Archived Blog Posts

Check Those Smoke Detector Batteries!

Name: SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties
Address: 8 Joe Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro, GA, 30458
Telephone: (912) 445-5190

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

The holidays are here and with everything going on a lot of us have forgotten a very important thing to check...our smoke detectors. If you haven't done so lately, today is the day to test your smoke detector batteries!

The U.S Fire Administration (USFA) states that smoke detectors should be checked monthly to ensure there are no malfunctions and that the batteries should be changed at least once or twice a year. Most people have found it easy to remember to do this when daylight savings time occurs. While you’re changing your clocks, go ahead and change your batteries in your smoke detectors. If you missed getting on the time change schedule, just jump on the December/June Schedule.

Make sure you check your smoke detectors users manual and if any of the following apply, then you may need to check your smoke detectors more often:

The detector gives a false alarm
The alarm emits a short beep regularly without anyone touching it
Frequent kitchen smoke has caused it to activate often, which may cause the batteries to deplete quicker

There are two types of smoke detectors:

Battery-Powered- This type can be susceptible to defective or worn-out batteries. Doing monthly testing is critical to ensure that the detector is working properly.
Hardwired- This type is powered by your home’s electrical system, but is known to have backup batteries so the device can remain operational in a power outage. This type still requires a monthly test to help ensure that both the batteries and parts are working properly.

If your home isn’t equipped with smoke detectors, then please make sure you visit your local fire department. The fire departments in each community have access to fire safety equipment like smoke detectors and would be glad to make sure your family is safe.

Frying Turkeys and Your Safety

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Each year, many people are severely burned and their homes are damaged from fires caused by frying turkeys for Thanksgiving. Here are some safety tips from Elizabeth Ardness, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Services found on www.georgiahealthnews.com.

Many times accidents are caused by misused equipment and overfilling.

1. Misused equipment: unstable fryer stands

2. Uninsulated pot handles

3. Fry Pots Overfilled with oil

To prevent overfilling, drop the turkey in the pot before marinating. Add enough water to cover 2" above the turkey. Remove the turkey and mark the water level. Once you have dried the pot, you can add oil to the waterline mark. Marinate your turkey and add back to the pot once the oil reaches 365-375 degrees Faranheight. This will take 45 minutes to an hour.

It is also important to kill all harmful bacteria. According to www.butterball.com you must measure the temperature of the turkey in several places. Once the temperature has reached 180 degrees Fahrenheit at the thigh, and 170 degrees at the breast your turkey should be ready to enjoy!

Also, be sure that your frying area is at least 10 feet away from your home and on level ground.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Toys For Tots!

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Won't you and your place of business help us fill these boxes?

It's that time of year again! SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties asks for your offices to help support our local children in need through the Toys for Tots program. We have two boxes at our Joe Kennedy Boulevard office in Statesboro to fill up.

In 1947, Diane Hendricks, the wife of Marine Corps Reserve Major Major Bill Hendricks, had several hand-crafted dolls and asked her husband to deliver them to an organization that supports needy children. Major Hendricks had no luck finding any such agency, and when he returned home and shared that information with Diane, her response was simple. She told him to start one! That year, Major Hendricks and his Reserve unit in L.A. distributed 5000 toys!

Seeing how successful that year was, the following year Major Hendricks directed all Marine sites to implement the Toys for Tots campaign transitioning it to a National Community Action program in 1948.

Walt Disney was a personal friend of Major Hendricks and he designed the original Toys for Tots poster with a miniature 3 car train that we are all familiar with today.

96.7% of all donations are given directly to children in need with the remaining 3% being used to partially cover fundraising expenses. No donations are used to cover any salaries.

With our help, The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation donates 18 million toys to 7 million needy children each year.

Please call our office if you have any donations. We will be glad to pick them up and bring them back to our office. Can you or your company help us make some children smile on Christmas day?

A Few Tips on Getting Prepared for Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared for Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms.
Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household.
Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights, and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm.
Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches.
Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home.
Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods.
Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.
Put together an emergency preparedness kit
Water—one gallon per person, per day
Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation & personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents
Cell phone with chargers
Family & emergency contact information
Extra cash

My Leak is Gone, But Now What?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Leaky pipes are like termites. They may leave telltale signs, but you often don’t notice them until the damage has been done.

You should occasionally check your home or business for leaking pipes. Insurance companies often do not cover the damage they cause, which is why it’s so important to identify them early.

If your leak is hard to access, you’ll probably have to call in expert help to fix it. But if you can find it, you may be able to repair it by looking up online tutorials.

Become a Leak Detective

Is there a leak? Look for tell-tale signs, such as stains on your ceiling, damaged or loose flooring, or grout and caulking that are coming away. Also, check for loose sink hands or faucets. See if your toilet can be moved, even a little. Plus, check for mold.

Where is That Leak Coming From?

Where exactly is the leak? Grab your flashlight and find out. Check under countertops and sinks. Open the panel behind your tub. For small leaks, fill a sink or tub. Let water drain and check visible pipe joints for dampness. Use a dry tissue or handkerchief to detect small amounts of moisture at joints.

Do You Need a Plumber?

If you can easily get to a leaky pipe, you can likely repair it yourself. But if you have to call a plumber, don’t worry—a small investment now can save you a lot down in the future.

