace air filters at least every 90 days
In the summer, turn off the water running to the furnace humidifier
In the fall, replace the humidifier filter and turn the water back on
Annually:
Replace the carbon monoxide detector battery
Make sure your outdoor AC unit is on firm and level ground
Clean AC condensation with a bleach and water mixture
Caring for your HVAC properly throughout the year will keep your work environment air quality and atmosphere pleasant, which keeps your staff happy and content. It will also save you money by improving and maintaining your energy efficiency throughout your building.
The team at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is always ready to inspect and maintain your HVAC system, and we are here to answer any questions you might have. We are also experienced in large cleanup jobs such as those needed because of fire damage or water damage, and we are pros at mold remediation. Call us today at 601-634-0909
Dry Ice Blasting is a revolutionary blasting method that uses dry ice pellets (CO2 in solid form) as the blasting material. The process is very environmentally friendly and provides a fast and effective alternative to traditional methods of cleaning industrial production equipment.
Dry Ice Blasting is a 3 step process:
1. Kinetic - When dry ice pellets are accelerated in a jet of compressed air and strike a surface at the speed of sound, they crack and loosen the coating of the surface being treated.
2. Thermal - The low temperature of dry ice pellets (-79 degrees C/-110 degrees F) makes coating brittle, cracks it and loosens it. This allows dry ice to permeate the coating.
3. Sublimation - Dry ice penetrates the coating and immediately sublimes (passes directly from solid to vapor state). This results in a 700-fold increase in volume, an explosive effect that lifts the coating off the surface.
The Benefits of Dry Blasting:
1. A dry cleaning process - Dry ice blasting is a completely dry process because dry ice pellets consists of CO2 and vaporize immediately on contact with the surface to be cleaned.
2. No waste disposal - The system produces no waste products. Only the coating that has been removed remains to be disposed of, and this can usually be swept or vacuumed from the floor.
3. Environmentally friendly - Dry ice blasting is completely non-toxic and no hazardous chemicals are used. Costs connected with the disposal of blasting materials and solvents are saved.
4. No abrasion - Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and therefore surfaces are treated very gently. Wear and tear resulting from the use of steel brushes, scrapers and other blasting materials is avoided.
5. Improved production quality - Dry ice blasting often allows for your production equipment to be cleaned while in operation without the need for dismantling or costly downtime.
An odd smell in your commercial building that you can't locate the source of can be a very frustrating experience. There are several reasons why you may be noticing a mold smell in your office building even though you haven't seen any visible mold.
Reasons You May Smell Mold But Not See It:
Fungus smell is often described as a musty odor. If you are smelling mold but not seeing any, it is probably because there are a variety of hidden places mold may grow:
Under Flooring
Behind Walls
Ceiling Tiles
Inside Storage areas
On Fabric on upholstered Furniture
Causes of Mold Odor
Mold smell occurs because these fungi produce and release compounds, called microbial volatile organic compounds, that have strong odors and are quickly released into the air. If you are noticing mold or mildew smell in your building, you should investigate any surfaces that have recently been wet and current sources of moisture.
Detecting Hidden Mold
You can find some hidden mold by simply looking for it. However, mold that occurs behind walls, under flooring, and other areas may not be detected by visual inspection without tearing out material. A mold professional can inspect your property and use advanced detection systems, such as air samples to locate and write a protocol for SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo to follow.
Preventing Mold
To prevent future mold problems, dry out anything that is damaged by water within 24 to 48 hours. Repair any leaking plumbing or equipment.
If you need SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, please call us at 601-634-0909.
Have you ever thought about why it is important to clean your lint trap out regularly in your dryer? It can cause a fire! If you have a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo employs trained professionals who are capable of helping you during this time.
1. Clean the lint weekly
It is important to clean the lint trap out on a weekly basis. This helps your clothes dry faster, but more importantly, it helps to prevent fires that start in the dryer.
2. Clean the Dryer Duct
Have you ever changed out your dryer duct? It isn't hard to do and can save your home from a possible fire. The dryer duct should be checked on a regular basis to ensure it is clean and there is not blockage.
3. Dryer Duct: Upgrades are Available
A little maintenance can go a long way! SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is prepared to help you if a fire occurs in your home. However, if you remember to check your dryer duct and keep your lint trap clean, your chances f having a fire in your dryer dramatically lessens.
Often people aren't aware that SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can clean your contents after a house fire. It's not an easy task but this is how we do it!
We start by inventorying the contents and separating salvageable from the non-salvageable items.
We carefully pack up the salvageable content from the home to take it our our warehouse where we can start the cleaning process. If needed we once the items are cleaned, we can ozone the items. Ozoning is a process that neutralizes any additional smoke smell out of the items. Then SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can return the cleaned items to you!
If you are in need of fires restoration or have questions about our restoration process, please feel free to call us at 601-634-0909
National Preparedness Month(NPM), recognized each September, is designed to raise awareness and encourage everyone to prepare themselves for emergencies that could impact their homes, jobs, schools, and communities. This is a good time be sure your business is "Ready for whatever happens." Did you know SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers a FREE emergency ready profile that anyone can set up using a smartphone or tablet? SERVPRO has ensured making your emergency ready plan is available at the touch of your fingertips through our FREE app available in your app store. The SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.
Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:
The no-cost assessment ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority locations. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download the SERVPRO free Ready Plan APP to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet. Establishes SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Knowing who to call in advance is key to a quick response and timely mitigation, helping to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive. Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. No one plans on a disaster, but now you can have a plan in place when it happens.
Things To Remember About Storm Damage Insurance Claims
The weather can be very hard to predict, so you'll never know exactly when a storm will hit your area. Unfortunately, a storm can seriously damage your roof. Damaged roofs cause costly water leaks, so you should act quickly to repair your roof.
*Look for Damage as You Can Look for Damage as Soon As You Can: Even if your roof looks intact from the outside, there could be significant damage to your roofing system. You should act quickly and call a reputable roofer to inspect your roof if you suspect damage.
*Document All The Details-You will need pictures and notes of all the damage areas of your roof. In some cases, your roofing contractor will be able to assist with this task.
*Contact Your Insurance Company-You should contact your insurance company as quickly as possible once you have documented the damage to your roof. Some insurance companies have a time limit on how long you can file a claim. Make sure to read your insurance policy carefully so you can understand your rights and responsibilities.
*Choose a Contractor You Can Trust-If your roof insurance claim is approved, then you need to choose a contractor you can trust with your roof repair or replacement.
If you need us, we are here to help, just call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909 or email us at SERVPROofvicksburg9346@SERVPROofvicksburg.com
1. Stay informed. Being prepared means first and foremost to know what kind of weather is on the way. Listen to your local weather or use a weather app. Keep your phone charge and on, as that will allow you to receive local weather alerts.
2. Don't leave vehicles and other expensive items outdoors. Cars, motorcycles, outdoor furniture and even children's toys can easily get damaged due to high winds.
3. Prepare your year yard. Trees, plants and shrubs take a beating during storms.
4. Install storm shutters. During high winds, your windows are vulnerable to branches and other debris blowing around them.
5. Clean out your gutters and storm drains. Storms can bring a lot of precipitation. Your gutters are intended to lead that water safely away from your home so it doesn't collect and cause water damage.
6. Check your generator. If you rely on a generator during power outages, then you need to make sure it's in good working order before the storm starts.
7. Create an emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include at the minimum items such as bottled water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, blankets, and warm clothing, phone charges, radio and batteries.
Spring is in full swing and if you haven’t started your spring cleaning, now is the time! Not only will it get your house in tip-top shape, but you can also look for any areas that can cause fire damage in your Vicksburghome.
Replace batteries in your home.
Batteries can die in items even if you aren't using them often. Start with replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flashlights. Other batteries that may need to be changed are security cameras, alarm systems, and smart locks on your home.
Dryer Vents
Other than routinely cleaning your lint filter out before and after loads, you should also be making sure that the outdoor dryer flaps are not blocked by build-up or animal nests. This can be a DIY project or you can hire a professional.
Check on any extension cords.
Check to make sure that extension cords are not overloaded, frayed, or cracked. Replace where needed and try to move electronics if too many are in one extension.
Propane/charcoal grills should remain outside.
Your propane/charcoal grill should be stored and used outside only. Make sure that the grill is routinely cleaned and someone is always tending to the grill when in use.
Clean outside debris
Make sure to clean up dead leaves and trash from around your house. These items may be dangerous if exposed to heat, and in the event, there is a fire it will exacerbate it.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is here to help with any preventative cleaning needs or fire needs. If emergency services are needed due to a fire or any other disaster give us a call 24 hours a day at 601-634-0909
After a long day on the road, one of your employees or yourself may leave the sunroof or window open. Depending on what weather is outside there is a chance your Vicksburg business’s commercial vehicle may actually have water damage! Especially in the South, mildew and mold can happen when it's hot and muggy outside and the inside of the commercial vehicle is wet.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo has dealt with maybe water damage claims inside the home, commercial buildings, and commercial vehicles. We always ensure proper deodorization, drying, and getting rid of staining.
Also, don’t forget we offer COVID-19 cleanings for your commercial vehicle as well. Kill two birds with one stone and call us today at 601-634-0909 any water damage or COVID-19 cleanings you may need. We have had great success with making it "Like it never even happened."
Who's Responsible for Your Apartment Complex Water Damage?
Water damage is a common issue that homeowner's and renter's can face. The aftermath can be devastating making the property unlivable and permanent damage may occur not only to the structure but also the contents.
In general, a landlord is responsible for maintaining the property ensuring that the apartment is livable and function up to code. The landlord may refuse repairs, or fail to address them quickly enough-causing further damage such as mold. Failure to maintain or repair these functions may lead to property damage and the landlord is liable due to negligence.
Know your lease
It's important to know what your lease states regarding property damage. Most properties have property insurance and will list what type of damage is covered and what is not.
Renter's Insurance
Although not required in Mississippi, it is highly recommended. Coverage is usually extremely low to cover a large amount of your belongings. Ask a local agent for guidance on this.
Damage to Property and Personal Belongings
Water damages caused to the building itself such as flooring, walls, and utilities should be covered under the landlord's property.
We Can Help
Water damage requires rapid response in order to minimize loss to both the property itself and belongings inside. We are the experts in Water Mitigation! Give us a call today at 601-634-0909
Offices suffer fire damage much more than you think. A fire in an office workplace is devastating to not only employees but also the business owner. Educating not only yourself but your employees can help minimize fires.
Because offices are jampacked with computers, phones, printers, kithen appliances, and more, over time the electrical system can become overwhelmed. This can cause electrical shock which can result in a spark or fire starting. You should check electrical panels regularly and make sure no wires are corroded.
If your office is not regularly being cleaned, dust is accumulating. When dust builds up on wood, metal and plastic is can become a fire hazard. Items that heat up such as computers, microwaves and wires should be kept dust free.
Offices often have many papers, boxes, furnishings, and packaging lying around. All of these items can cause a fire to spread quicker than normal. Although many items are essential to everyday life, keeping the areas tidy will minimal possible damage.
Most employees have a computer at their desk these days. Employees should ensure they are not letting their computers overheat, or leaving laptops on materials that could catch fire.
Not every business gets the luxury of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if you depending on customers and working from their homes. Routine cleaning of your business is essential to limiting guests, and employees to exposure. Follow these tips to sanitize your offices!
Start by education workers, and developing policies for protecting your workers. This can include enforcing masks, and having a policy if workers start to feel ill during the work day. Soap and water will reduce the number of germs and following with disinfectant will kill germs. Make sure to focus on high touch surfaces. These include but are not limited to:
Tables
Doorknobs
Light switches
Counter tops
Handles
Desk
Phones
Keyboards
Toilets
Faucets
If an employee or customer has tested positive for Covid-19 it is best to let the professionals take care of the sanitizing. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers a defensive pathogen cleaning program, that goes beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. We will tailor the program based on the need of your facility and use an EPA-Approved Hospital Grade solution to decontaminate.
If you are interested in our commercial cleaning services or want to learn more about our Covid-19 cleaning, please contact us at 601-634-0909
From the moment that flood damages affect your Warren County home, you need to respond quickly to preserve the both the structural integrity of your property and the contents inside of it. While the first call that many homeowners tend to make is to their insurance provider to begin the claims process, you should also call our SERVPRO emergency response team.
That initial call can put boots on the ground with advanced equipment capable of lessening the impact of the floodwater on your property with fast extraction and drying possibilities. Once our team arrives at your home, our highly trained technicians can get to work on assessing the full scope of the flood damage that your home has sustained, cataloging the damages and irreparable conditions, and estimating the costs of repair and restoration for the property. This information is what your insurance company requires to approve a loss claim.
Our training awards us a reputation of providing experienced and educated technicians on every job that we do. This education begins with our extensive training regiment to obtain our IICRC certifications for water damage restoration and secondary certifications in areas like mitigation, mold remediation, and odor removal.
While you might be unclear about how to respond to a flood in your home, by entrusting your property can get restored fast. We offer 24-hour response to any size emergency that threatens your home to help you preserve what matters most. Give SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo a call today!
After a Vicksburg Storm, SERVPRO Comes in With Advanced Equipment and Controlled Demolition to Address Walls and Flood Damage
Any homeowner needs to know that there are times when DIY methods alone will not get your home the restoration level you need. If the walls in your Vicksburg home and take on water after a storm, they could need to be repaired and or replaces.
What Can Skilled Technicians Do That I Cannot?
When you call us to help with the any storm damage, we get to work quickly to halt water migration and begin extraction measures. We utilized specialized techniques and industrial-grade equipment that homeowners cannot access. Drying times often depend on the dry air we can circulate as we regulate temperatures and bring down relative humidity within the living space.
-Water damaged paneling and plaster are some times salvageable,but the sills and studs may need to be dried
-We can remove laminated paneling, drywall and plaster to just above the level that water may have wicked up
-Wallboards treated with vinyl-coating wallpaper will restrict drying, so removal is best to ensure no hidden moisture gets left behind.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909 when you need skilled water mitigation.
This past weekend in Vicksburg, Mississippi, we enjoyed very comfortable temperature for this time of year. Actually, it was kinda of cold!!! And of course, now we have some rain coming in for the next few days. Here are some suggestions to protecting your home for upcoming storm damage.
Start with the Outside First:
Clean your gutters: when gutters are full of leaves, they don't allow rain water to flow naturally and can resulrt in an overflow of water.
Check trees around your house: any trees that are close to your home could ultimately fall in a windy storm, damaging your roof and allowing water to seep into your home. Trees that are too close to your home can also allow animals to climb into your attic, further breaching the roof's integrity.
Time to Check Inside:
Check your windows and doors: weather-stripping around doors and windows can hlep to make sure rain doen't come indoors. You wil want to look for obvious crack, spaces, and loose hardware. These items can allow droplets of rain into your home.
Check the foundation: Look for any cracks in the foundation or in the walls. If any are found, deal with them immediately.
Check your garage door: it is important to ensure that it closes fully and properly to prevent water from entering during a storm.
If Storm Damage Happens, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
Fire damage to your commercial business can be catastrophic. It does not matter what your business does, it can mean downtime, loss of goods, costly equipment loss, loss of property, or worse. A fire can quickly move through a building and even put your team at risk. If you are not prepared it can be a situation that escalates faster than you are ready to handle. Good planning can help ensure that a fire does not happen or if it does, how it can be handled quickly and effectively. Below the United States Fire Administration has listed the top five leading causes of a commercial fire.
Top causes of fires in commercial buildings
According to data from the United States Fire Administration, between 2006 and 2015, the top causes of fires in commercial buildings were:
Cooking
Cooking is a huge danger, and it was a culprit behind 30,900 fires within the past decade. This is why it is so important to install fire alarms and a sprinkler system in your kitchen to prevent against the worst!
Unintentional and Careless Behavior
This is a broad category. Unintentional and careless behavior, better known as accidents, caused more than 10,900 fires. While it’s hard to stop people from being careless, business owners and property managers can’t afford to be.
Arson
Intentionally set fires represented 9,800 of the total fires in these properties.
Electrical malfunction
Problems with the electricity or wiring in a building caused around 7,000 fires in the past decade.
Heating problems
Problematic HVAC systems are the culprit behind about 6,000 commercial fires nationwide.
Trust that SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So, our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened,” and your business is back up and running!