Success! My Leak Is Gone. But My Baseboard Is Moldy…

Have you already experienced damage from a leaky pipe? Call SERVPRO®. We’ve been cleaning up water damage since 1967!

We’ll pick up the phone any time, day or night. As a national company with local ownership, we deliver a powerful combination of national expertise and neighborly customer service.

Have Your Cabinets Been Damaged By Water? SERVPRO Can Help You!

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

2 SERVPRO techs with 2 customers checking out a water loss that occurred under the kitchen sink

We can help you with cabinets after a water loss.

Kitchen Or Bathroom Cabinets Damaged by Water?

Water damage wreaks havoc in homes. All it takes is for a single pipe to burst or one appliance to develop a fault, and a small leak can soon become something much bigger. Coastal Georgia is also prone to flooding at times which means that there is a risk of water affecting your house.

After water damage to your Richmond Hill area home, you need to get everything dry as quickly as possible. A damp home is unpleasant to be in, and there is more of a risk of long-term damage if you do not take swift action. Damp areas are a breeding ground for secondary issues such as mold spores and mildew.

One of the leading causes of interest for homeowners after a leak or flood of any kind is how to dry out hard-to-reach places such as behind cabinets. Floors and walls around cabinets are not easily accessible, and the extra layers of material there present a significant challenge. SERVPRO recommends contacting our experts for a full assessment of the situation as soon as possible.

Many factors affect drying around and behind cabinetry. These include the types of wood, the paint used, the position, and if the cabinet has its own back or backs onto the wall. Because the backs of cabinets are hard to dry, our IICRC certified technicians are trained to carefully drill holes in either the cabinet or the wall to allow for better air circulation.

Our professional teams also remove molding underneath cabinets and drills holes in the base as necessary to ventilate the floor beneath the cabinet. In many cases, the molding can be put back after and may not need to be replaced by new molding.

Drying under and behind cabinets is not just about creating better ventilation through drilling holes or removing molding. We also use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the area. Our certified professionals come equipped with powerful vent systems that force dry air under cabinets to speed the drying process.

SERVPRO monitors cabinets carefully every step of the way to ensure that the drying process is as efficient and speedy as possible. We handle your furniture with care, and when drying is complete, we patch any holes and put the molding back - "Like it never even happened."

If you are worried about your cabinets after water damage, give SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties a call at (912) 445-5190.

Three Reasons To Choose SERVPRO

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO trailer with lots of SERVPRO equipment

We have the knowledge and equipment to help you in your biggest disasters.

Quick! Name three things that come in groups of three. If you choose sneezes, barbershop trio singers, or three-leaf clovers, you’re right on the money. We’d like to add one more big THREE: our trifecta of service.

When you need somewhere to turn for emergency cleaning and restoration, there are three great reasons to choose SERVPRO®: science-backed cleaning, a strong ethos of teamwork, and 24-hour service.

Let us take a minute to tell you about each of these in more detail.

We Bring the Science

At SERVPRO®, we do the research to bring the exact protocol you need, whether it’s flood remediation or disinfecting.

You may not have thought much about the science behind cleaning….but that’s OK because we have! For everyday disinfection against diseases such as COVID-19, we only use EPA-approved products.

And we follow standards set by organizations such as the CDC to ensure you’re getting hospital-grade cleaning.

You’re on Our Team

One thing that makes SERVPRO® great is our teamwork. We synergize to get you the right cleaning and restoration services at the right time. And best of all, you’re part of our team.

Whether it’s a defensive cleaning program or an emergency job, we work with you to create the best plan for your business. We consult with you before we get started, and check in to make sure we’re providing exactly what you need.

We Are Here 24/7

Unfortunately, disaster doesn’t conveniently schedule an appointment between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to strike. It can happen at any time.

Lucky for our SERVPRO® customers, we are ready, any time. You can call our hotline or fill out a web form and we’ll assess your problem and give you the cleaning and restoration assistance you need to get your business up and running again.

So there you have it—three excellent reasons to choose us!

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties can help. Contact us at any hour when emergencies strike for assistance. (912) 425-5190.

"Like it never even happened."

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to your commercial property, we mean business. You need a company that can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results. If you need emergency water restoration services, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Listed below are different services that we can offer. If you have any questions, please give us a call!

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military

If you need these services, please call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties at 912.445.5190. We are always ready to help!

Have You Had A Positive Case In Your Office?

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician wearing proper PPE doing a COVID wipe down

It helps to be proactive during these trying times.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties uses an EPA-approved cleaner, which we can use as a preventative measure to disinfect and sanitize for the current pandemic.

We are strictly following CDC regulations and staying educated and up to date regarding their processes and requirements.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can easily be spread from person to person. Having your workplace sanitized as a preventative measure can be an effective way of being proactive in preventing the spread of possible contamination.

To reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) please have your employees follow these simple steps:

Wash your hands often and thoroughly
Be diligent in cleaning
Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and face
Avoid close contact with people. Keep all interactions at least 6-feet apart and avoid handshakes

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is here to help you and your business during this pandemic. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

What Do I Do After The Fire Truck Pulls Off???

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Female SERVPRO employee with a moisture meter checking for moistuer

It's essential to hire a professional immediately after a fire.