Stopping water movement is not always easy. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
Water: How Do We Stop It:
Stopping water movement is not always easy. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo employees are trained to know how to stop water from spreading when a water loss occurs. Here are some step we take to limit the spread of water once we get onsite at a water loss.
STOP the cause of loss (stop the flow of water!)
Extract the water that has already spread around the loss site
Start setting equipment such as dehumidifiers to manage humidity. This limits the spread of moisture through the air.
Remove affected materials that will substantially slow down the drying process, such as baseboards and / or drywall.
Then air movers will be placed to start the drying process. We will make it "Like it never even happened."
Why SERVPRO? You are choosing a nation wide company who has been training teams for decades. Experience is important! Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster!
Our employees are trained to know how to stop water from spreading when a water loss occurs. Here are some step we take to limit the spread of water once we get onsite at a water loss.
Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is trained in the science of drying and follows strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of secondary damages, like mold. If your home or business suffers water damage, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will:
Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor weather the materials are drying properly.
Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment
What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are we, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material—but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo has the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces, inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO also uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying process of your home or business.
The bottom line? SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo has the training and equipment to help make your water damage "Like it never even happened."
Mold – The Biggest Threats to a Healthy and Happy Home
Mold comes in a variety of colors and can sometimes be difficult to differentiate. The most common types include Cladosporium, aspergillus, and stachybotrys. In this post we will help inform you about each type and what you can do to prevent mold growth in your home.
Cladosporium - Typically a black or green mold. Tends to grow on the back of toilets, smooth painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. It has a “pepper like” look to it and may cause health effects.
Aspergillus – Black on the surface and usually white or yellow underneath. Different species of this mold may differ slightly in color. It is commonly found on foods and in-home AC systems. It is an allergenic mold.
Stachybotrys (aka black mold) – Green/black in color and grows on material with high cellulose content. For example: paper, fiberboard, dust, lint, etc. It will likely be found in a place with a lot of moisture and humidity.
Mold needs a food source to grow and sporulate. Water can be the source of life for mold. It only takes a tiny bit of water for mold to begin colonizing. This could come from a roof leak, plumbing issue or storm damage. The key is to catch the water loss before it becomes a problem. Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo for your water remediation needs.
However, if you find your home growing mold it important to act fast. Simply wiping it away will not solve your problem. Our team of trained professionals know how to safely remove and restore your home to keep it healthy and happy. We are here to help, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 601-634-0909
When SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo businesses suffer serious damage after storm events, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will work around the clock to clean up any debris and to restore the property to preloss conditions. We understand that commercial storm damage can be very costly in terms of productivity; that is why it is always our goal to get your business back up and running as quickly and as seamlessly as possible.
We have the resources to handle large storm damage.
When a storm hits Warren County and surrounding areas we can scale our resources to handle large-loss commercial restoration projects. We have access to equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,600 franchises across the country, as well as elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout.
If your home or business is ever damaged by severe floods or storms, call us right away. Disaster can strike when we least expect it, but we will be there to help you weather the storm.
-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
-Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
-Ask your SERVPRO Professional about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.
What is an Emergency Ready Profile?
It is a "snapshot" of each building owned/managed by a business, that provides critical information for emergency preparation.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909 to schedule a time to start an Emergency Ready Profile
Have you just moved into a home or apartment with a strong nicotine smell? There are some home remedies to try, but these will only work under certain circumstances. There are many questions to consider, like how long the cigarette smoke has been impacting the area, how strong the smell is, and where the smell is concentrated.
If the home remedies are unsuccessful, it is best to send a professional out to inspect it. Once we can establish the extent of the damage, we beginning to plan action steps for ridding the home of the stench. Often nicotine residue can cling to the HVAC system, so a full duct cleaning could be the answer to residual odor that seems to outlast other odor removal methods. If the ducts have been cleaned, then we will ozone the affected areas. We will bring in air scrubbers to remove the airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.
Aft the ozone process is complete, we will us a thermal fogger, which uses a special solvent-based deodorizer that is heated and applied as a dry fog/smoke. Thermal foggers rely on a deodorizing solution that is vaporized in the fogger then blown into the room permeating all of the contents and structural elements.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909.
Think about the last time your appliances were moved or inspected
Many of us don't think about the household appliances that we use every single day. For most, they probably become a passing thought about how much wear and tear they are receiving. Most of the appliances we use to make our everyday lives easier to utilize water. This means they are prone to leaks at some point if they are not caught early on. Water damage can sit for ages before you as a homeowner realize. This is why regular inspections are important for prevention.
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 us 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 fall, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.
Dishwasher
A dishwasher's tubbing 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 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 the 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
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is available 24 hours a day for emergency damage services. Whe you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay in dealing with the water damage can greatly impact the severity of the water damage.
We answer the phone 24 hours a day, ready to help you!
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, upset and vulnerable. You will need an expert to guide your through this tough time.
What to Expect
When you call us we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine the scope of the damage, the type and quantity of equipment and resources that may be required, including how many trained SERVPRO professionals will be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask:
Your Name and Contact Information
The Address of the Water Damage
When did the Damage Occur
What Cause the Water Damage
How many Rooms were affected
The flooring type of the affected Rooms
Is there Electricity Available
Your Insurance Information ( if applicable)
If you need help during a water damage, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Did you know that your HVAC system is the lungs of your home? It takes air in and breathes air out, circulating air and contaminates 5 to 7 times a day, on average.
Some of these contaminants are:
Dust and dander
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and Debris
Other contaminants
These contaminants can be harmful to all occupants, but some may be more sensitive than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers as well as elderly and young children could be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor quality that air duct cleaning can help address.
Another reason to have your heating and cooling system cleaned is for energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants cause the systems to work harder and shorten the life of your system. When the HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire.
To schedule your HVAC cleaning call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
Currently, we are in a time where the real estate market is hot. Houses are selling faster than they can be listed. We are seeing interest rates drop to an all-time low and what a better time to have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings whether it be a commercial or a residential listing. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo understands that you want to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. How your listing looks is everything to a potential buyer and we can assist in making that happen. It doesn’t matter what shape or situation your listing is in, the SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo team can assist you in many different ways to make this sale is quick and the most profitable for you! Our team can assist you in inspecting a crawl space/attic area for mold, water, or biohazard damage and fix this damage efficiently. Our team can even assist in estate sales in the case of hoarder cleanouts with optional inventory itemization and cleaning services. A SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo professional would be happy to attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency. Just give us a call at 601-634-0909
After a fire, smoky residue saturates every opening because of the convection pattern that flames typically form during ignition. The soot constructs up in layers that may end up being solidified and tough to eliminate which is another reason to leave the cleaning to a specialist.
When the cleaning teams arrive, they promptly differentiate salvageable items from charred debris, taking the things creating the strongest odors out for cleaning.
Following a fire, wall surface areas can be harmed by soot. Non-water based cleaners need to be used to remove soot from walls. These kinds of chemicals should be handled by a specialist due to the fumes and toxicity. Water-based cleaning items can cause spots to bleed into plaster walls, which is why a trained specialist should be left to deal with these chemicals.
"What could possibly happen if I do it myself?" A professional restoration team reduces the after-effects a blaze can have on the health of those who return. If a homeowner does not have the property restored by a professional, the results can be found later on down the line. To an untrained eye, they might believe the issue has been fixed. Homeowners who do it themselves may experience the remaining impacts of indoor air pollution for numerous months later on, which could also form an increased respiratory discomfort.
We are trained to help remove your belongings as well as cleaning and storing them until your property has been restored to its original condition. We want to save as much as possible.
Outdoor Cleaning Tips that Could help Prevent Damage this Fall
Happy fall, y'all! The chill is in the air and the leaves are finally falling. Some of our customers wonder what they should do to prepare for the cooler weather. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo always wants to help you out by giving you tips. We are here to help!
Here are some things you may want to add to your to do list for your fall cleaning!
Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.(Repair or replace as needed.)
Check and clean the gutters. (Do the downspouts, too.)
Clean the patio furniture.(Then store away.)
Drain and store garden hoses.
Check the exterior paint.(Touch up as needed.)
Drain the pool, if applicable.(Close it up for the year)
Some of these tips can help prevent future water damage as well, like cleaning your gutters and repair the weather stripping & caulk.
SERVPRO wants you to know how to prevent damage to your home during the cooler months. Autumn water damages are just as serious as any other damage that can happen. Stay ahead! Get prepared!
Your building's biggest drain is its sewer line. Major problems can occur as a result of a damaged or blocked sewer line. These issues can wreak havoc on a commercial building if they aren't discovered and solved early on. Beware of the following potential problems.
1. Substances Building Up
Never put grease down a drain: it'll solidify and build up in pipes. Coffee grounds are also one of the worst substances for a drain.
2. Foreign Objects Getting Stuck
Sanitary sewer lines and bathroom drains-both residential and commercial-are designed to handle only human waste and toilet tissue. Nothing else should be put down the drains. Even paper towels and "flushable wipes" are harmful to septic systems.
3. Tree Roots Growing
In their search for moisture and nutients, tree roots will invariably find your sewer system. They'll even grow into the line by infiltrating cracks that develop in the pipes. this can cause serious problems such as pipe breaks, as well as leaking or blocked sewer lines. A toilet overflow is often the first sign of a sewer blockage.
4. Lines Failing
Freezing and thawing cycles in the ground, shifting soil, tree roots or the settling of a structure can can pipe breaks, cracks or collapse. When damaged sewer lines leak, the water will saturate the ground surrounding the pipes, causing more damage to the line when it freezes. Piping that isn't made of PVC is a risk of deteriorating and can give way, obstructing flow through the pipe.
5. Pipes Sagging
Over time, parts of pipes will sag deeper into the ground. Water, waste, and sediment will then collect in the "bellied" area and get trapped, blocking the line from flowing properly. Always be mindful of signs of a leaking blocked sewer line at your commercial building. If a problem occurs, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
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.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 mange the restoration project through to its completion.
We 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 franchise with special disaster recovery teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disaster.
We proudly service these counties: Humphreys, Holmes, Sharkey, Issaquena, Warren, Yazoo, Claiborne and Jefferson.
As our communities get back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are still uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations. At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, we are dedicated to inspiring confidence in our 8 counties as we all find our way to anew normal.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, is our defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.
So how does it work? It's grounded in our unique 3 C's:
Consult: Not all business are the same, so we'll tailor a cleaning program on the business uniqueness.
Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean in initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
Certify: You'll know a business is CERTIFIED: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.
Choose SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo for all your commercial cleaning needs.
Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo understands your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure, they make it a home.
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, 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 belongs to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use 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-Usef for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning-Involved 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 due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can conduct and organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:
Quicker remodeling process
Protecting items from potential damage
Protection 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.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909. We will come out and work with you and your insurance company to help put your life back together.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo has the resources to handle any size commercial water damage. We have experience in handling commercial size water damages of all sizes and understand how important it is for your business to get back to "normal" as soon as possible. We at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo have a highly trained staff and our sister franchises are only a few towns away to help with the capacity of anything you may call us with. We are always here to help and are here to make the process as easy as possible for you! Please call us 24/7 at 601-634-0909 for all of your water and fire restoration needs.
After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.
Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solutions, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our processes 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 resource.
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 belongs to pre-fire condition. We're also trained to removed 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.
Beside 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 proeprty has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo and we 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 Specialist
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo will 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.
3 Reasons Not to Wait for an Adjuster to Visit before Restoring your Home
After your home has sustained water damage due to a flood, flood insurance often requires an adjuster to come to your home to asses the damage that has been done. However, waiting to restore your home until after an adjuster comes is often not necessary for several reasons.
1. Adjusters are busy
Once a natural disaster has occurred, insurance companies immediately begin to work with their customers to help them restore their homes. However, the demand for an adjuster to visit homes can mean you'l be waiting to see an adjuster. Waiting to begin making major fixes to your home isn't necessary, and you can document the damage that has been done by taking photographs and saving receipts.
2. You Won't Lose Money Cleaning Up
Although you might be tempted to leave your home exactly as it is after is has sustained flood damage, you will not receive less compensation if you start the cleanup process quickly. It is likely that you will want or need certain items removed from your home before your flood insurance company sends an adjuster to visit your home, and that's okay. Documenting the cleanup process can help to ensure you are fairly compensated for your losses.
3. Your Home Could Become More Damaged
Minor issues in your home can quickly become major issues if they are not fixed in a timely manner. Structural damage, mold damage and more can occur if your home is not dried out and if standing water is not removed. In order to save yourself from having to spend more money, time and effort in restoring your home, it's often wise to start the restoration process quickly.
Knowing that you do not have to wait for your flood insurance company to send an adjuster to your home before beginning the restoration process might help you save money and protect your home. As you start the restoration process, many people find it helpful to work with professionals in water damage cleanup and restoration.
10 Things to focus on when dealing with a Water Damage Loss
Experiencing a water loss can be a traumatic time for you or your business. We put together a free guide of 10 things that walk you through the process of what to focus on if you have a water loss in your home or business.
1. Assess the situation: It is critical to look over the situation and see exactly what you are dealing with. It is critical to make sure that you take plenty of photographs of the damage and make sure that the source of what caused the damage is well documented. It is extremely important to make sure you do not walk or enter the water if the power is still on in the home or business. At this time it is recommended to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have.
2. Check was is wet throughout the damaged area: Through the use of moisture meters and other devices, you can begin to see what is wet and what is not. It is critical that you map out the damage and affected area. This can be an important part of the documentation process.
3. Begin the water extraction process: The first step after the documentation has begun, is to get the water removed as soon as possible. If the water sits for to long, it can cause secondary damage.
4. Begin to removed damaged materials that can not be dried and ventilate enclosed areas. Once all of the water has been extracted, certain flood cuts and other vent holes might be necessary. this is to allow air flow in closed off spaces.
5. Start to place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the structure. The proper amount of equipment is critical when drying out a structure. It is important to make sure that all of the guidelines of the IICRC are followed to insure proper drying times.
6. Monitor the drying process daily: Every 24 hours it is critical to make sure that you are checking the facility to make sure that it is drying. Sometimes there might be a delay in the drying process due to the source of the damage not being corrected.
7. Remove Equipment: Once the home or building is dry, all of the equipment can be removed. It is important to make sure that the right cleaning products are used to clean up the affected area.
8. Document with more photos: After the job is complete, be sure to document with more photos.
9. Begin the reconstruction process: Once everything is dry, you can begin to put the pieces back together. In some cases you might have to hire a contract to do specific tasked like repair damaged drywall from the water
10. Keep complete records on file: After the entire job is complete, be sure to keep all of your records on backup
Remember to call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo if we can help at 601-634-0909!
It is imperative that any place of business or commercial property include one or more first aid kits. This means that you will be ready in the event of an injury or emergency. You can find pre-made kits, but it can be more cost effective to put one together yourself. What should go inside?
Bandages
One of the many important category of items is bandages. You should include many different sizes and types. You can never have too many, but some basic additions you can make are:
gauze pads of multiple sizes
gauze roller bandages
triangular bandages
adhesive bandages of multiple sizes
band-aids
adhesive tape
Wound Preparation
Before the bandages go on, the injury should be tended to. This means your first aid kit should include tools for cleaning and stabilizing. Typical cleaning agents like moistened towelettes or hydrogen peroxide are essential. Tweezers and scissors can help remove the debris or clothing from the area.
Emergency Equipment
If possible, within the box or bag, you should also include an emergency kit. A blanket can be helpful in case of shock or if the injured person needs to be warmed up. Resuscitation bags and pocket masks make CPR more sanitary. Water bottles can also come in handy for both drinking and rinsing off.
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 CDC. 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.
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 pathogen claims.
If you need SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, we are here to help at 601-634-0909
The first 48 hours after fire damage occurs can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. Our trained professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.
A wave of emotions often sweeps over the homeowners after a fire ravages a home. Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you restore your home.
So before you risk doing additional damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
According to the U.S. Small Business Administrations, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. It's true, overcoming a major loss is extremely difficult, but with the right restoration company and team on your side, working hand-in-hand with your insurance company, the chance of surviving is pretty high!
Here are some stats from the NFPA:
Time of Day
Peak time of day for office fires:Noon-2p.m. (a.k.a. lunch time!)
69% happened between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The 31% that occurred between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. caused 67% of recorded property damage, because they went undetected longer. This also highlights the need for automatic detection equipment and working sprinkler systems.