Emergency Services – 24/7

Because a fire can occur in a home at any time of the day or night, it is important to be able to get the help that they need without any unnecessary delays. Once the fire truck leaves the property, the owner and their family must know how to respond to minimize this devastating situation. For instance, the windows and doors should be boarded up so that intruders cannot enter the home and cause additional damage or begin to take away items that were not damaged by the fire. This is why we offer emergency services to the owners that contact us, especially so we can help with taking the appropriate actions, while also devising a plan. Additionally, because no job is too small or too big, our technicians are trained in developing a customized plan to fit your situation.

Highly trained experienced professional restoration technicians

Even if a homeowner has dealt with fire damage in the home before, they can still use the help of a professional. This is because fire damage must be handled by trained experienced professionals that know how to restore the home to its pre-fire condition. For instance, when a fire occurs in the home, there are a wide variety of damages remaining. One of the most common involves extracting all of the water that the firefighters used to put out the fire as quickly as possible, specifically so that the family does not have to deal with secondary issues such as microbial growth. Another part of the clean-up process deals with smoke damage. While some areas of the home may not show any visible signs of fire damage, the smoke and soot from the fire can circulate to unaffected rooms. The SERVPRO fire & smoke remediation technicians, with IICRC and in-house training, use specialized equipment to remove the smoke from the carpeting, draperies, flooring, walls, ceilings, and other areas that have been affected. Ozone machines, air scrubbers, and several types of foggers help to limit this kind of smoke and soot damage.

When firefighters pull away from a home after a fire, the homeowner is tasked with the job of cleaning up and getting the home back to a pre-fire condition. To ensure the clean-up process is handled correctly, the owner will need to solicit help. Because our technicians are highly trained in fire restoration cleaning up services, we can assist you with doing a thorough job before occupying the home again. So, for help with fire damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties franchise at (912) 445-5190 today.

Fire Damage Calls For Professional Help

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage at any level can be stressful and disconcerting. Even a small amount of harm will disrupt your daily life, and most likely mean you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay temporarily while your home is restored back to normal for safety reasons. It is good to know ahead of time of a reputable restoration company that you can call in a time of crisis, such as SERVPRO.

Fire damage never comes at a time that is convenient. However, understanding some things about the different steps of fire remediation is not difficult, and can help you to have peace of mind when tragedy strikes. At SERVPRO, we’ll take you through all the steps before even beginning any work, and explain questions you may have.

Loss from fire damage presents different challenges than regular repair and cleaning. The combination of the impact of intense heat, smoke residues, and water from firefighters creates an effect that will need various kinds of services from the fire restoration company.

Fire damage restoration services can be divided up into five categories:

Mitigation Services
The goal here is to secure your home and stop any more damage from occurring. Mitigation can include boarding up any openings and establishing a source of electricity that is temporary to your home. Structures that are wet from firefighting efforts will need emergency drying, so there is not any secondary water damage.

Structural Cleaning
When your home is damaged by fire, cleaning the structure will focus on getting rid of smoke residues from your home’s structural components and deodorizing odors which are given off by the residues. The adjuster and restorer will consult and advise you on which components can be cleaned and which ones will need to be replaced. All personal contents are not always salvageable after a robust fire damaging event.

Contents Cleaning
Your personal property has to be cleared from the smoke residues. In some situations with fire, your things can be cleaned right on site. Sometimes, however, contents will have to be packed up and moved to a different location for cleaning and storage. These situations happen if your home is not secure or if it is too damaged for on-site cleaning to be done.

Specialty Restoration
Content restorers from SERVPRO will at times subcontract specialty cleaning companies for particular contents such as dry cleaning of clothing, cleaning of electronics, refinishing furniture, and restoring expensive artwork.

Reconstruction Services
In some cases, structural components can be damaged so much that they can’t be restored to a preloss condition. Reconstructing and repairing fire-damaged structural components could possibly need different skills than standard home remodeling. A fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO usually performs cleaning services while licensed general contractors perform highly extensive reconstruction services. SERVPRO can clear away the debris, eliminate odors as well as clean and wipe away soot "Like it never even happened."

Fire damage of any kind needs a professional touch. Call us at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties when you have experienced a fire. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (912) 445-5190.

Understanding SERVPRO'S Water Lingo For Contamination

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties has the proper training and equipment to help with biohazard situations.

There are three major types of contaminated water.

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: “Gray Water”

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow, toilet overflow (with some urine, but no feces), or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: “Black Water”

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties will inspect the contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

Whenever a leak happens in your business, do you trust that the person in the business knows exactly what to do? Do they know where each valve for the water is located? Do they know who can be there to help remove the water? Lucky for you, they don't have to. With our Emergency Ready Plan, they will just call us, and we know the answers to all of these questions!

Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, fire, sewage, and mold damage can affect your business.

Contact our office today at (912)445-5190 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!

10 Ways To Prevent a Kitchen Fire

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can be easily avoided.

Did you know that the majority of house fires begin in the kitchen and the most common cause is cooking?

The American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to avoid a cooking fire:

Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO and Fire Damage

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are two questions that homeowners ask themselves. "How am I ever going to replace everything?" and "How am I going to pay for everything?" quickly threaten to overwhelm a person who is already stressed out from the fire itself.

There is a way to save hundreds, even thousands of dollars to you and/or your insurance company. Restoring fire damage to property is usually much cheaper than replacing it. SERVPRO has a wide variety of methods that can help you accomplish this.

Dry Cleaning - We use dry sponges, dusting cloths and vacuums to remove non-grease based soils and soot. This method is also useful to remove light (small) debris and particulate soiling.

Wet Cleaning - Water and/or cleaning agents are used to remove moderate to heavy residues, both grease and non-grease based. It is a more aggressive method of cleaning since the item being cleaned will be thoroughly saturated in the process.

Spray and Wipe - A wet cleaning agent is applied using a spray bottle and the wiped down with a clean, white towel. This method gives the technician more control over the amount of product used. It is a very effective method to use when there is a concern that the property being cleaned might be damaged if it is saturated with a cleaning product or even water.

Foam Cleaning - This technique is used primarily for upholstery fabrics that could shrink or bleed color if water or a wet cleaning agent is used. The foaming cleaning agents we use are also very effective on mattresses and box springs that have light smoke damage.

Abrasive Cleaning - This technique is used to agitate the surface being cleaned. This is necessary if the residue is very thick and resists wet cleaning. We accomplish this using cleaning agents with abrasive ingredients alone or with an abrasive scrubbing pad.

Immersion Cleaning - This technique is used only for materials that can be completely saturated in a cleaning product. It is very effective for cleaning Venetian blinds. One type of immersion we use in ultrasonic. The item to be cleaned is dipped in a tank with a mix of water and cleaning agent then sound waves are used to create microscopic jet streams that agitate and clean the item.

Restoring property can save a lot of money. For many homeowners, though, the money is not the primary concern. It is the opportunity to preserve an item that holds important memories and perhaps has been in the family for generations.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is ready to assist you with both. Call us today at (912.445.5190 to start preserving your life and memories.

We Are The Cleaning Experts

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians wearing proper PPE doing a COVID wipe down

Stop the Spread!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties.

Crime Scene Contaminants

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

No matter how many forensic TV shows we’ve seen, leaving the crime scene clean-up to the professionals is the best route to take for both your health and safety. After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk.

One example of a crime scene contaminant is forensic residue. Forensic investigators use a variety of different materials and substances to conduct their investigations, such as fingerprint dust. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is responsible for ensuring that these substances do not remain at the site. We also handle bodily fluids. The fluids pose a health risk if they are not handled properly, and witnesses should not attempt to remove them from the crime site.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.

Does Your Bryan County Or Surrounding Area Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

In Bryan County and the surrounding areas mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 health effects.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and 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 – SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty Counties- 912-445-5190

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in 4 counties.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 912-445-5190

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Statesboro

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty 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.

Faster to your Richmond Hill Area Water Damage Event

8/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty provides 24 hour fire and water damage services in the Richmond Hill area and more.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty 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 Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty 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 – 912-445-5190

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 Statesboro

If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties today.

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Avoiding a Furnace Fire | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

If you live in Bryan County or any of our neighboring counties, fall is probably the furthest thing from your mind. But it’s just around the corner.

One frosty morning soon, you may be hurrying to turn on your furnace. Take some time now to perform preventive maintenance so you won’t run the risk of a fire.

Did you know? Around 62 million American homes use gas furnaces to stay warm. Others burn wood, and about 130,000 households still have coal stoves or furnaces.

Generally, furnaces provide cost-effective heat. Still, they need to be properly maintained, or they can cause house fires.

In this blog, we’ll look at gas furnace maintenance. If you have any furnace, though, make sure it’s safe before lighting it this fall.

Cleaning Time!

Tidy the area. Yes, stuff can be stored around the furnace during the summer. Move any boxes, trash or debris at least three feet away from your furnace before operating.

Wipe down the furnace. Clean cobwebs, dirt and anything else off the furnace. Dirt can lead to overheating. It can also prevent you from noticing problems with your furnace.

Clean the Air Filter

Dirty air filters can lead to obstructed air flow and overheating. This can increase your risk of fire.

Clean Outside Vents and Flues

Call in a professional if you need help with this!

Check Smoke and CO Alarms

Smoke can indicate a house fire, while CO in the air can make you sick before you notice it. Test your smoke and CO alarms, and replace dead batteries right away.

Professional Maintenance

Every year, have a professional inspect your furnace. A good technician can identify and address issues such as a cracked heat exchanger or incorrect pressure. This fall is a great time to make an appointment to have your furnace maintained.

If your home has suffered fire damage, SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties can help. Our agents are on call around the clock, so we can start helping you get back to normal, fast. Contact us at any hour for assistance.

If you have water damage in your home, contact us! SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is your local water restoration expert

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Basement and Foundation Water | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, and East Liberty Counties

When you feel water dripping onto your face, you know you have a roof leak. When you see water pooling around your sink, you know you have a pipe problem. But when do you first realize there’s a problem with water getting into your foundation?

Seeing dampness in your basement—if you have one—may be the first step. But often, foundation water problems aren’t discovered or corrected until they’ve done real damage to your house or business.

How Does Water Get Into Your Foundation?

One likely reason: rainwater draining under your house. If your house is built in a low-lying area or depression (the land around is higher than your house), then water can accumulate and seep inside.

Why Does Low-Lying Water Matter?

You can’t actually see the foundation of your house, unless, as we said, you have a full basement. If you just have a tiny crawl space, you may never go there except during a tornado warning. So what does a little water matter?

Quite a lot, actually. Dampness can encourage black mold to grow, making people in your household ill. Termites, which like damp wood, may move in. Plus, water may crack concrete walls and weaken wooden support beams, leading to serious structural damage.