19% of fires happened on weekends
Cause of the Business Fires
29% were caused by cooking equipment. However, just 6% of these fires caused actual damage.
Intentionally-set fires caused the most direct property damage -21%
Electrical equipment is the second leading cause of office fires.
Just 2% of office fires start in a concealed space, like an attic, in the ceiling, or in another concealed space. However, these fires accounted for 13% of the direct property damage.
Containment & Putting it Out
4 of of 5 fires were confined to the room of origin
90% of fires were large enough to activate sprinklers, which were effective 88% of the time.
Deaths per 1,000 stores were 62% lower in offices equipped with sprinklers comped to those without.
Industrial/Manufacturing Facility Fires
The NFPA also has statistics specific to manufacturing facilities. According to their research, there are about 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing facilities each year, resulting in 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and 1 billion in property damage. Heating equipment and stop tools were the leading cause-sparking 28 percent of the fires. Mechanical failure or malfunction caused 24 percent of the fires.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you get back to business, faster. If you have a Commercial Fire Loss we will work with you and your insurance and get you back in business.
After a flood many homeowners and property managers wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved. The answer is, it depends. Factors such as the age and quality of the carpet and pad as well as the type of installation used, have to be taken into consideration. However, the type of floodwater that caused the damage is most import and will determine whether or not carpet and padding can be salvaged.
There are 3 floodwater categories that determine whether the carpet and padding can be restored to their pre-disaster condition.
Category 1(clean water) non-contaminated water that may come from a broken pipe, sink, etc. After the water has been extracted, carpets and pads can be dried and restored in place, depending on the padding.
Category 2 (grey water) dirty water that has been released by sump pumps, washing machines, dishwasher, etc. The pad is replaced in most cases.
Category 3(black water) Water containing dangerous contaminants that may originate from sewage and toilet backflows as well as from floods caused by natural disaster. To protect your family's health, carpets and pads must be removed, discarded and replaced.
Since every water damage situation is different, you cannot know for sure if or when your carpet and pad can be salvaged until you have a professional restoration company inspect the situation.
The faster you report the disaster, the lower the costs will be. If we can help, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo@ 601-634-0909
Violent weather such as storm damage can wreak havoc on buildings as well as vegetation. Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain and snow to infiltrate into the protective surfaces of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegration and mold growth. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems. Elements such as wind, rain, hail and lightning can result in turning people's lives upside down, which is why having SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo to help in this type of emergency is a good option.
Here are some of the activities you can expect from the SERVPRO professionals.
Whether it is a business or residence SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will come to your property and our trained experts will do a thorough examination of the interior and exterior of your building. This will help us discover the level of the damage. In many cases, SERVPRO will discuss the restoration with you and your insurance adjuster.
When everything is agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment that we will use. In the case of flooding, we will use specialized pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected areas.
Generators will be brought in to operate dehumidifiers and air movers so mold and mildew do not have a chance to make matters worse.
The Fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. But the season also brings many fire risks. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.
Decorations
Fall decorations, like dried flowers, leaves and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Since these items are dry, they can ignite very easily and spread flames quickly.
Have a Plan
Be sure you have a Fire preparedness Plan and your family knows what to do if a fire breaks out in your home. Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
Protect your family by teaching your children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
Ensure your smoke alarms are in working order and that you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher.
Make Halloween Safe
Remember safety when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabrics. If you are making your costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or a flame.
It is safest to use a flashlight or battery -operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from from anything that can burn, and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
Be Careful in the Kitchen
With the holidays quickly approaching, your kitchen may be working on overdrive. While cooking, it can be easy to get distracted, especially if you have children. However kitchens are a high-risk area for household fires, so it important to remain watchful.
If you have any questions or need or services, please call 601-634-0909
"What would your family do? Would you know where to meet?" Talk to your family about these important issues! You never know when a disaster could strike.
It is important at least once a year to get together with your family and come up with a plan. The following is a list of some important things to consider when getting you family's plan in place.
-"Where will we meet if our neighborhood is evacuated, or we are not allowed to go home by law enforcement?"
-"Is there a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative that can pick up the kids if parents can not get to them? Are they already on the pre-approved pick-up list for that child's school?"
-"Do you have a list of medications handy, and are they up to date which prescriptions filled regularly? This includes pets as well."
-"Make a list of shelters that allow pets ahead of time, and have a plan in place for pets if you cannot get them to a shelter. If you are staying with a relative, make sure your pet can come to, and purchase supplies ahead of time so your pet will be comfortable on a spare of the moment road trip."
-"If you have an elderly family member/friend, or a special needs family member/friend in an assisted living facility, learn that facility's evacuation plan and ask questions. Will they provide transportation for that family member, or will you need to get them? What would you do if you couldn't get to them, or got separated?"
-"Make a disaster kit! If you are riding out a disaster or are in a voluntary evacuation zone, you could be without water or power for days. Include water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, medications, pet supplies and pet food, flashlights, batteries, crank radio, wet wipes, and cleaning supplies you don't need water to use. Ever toilet paper and paper towels are also a good idea. Fill up your bath tub with water before disaster strikes so you can use that water to flush your toilets."
If you have any questions, please contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
Flood water in your home can be a terrifying sight. Water damage can destroy your priceless belongings and the foundation of your home.
If a storm does flood your house, your safety and health should be the top priority. With that in mind, here are some tips for what not to do following a flood.
Do NOT be a hero
When you see your flooded home, your first instinct may be to stay in the house and try to salvage everything. Floods lead to plenty of hidden dangers. Your best bet is to stay in a hotel or shelter until it is safe to return. Once you do go back to your house, make sure to contact a professional water damage repair company like SERVPRO.
Do NOT leave yourself exposed
Even when the flood water has stopped rising, it can still be dangerous. Electric currents, in particular, can be deadly. Once you go back to your home, avoid standing water and to protect yourself with rubber boots. You should also keep your hands and face away form contaminated city water. Make sure to avoid breathing in any growing mold, as well.
Do NOT wait too long to contact your lender or insurer
Mortgage lenders typically waive late fees if you are caught in a severe residential storm. Make sure to notify the company immediately so you can arrange a new payment date. Similarly, call your property insurance provider as soon as possible to ensure a quick resolution of your claim.
Do NOT get caught without cash
You will likely need cash to buy essentials such as gasoline after a storm. You should thus make sure to withdraw some money from your bank as soon as possible. Your bank may even set up a mobile branch for your community.
Flood water can be dangerous and devastating if you do not know how to deal with it properly. If you follow the above advice, however, you should remain safe and hopefully limit your losses.
Nobody wants interruption to their business ever! Natural disasters can be terrifying. Especially if there are a wide variety of different catastrophes that could strike your business, including floods, hurricanes, tornado, fires and more. If one of these unfortunate events happens, you don't want to find yourself unprepared! Discover the most important steps to take following a major disaster so you are able to recover quickly and safely.
!. Assess the Situation
As soon as the calamity has died down, check yourself and any family members to make sure no one is hurt. If you have any nearby neighbors, see if they are in need of any help. Turn of the gas and electricity in your home if it is safe to do so, and avoid entering your home for awhile, as there could be damage to your floors or ceilings that could cause them to collapse
2. Finding Food and Shelter
If your business no longer has running water, you can obtain it through emergency sources, such as rainwater, your hot water tank, your toilet reservoir or ice cube trays. Shelters are usually assembled by the American Red Cross in emergency situations for those whose homes are too damaged to stay in:look for one of these if you feel your home or business is dangerous. The Federal Emergency Management Agency as well as local churches and community services, are also good resources for any needs you might have in the dire situations.
3. Be Cautious
Disasters always leave a trail of destruction behind, be wary of contaminated floodwaters, fallen power lines, or any criminals taking advantage of all the chaos. Don't turn the gas back on in your home, as there could be a leak, and make sure your house is ventilated if you're cooking over your fireplace.
4. Recovering Important Information
One of the last steps of disaster rehabilitation and recovery is to salvage as many of the important documents from the wreckage, such as your insurance policies, birth certificates, driver's license, deeds, wills, financial statements, and any other precious information. Although these procedures might be difficult, it will help you and your family recover from this crisis as quickly as possible.
If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades or into flooded water areas
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You could become trapped by flood water
Have backup power and batteries for radios and cell phone usage
Listen for current emergency information and instructions
Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water
After the storm, be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water
Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. If you are discarding high ticketed items, make sure you have serial numbers, make, models and pictures if insurance will be involved
While sewer water or blackwater as is it defined can quickly lead to mold growth in a home, clean water can also lead to dangerous mold growth. Blackwater contains lots of dirty bacteria that can quickly promote mold growth by itself. Clean water can cause mold spores that are naturally present in air and dust can also lead to mold growth.
The dangers in clean water leading to mold growth are that clean water can easily go unseen in a home due to the lack of odor when compared to black water. Clean water or gray water which is rainwater, can leak into a home’s attic or walls or crawl spaces and linger without being spotted. This water can then lead to mold spores activating and growing in these unseen areas. It’s not until the mold spreads to visible parts of the home or causes a musty odor that it is finally found. By that time, the damage caused by the mold can be quite extensive.
So even if you have a leak in your home that isn't Blackwater , give SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo a call to get the affected areas dried out to prevent further damage from starting.
Have you noticed a change in your water bill? It could be a slow climb or a sudden increase, but either way it may be an indicator that you have a water leak. One of the most common reasons for a large water loss is a hidden leak in pipes that be may be concealed by walls, flooring or cabinets. If you notice a change in your water bill, you may want to take a closer look around your home for signs of hidden water leaks. Some things to look for are discoloration, bubbling or flaking paint, damp carpets, buckling or cupping wooden floor or a musty smell. If the water leak has been going on for an extended period of time, you may already have mold which can produce and "off" smell and you may have visible growth. The only way to detect the exact source is to use a moisture meter or cutting drywall. If you experience a water damage, give SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo a call at 601-634-0909 and we can make it "Like it never even happened."
We often get water damages after people have been away from their house for an extended time. Here are a few preventive things you can do while you are away.
Exterior lighting, security systems and even smart phones enable a homeowner to deter intruders. For most of us, water damage never crosses our mind. Did you know that a 1/2 inch supply line flows at a rate of 50 gallons of water per minute? Just for reference, a standard tub holds roughly 80 gallons of water. Imagine your bathtub completely emptying in your home every 2 minutes! Can you imagine what damage could be done if this happens on the first day of your vacation and you don't know until you arrive back home days later. At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, we have the this kind of damage on numerous occasions. Not only flooding of the entire footprint of the home, but also mold. If left untreated, a water loss can cause mold growth to begin in as little as 24-48 hours. We recommend that as part of your pre-travel checklist, you add turning off the main water supply to your home. The best way to prevent disaster is to be prepared!
After a catastrophic storm event, you may feel like your life is in shambles. It can be overwhelming, stress and confusing. Where do you begin to pick up the pieces? That is where SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo comes in and can help! We have vast experience in handling storm situations. We have traveled all over the country to help those in need. Not only does this mean we are experts in figuring out the damage and quickly creating plans of action, but we are familiar with the insurance process as well. As a preferred provider for numerous carriers, we know what they want and how to get the job done quickly. We will take the burden off you by acting as an intermediary between you and your insurance company for any claims that are covered. Because we do this on a regular basis, many times we have resources that may be unavailable to a customer at the time. Such as dumpsters, pods or storage units. We are here to help you through it all. When it comes to disaster recovery, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo wants to help you when you need it the most. Let us handle the worry for you, so you can get your life back on track faster.
Often SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is called when a fire is ongoing either by the customer, an insurance agent or insurance adjuster. These are some of the pointers that we have for our customers.
*Call your insurance company and report the claim
*Take pictures of damage
*Make sure the property is secure, we at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you with a board up
*If you are renting, contact the owner/landlord immediately
*Contact family and friends to let them know you are ok
*Keep all receipts for any personal items you may immediately need to replace-i.e. clothes, make-up, toiletries or food
*Notify your children's school so they will understand that the students are under unusual stress
*Contact utility companies to make them aware of the situation
At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, we are here to help, day or night. If you need us please call 601-634-0909.
When an insured experiences a fire loss, it is often necessary to move the home’s contents to another location for storage, security and restoration of damaged contents. This process is also referred to as a pack out.
Damage to a structure requiring a move out will involve the entire structure rather than be localized to one room. If only one room is affected, the contents may be moved to other rooms in the structure while repairs are being made instead of out of the house. In other occasions, it is necessary to move contents out of the entire structure. Once a move out is decided upon, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo follows a precise process to ensure that it is done correctly.
When arriving to assess the damage professionals will pretest items to determine their clean-ability. This process will help to determine what items are restorable and what items need to be deemed claim items. In all situations, our priority is getting your customer back into their home or office in a timely manner. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo professionals will make a complete inventory of all items being moved out of the structure on a room-to-room basis to ensure all items are detailed. Those items that are restorable will be carefully packed for removal.
After the contents are packed and the furniture is labeled, the professionals from SERVPRO will check off each item on the inventory list as it is being loaded into the moving can for removal.
Once removed, each item will be carefully restored and stored until the structure is ready for the move back. When the structure has been restored, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo professionals will return the cleaned and restored contents to the insured.
Water Damage and commercial properties can result in a loss of revenues and customers. These damages can be due to broken plumbing, flooding, leaky pipes, or other issues. When it comes to your business, it is essential to get remediation as soon as possible. If water damage is left untreated, it can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and fungi. Your carpets and furniture can have a strange odor which can deter your clients and customers. The further you allow the problem to persist, the more costly it can be in the future. Luckily, there are steps that you can take when you notice the first hint of damage.
Whether it is a flood or some form of moisture, commercial water damage in the Vicksburg & Yazoo area can be a major headache. One of the first things that you want to do when you discover potential water damage is to verify the extent of the problem. A visual check might not be enough to establish the full scope of the issue. Water can soak into many materials without showing any visible signs of damage for an extended period. To accurately tell how far the water has spread, you would need a unique tool to measure the moisture in the building. A moisture meter can help you measure the moisture content of the material to help you establish how much damage has spread the severity of the moisture. Unfortunately, these types of high tech tools can be quite costly and difficult to use and interpret. This issue is why it is essential to contact a water restoration expert to help you with this mess. Experts, such as SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, can send a technician that can utilize advanced equipment to assist you in this battle.
The SERVPRO technician can use the mitigation process to get rid of water from the scene as quickly as possible. The extractor can clean your carpet and remove liquids from the floor. The air movers can enhance evaporation at the surface to reduce drying time.
If you are in need of a reliable restoration company, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo.
Did you know that in two minutes a small fire can turn into a life-threatening situation? Not taking immediate action in the next five minutes can lead to your home burning down. Making that lifesaving call to the local fire department can save you and your family. If the damage is not extensive, your home is easy to restore back to the pre-fire damage condition. Before enter your home, removal of the smoke odor is a must. Here are three deodorization equipment used by fire damage restoration technicians.
Ozone Machine
Using the ozone machine by fire damage technicians in your home eliminates odors caused by mold and fire. As a portable unit, it works by generation ozone, an unstable gas composed of oxygen molecules. The gas reacts with smoke odor oxidizing the residue and removing it. Before turning on the machine, SERVPRO restoration experts ensure no pets, people or plants are present. After completion of the deodorization process, the gas reverts to normal oxygen.
Electric Sprayer
SERVPRO fire damage experts also use the electric sprayers to dispense chemicals. It does this at 50 psi. During restoration, we spray the chemical directly on the surface. The electric sprayer method is applied to heavily charred structural components or carpets. When sprayed, the chemical wets the surface. This is the reason whey we only use it on surfaces with little or no potential of discoloring.
Ventilation Box Fan
Unlike the ozone machine, the ventilation box fan generates airflow at great velocity. With a velocity range of 3,000-5,000 cubic feet of air per minute, the machine works by removing odor, vapors, and fumes. To ventilate and deodorize fire damages, thermal fogging is necessary. To ensure complete removal of all smoke odor and residue, the exchange of air must be done 40 times. The ventilation box fan is also useful when drying a wet structure and firefighting.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is a trusted leader in the fire damage restoration industry that people have come to rely on. To get rid of smoke odor professionally, call our office at 601-634-0909
Do You Know What Kind of Homeowner's Coverage You Have?
It is likely that your homeowner's insurance policy will cover particular kinds of water damage to the inside of your home. There are several factors which will determine precisely what it covers. The type and cost of the homeowner's policy you carry will first determine the deductible, plus any limits to payouts that arise from particular claims. There are 3 basic types of insurance policies for homeowners, HO1, HO2, and HO3.