Solutions That Last

It’s not easy to keep water away from your foundation or basement. In fact, some dampness may be a given. But you can prevent accumulation and damage by (1) keeping water away and (2) shunting water out.

To keep water away from your basement or foundation, you want your house to be elevated at least a little—some experts suggest a grade of about an inch per foot, for at least six feet around your house. This way, rainwater and other groundwater drains away from your building, not toward it.

Also, look for faults in construction that might be letting water in. These can include places where below-ground pipes enter your home or business. Cracked concrete can also admit water.

To get rid of unwanted water, you may want to consult a contractor about French drains or drain tile systems. A sump pump can also help remove water from your basement. None of these fixes are quick or easy, but they beat correcting the long-term, expensive damage that can arise over time.

If water damages your home, we’re there for you. Contact us at any hour for assistance.

If your home is damaged due to a storm, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is here to help. We will get the job done right.

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t Get Twisted: Be Tornado-Ready| SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties

Tornadoes—rotating air shafts in which warm, wet air mixes with cold, dry air in combination with a strong wind shear to generate an Updraft—can happen at any time.

Yes, even in late fall and early winter, when we’d rather be looking for a flake or two of snow to flutter past.

Planning

Know in advance what you’ll do and where you’ll go in case of a tornado or other severe storm. The best place to shelter from high winds is central, ground-level or basement location, away from windows.

Ensure disabled family members can access the shelter. Teach children to go to shelter, too, and remind them how to crouch and cover their heads in time of storm.

If you live in a mobile home, you’ll need to do a little more planning, because trailers/mobile houses are not tornado-safe. Can a next-door neighbor offer you shelter? Do you have a below-ground storage cellar or cement-block workshop available?

Preparation

In addition to planning what you’ll do when a tornado watch or warning occurs, prepare emergency supplies. Include:

A source of weather information that will work if electricity and internet are down, such as a battery-powered radio
Bottled water and nonperishable foods, in case roads are out for a while
Everyone’s essential medications
First-aid supplies

Weathering the Winds

When you hear a tornado warning for your location, get to shelter swiftly. Make sure to bring your pets to shelter, too. You can bolster your shelter with household items such as a heavy mattress or table to get under.

Stay safe as you emerge. Look for downed electrical lines and broken glass. As you begin to take stock of the damage and make a restoration plan, create careful records for your insurance. SERVPRO can help you with both post-storm restoration and the relevant insurance claims.

If a winter storm damages your home, we’re there for you. Contact us for assistance.

Choosing the right restoration company is crucial to getting things back to normal. Call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Why You Should Choose Us for Storm Damage Restoration | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties

No matter how severely your home or office building is damaged during a storm, having it handled quickly and professionally is so important. Untreated storm damage can lead to a whole host of issues over time, so regardless of its severity, choosing a restoration company and having the damage handled is key.

Storm damage can often involve multiple facets, such as water damage, structural damage and electrical damage, so choosing a company that can handle all of these things is key.

Choosing a restoration company you can trust is so important, having a company that can handle any type of damage and provide exceptional service is an important consideration.

How We Stand Out When it Comes to Storm Damage Restoration

We live up to our reputation. We have been operating within the community for years, and are extremely proud of our local presence as well as our status as an industry leader. When you work with us, you can know that you are choosing a reputable company that cares.

We have extensive resources. If a large area has experienced storm damage, the number of people who need repairs to their property could be overwhelming—but because we can scale our resources up when necessary, we are always here to rise to the occasion. With a nationwide SERVPRO® network, we can meet the community’s need following a disaster of any caliber.

We will never tell you to call back in the morning. Storms do not follow a logical schedule, which is why storm damage is a problem that happens around the clock. No matter what hour you sustain damage, you can give us a call. We have a 24-hour emergency line just for that purpose, so you can always get in touch with us and have a crew be dispatched to your damage as quickly as possible.

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us to see our exceptional service in action.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, East Liberty is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing to Handle the Recovery Process After a House Fire | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties

Any time a fire occurs in or around your home, it will be a difficult event to process. Both experiencing the fire itself and working toward recovery can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead for how you will do this can make it a much more manageable task.

We always recommend making your fire safety measures, such as an evacuation plan, first priority, but once you do that, it is smart to consider how you will recover.

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Understanding how house fires cause damage can help prepare you for what to expect before you go into your home, which can be a jarring experience. Smoke and soot can make the damages appear widespread even if the fire was contained to a small area, and moisture damage can also be present from extinguishing efforts.

Wait to enter your home. The structural damage caused by fires are often readily apparent, but they can also be completely invisible. For this reason, fire officials will inspect your home to be sure it is safe to enter before anyone is allowed in, and you should always wait for this official word before you head inside the building.

Contact your insurance company. Insurance claims can often take a long time to process, so starting on them as soon as possible is recommended. Policies and processes can vary between providers, so it is best to get in touch with your policyholder quickly in order to understand what steps to take.

Document the damages. Having thorough records regarding the damage will make the restoration and replacement process much easier to manage. Typically, the insurance will require this, but even if they do not, we recommend taking photos and making a list of all impacted areas and items just in case.

Contact your restoration company. A house fire is a life-altering event that can stick with you for a long time. However, moving forward with restoration and returning to your normal lifestyle is important to healing, which is why you should work with a restoration company you can count on to do the work in a timely, professional manner.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour for a quick response.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is the fire restoration experts. To learn more give us a call or contact us online.

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Practice Fire Safety When You Grill | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

It is always fun to make the most of the extra daylight of summer, and for many of us, that means grilling up many meals and enjoying them outside. Because grilling is something many of us do regularly, the safety aspects of it often get overlooked—but because it is an open flame, you always want to be careful when it is time to cook.

It is reported by the U.S. Fire Administration that there are nearly 6,000 fires that result from grilling every year, leading to millions in property damages. If you can take a few precautions each time you light the grill, you can significantly lessen the chance of a fire starting in your backyard.

Always Be Careful When It Is Time to Cook on the Grill

Create a safe zone around your grill. It might be tempting to situate your grill in a spot that is convenient to your back door, but you should always remember the three-foot rule when placing it in your yard. A flare-up can be quite large, igniting any flammable materials that happen to be nearby.

Clean your grill grates often. A simple brush after each use of the grill can significantly reduce your chances of a fire, and it can make your food cook better, too. The bits of food can ignite if left unattended for long enough, and because they are often greasy, they may lead to a fire that can’t be put out with water.

Never leave the grill unattended. While walking into the kitchen for a single item or taking a quick break may seem harmless enough, your grill should never leave your sight while it is lit. Even with the lid on, grills can start fires in an instant—it is best to always act as though this is a possibility and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Inspect the grill regularly. For those that use charcoal grills, an inspection might be more simple. If you have a propane grill, you want to inspect things thoroughly to prevent any possible gas leaks. Your gas line can wear down over time, as can your connectors and even the tank itself. Gas leaks can lead to fires, so it is best to do a thorough check each time.

If you have a grill fire do damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is your local restoration expert. No matter the disaster we are here to help. Contact us.

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

3 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO® | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

Quick! Name three things that come in groups of threes. If you choose sneezes, barbershop trio singers or three-leaf clovers, you’re right on the money. We’d like to add one more big THREE: our trifecta of service.

When you need somewhere to turn for emergency cleaning and restoration, there are three great reasons to choose SERVPRO®: science-backed cleaning, a strong ethos of teamwork and 24-hour service.

Let us take a minute to tell you about each of these in more detail.

We Bring the Science

At SERVPRO®, we do the research to bring the exact protocol you need, whether it’s flood remediation or disinfecting.

You may not have thought much about the science behind cleaning….but that’s OK, because we have! For everyday disinfection against disease such as COVID-19, we use EPA-approved products.

And we follow standards set by organizations such as the CDC to ensure you’re getting hospital-grade cleaning.

You’re on Our Team

One thing that makes SERVPRO® great is our teamwork. We synergize to get you the right cleaning and restoration services at the right time. And best of all, you’re part of our team.

We’re Here ²⁴⁄₇

Disaster doesn’t conveniently schedule an appointment between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to strike. It can happen any time.

Well, guess what—at SERVPRO®, we’re ready, any time. You can call our hotline or fill out a web form and we’ll assess your problem and give you the cleaning and restoration assistance you need to get your business up and running again.

So there you have it—three excellent reasons to choose us!

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties can help. Contact us at any hour for assistance.

If your business experiences fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration. Call us today!

11/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Evacuation Drills for the Workplace | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

Planning ahead for possible pitfalls and setbacks is an essential component of business ownership, and that means going beyond market predictions and considering real-world dangers such as emergencies as well. With commercial fires impacting so many businesses annually, the best thing to do is put a plan in place just in case one happens to you.

The most important part of any fire safety effort is an escape plan—being able to get yourself and your staff out of the building quickly will help everyone feel more protected in the workplace and allow everyone to get out quickly and calmly.

Planning Your Business’ Fire Drills

Consult with your local fire officials. You have plenty of online resources available regarding workplace fire safety, but do not forget to make use of your local fire station as well. Typically, the fire marshal can come by to provide a personalized assessment of your building so you know what escape routes are best and what improvements you can make.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. Once it has been decided what fire exits to use, mark the routes clearly so they are visible for everyone in the building and brief staff on the future drill. Preparing everyone in advance for the drill can reduce panic and help everyone move to safety more efficiently.

Have fire drills frequently. While fire drills can be a dull thing if they happen regularly, they should occur often enough that they are familiar to everyone who works in your building. Typically, scheduling them at the beginning of every quarter will be frequent enough to ensure everyone has the protocols down.

Run different fire scenarios. Fires can start for a number of reasons and can begin spreading nearly anywhere inside of a building. When you plan your fire drills, make sure to take this into account by having the fire “start” in different part of the building. This will help your staff be well-versed in all the fire escape routes, not just the most convenient ones to their workspace.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.

Fire can strike even the best-prepared business. Contact us to discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Who Should Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher? | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, & East Liberty Counties

The short answer is—everyone! If you own a business, even a dress shop or accounting office where you never expect anything as exciting as a fire, accidents can happen.

A customer could carelessly sneak a cigarette, for instance, or an electrical spark from a device charger could set some lint on fire.

##Fire Extinguishers—A Business Must

In fact, all buildings except for one- and two-family homes are required by the National Fire Prevention Association code to keep a fire extinguisher on premise. Your fire extinguisher must be:

Accessible. This means it’s not too low or too high to easily grab. Plus, it can’t be more than 75 feet away from any location in your building (closer, if you have hazardous areas such as grease cookers).