Their different coverage restrictions and premium costs differentiate each type. HO1 policies need lower premium payments, however, carry deductibles on the high side and might not cover some kinds of damage to the homes that are covered by other policies. HO2 policies are intermediate, and usually have deductibles that are moderate and cover a majority of damages. HO3 policies are the most expensive and generous for insurance for homeowners. These policies give you limited deductibles and have a lot of perks which make them well worth their extra cost.
There are cetain kinds of damages in the Vicksburg/Yazoo area which a homeowner's insurance policy does not cover. Natural flood damage from a source has to be covered under a distinct policy for flood insurance. Homes in elevated areas or dry climates away from natural sources of water might not need flood insurance policies. However, homes in low-lying areas along lakes, river or oceans could need flood insurance.
The market for these insurance types is quite localized. In areas that are flood-prone where there are regular basement floods, flood insurance can be extremely costly. This is true also in areas which regularly experience severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. The flood insurance market in Florida is regulated to lower the cost out-of pocket from the homeowners living there.
During a weather event, if your home sustains water damage, a homeowners policy that is generous could cover your repair costs in particular circumstances. You will likely need to show your claims adjuster that the damaged happened because of a defect in the construction of your home. This reasoning could work to explain why water seeped through a window that was sealed improperly or by the structure having a weak point. It is not as likely to be an explanation that is adequate for water which has entered into the home clearly through an open door or window.
A homeowner's insurance policy is likely more to cover water damage that is associated with faulty appliances, or plumbing. This outcome, of course, is not guaranteed, either.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you with any water damage inside your home.
Many people expect all water damage to be the result of a water line breaking, or from flooding, or perhaps a bathtub overflowing. Not all water damage is the product of such dramatic events. Even a minuscule leak can cause as much damage as a larger one, simply because it is either is not noticed or because it seems so insignificant.
Faucets can leak under the sink they are situated on, allowing water to spread slowly under the cabinetry. Leaks under the sink can include where the water lines meet the faucet, and also where the drain pipe connects to the sink's drain. Water can slowly travel from small cracks in either location and create a mess that can take months to make.
When tubs and faucets are not matched, misalignment can happen. Water flowing from the faucet into the tub can flow over the overflow vents. Unless these are properly connected, water can pool inside the wall or under the tub.
Appliances that use water can also be the reason for water damage. Leaks, overflows, and other malfunctions can either over time or suddenly, cause water emergencies. When an incident like this occurs, extra caution is warranted so that electrical shock does not cause injury or death. Your safety needs to always be a priority in such events.
When water damage has been building over time, secondary water damage should also be a concern. Water affects different materials in various ways, and this can change over time. Even small amounts of water can allow pathogens to grow, provide incentives to pests, such as ants, to colonize inside your home and weaken structures, such as the flooring under your tub or washing machine. If you have water damage , please call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
In a joint effort to honor the service and sacrifice of America's First Responders, the annual college football bowl games played at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas gas been renamed the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is set for Monday, Dec. 30. For the first time the game will be played at SMU's Gerald J. Ford in Dallas, Texas.
We are looking forward to the new venue and date as part of the celebration of the 10th year of this bowl game's history," said Brant Ringler, executive director of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. " In addition to those changes, we hope to grow the number of first responders who attend the game and find new ways to say thank you to them for their service in our communities."
For additional information about the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, please visist FirstResponderBow.com.
Why Many Insurance Agents and Adjusters Use SERVPRO
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients. Here are a few reason why so many insurance agents and adjusters trust us:
Fast Emergency Response
Restoring commercial or residential property is the first priority at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo. Your insurance client will appreciate your immediate response and you will know we;re doing everything we can to limit the damage and the costs.
Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense
Like insurance agents and claim adjusters, we know resorting property is less expensive than replacing property. Our goal is always to restore whenever possible and replace only when necessary. That's why SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo performs pretesting on every loss so we can determine restorability.
Claims Inventory Service
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide insurance agents and claim adjusters with an itemized loss inventory. We give you a report and pictures of important items. Your work is made simpler and clearer becasue we provide you with a complete and accurate picture of the incident.
Serving Adjusters and Your Clients
At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo it is our job to reassure your clients, perform quality service, and report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim. We don't want you to have to deal with problems from vendors. Working with you, we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you've assigned. We offer you 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation and loss assessment in a timely fashion. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo's documented, measured performance increases value to you, your agency, your managers and your clients.
Here to Help
The job of SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is to reassure the customer, provide excellent service and communication with the insurance agents and adjusters quickly. We work together with the agents to provide quick and effective property restoration and make it "Like it never even happened."
One of the most frequent causes of household fire and smoke damage is due to cooking. Because of this, it is important to practice safe cooking habits every time you cook! Below we have some helpful hints.
Protect Children from Scalds and Burns-Young children are at a high risk of being burned by hot food and liquids. Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove
Watch What You're Cooking-The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or cooking food on the stove top.
Keep Things That Can Catch Fire and HeatSources Apart-Keep anything that can catch fire-potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags away from any heat source.
Know Where Your Fire Extinguisher Is-Always have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it!
Make sure to follow these helpful tips. And if you need us, we are always here to help at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909
3 Reasons Not to Wait on a Adjuster Before Restoring Your Home
After your home has sustained water damage due to a flood, flood insurances often requires an adjuster to come to your home to assess the damage that has been done. However, waiting to restore your home until after an adjuster has seen is often not necessary for several reasons.
1. Adjusters Are Busy
Once a natural diaster has occurred, insurance companies immediately begin to work with their customers to help them restore their homes. However, the demand for an adjuster to visit homes can mean you'll be waiting. Waiting to begin making major fixes to your home isn't necessary, and you can document the damage that has been by done by photographs and saving receipts.
2. You Won't Lose Money Cleaning Up
Although you might be tempted to leave your home exactly as it is after is has sustained flood damage, you will not receive less compensation if you start the cleanup process quickly. It is likely that you will want or need certain items removed from your home before your flood insurance company sends an adjuster to visit your home, and this is okay. Document the cleanup process can help to ensure you are fairly compensated for your loss.
3. Your Home Could Have More Damage
Minor issues in your home can quickly become major issues if they are not fixed in a timely manner. Structural and mold damage can occur if your home is not dried out and if standing water is not removed. In order to save yourself from having to spend more money, time and effort in restoring your home, it's often wise to start the restoration process quickly.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is here to answer any questions you may have during this time. Give us a call at 601-634-0909
Tornadoes in Mississippi can be rampant this time of year because of the ever-changing weather.
Here are some tips for being weather aware:
If you are at home during a tornado:
Go to a windowless interior room on the lowest level of your house. Go to a storm cellar or basement if your house has one. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller room without windows.
Get away from windows.
Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
Get under a heavy piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
If you are at work or school during a tornado:
Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
Avoid places with wide-pan roof such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.
If you are in a car during a tornado:
Never try to drive faster than a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
As always, if SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help in any way, give us a call at 601-634-0909.
Fire Prevention Month is the perfect time to talk with your whole family about fire safety-include testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to a 10-year sealed battery alarm for hassle -free protection, and escape planning.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo handles from the smallest of kitchen fires to the whole house being affected. We are the Number 1 in the restoration business. We will come in and figure out what is salvageable and non salvageable and help you with your contents list for your insurance company. We will work closely with your agent and adjuster and the homeowner to keep everyone informed of the progress in your home. You deserve the best for your home and family and we believe we are the best. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 601-634-0909.
Understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical.
Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source: rainwater is also considered clean. Gray water is slightly contaminated water;clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, and chemicals. Black water is usually caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by a trained professional.
Make sure if you have a water damage to:
Shut off the water source if possible
Turn off the circuit breakers, to prevent electrical shock
Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions
Move any paintings, art, computers, documents, and other items of value to a safe place
Don't use your household vacuum cleaner since there is potential for electrical shock
If you have any questions, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
Your restaurant’s nightly checklist has to be followed to the letter in order to keep your business in great shape and ready for the next business day. Every item has to be thoroughly washed and sparkling clean on a daily basis; the kitchen flooring, stovetops and ovens, utensils, pots and coffee makers…. And then there’s the front of house - bathrooms, host stand, and bar area with all your glassware that needs attention. But you and your team have it all handled, every day.
Flooring in a busy restaurant can be a challenge, as well. Many eateries choose to install hardwood floors, which have to be treated regularly to avoid damage from high heels, spills, and scratches from table and chair movement.
Perhaps, however, your establishment has carpeting. A nightly vacuum and spot cleaning will go a long way towards preventing potential mold growth and other issues that can cause unpleasant odors, but your carpeting will still need a regular deep cleaning to keep floors looking the way you want them to. With carpeting, spills on carpeting don’t come up quite as easily or as completely as those on hardwood flooring, and a carpet in need of deep cleaning can look dull and worn, with the colors no longer as bright and fresh; that can reflect negatively on your guest’s experience. Make sure a deep cleaning is on your cleaning checklist! Just call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
People and businesses rely on SERVPRO to restore damaged property for many reasons. Here are just 10.
1. We Get It SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo understands your situation. You want to keep costs down, repair the damage, and get back to normal. Those are our goals, too.
2. SERVPRO Is Qualified Our repair and restoration team members have the best training in the industry. Our results will create a measurable difference for you.
3. We Respond To You Immediately You can reach us 24/7. When a disaster strikes we respond as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can draw on more than 1,650 U.S. and Canadian locations to get the right equipment and right professionals to you faster than other companies.
4. You’re Part Of Our Team We work with you and for you. You are in charge. You receive a complete explanation of the work we will do and why it needs to be done a certain way. Like you, we don’t appreciate surprises.
5. We Use The Latest Technology The past few years have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo to restore your property to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.
6. We Practice The Golden Rule Of Restoration Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo professionals practice the golden rule, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." We make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability.
7. For Claim And Other Purposes, Your Loss Is Itemized SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can give you an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items.
8. We’ll Help You Prevent Losses, Not Just Deal With Them Our services start with prevention. We’ll come out to your business or home and do a review of how you can protect yourself, your family, your business, and your property from potential losses. That’s another old rule (from Ben Franklin) we like: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Check out our SERVPRO Ready Plan.
9. We Handle Any Loss From A Natural Disaster—Big Or Small Have multiple locations? No problem. Suffer a small loss from water or fire or wind? We can handle it. Have a massive, complex disaster to recover from? That’s within our scope of services, too.
10. We’re Approved, Certified, And Experienced We’re trained to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our professionals attend SERVPRO continuing education classes. SERVPRO has been in business for more than 45 years. Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry.
Commercial carpet cleaning is a job that is very competitive in today's society. Whether you are needing your carpet cleaning due to damages, such as fire or water damage, or just because it is a frequently used and worn down area that needs a good cleaning, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo team will go above and beyond to meet your expectations. For more severe jobs, the Alabama team may even come up to the job and price the cleaning. SERVPRO teams from all over come together and do what they can to make sure that the customer is happy and completely satisfied with the outcome.
If you ever need commercial carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning or even duct cleaning, just call our office at 601-634-0909! SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will gladly come out and give you a free estimate!
Fires and fire damage are common things we see in our world. But if you are prepared, you have a much better chance of having the least damage to your home.
Fire Extinguishers:
-Always have more than one working extinguisher in your home. Some great places to keep an extinguisher are under the kitchen sink and in the bedroom
-If you are going to install an extinguisher on the wall remember to place it high on the wall and away from any heat soucres
Smoke Alarms:
-Test smoke alarms every month and batteries should be replaced at least once a year
-Make sure you have ample smoke alarms throughout the home
And have an evacuation plan with your family and practice it!
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is here to help if you have any questions. Just give us a call at 601-634-0909
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.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
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.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us SERVRPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
When business owners think of water damage, the often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices and their business being shut down for days on end. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of flood and weather events. However, many commercial water damages are due to the following:
-Malfunctioning sprinkler systems that can not only flood a business but also damage inventory and business assets
-Damaged appliances and equipment often seen in restaurants and catering facilities . If the appliance fails and sends water across their building they may come back to face a water damage
-Broken pipes and plumbing are just like a residence, if the plumbing fails or a toilet supply line breaks, they may be facing a water emergency
-Backed up sewer lines is perhaps one of the worst commercial water damages a business owner may face. The potential dangers of contaminated black water and ruining of products and furnishings is a major expense.
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will get you back up and running. We are available 24/7 at 601-634-0909
Not all house fires are preventable but this are some good things to know to keep you and your loved ones safe that we see many times in a house fire:
Stay in the kitchen-Never leave a hot cooking surface unattended
Check the Dryer-make sure that cords and connections are inspected. Always clean out the lint trap after a load is finished. Snake the outside hose to much sure that lint hasn't built up in there
Maintain Cords: Regularly check the condtion of cords and watch for frayed wires, repair or replace cords immediately
Flammable Products: Keep flammable products away from heat, including exposure to sunlight. Designate a cool, dark cupboard for flammable products
Candles: Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from blankets and curtains and even animals
We hope these tips helped and if you have a fire damage, give SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo a call at 601-634-0909
Many business owners are caught off guard when disaster strikes. Thinking that it would never happen to them or never even considering the possibility of a disaster, they fail to have a plan in place for their business. Unfortunately, many times, once disaster strikes, it’s too late. Many businesses are forced to close permanently after disaster because they were not prepared. With Hurricane season upon us once more, please take the time to protect your business with a few ideas from below.
According to foxbusiness.com, there are 7 steps you can take if you are a small business owner to help protect your business from disaster.
Risk Assessment: Determine what types of emergencies are most likely to affect your company and then evaluate your level of preparedness. Check in with your insurance company, make sure employees are trained for emergencies, have data backed up and stored at a safe location.
Review Your Insurance Coverage: Talk with your insurance agent to make sure your business is covered if hit by disaster. After determining what types of emergencies your business is most prone to, make sure your policy covers those particular types of situations. Ask about business interruption insurance which helps business owners continue to pay on-going bills while operations are shut down during disaster recovery.
Create a Contingency Plan: Review your business operations and determine which are most important for the survival of your business. Form a process to manage these functions in the event of a disaster. Determine an alternate business location where business operations can continue during the recovery process.
Create a Communications Plan: Disasters create chaos and having a communications plan in place in advance will help minimize panic.
Back Up Your Data: Making sure all your data is backed up and stored in a safe place is critical. Cloud-based data solutions are best as they stay safe during disasters and can be accessed from any location.
Build an Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit available on site including items like water, flashlights, fire extinguishers, etc.
Review and Rehearse You Plan: Once your plan is in place, make sure your employees know the plan and have practiced implementing it.
While disasters can be devastating to a business, preparation can definitely help in the recovery process. By taking action before disaster strikes and getting a plan in place, business owners can help protect their business in times of emergencies.
Severe weather can take a toll on your home. It's not unusual for storm damage to affect your home, leading to serious problems in the aftermath of the weather. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo provides 24-hour restoration services for weather-related damage to homes.
When a storm strikes, it's important to be aware of the potential problems that can develop. You can't control the weather, but you can control how you respond in the immediate aftermath. Here are three of the issues that could afflict your home after a storm hits:
Roof Damage: Roofs are susceptible to damage during any major storm, from heavy winds and torrential rains to snowstorms. Moisture can weaken already vulnerable areas of the roof, and strong winds can knock down loose shingles or cause visible damage to them. You may notice a leak in your attic or ceiling if a storm damages your roof.
Windows Are Vulnerable: A thoroughly sealed and weather-stripped window is unlikely to suffer severe storm damage, but old windows that haven't been catered to recently could develop problems if it rains. For example, the moisture can seep into openings around the window, causing a leak inside the house. Rain can also cause wood to rot and mold to develop in the window's vicinity. Rugs and carpets in the area could also be susceptible to water damage. Windows in the basement are extremely vulnerable if they aren't protected, which leads to flooded basements and potentially damaged property.
Gutters Can Become Clogged: Gutters aren't immediately obvious problems because you have to inspect them to see if they've become clogged after the storm. Rain can wash all kinds of debris into them, and once they become congested, they no longer filter water away from your home. The result could be water damage to your property, and the gutters could also suffer damage later since the excess weight of debris can cause them to sag.
Storm damage affects more than just the trees around the house. It can also have an impact on your home's foundation. After a major storm, take a close look at your home and investigate for problematic signs. If you discover anything, call the restoration service team at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909
After a fire strikes, most people are overwhelmed and often the first question is what happens to our belongings. At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo we can help by offering to inventory, clean and store your belongings. When our technicians first arrive at your property, they will start taking pictures, room by room, documenting and bar coding anything that will be removed from the property. After everything is documented and bar coded your contents and furniture will be loaded into our trucks and taken back to our meridian office for cleaning and storage. Every step of your belongings journey from fire damaged, to restored will be documented and pictures takes. Insurance companies, especially like the list and details that SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide. We will work with your insurance adjuster and agent so that everyone is on the same page.
National Preparedness Month(NPM), recognized each September, is designed to raise awareness and encourage everyone to prepare themselves for emergencies that could impact their homes, jobs, schools, and communities. Tropical Storm Gordon is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast tonight as a strong tropical storm or low end hurricane. For our area that means, flash flooding is possible, along with strong winds that could possibly down trees, and maybe even isolated tornadoes. Although Gordon isn't expected to be a major threat to our area, it's a good time be sure your business is "Ready for whatever happens." Did you know SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers a FREE emergency ready profile that anyone can set up using a smartphone or tablet? SERVPRO has ensured making your emergency ready plan is available at the touch of your fingertips through our FREE app available in your app store. The SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.
Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:
The no-cost assessment ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority locations. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download the SERVPRO free Ready Plan APP to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet. Establishes SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Knowing who to call in advance is key to a quick response and timely mitigation, helping to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive. Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. No one plans on a disaster, but now you can have a plan in place when it happens.
Not sure where to begin? Call our office today!
Knowing our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days each year is a great way for your home or business to stay prepared.
When preparing for a storm, it is important to make sure that you have an emergency supply kit on hand. We all know that a supply of non-perishable food and drinking water are essential, but do you know what else should be included in your kit? SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is prepared to help you pick up the pieces after the storm. We want you to be prepared to weather the storm and recovery. In addition to food and water, your disaster readiness kit should include the following items:
Battery powered or hand-cranked radio
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Manual can opener
Cell phone with battery backups
Important documents (like birth certificates, social security cards)
Prescription Medications
If you choose to weather the storm, it is important that you have all necessary items to get you through until help arrives. As part of the network of SERVPRO storm teams, we are always ready to set out as soon as possible to help those affected. We are ready and we want to make sure you are too!
Like Mother Nature herself, Natural disasters are unpredictable and unavoidable. When disaster does strike it can be stressful and overwhelming. As the storm clears and the cleanup begins there is much to be done. The first thing you must decide as a homeowner is what restoration company you will use. At SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo we have responded to a multitude of storm situations and we want to help you be prepared should you ever face such a decision. From flooding to fire, you should first make sure that the company you choose has the skill set to handle any situation. First and foremost, they should be able to coordinate with insurance companies and know how to work directly with them. Next, make sure the company you choose has experience in dealing with storm situations. SERVPRO has a national network of franchises that has undergone additional training and certification to become part of the Storm Response Team. You also want to make sure they offer a range of services from water and fire to reconstruction and mold remediation. It is much easier to deal with one contractor that can handle it all. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is a dedicated member of the Storm Response Team and we know how to handle it all! If you ever experience a catastrophic situation, be sure to call the experts! We are always here to help!
We offer a full range of service options geared towards our commercial clients’ needs. From scheduled maintenance plans to mold, fire and water mitigation, we are here to help. We have strategically developed procedures and systems to ensure that no job is too big for us to handle. We truly want to be your “one stop “. If it needs to be cleaned, maintained, or restored; we can do it. We also offer an amazing free service to help you prepare for the unexpected and protect your company. Did you know that nearly 50% of businesses never reopen after a business interruption? We understand how critical it is to be prepared and we developed our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) to help make sure you are “Ready for whatever happens”. Our ERP is designed to help you quickly and easily access crucial information in the event of an emergency. From everyday disasters to catastrophic events, the SERVPRO Ready Plan app puts everything you need at your fingertips. You can easily manage the situation and, with the help of our SERVPRO team, get back on track faster. Together we can reduce downtime and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo today to schedule your FREE Emergency Ready Plan consultation.
On April 13, 2019 SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo's hometown, Vicksburg, Mississippi had 3 F2 tornado's reek havoc on various parts of our town. We immediately went into action by sending vendors out to remove trees from people's homes and start tarping the roofs. The next day was" boots on ground" as adjusters and clients started calling in claims. We worked tirelessly through the last couple of weeks taking care of customers. We have worked with their adjusters and their agents trying to take the best care of them. We have coordinated housing with our real estate contacts, found lodging through our hotel contacts and have helped them make their non salvageable list. All in a day's work. We are so proud of our hometown and we are so proud of our staff! They have done a phenomenal job. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo!
Take caution and treat all electrical lines, wires, equipment and fixtures as if they are energized until proven otherwise.
Immediately evacuate buildings if a gas leak or odor is detected, and notify the site supervisor or competent person.
Motor Vehicles
Monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs. Don’t drive though flowing water. Six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle and two feet of water will carry most cars away.
Standing water may not carry you away, but you may not be able to tell how deep it is. Unless you know how deep it is, it’s best to not drive through standing water.
Be aware of seen and unseen road hazards such as building debris, tree limbs, and pot holes. Also floods bring mud and roads can become very slick.
Respiratory Hazards
Gasoline, propane and diesel-powered equipment (such as portable generators, power washers, compressors and pumps) should only be operated in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
Stay upwind of or away from dust-generating activities, in particular involving crystalline silica-containing materials like concrete, brick, tile, drywall, mortar, sand, or stone.
Identify building materials such as painted surfaces and pipes that may contain lead.
If an area is known or suspected to contain asbestos, ensure that an assessment has been done by a competent individual before entering the area; if asbestos is present, wait until it is removed or contained.
Notify the supervisor immediately if asbestos is identified at the site and stop work until it has been removed or contained.
Refrain from entering areas with extensive mold buildup.
Chemical Use/Exposure
Be aware of your surroundings. If there is evidence (sight or smell) of chemicals or their use, avoid that area and request an Industrial Hygienist accompany you.
Sharp, jagged debris
Tree limbs.
Construction or demolition debris.
Broken glass.
Animal bites, both stray pets and wild animals.
Roofing and Working from Heights
Ensure the use of fall protection systems: guardrails, safety nets or fall arrest systems.
Identify areas of structural weakness.
Identify ladder hazards and ensure their safe use.
Power Tools
Ensure guarding on power tools is in good working order and always used.
Inspect all extension cords, remove from service those that are damaged, cut or have exposed wiring and inner insulation.
Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) or double-insulated power tools that are approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
Flood Waters (Drowning/Walking)
Same as with driving, six inches of moving water may cause you to lose your footing and two feet of water will carry you away. Stay out of moving water.
Even standing water can present similar hazards. The water most likely will not be clear; therefore you won’t see how deep even a small puddle is. Avoid walking in standing water unless you know it is safe to do so.
Be aware of seen and unseen hazards such as building debris, tree limbs, and pot holes. Also floods bring mud and walkways can become very slick.
Noise
Ensure the use of hearing protection when noise levels exceed 85 decibels. Generally, if you cannot hold a normal conversation at arm’s length due to noise, then hearing protection should be worn.
Personal Decontamination
Always wash hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm or cosmetics to prevent contamination of the mouth, nose or eyes with hazardous materials or infectious agents. Use a waterless alcohol-based hand cleaner if water is not available.
Decontaminate raingear and rubber boots that have been exposed to potentially hazardous materials.
Well, the worse has happened..........your hot water heater has busted, your A/C has leaked, your child has left the tub running.........and now your house is wet.
First thing you need to do is contact your insurance company and CALL SERVPRO!
After that, however, here are some tips that can help you.
Document the damage. Take photos and videos if possible.
Save any damaged items for your adjuster to inspect.
Make a list of any repairs you make on your own, even if they are temporary.
Keep all receipts for repairs you pay for.
Protect your belongings - move any items to higher/dryer areas.
Remove area rugs from the floors. Dyes from the rugs can stain floors if left wet.
Clean up as much water as possible by blotting or soaking with wet towels.
When safe to do so, circulate air with the use of fans.
Few smells linger like the odor of smoke. Even if a fire in your home in Vicksburg & Yazoo only affects part of the structure, smoke damage can permeate the entire house. Fire remediation experts remove smoke and soot after they have secured the area and extracted anything damaged by the fire and the water used to put it out. They may use several techniques to do so.
Dry Cleaning
Regular washing may not get rid of the total smell left behind by smoke. Many of the items that need odor removal can be handled by dry cleaning:
Draperies
Clothes
Furniture covers
Linens
When you wash smoke-infused clothing in a washer, there is an extended period of time where the clothes are sitting in smoky water. The smell can also get trapped in the machine itself. Dry cleaners often have special oxidation processes for getting soot damage out of textiles.
Thermal Foggers
Many professionals use industrial foggers to rid homes of smoke damage after a fire. A fogger is helpful because it gets the smoke out of cracks and crevices in a similar way to the process it underwent during the fire. Chemicals are heated to produce fog that permeates porous surfaces, traps smoke particles and neutralizes them. Once the fogger has completed its job, the air is usually noticeably cleaner.
Ozone Treatments
Another smoke cleaning method is the use of ozone machines. These devices create a similar atmosphere to the outside air after a thunderstorm. By releasing ozone particles into the air, the area gets refreshed. Soon, the clean air replaces the sooty, stale air, making your home smell clean and normal again.
A fire in your home will likely cause extensive smoke damage not only to items within your home but to the structure itself. Professional technicians can clean the damaged area and employ various methods to get rid of the smoke odors.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is locally owned and operated and we are located at 6270 Hwy. 80, Vicksburg, Ms.
Here at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo, we understand what you are going through. As an insurance agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down, while also providing the best service possible. Our professionals are uniquely qualified to help. Restoring property is SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo top priority. You will appreciate the immediate response, and you will rest assure knowing that everything to prevent loss is being done. We know that restoring property is cheaper than replacing property- and that is drilled into our minds. We do an itemized loss inventory. This means you will get an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items. Our technicians go through rigorous IICRC training in Fire and Water Restoration Cleanup. We are here to help
If you are currently dealing with a flooded toilet in your home, you may not know what to do next. It may be that your toilet overflowed due to a backup or plumbing issue rather than sewer damage but knowing why the water is flowing is only so helpful if you do not know what steps to take to fix the situation. Here are three things you should now about toilet floods.
1. Toilet Overflows Can Have Many Causes
A toilet can overflow for several reasons, but a backup in the toilet or a plumbing issue may be the most likely causes. However, a low flow toilet or septic malfunction could also be to blame. Knowing why you have a flooded toilet is a good first step to understanding what steps to take to remedy the situation. If sewer line damage is to blame, you may have an even bigger problem on your hands.
2. Toilet Water May Be Category 2
There are three nationally recognized categories of water damage: Category 1 is “white” water, Category 2 is “gray” water, and Category 3 is “black” water. White water is considered the least contaminated, while black water is often a cause for concern. The water from your toilet flood is most likely Category 2 water, which requires cleanup but many not be as urgent as Category 3 water.
3. A Professional Sewage Company May Help
Since it may be difficult to figure out what is causing your toilet to flood as well as what category your leak falls into, it is usually a wise idea to call sewage cleanup professionals, so trained technicians can help you with your bathroom disaster. They can arrive on the scene, survey the situation and help you decide what to do next. They can often help you fix the matter, as well.
Toilet overflows can be stressful and intimidating and having to worry about sewer damage can make you even more anxious. Use what you now know about toilet floods to make a sound decision for your home.
We are here, if you need us SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
Water damage can accumulate slowly over time or be the result of a catastrophic event. Either way, the most important thing is to mitigate the damage as soon as possible. The longer you let water damage sit, the more destruction it will cause. Whether you’re dealing with a pipe burst, seasonal flooding or a slow water line leak, don’t try to handle water damage clean-up on your own. Water damage professionals have the right equipment and expert knowledge to ensure your home is completely restored to its original condition. Here’s what to expect when you call.
1. Evaluation
When water damage experts arrive at your home, they’ll need to evaluate the situation. They need to determine the source of the water, judge how dirty and potentially hazardous the water is and assess the extent of the damage.
2. Water Removal
Professionals have access to pumps, extraction units and other specialized equipment to remove water from your home quickly and efficiently. They also have cameras and meters that can detect water inside your walls to make sure no damage is overlooked.
3. Drying
A pipe burst can leave a lingering low level of moisture in walls and floors even after the main mass of water has been removed. Over time, this can cause as much damage as standing water. Experts use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and fans to completely dry floors, walls and furniture to prevent further warping, molding and discoloration.
4. Clean-Up
Replacing belongings and keepsakes can be expensive or even impossible. That’s why professionals focus on restoring your belongings through deep cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing.
5. Building Restoration
Severe water damage can destroy paint, drywall, wood or tile flooring and carpets. In these cases, the original materials may need to be completely replaced. A water damage professional can remove the destroyed materials and replace them, ensuring your home is returned to its original state.
A pipe burst can seem like the end of the world, or at least of your peaceful and clean home. Fortunately, professional water damage mitigation services can restore your home using these five essential steps.
We are Always here to help! SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo!
When you walk through your home in after a fire, you may be overwhelmed by the smell of smoke. Fire does more than burn your structure and the things inside it. It also permeates the air with an intense smoke odor, and getting rid of this odor is part of the mitigation process. There are three main methods professional remediation experts use for smoke cleaning.
1. Thermal Fogger
A thermal fogger uses a vaporized solution to neutralize odors in your building. By heating the solvent, the machine produces a fog that it releases into the room. The deodorizing particles find their way into carpet, walls, cracks, crevices and vents to trap smoke particles and absorb them, leaving behind a fresh scent without the use of water.
2. Ozone Machine
An ozone machine creates the same atmosphere that occurs in nature after a thunderstorm. It is effective in smoke cleaning because it purifies the air by traveling the same path that the smoke took through the building and oxidizing its fumes. Technicians seal off the affected area and set up the industrial ozone machines. They vacate the area, letting the machines work their magic, and return later to a room that no longer reeks of smoke.
3. Air Purifier
An air purifier pulls malodorous air into it and releases purified air. The best air purifier to use for the remediation of smoke damage is a HEPA purifier with an activated carbon filter. The HEPA filter can trap extremely small particles. The pores in the activated carbon filter hold smoke particles and neutralize them, ridding the area of odor.
There are many smoke cleaning devices and techniques. After assessing the damage to your building during the walk-through, experts can recommend the method they think would be the most effective in neutralizing the smoke odor in your building so that you can get back to business.
If you have had a fire, please give us a call at 601-634-0909. We will work with your insurance company to make a stressful situation a little easier. We will take the time to explain the process to the homeowner to make sure they are comfortable with every detail!
Commercial cleaning can be a lot of work, especially if it’s a large carpeted area. Let us help you with that. We would love to give you an estimate!
Having your carpets and rugs cleaned makes for a nice appearance for your customers.
The dust, dirt, and other debris that finds its way into the carpet fibers can eventually get into the air where it can cause odors and even respiratory infections. So therefore having your carpets and rugs professional cleaned improves the air quality of the office/building.
Rented carpet cleaning machines are not always effective as they are used over and over by many different people and clean with harsh chemicals that leave an unpleasant smell and a residue in the carpet that attracts even more dirt and debris. It is always better to hire a professional for that reason alone.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers free quotes for carpet cleaning. We can come out, measure, give you a quote, and proceed with cleaning while we are there once we have your approval. We have a very flexible schedule and can usually get you scheduled the week you call. Just give our office at call at 601-634-0909.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification.
After a flood, many homeowners and property managers wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved. Let SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo give you the answer, it depends. Factors such as the age and quality of the carpet and pad, as well as the type of installation used, have to be taken into consideration. However, the type of floodwater that caused the damage is most important when determining whether or not carpet and padding can be salvaged.
There are 3 floodwater categories that determine whether the carpet and padding can be restored to their pre-disaster condition:
Category 1 (clean water): non-contaminated water that may come from a broken pipe, sink, etc. After the water has been extracted, carpets and pads can be dried and restored in place.
Category 2 (gray water): dirty water that has been released by sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. The carpet can usually be restored if it has been wet for less than 48 hours. The pad is replaced in most cases.