Visible. If it isn’t out in the open, its location must be clearly indicated by signage.

Types of Extinguishers

The different hazards in your business indicate the type of extinguisher you need:

Class A is your basic extinguisher.
Class B is good against flammable liquids, such as paint thinner or grease.
Class C is also non-conductive, meaning it’s safer around electrical fires.
Class D extinguishers even put out fires involving burning metal.

Know How to Use

Using a fire extinguisher includes four steps. PULL the pin to release the seal, then POINT the nozzle at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE the handle to release the extinguishing chemical. SWEEP gently back and forth until the fire is out. (Warning: if you have never used a fire extinguisher before, know that you will make a mess.)

It’s a good idea to use a staff meeting to give employees a refresher on fire extinguisher use. You can also use a poster, such as one by OSHA, to illustrate how to use a fire extinguisher.

Fires may be rare, but it’s best to be prepared. To discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, contact us at any hour for assistance.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us if you have any storm damage.

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Alert? Be Financially Prepared | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty Counties

Lightening crashes. Water creeps under your garage door. You have to stay in a motel. And that’s just the first day.

For many people, storm damage can be extremely expensive. In fact, storms hit Americans for about $34 billion in losses every year.

As you scramble to protect or recover possessions, find a missing pet, or even seek out a place to stay, you also need to recover financially from the damage. Careful planning can help you do just that.

Planning Ahead

Check Your Coverage. United Policyholders, a nonprofit group dedicated to informing and advocating for insurance policyholders, advises everyone to take a close look at their insurance policy. Make sure you know exactly what kinds and sources of damage are covered—and fill in any gaps.

Perform Due Diligence. Maintain your property. Always make sure your gutters are clean. Keep your roof in good condition. Take care of any problems as they occur, as insurance often will not cover existing damage or wear and tear.

Moving Forward

First Things. After a storm, get your family to safety. Then check your house for hazards, such as downed power lines or standing water. If you need help finding a place to stay, making urgent repairs or even getting a hot meal, call your local FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assistance) office.

Make Detailed Records. As you prepare your claim, take plenty of pictures and make notes of every detail, from mold to missing shingles.

File Wisely. Before you file, look at your deductible. If it’s going to raise your rate, you may not want to file a claim that’s smaller than your deductible. If you do choose to file, be persistent and precise in your claim, and keep careful records of your conversations with your insurance company. With dedication, you should soon have your claim met and your property in tip-top shape again!

We have many years of experience working with insurance companies to get claims processed. If you experience storm damage, contact us at any hour for quick assistance.

Are you in need of repairs due to water damage? Contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties for quick & professional service.

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Leaky Pipes? Find Them and Fix Them! | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

Leaky pipes are like termites. They may leave telltale signs, but you often don’t notice them until the damage has been done.

Every now and then, you should check your home or business for leaking pipes. Insurance companies often do not cover the damage they cause, which is why it’s so important to identify them early.

If your leak is hard to access, you’ll probably have to call in expert help to fix it. But if you can find it, you can probably fix it.

If you’ve never repaired, it may be easier than you think. This video is just one DIY tutorial you can find online. We recommend looking at instructions by a well-known company, but there are plenty of homemade resources out there, too…just remember they don’t have to be vetted to be online.

Become a Leak Detective

Do I actually have a leak? Look for tell-tale signs, such as stains on your ceiling, damaged or loose flooring, or grout and caulking that are coming away. Also check for loose sink hands or faucets. See if your toilet can be moved, even a little. Plus, check for mold.

Source that leak. Where exactly is the leak? Grab your flashlight and find out. Check under countertops and sinks. Open the panel behind your tub. For small leaks, fill a sink or tub. Let water drain and check visible pipe joints for dampness. Use a dry tissue or handkerchief to detect small amounts of moisture at joints.

Do you need a plumber? If you can easily get to a leaky pipe, you can likely repair it yourself. But if you have to call a plumber, don’t worry—a small investment now can save you a lot down in the future.

Success! My Leak Is Gone. But My Baseboard Is Moldy…

Have you already experienced damage from a leaky pipe? Call SERVPRO®. We’ve been cleaning up water damage for two generations.

We’ll pick up the phone any time, day or night. As a nation-wide company with local ownership, we deliver a powerful combination of national expertise and neighborly customer service.

Need help cleaning up water damage? Contact us day or night for the rapid response we’re famed for.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, East Liberty Counties is your go-to in case a disaster occurs. Get in touch with us to learn more.

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Build a Disaster-Ready Business | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh & East Liberty Counties

Honestly, no one wants to think too much about disaster. That may be why up to 75% of small businesses don’t have a disaster recovery plan, according to a survey by Nationwide Insurance. Maybe they are just super-busy, or maybe they really don’t want to imagine their company up in flames.

However, disaster awareness leads to disaster preparation. And being prepared can save you precious time when a flood, tornado, fire or other emergency happens. With a plan in in place, you can recover and get back to business much more quickly, while minimizing losses and protecting people and property.

Your First Plan? Plan.

After disaster strikes, time is of essence. You’ll want to get the circumstance under control if possible, such as shutting off water if a broken pipe is flooding your building. You’ll want to protect life and property. To do this, you need to have a chain of command and clear disaster-response instructions in place, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Know Your Numbers

Phone numbers, that is. You don’t want all your essential contact information to be on a piece of paper in a desk in a burning building. Instead, have an off-site, accessible file of contact data. Include your managers and employees, emergency services, vendors/suppliers, and your landlord/tenants. Also have a means of communicating with customers about changes in service.