Category 3 (black water): water containing dangerous contaminants that may originate from sewage and toilet backflows as well as from floods caused by natural disasters. To protect your family’s health, carpets and pads should be removed, discarded and replaced.
Since every water damage situation is different, you cannot know for sure if or when your carpet and pad can be salvaged until you have a professional restoration company inspect the situation.
The faster you report the disaster, the lower the costs will be. If you’re dealing with a flooding problem, contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist at 601-634-0909
SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers more then just Fire, Water and Mold restoration! Here at SERVPRO we also offer carpet cleaning, tile & grout,upholstery and duct cleaning. We also offer general cleaning needs such as cleaning baseboards,windows,bathrooms, etc. so when your home or business is in need of a good spring cleaning call our office and get an estimate for all of your cleaning needs!! Our crews have advanced equipment and products to do the job to the best of their ability and to make your home or business look and smelling great. We also take pride in the jobs we produce and make sure our customers are satisfied at the completion of the job. Call us TODAY for your general cleaning quote 601-634-0909
Commercial Properties are a big investment and we at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo are always here to help from water and fire damages to your general cleaning needs. We understand that a fire or water loss at your commercial property is also lost revenue for your business and can be devastating and this is one of the reasons we offer 24 hour emergency services 7 days a week. Our crews are highly trained,have advanced equipment and resources so that we can get your commercial property back to operating and pre loss condition in a timely matter. If your commercial property is ever affected call our professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Have you ever had a disaster happen at your residential or commercial property and SERVPROOf Vicksburg & Yazoo came to your rescue??
If so was our staff courteous and understanding of your concerns? Or did you encounter some issues that were not taking care of that our franchise needs to be aware of?
We value your opinion and experience so leaving us feedback on your experience with SERVPRO would help us greatly. We have three sites our customers are able to leave feedback on Yelp, Facebook and Google.
SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo is locally owned and operated,so please take the time to leave us your feedback,we look forward to hearing our customers experiences and are willing to address any concerns we may encounter.
In many older homes your closet could be affected by moisture and a smelly odor. It is very important you deal with moisture issues in a closet to prevent microbial growth and mildew. Here are a few tips on how you could prevent this issue from happening.
Always let any damp material to dry completely before putting them away.
Make sure clothes or any other items stored away are cleaned because soiled items can be the breeding ground for microbial growth.
Try not to pack your closets to tight with items so you can allow air flow.
Store shoe boxes on wire shelves instead of the floor so you do not trap moisture under the boxes.
Hopefully these few tips can help you prevent microbial growth, if you have any questions or concerns contact SERVPRO Of Vicksburg 601-634-0909.
Did you know that water damage claims are one of the highest insurance claims by homeowners?Check out the list below to see how you can be proactive on keeping your home from flooding, SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo wants to make sure you as a homeowner are not faced with a major water damage.
* Always check for leaks under your sinks, toilets and exterior of your home such as the roof.
* Remember to check your major appliances to ensure that all hoses are connected properly.
* Check your homes outside gutters to ensure they are not clogged in case of rain that may cause back up.
* If you plan to leave your home for a few days get someone to check on your home so if an emergency does occur you are aware instead of coming home to a nightmare.
If at any time your home is affected by a water damage call our trained professionals and let us take the headache out of your hands!!
Because of our location as a gulf state, Mississippi residents are especially prone to damage caused by floods. Flooding can be common during the hurricane season but unusual weather patterns can also bring unexpected flooding of the type we have witnessed in our state over the last few years.
If your home has flooded, it is important to conduct a list of safety checks before returning inside. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has produced an in-depth document outlining these safety steps. They include:
Checking the roof for dips across the surface
Checking external walls to determine if they are no longer plum
Checking the foundation from the outside to see if it has been damaged
Making sure electricity and gas have been shut off
Once inside, there can be multiple safety hazards and threats. The presence of mold is a real possibility and a valid concern for your personal safety. If you have an older home, there is also the risk of lead or asbestos contamination. Flood water contains multiple health hazards and just because the visible water is gone, it doesn’t mean the contaminants are no longer a threat.
If your residential or commercial property is ever flooded call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909.
NO home or business owner likes to see Mold growth in their building or residence. There are several ways to prevent mold growth in your home or business. Here are some tips to help you:
Control your indoor climate
Keep a eye out for standing water
Do not leave wet clothing around for more then two days.
If the moisture becomes to much in your home, add a dehumidifier.
Check for drainage problems around the home.
Eliminate clutter in and outside of the home.
Properly size your air conditioner unit to the size of your home.
An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of the moisture in your home.
Always check your air conditioning unit before turning it on for the season.
Call a professional if you believe you may have any mold problem.
If you suspect you have mold growth in your home or business call SERVPRO of Vicksburg &Yazoo 601-634-0909and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
If your home or business is ever affected by a water damage it is very important to know the extent of the damage it may cause. According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), there are four classes of destruction that explain the severity levels of water damage. Knowing the class of destruction first will help in making a restoration plan to fix the water damage.
Classes of Destruction
*Class 1 –
Class 1 is the easiest water damage to deal with due to the slow evaporation rate. Only part of the room or area is affected for this class and there is little to no wet carpet that has been affected.
*Class 2 –
Due to the fast evaporation rate of Class 2, the whole room becomes affected. From the carpeting to the walls and structure, moisture covers the room.
*Class 3 -
Class 3 involves the fastest evaporation rate where ceilings have now become involved. Most instances from this class have had liquid come from the ceiling. The moisture in these incidents will most likely affect the ceiling, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors.
*Class 4 –
When an area has reached class 4, this means that the liquid has had enough time to completely saturate materials such as hardwood, brick or even stone. These incidents require specialty-drying situations.
If your home or business is ever affected by water call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals make it "Like it never even happened."
Did you know that SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo is locally owned and operated to better serve our community and surrounding areas! As a locally owned company we offer emergency services 24 hours a day 7 days a week making us faster to any disaster. Our technicians are highly trained and use advanced restoration and cleaning equipment. With over 1,700 franchises in the US and Canada there's a SERVPRO near and ready to help if and whenever your residential or commercial property is affected! Although we are located in Vicksburg,Ms we also service Yazoo City, Crystal Springs, Hazelhurst, Port Gibson, Belzoni, Bentonia & Rolling Fork. SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo take pride in our services and we are ready to help!! SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909
Commercial Properties are a big investment and we at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo are always here to help from water and fire damages to your general cleaning needs. We understand that a fire or water loss at your commercial property is also lost revenue for you business and can be devastating and this is one of the reasons we offer 24 hour emergency services. Our crews are highly trained,have advanced equipment and resources so that we can get your commercial property back to operating condition in a timely matter. If your commercial property is ever affected call our professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Commercial properties are a big investment. Carpet in a commercial building will take on lots of traffic and many stains that will need the attention of a professional staff to keep the commercial property looking its best. Besides vacuuming the carpet regularly your carpet may also need to be deep cleaned on a scheduled basis to keep the new look and smelling fantastic. Deep cleaning your commercial carpet on a regular basis will help keep the carpet looking new and possibly help extend the life of the carpet. If your commercial carpet is in trouble and needs to be brought back to life, call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 to schedule your routine carpet cleaning and let our trained professionals take care of the job for you.
One definition of a disaster is a serious disruption, occurring over a relatively short time, of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental loss. When we talk to people in the commercial setting they think of a disaster as a major weather-related event.
A disaster in a commercial setting is anything that causes disruption to business or causes damage to services or goods that negatively impact profitability.
Failed Plumbing: Just like your home, a commercial building is just as susceptible to failed plumbing. Frozen pipe bursts are common in the winter because people may times try to cut cost and may not keep the property from freezing. The strain on plumbing because of everyday harsh use also can weaken the plumbing and make it vulnerable.
Appliances & Equipment: From a simple water heater malfunction to major machinery using high water pressure. Appliances and equipment, even with the best maintenance sometimes fail. Evaluate the equipment in your commercial building. If you are a restaurant or food service provider you may be more at risk.
Sprinkler System Malfunction: Have regular maintenance performed on your sprinkler system annually. This the best way to prevent malfunctions.
Roof Leaks: Okay this one is kind of weather related. But it doesn’t take huge thunderstorm to leave water in your building if you have roof issues. A regular shower can do a great amount of damage if the roof allows it to leak inside.
At any point your commercial property is faced with a disaster call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals take the hassle off your hands.
Did you know that cooking is the number one cause of house fires? Also, Thanksgiving is the peak day for cooking fires. Here are a few safety tips that you could follow while your in the kitchen this holiday season or any day:
ALWAYS be alert. If you are sleepy try not to use the stovetop.
Make sure you keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove top. (oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels,etc.)
NEVER leave the kitchen while cooking on the stove top.
If frying always keep an eye on whatever it may be. (Heat your grease slowly)
SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you with any of your fire damage needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week 601-634-0909. Faster to any Disaster!!
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. 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 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 can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If you think your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. Call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909
After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo strives to prevent secondary damage every time we complete a water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.
If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.
Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home PLEASE call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909.
As most of us know the basic tips of fire safety in your home, such as not leaving candles burning unattended and having a fire extinguisher. Here are a few more helpful tips that you can do to prevent residential fires.
Make sure when winter approaches to have your heating system serviced by a professional. (including chimneys)
Remember to clean out lint from your dryer filters before every use. (Trapped lint causes your dryer to have less airflow.)
Keep firewood, leaves or any other household trash away from home in case of a grass fire that may start close to these items.
If your home is ever affected by a fire call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909, and let our professionals make it "Like it never even happened."
From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo knows there's no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of tenants and the revenue of the property owner. Have you developed a thorough contingency plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible?
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Ready Profile. As part of a well thought-out contingency plan, your ERP will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs.
SERVPRO professionals can manage the damage with
-Over 45 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry
-More than 1700 franchises
-Detailed communication throughout the cleaning and restoration process to help keep you informed and in control
-Experience and training in mitigating damages ranging from single family homes to skyscrapers
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909. "Like it never even happened"
Companies that perform water damage restoration have to be skilled in a number of areas to stay current in their field. Technicians in the industry have to combat a number of threats, some visible and some invisible, before their job is done. Structural weakening, chemical runoff, electrical hazards, dangerous wildlife, and deadly microbes are all common risks technicians have to contend with. Without the proper education and equipment, a technician risks grave injury and may leave health risks behind for a family to encounter. Fortunately, technicians in the industry have access to the educational resources offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC.
After getting certified in water damage restoration and a number of related fields, a professional in the field will be able to identify and neutralize any problems they are likely to face at a job site. In most cases, a technician is called to a home following a flood or plumbing disaster. In either case, the initial threat a technician has to encounter is hazardous standing liquid. Floods and sewage backups are normally host to dangerous chemicals, like oil runoff, bacteria and viruses. Before any repairs can be done on the home, a technician will need to be outfitted with the proper safety wear and begin investigating where the liquid is pooling. Moisture meters can detect the level of moisture in and behind drywall, carpet, and other areas. Using minimally-invasive tools, a technician can quickly find pockets of heavy moisture in areas not readily accessible.
This is important because only thorough drying will ensure that further destruction does not occur. Most companies use a combination of industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to extract moisture from both materials and the air. This process can take some time, but diagnostic tools like moisture meters help technicians monitor the drying process. Once all of the materials inside the home have reached safe levels, mold and other microbial growth can be halted.
The most severe threats a water damage restoration company has to deal with are molds and other pathogens. These contaminants can remain a major hazard for years after they have taken root, and can cause insidious health problems while remaining hidden in vents or behind walls. Trained technicians are capable of neutralizing molds and other pathogens by utilizing special cleaning products and quickly removing compromised materials. Being able to identify mold growth is an important skill for a professional, and stemming the growth of a colony can be the difference between saving a home and having to condemn it. Certified firms are capable of quickly working through a property and disposing of anything that is beyond repair. Anything that is salvageable but soaked is separated, cleaned properly, and promptly dried. If the building’s structural integrity has been affected, these technicians can identify it and alert the homeowner and the insurance representative to its presence.
Without professional help, a homeowner will never know for sure that their home is safe to live in again. This is why the help of a certified technician is so valuable. They don’t just repair homes, they restore normalcy.
Though IICRC does not in fact operate its own school, it does recommend the best water damage restoration technician training courses per industry standards.
Time is of the essence after a major water disaster. Though Journeyman-certified technicians may be the right choice for water damage that does not threaten structural integrity, it is vital to bring an IICRC certified Master professional to the scene of a major disaster as soon as possible. Certified professionals use the skills they’ve learned in the accreditation courses to examine the structure, textiles, and the belongings, and will likely be able to control the damage, so no further damage will occur.
Furthermore, knowing the fastest and best means of drying the structure and textiles is imperative. Familiarity with the most effective processes and safest compounds to stop the spread of molds and microbes is also needed to protect people and animals in the environment. Graduates of the relevant IICRC-approved classes excel in these areas.
The importance of providing customer satisfaction cannot be over-emphasized. Each certified technician must pass a stringent series of exams prior to acceptance, and continual training is required. Complaints are taken seriously and must be handled promptly to ensure continued accreditation as a certified firm.
Water damage restoration technician training is a surefire way to insure the latest and greatest procedures are used to protect a customer’s property. There are various courses of study and ways to learn the information, so IICRC works with both the consumer and the professional to guarantee the best experience.
Be Prepared For Thunderstorms! Know the difference!!
Thunderstorms can happen nearly anywhere around the world and have the potential to be extremely dangerous. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes; nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are happening at any moment around the world! Although thunderstorms can occur year-round they are more common during the spring and summer months.
WATCH VS. WARNING
A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and around the watch area. It does not mean that a thunderstorm will occur, only that it is possible.
A warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
BE PREPARED
Build an emergency kit and make a family communication plan.
Keep dead or rotting limbs trimmed to prevent them from falling during a storm.
Do not hesitate to postpone outdoor activities.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter your windows and secure outside doors.
Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives!
If your home or business is damaged from a storm call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909.
Any discussion about mold cleanup should start with understanding why mold begins to grow in the first place. Customers with a mold damage problem are always surprised to learn that toxic mold spores are present not just in their home, but every home, and in fact almost every environment. It’s a naturally occurring element and in low levels is completely safe to humans and pets and your home in general. So when does it become a problem? When too much moisture is introduced in the organic surfaces mold feeds on to grow. Things like drywall, insulation, wood, cabinets, etc. become mold’s food source when mixed with water and the right temperature. While there are many strains of toxic mold, most thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’ll notice, the average temperature in home’s ideal to our own comfort sits squarely within that range. So when it comes to mold growth, 2 things are always present: the right temperature and food. It’s when you introduce that 3rd element, water, that problems can quickly grow out of hand!
Mold In Your Home? Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals take the problem off your hands!
As a renter or a home owner we always think we have our valuables protected to the best of our ability, it is very important to have content coverage on your items weather you are renting or even if you own the property. We often do not like to think about this disaster happening within our homes but it happens frequently. In the event of a fire even the little things within your home add up when your having to replace most of your home. We at SERVPRO strive to do our best to help restore property that is damaged to the best of our ability.If your ever in this situation and don't know what can be saved call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us take the worry off of your hands!
During Hurrican season everyone tries to be prepared for before and during the storm, but very few people get far enough to think about what to do AFTER a storm.
Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross to help with post-hurricane chaos.
Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
We hope you never need our services, but in case of fire, water or mold damage to your business, we hope you would chose us a team of trained professionals.
Our technicians are highly trained in water mitigation, fire restoration and mold remediation. All SERVPRO employees are required to take and pass many training courses and are required to pass a background check. Our trained technicians are knowledgeable and trustworthy and ready to respond to any disaster 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!! Here at SERVPRO we have a guarantee 4 hour on site time and within 8 hours of being on site we will notify your adjuster or any other POC we have, not only our we fast to any disaster we take pride in our work.
If your business is ever in need of any of our services please call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909, and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreck havoc on communities large and small.
Whether its turbulent blizzards, or torrid flooding, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.
In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation.
From the initial damage assessment, to communicating with your insurance adjuster, to final billing and processing, SERVPRO supports our clients by providing superior customer service.
SERVPRO happily responds to local and outside STORM events. Nationwide, SERVPRO franchises mobilize and act fast, traveling cross country to assist in disaster clean up in communities across the US and Canada.
SERVPRO works in conjunction with all insurance companies, and is part of the Preferred Service Provider program for many nationally recognized insurance organizations.
For our self-pay customers, SERVPRO offers reasonable, competitive pricing and payment options. We understand that STORM cleanup is an unexpected expense, and strive to make reasonably priced restoration accessible to all our customers.
So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo today, no matter how big or small your water or fire damage may be. 601-634-0909. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "Like it never even happened."
Over the last few years I have received many calls from homeowners about mold underneath their house or in the crawlspace. This only occurs in a home that is built on a conventional foundation. Sometimes their floors inside have began to buckle but they have not had a water damage or leak. As our summers in Mississippi have grown hotter and more humid the problem has gotten worse.
Mold or fungi have to have moisture and a food source to grow. Of the two, moisture is the easiest to control since it can feed on any organic material. If you haven't had a leak or drainage problem that is causing excess moisture underneath your home the most probable source of moisture is from condensation.
Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler material like the floor boards of your home. Many homeowners are having problems with this now for the first time in forty years. Many of them have recently installed new storm windows or a new more efficient Air conditioner system or re-insulated their home. The point is that combined with the hotter more humid summers and the people keeping their homes cooler creates an environment conducive to condensation in their crawlspace.
One of the ways to you can help prevent condensation in your crawlspace is to increase the amount of ventilation under your house and install some fans to keep the air circulating. This will encourage more evaporation and help to keep your floor joist and sub-floor dry. Wood can only support microbial growth at 16% moisture content or above. If you can keep your crawlspace dry you shouldn't have any problem with mold or fungi growing in this area.
If you notice any potential mold or fungi growth contact SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals ease your mind.
Do you know the difference from a Watch and a Warning?
SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo like to make sure you and your family are safe during inclement weather. Thunderstorms can happen anywhere around the world and have the potential to be extremely dangerous at times. An average thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts about 30 minutes; an average estimate of 1,800 thunderstorms happen at any moment around the world. Thunderstorms can happen at any time of year but are most common in spring and summer months.
WATCH VS. WARNING
A WATCH is issued when conditions in your area are favorable for the development of severe weather. It does NOT mean that a thunderstorm will happen, only that it is possible.
A WARNING is issued when severe storms are occurring or imminent in the area. During this warning the storms are capable of producing hail.
ALWAYS be alert and prepared!! Make sure you and your family have an emergency kit and a plan in case of severe weather. If your home or business floods due to inclement weather call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909, and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Here at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo we are specialized in more the just restoration services. We understand that getting your business back together after a fire or water damage can cause a headache for the business owner, but SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help your business with a Post Construction and new construction cleaning! After restoring your building it is a priority to get your business cleaned and SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you with this process. We offer tile & grout services, carpet cleaning, upholstery, ceilings, walls, baseboards, fixtures and any other surfaces the dust from construction may have gotten. If your business is ever in need of these type of services please give our office a call and we would be glad to give you a quote on the services to be performed. SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909.
To prevent excessive moisture that can lead to mold growth try these helpful tips:
Install exhaust fans in bathroom and kitchen,use them while showering and cooking.
Don't use carpet in bathrooms or kitchens
If you have rugs in the bathroom make sure you hang them up to dry after they get damp.
Clean up water spills promptly
Routinely check under sinks, behind toilets and around appliances for any unnoticed leaks.
Install dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity.
Make sure your drain gutters are properly draining water away from your home.
Use climate control in areas with high humidity to keep the humidity down.
If your home or business shows any signs of mold call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it look "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO Of VIcksburg & Yazoo Is Always Ready For the Storm!
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 to many customers. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Warren or Yazoo Counties, 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 that are strategically located throughout the United States.
So the next time your home or business is affected by a storm call us 601-634-0909.
Did you know that flooding is one of the top natural disasters and can cause a massive amount of damage within your home. Heavy downpours of rain in your area can cause drainage issues which could lead to a flooded home. Here are a few things you can do in your home to minimize damage:
1. Keep water heater and electrical panels elevated
2. Make sure you and your family have an emergency kit and a plan
3. If you are under a warning be sure to tune into your tv/radio
4. If at all possible move your furniture and important items to a higher level.
5. ALWAYS remember to AVOID contact with flood waters.
If your home is ever affected by a natural disaster call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909, we use the most up to date equipment to make sure your home looks "Like it never even happened."
What to do if your Washing Machine floods your home
Have you ever wondered what to do if your washing machine malfunctioned and caused some flooding in your home? Here are some thoughts that may could help you if you are ever encounter by this disaster. In the case of a malfunction make sure you cut off the electrical power supply to the unit not by just pressing cancel on the machine but at the breaker or fuse box. It is also helpful to remove laundry and place them in an area where you are able to wring out any excess water that may still be on them. Also move the washer away from the wall so you are able to look behind it to make sure no hoses are leaking and are secured properly. If your home is ever affected by a water damage call the professionals at SERVPROof Vicksburg & Yazoo and let us make your home look "Like it never even happened."
Being a homeowner and having to deal with plumbing issues can be a headache but left untouched can cause major trouble in your home. It is always important to keep your plumbing maintenance on a regular basis. As a homeowner it is very important to keep an eye out for any potential troubles such as small leaks that could lead to plumbing failure. Once a leak is noticed it is very valuable to get it repaired as soon as possible so the issue does not cause your home to flood. If at any time your home does encounter a plumbing issue make sure the main water valve is cut off so no more water will get inside your home. If your home is ever damaged by a flood call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make your home look "Like it never even happened."
Do you and your family know the leading cause of house fires and how to protect your home?? Make sure your household has a fire ready plan and working smoke alarms. Every year many people are hurt and some result in death due to poor fire safety. Did you know that smoke inhalation is just as hazardous as the fire itself! Smoke inhalation can take all the oxygen out of the room and replace it with hazardous smoke and gases. Many house fires are started from lit candles not blown out and grease fires that get out of control. If your home is ever affected by a fire call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Did you know that mold needs 3 key factors to grow 1)In order for mold to grow it needs food for example cardboard, leather and upholstery just to name a few.
2) The ideal temperature is a key factor for mold growth.
3) Mold also needs moisture to grow.
If these 3 factors are present mold will start growing within 24-48 hours!! If mold is left untreated it will continue to grow and cause havoc. Mold growth is the key sign of an unnoticed moisture problem, and failing to address the situation will allow the mold to continue to grow. Mold can leave a home with a "musty" odor. These areas are just a few ideas of where you are most likely to find mold growth:bathroom and kitchen sinks, leaks behind appliances, window sills and basements. If you suspect mold growth in your home or business call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals handle the problem for you!!
In the event of cold snaps everyone finds ways to keep their home nice and cozy. Alot of times space heaters are used, so here are a few tips to keep you safe while using space heaters.
Always make sure you have inspected the plugs before use.
REMEMBER to turn the heater off if you are leaving the room or going to sleep.
Proper placement of space heaters is very important, remember to keep it away from anything that can burn!
Plug the space heaters into a wall socket and avoid using extension cords.
When the heater is not in use make sure it is unplug.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo have highly trained and professional staff who are always willing to help when disaster strikes. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 601-634-0909!!
As the cold weather approaches are your pipes winter ready? The main pipes that have the most potential to freeze are the pipes that are located outside, basements and any other un insulated areas. Here are a few tips on how to protect your pipes:
Drain any supply lines for pool or sprinklers
Make sure you have proper insulation
Check all areas of the home for any exposed pipes that have potential to freeze
Also, here are a few tips to prevent frozen pipes:
If there are any supply lines in the garage keep the garage door closed.
Keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
Allow cold water to trickle from your faucet when it is extremely cold outside to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo are always here to help 24 hours a day 7 days a week 601-634-0909!!
Did you know that water damages are way more common then people realize and can be very devastating! Try these few tips to help prevent a water damage in your home or business:
Have a plumber inspect and maintenance your hot water heater on a regular basis.
Always replace hoses on any appliance at the first sign of wear and tear to prevent water leaking into your home.
Pay close attention to your toilets.
ANYTIME you encounter a leak immediately turn the water off!
Also, remember if there is a basement in your home make sure you have a properly functioning pump.
If your home is invaded by water let our professionals take the headache off of your hands.Our professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 specializes in water extraction and uses the most up to date equipment to make the job look "Like it never even happened."
Mold is not a very friendly word any home or business owner wants to hear and can be dangerous to your health! Mold can grow on any material as long as moisture and oxygen are present. If mold is left alone it can cause damage to the structure of a home and your belongings. These are some places to keep an eye on in your home or business for mold growth:
* Basements that have been flooded
* Under kitchen sinks
* Underneath/Behind refrigerators
* Bathroom showers and sinks
* Air Conditioner units
* Around windows that leak
* Attics and crawlspace
If you suspect your home or business has a mold problem contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals rid the problem for you. Our technicians are highly trained and use the most up to date equipment to rid the mold. Let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Over the years many restaurants have made huge strides to become more efficient, high efficiency stoves, grills and ovens. Unfortunately, with the new innovations this has made restaurant kitchen fires much more common. Here are some tips that may help protect your restaurant:
-Keep your restaurant clean & organized to keep certain items from igniting such as
* Oil and grease on walls and kitchen hood
* Accumulation of food waste
* Card board boxes from food storage
-Make sure the grease traps are cleaned.
-Always remember to keep your kitchen area clear of any trash.
-Make sure to have proper functioning fire suppression systems so you can respond fast if a fire does ignite.
-Lastly, make sure you have a fire safety plan for all of your employees and make sure they understand their roles and responsibilities.
If your business ever experiences a kitchen fire call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals make it "Like it never even happened."
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 Vicksburg & Yazoo for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.
Have Questions? Call Today – (601)634-0909
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo offers 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:
*Duct Cleaning
*Tile & Grout Cleaning
*Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
*Biohazard
*Vandalism
*Drapes & Blinds
If your commercial property needs some attention give SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo a call and let our trained professionals make your building like new again.
After a flood, many homeowners and property managers wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved. The answer is, it depends. Factors such as the age and quality of the carpet and pad, as well as the type of installation used, have to be taken into consideration. However, the type of floodwater that caused the damage is most important when determining whether or not carpet and padding can be salvaged.
There are 3 floodwater categories that determine whether the carpet and padding can be restored to their pre-disaster condition:
Category 1 (clean water): non-contaminated water that may come from a broken pipe, sink, etc. After the water has been extracted, carpets and pads can be dried and restored in place.
Category 2 (gray water): dirty water that has been released by sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. The carpet can usually be restored if it has been wet for less than 48 hours. The pad is replaced in most cases.
Category 3 (black water): water containing dangerous contaminants that may originate from sewage and toilet backflows as well as from floods caused by natural disasters. To protect your family’s health, carpets and pads should be removed, discarded and replaced.
Since every water damage situation is different, you cannot know for sure if or when your carpet and pad can be salvaged until you have a professional restoration company inspect the situation.
The faster you report the disaster, the lower the costs will be. If you’re dealing with a flooding problem, contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist at 601-634-0909.
Limit movement in the area to prevent further damage.
Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
Clearly mark the area with caution signs and safety tape.
If area is safe, list vital contents for emergency restoration/priority service.
Be sure your staff wears proper personal protection equipment.
Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
Wash off both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
Change HVAC filters and tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
Do not attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Professional.
Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting your local SERVPRO Professional.
Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, computers, television, radios, etc., that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first contacting an authorized repair service.
Because of our location as a gulf state, Mississippi residents are especially prone to damage caused by floods. Flooding can be common during the hurricane season but unusual weather patterns can also bring unexpected flooding of the type we have witnessed in our state over the last few years.
If your home has flooded, it is important to conduct a list of safety checks before returning inside. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has produced an in-depth document outlining these safety steps. They include:
Checking the roof for dips across the surface
Checking external walls to determine if they are no longer plum
Checking the foundation from the outside to see if it has been damaged
Making sure electricity and gas have been shut off
Once inside, there can be multiple safety hazards and threats. The presence of mold is a real possibility and a valid concern for your personal safety. If you have an older home, there is also the risk of lead or asbestos contamination. Flood water contains multiple health hazards and just because the visible water is gone, it doesn’t mean the contaminants are no longer a threat.
If your home or business is ever flooded call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909.
When smoke and flames consume a residence, trying to pick up the pieces and return to a normal life may seem impossible. Fire damage restoration is an important first step in the process of rebuilding the structure and making it a livable space once again. The process of remediation after this kind of loss is time-sensitive and involves a number of steps. Finding a professional organization to perform this process can lessen stress, on the body and mind as well as financially, and help property owners return to the home that they love. A professional fire damage restoration team follows a number of steps in achieving the goal of returning the affected property to its former state. Proper cleaning of the structure itself, proper cleaning of your contents as well as properly cleaning your air conditioning unit will ensure that your home will be smoke free and you can get back to normal.
If your home or business is ever damaged by a fire call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)-634-0909 and let our trained professionals make it "Like it never even happened."
One of the most common questions during a water damage is “what do I need to do until help arrives?” Here a few Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to water damage.
Do’s:
Contact your local restoration company as soon as possible
Remove as much excess water as possible by shop vacuum, mopping or blotting
Wipe excess water from around wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items
Remove and prop up wet upholstery items such as cushions for even drying
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
In the summer, turn on HVAC unit to maximize drying
Remove colored rugs from wall to wall carpeting areas to minimize staining
Pick up loose items, such as toys and clothes, to allow maximum air to reach the wet areas
Don’ts:
Leave fabrics wet in place, dry them as soon as possible
Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet floors
Use your household vacuum to remove water
Use TV’s or other household appliances while standing on wet floors
Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Do you know the different classes of a water damage?
To get started in the restoration of a home or business that has been affected by water damage, it is important to know the extent of damage that you are getting into. According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), there are four classes of destruction that explain the severity levels of water damage. Knowing the class of destruction first will help in making a restoration plan to fix the water damage.
Classes of Destruction
*Class 1 –
Class 1 is the easiest water damage to deal with due to the slow evaporation rate. Only part of the room or area is affected for this class and there is little to no wet carpet that has been affected.
*Class 2 –
Due to the fast evaporation rate of Class 2, the whole room becomes affected. From the carpeting to the walls and structure, moisture covers the room.
*Class 3 -
Class 3 involves the fastest evaporation rate where ceilings have now become involved. Most instances from this class have had liquid come from the ceiling. The moisture in these incidents will most likely affect the ceiling, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors.
*Class 4 –
When an area has reached class 4, this means that the liquid has had enough time to completely saturate materials such as hardwood, brick or even stone. These incidents require specialty-drying situations.
If your home or business is ever affected by water call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals make it "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of VIcksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 for all of your Mold concerns.
NO home or business owner likes to see Mold growth. There are several ways to prevent mold growth in your home or business. Here are some tips to help you:
Control your indoor climate
Keep a eye out for standing water
Do not leave wet clothing around for more then two days.
If the moisture becomes to much in your home, add a dehumidifier.
Check for drainage problems around the home.
Eliminate clutter in and outside of the home.
Properly size your air conditioner unit to the size of your home.
An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of the moisture in your home.
Always check your air conditioning unit before turning it on for the season.
Call a professional if you believe you may have any mold problem.
If you suspect you have mold growth in your home or business call SERVPRO of Vicksburg &Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it "Like it never even happened".
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Vicksburg or Yazoo commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to its normal operations.Let SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo help with any type of disaster your commercial property encounters. We also offer general cleaning services for your non emergency needs. 24 hours a day 7 days a week contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)-634-0909 so we can make it "Like it never even happened."
Managing a property or being a landlord is not a 9 to 5 job! Problems do not care if you are supposed to be on vacation; they can arise 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Be prepared before an emergency happens with our Emergency Ready Plan.
A large amount of businesses actually have to close down following a disaster. Of the businesses that do survive the majority of them had some form of preparedness plan in place before the disaster struck their building. SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile helps your business to have a plan in place to know exactly how to handle fire and water damage as it is occurring.
To learn more about SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile you can visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com or call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601) 634-0909.
From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo knows there's no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of tenants and the revenue of the property owner. Have you developed a thorough contingency plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible?
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Ready Profile. As part of a well thought-out contingency plan, your ERP will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs.
SERVPRO professionals can manage the damage with
-Over 45 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry
-More than 1700 franchises
-Detailed communication throughout the cleaning and restoration process to help keep you informed and in control
-Experience and training in mitigating damages ranging from single family homes to skyscrapers
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909. "Like it never even happened"
You could save your home from fire with a fire extinguisher at your ready.
Close your eyes and imagine. You’re at home, or maybe in the office, and you smell ... smoke? Definitely smoke. Fire! You don’t panic, because you’re not the type and you’re prepared. You grab the nearest fire extinguisher, find the flames. You get ready, aim.... and suddenly realize you don’t know how this thing works.
Fire extinguishers can be the first line of defense if fire breaks out in your home or business, but they won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to use them or have the wrong extinguisher for the job. When it comes to fire, plan, prepare and remain calm. Knowing how, when and why to use your fire extinguisher—not to mention which fire extinguisher to use—will increase both your safety and peace of mind knowing you can protect you and your belonging from fire damage.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher Home or office, when a fire breaks out you have moments to decide: fight or flight? If you feel even the slightest doubt about handling it yourself, move everyone to a safe place and call 911. Ditto if you don’t know how to use your extinguisher or aren’t sure it’s the right class for the fire you’re fighting; better to let the pros handle it than to try to navigate the learning curve mid-fire.
If you decide you can safely put out the fire, grab the extinguisher and get busy, after you locate a safe way out. If you spot a clear exit but it doesn’t look to stay clear long, get out now.
What Kind of Extinguisher to Use Home- and business owners can choose from five types of fire extinguishers:
Class A: for a fire involving normal combustibles and flammables, including cloth, paper and wood
Class B: for a fire involving flammable liquids like gas, oil, paint, paint thinner and solvents
Class C: to fight a fire involving electrical equipment/appliances that are plugged in and receiving power—electric drills, table saws, computer equipment, televisions, wiring and fuse boxes, for example
Class D: to put out a fire involving combustible metals—magnesium, sodium, zirconium, etc. (Note: Don’t try to fight this kind of fire unless you’ve been specifically trained for it!)
Class K: for fires typically found in restaurants, involving cooking oil and commercial-grade cooking equipment
Some fires involve several or all of the above. Fortunately, fire extinguishers are labeled not only with the types of fire they’re designed to fight, but with the types of fire you should avoid using them on. Example: Never use a Class A extinguisher on a Class B or C fire—the results could be deadly!
Fire Extinguisher How-to
Stand six to eight feet away from the flames.
Make sure you have a clear exit, in case the fire spreads or flames out of control.
Pull the pin to unlock the operating lever.
Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
Press the lever located above the handle to release the agent.
Use a back-and-forth sweeping motion to saturate the base of the fire until the flames are extinguished.
Continue the process if the fire re-ignites.
If the fire doesn’t go out or spreads, get to safety.
Extinguisher Safety Tips
Install fire extinguishers in areas where fires are likely to break out, including kitchens and break rooms.
Check periodically to make sure all fire extinguishers are fully charged.
Show every family member or employee where the fire extinguishers and fire alarms are located.
Train yourself, your loved ones and your co-workers to use the equipment properly.
Even with a fire extinguisher, some fire damage will occur. When this happens, call your local SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909.
We all know who to call if there is a fire (your local fire department) but there are also things we can do to help prevent them as well. Most people have emergency plans for the homes but often forget about their workplace.
Here are some tips to help a fire from happening in your office:
Don’t overload your outlets
Turn off electrical appliances at the end of each work day
Check electrical cords for damage and replace as needed. Also don’t put cords in areas where they might become trip hazards or stepped on.
Keep heat producing equipment (computers, coffee makers, etc) away from anything that might burn
These tips are helpful in prevention of fires. You may also want to have a fire safety meeting as well as appoint someone to be in charge of checking this list periodically and making sure the office is in compliance. If a fire does occur call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909 and let us help with the damages.
We've all been there.......as a homeowner or business owner, we spot something that needs to be fixed, and the first thing that comes to mind is doing it ourselves. We want to save money, and join the latest DIY phase. But sometimes DIY is the worse thing we can do. Lack of training and knowledge can lead to further damage, or recurring damage.
In the case of mold, the first thing that most people think of is to use Bleach. And to an untrained professional, that can seem like the most reasonable action to take.
But here are three reasons why Bleach is not the most effective choice to rid your home of mold:
BLEACH LOSES ITS EFFECTIVENESS OVER TIME.
Chlorine bleach rapidly looses its effectiveness. If you leave a glass of chlorinated water out on the counter for a few days, the chlorine will evaporate. This happens within the container as well. This evaporation process indicates that it will be hard to ascertain the true potency of your chlorine bleach solution, as the chlorine can escape through plastic. It may have been sitting at the store, or in your home for some time, diminishing the ability to perform.
BLEACH DOES NOT KILL MOLD ON POROUS SURFACES, AND CAN ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD GROWTH.
Chlorine bleach can only kill surface mold. Because mold can grow deep roots within porous surfaces such as wood and drywall, bleach will not assist you in exterminating mold. The chlorine cannot penetrate to destroy the growth at its roots; it remains on the surface while the water component of the bleach reaches further, which can feed the mold growth.
BLEACH IS TOXIC.
Chlorine bleach produces fumes that pollute the air and can become harmful to humans and pets. Chlorine bleach also generates a by-product called dioxin, which is linked to cancer. Use over time builds up these pollutants in the environment.
If you notice mold growth in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909 and let our team of trained technicians take care of your problem.
Thunderstorms can happen nearly anywhere around the world and have the potential to be extremely dangerous. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes; nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are happening at any moment around the world! Although thunderstorms can occur year-round they are more common during the spring and summer months.
WATCH VS. WARNING
A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and around the watch area. It does not mean that a thunderstorm will occur, only that it is possible.
A warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
BE PREPARED
Build an emergency kit and make a family communication plan.
Keep dead or rotting limbs trimmed to prevent them from falling during a storm.
Do not hesitate to postpone outdoor activities.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter your windows and secure outside doors.
Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives!
If your home or business is damaged from a storm call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909.
Any discussion about mold cleanup should start with understanding why mold begins to grow in the first place. Customers with a mold damage problem are always surprised to learn that toxic mold spores are present not just in their home, but every home, and in fact almost every environment. It’s a naturally occurring element and in low levels is completely safe to humans and pets and your home in general. So when does it become a problem? When too much moisture is introduced in the organic surfaces mold feeds on to grow. Things like drywall, insulation, wood, cabinets, etc. become mold’s food source when mixed with water and the right temperature. While there are many strains of toxic mold, most thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’ll notice, the average temperature in home’s ideal to our own comfort sits squarely within that range. So when it comes to mold growth, 2 things are always present: the right temperature and food. It’s when you introduce that 3rd element, water, that problems can quickly grow out of hand!
Mold In Your Home? Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909.
SERVPRO Storm Response- Ready for Whatever Happens
Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreck havoc on communities large and small.
Whether its turbulent blizzards, or torrid flooding, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.
In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.
SERVPRO strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation.
From the initial damage assessment, to communicating with your insurance adjuster, to final billing and processing, SERVPRO supports our clients by providing superior customer service.
SERVPRO happily responds to local and outside STORM events. Nationwide, SERVPRO franchises mobilize and act fast, traveling cross country to assist in disaster clean up in communities across the US and Canada.
SERVPRO works in conjunction with all insurance companies, and is part of the Preferred Service Provider program for many nationally recognized insurance organizations.
For our self-pay customers, SERVPRO offers reasonable, competitive pricing and payment options. We understand that STORM cleanup is an unexpected expense, and strive to make reasonably priced restoration accessible to all our customers.
So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.
Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo today, no matter how big or small your water or fire damage may be. 601-634-0909. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Companies that perform water damage restoration have to be skilled in a number of areas to stay current in their field. Technicians in the industry have to combat a number of threats, some visible and some invisible, before their job is done. Structural weakening, chemical runoff, electrical hazards, dangerous wildlife, and deadly microbes are all common risks technicians have to contend with. Without the proper education and equipment, a technician risks grave injury and may leave health risks behind for a family to encounter. Fortunately, technicians in the industry have access to the educational resources offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC.
After getting certified in water damage restoration and a number of related fields, a professional in the field will be able to identify and neutralize any problems they are likely to face at a job site. In most cases, a technician is called to a home following a flood or plumbing disaster. In either case, the initial threat a technician has to encounter is hazardous standing liquid. Floods and sewage backups are normally host to dangerous chemicals, like oil runoff, bacteria and viruses. Before any repairs can be done on the home, a technician will need to be outfitted with the proper safety wear and begin investigating where the liquid is pooling. Moisture meters can detect the level of moisture in and behind drywall, carpet, and other areas. Using minimally-invasive tools, a technician can quickly find pockets of heavy moisture in areas not readily accessible.
This is important because only thorough drying will ensure that further destruction does not occur. Most companies use a combination of industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to extract moisture from both materials and the air. This process can take some time, but diagnostic tools like moisture meters help technicians monitor the drying process. Once all of the materials inside the home have reached safe levels, mold and other microbial growth can be halted.
The most severe threats a water damage restoration company has to deal with are molds and other pathogens. These contaminants can remain a major hazard for years after they have taken root, and can cause insidious health problems while remaining hidden in vents or behind walls. Trained technicians are capable of neutralizing molds and other pathogens by utilizing special cleaning products and quickly removing compromised materials. Being able to identify mold growth is an important skill for a professional, and stemming the growth of a colony can be the difference between saving a home and having to condemn it. Certified firms are capable of quickly working through a property and disposing of anything that is beyond repair. Anything that is salvageable but soaked is separated, cleaned properly, and promptly dried. If the building’s structural integrity has been affected, these technicians can identify it and alert the homeowner and the insurance representative to its presence.
Without professional help, a homeowner will never know for sure that their home is safe to live in again. This is why the help of a certified technician is so valuable. They don’t just repair homes, they restore normalcy.
Though IICRC does not in fact operate its own school, it does recommend the best water damage restoration technician training courses per industry standards.
Time is of the essence after a major water disaster. Though Journeyman-certified technicians may be the right choice for water damage that does not threaten structural integrity, it is vital to bring an IICRC certified Master professional to the scene of a major disaster as soon as possible. Certified professionals use the skills they’ve learned in the accreditation courses to examine the structure, textiles, and the belongings, and will likely be able to control the damage, so no further damage will occur.
Furthermore, knowing the fastest and best means of drying the structure and textiles is imperative. Familiarity with the most effective processes and safest compounds to stop the spread of molds and microbes is also needed to protect people and animals in the environment. Graduates of the relevant IICRC-approved classes excel in these areas.
The importance of providing customer satisfaction cannot be over-emphasized. Each certified technician must pass a stringent series of exams prior to acceptance, and continual training is required. Complaints are taken seriously and must be handled promptly to ensure continued accreditation as a certified firm.
Water damage restoration technician training is a surefire way to insure the latest and greatest procedures are used to protect a customer’s property. There are various courses of study and ways to learn the information, so IICRC works with both the consumer and the professional to guarantee the best experience.
Electrical fires are the most common cause of household fires across the United States. This is why home owners must be consistent on watching how electrical equipment is kept and making sure that cords are not frayed or damaged. When electrical cords are frayed or old, it is a good idea to switch the cord out. This also is something we must watch with our kitchen appliances and TVs also. If home owners keep a close watch over cords and electrical equipment, it will lessen the chance that your equipment would cause a fire in your own home. In older homes, it is a wonderful idea to have a licensed electrician come in to check your outlets and any wires he or she can get to in your home. Over time, wires can fray which could lead to a fire. If a fire does occur and you need assistance, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg&Yazoo 601-634-0909. Always here to help. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
With the recent storms in Texas, everyone is thinking about what has happened, and what could happen. Everyone tries to be prepared for before and during the storm, but very few people get far enough to think about what to do AFTER a storm.
Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross to help with post-hurricane chaos.
Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Restoring Your Warren or Yazoo County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
Flooding and water damage events at Warren or Yazoo 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, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that 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.
About SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.
Over the last few years I have received many calls from homeowners about mold underneath their house or in the crawlspace. This only occurs in a home that is built on a conventional foundation. Sometimes their floors inside have began to buckle but they have not had a water damage or leak. As our summers in Mississippi have grown hotter and more humid the problem has gotten worse.
Mold or fungi have to have moisture and a food source to grow. Of the two, moisture is the easiest to control since it can feed on any organic material. If you haven't had a leak or drainage problem that is causing excess moisture underneath your home the most probable source of moisture is from condensation.
Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler material like the floor boards of your home. Many homeowners are having problems with this now for the first time in forty years. Many of them have recently installed new storm windows or a new more efficient Air conditioner system or re-insulated their home. The point is that combined with the hotter more humid summers and the people keeping their homes cooler creates an environment conducive to condensation in their crawlspace.
One of the ways to you can help prevent condensation in your crawlspace is to increase the amount of ventilation under your house and install some fans to keep the air circulating. This will encourage more evaporation and help to keep your floor joist and sub-floor dry. Wood can only support microbial growth at 16% moisture content or above. If you can keep your crawlspace dry you shouldn't have any problem with mold or fungi growing there.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
Three weeks ago the city of Vicksburg experienced a citywide water outage. A main waterline coming from the City water treatment plant was ruptured and had to be repaired. The problem was that the ruptured line was under 12 feet of flood water from the Mississippi River. A dam was built around the area so the water could be pumped out and repairs made. Originally the City estimated around 5 to 7 days to get the water back on. Thankfully the damages were not as bad as expected and the water was back on after 3 days.
Everyone was scrambling to get water during this time which put a strain on the supply of surrounding water companies so pressure got low and eventually Culkin Water was forced to turn off so their tanks could be refilled.
The City and County officials were collecting water and containers to carry water to distribute to elderly and needy citizens. We were letting them fill their containers at our office but wanted to do more. We partnered with a local Nationwide adjuster who delivered 200 new 5 gallon buckets to our warehouse. The buckets were donated to the city and county agencies so water could be delivered to residents throughout the city.
We would like the thank Mayor Flaggs and the City of Vicksburg for their recognition but it was our pleasure to give back to the community that has given so much to us over the years.
On the morning of Saturday, January 21, 2017 a category 3 tornado ripped through parts of Hattiesburg and Petal Mississippi leaving in its wake four people dead and more than 500 homes in two counties severely damaged or destroyed and roughly another 600 with minor damage. The United States get more tornadoes than any other place on earth. The U.S sees about 1,250 tornadoes per year. Canada is second with about 100 per year.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo was honored to answer the call when the local franchise called for help. We arrived on Sunday, Jan. 22 to produce our first job and the devastation was terrible. There were no trees left standing in the hardest hit areas and homes and businesses were completely destroyed. Fourteen days and 7 jobs later the event began to wind down from a mitigation stand point but the reconstruction will be continuing for the better than a year. The support from the local community and compassion of the people of Hattiesburg and Petal is inspiring and we wish them all the best in their continuing efforts to rebuild their community.
If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives.
Shut off the source of the water.
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
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 for even drying
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What to Do:
Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 601-634-0909
For Immediate Service in Vicksburg, Yazoo City or Port Gibson Call SERVPRO
Vicksburg, Yazoo or Claiborne County Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Warren, Yazoo or Claiborne County. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (601)634-0909
Residential Services
Whether your Warren or Yazoo County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Service
Commercial Services
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Claiborne or Warren County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROvicksburgyazoo.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning
Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Warren County Home
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (601)634-0909
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.
About SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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.
Vicksburg and Yazoo City Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
This Yazoo City home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.
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 Vicksburg or Yazoo City 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 - (601)634-0909
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 Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 (601)634-0909
From furniture to antiques to artwork and appliances, we'll treat your treasures with the care they deserve. While some items can be cleaned on-site, in many cases we'll need to inventory, pack out and transport the contents of your property to our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the best care possible.
Key Issues
Contents may need to be cleaned off-site
Contents inventory
Determine replacement and restoration
Pack
Ozone treatment
Cleaning
Odor removal
Secure
Return
Contents Inventory
We arrive on-site and inventory all of your personal belongings.
We carefully pack all salvable items to transport to our secure warehouse and cleaning facility.
Unsalvageable contents are inventoried and discarded.
Flooding and water damage events in Warren 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, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that 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.
About SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.
When Storms or Floods hit Warren or Yazoo Counties, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Warren and Yazoo Counties.
SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 Warren or Yazoo Counties, 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 www.SERVPROofbirmingham.com that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (601)634-0909
Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Warren or Yazoo County Home.
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.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
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.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (601)634-0909
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. 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 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 can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (601)634-0909
24/7 Emergency Service