Have a Team Ready

Well before disaster, have a deep bench of helpers lined up. Of course your insurance company is key here. You may also have very specific needs, such as a generator to supply emergency power. Have a relationship with that supplier already, so you aren’t calling around. And be sure to include a disaster-mitigation company such as SERVPRO®. Not only will we respond to clean and remediate at any time, we’ll help you create a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile so you can be prepared for disaster well before it strikes.

Want to discuss a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business? Contact us at any hour for assistance.

Floods & Flash Floods

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know the difference between floods and flash floods?

Floods can be slow or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of days.

Flash Floods usually results from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They can occur without warning and reach full peak quickly. Communities located in low lying areas, near water or down stream from a dam are at high risk.

The following is a list of ways you can be prepared before a flooding situation occurs.

Know your area's flood risk. If you're unsure, call your local emergency management agency, or planning and zoning department.
Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider to see if you may need additional coverage.
Familiarize yourself with terms associated with a flood.
- Flood watch:
  - Widespread flooding possible in your area
  - Be prepared to evacuate
  - Issued when flooding is expected to occur 6 to 12 hours after rain ends.
- Flood warning:
  - Flooding expected in your area within 6 to 12 hours
Prepare a portable ready kit in case you have to evacuate, and plan your route in advance.
Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit box and copies in a waterproof container in your ready kit.
Raise water heaters, electric panels, etc if they are in areas that may flood.
Move furniture and valuables to higher floors.
Create a communications plans and choose an external meeting place in case your family is unable to meet at home.
Determine an out of town contact. If local lines are out of service, plan to use your mobile device.
Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets, so it's important to find a pet friendly hotel or make other arrangements.

Local Business Survived a Disaster with the Use of our ERP

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

We recently helped out a local business with a water damage case. Luckily for this business, they had already contacted us prior to the damage in regards to our Emergency Ready Profile.

The ERP is an immediate plan of action in case of an emergency. It allows for whoever is at the business to know what to do, when to do something, and who to call in advance so the disaster can be at a minimum.

The business knew exactly where to turn off the water. In addition, it had the list of phone numbers in importance to begin making the phone calls so restoration can begin quickly.

We love when a local business profits from our ERP. If you have any questions concerning how to get your business an ERP, please give us a call at 912-445-5190.

Smoke Odor Removal

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Have you had a fire in your home? Is there a lingering smell of smoke in your home? We here at SERVPRO are ready to help make it look (or smell) "Like it never even happened." We have listed 3 ways you can help remove the scent in your home.

1) Remove any affected areas/materials in your home. You need to remove these items so you can begin to clean the area. Plus, removing these items will reduce (not remove) the smoke scent almost immediately!

2) Clean, clean, clean! Clean all the areas that the fire touched along with any areas that the smoke scent is in. If you had a kitchen fire, the likelihood that the scent of smoke reached the other side of the home is high. Use a DRY sponge to wipe the areas affected. If you wet the sponge, it will most likely just push the soot around rather than removing.

3) Spray the good smelling stuff now. I am not talking the amazing perfume sitting on the bathroom counter. I am talking about an item picking up at a hardware store- a deodorizer. Spray this over any area that smells like smoke (walls, counters, ceilings, floors). Once this is done, give it some time to dry, and if the scent still remains, spray the areas again.

If after all of these steps and your home still smells like smoke, you may need to call a professional. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is available to take your calls 24/7 to help in any way we can.

Always Ready When You Need Us!

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is available for you 24 hours, 7 days a week. We understand that a water or fire will not come Monday at 9 AM so we need to respond to your large loss when it happens at 9 PM. We know that when your business shuts down unexpectedly it can be extremely devastating.

If you receive a call from your employee in the middle of the night that water is pouring through your office or warehouse, you need us ready. We have vehicles always stocked with drying equipment, extracting equipment, and demolition tools.

The best way to have us on site and be proficient is through our Emergency Ready Plan. If you have any questions about our ERP Program, call our office at (912) 445-5190.

Tips On How To Prevent Water Leaks At Your Business

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

When owning or managing a place of business, disasters are always in the back of your mind. What if something happens and you have to be closed for a significant amount of time? Something such as a water leak can do this to a place of business. So what can you do to prevent this from happening?

Check the usual suspects of a water leak. Appliances, pipes and drains, and the roof are these suspects. The older these things are, the more often you need to check them. When you are checking these items if you see something wrong, immediately get them fixed. Keep a close eye on lose hose connections and caulk areas since these are simple fixes. In addition, you should continue to update maintenance on all appliances and equipment. In regards to the outside of your place of business, keep the gutters free of debris. This will help reduce the likelihood of your roof being damaged.

In addition, you should look into SERVPRO’s ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) which goes into play when a disaster strikes your place of business.

If you want to inquire about the ERP or you have a disaster happen at your place of business, call us at (912) 445-5190, and we will make it look “Like it never even happened."

Emergency Ready Plan- (ERP)

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

With our Emergency Ready Plan, they will just call us, and we know the answers to all of these questions!

As many as 50% of businesses may never fully recover following a disaster, according to industry 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. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, fire, sewage, and mold damage can affect your business.

Contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!

Fire Protection & Prevention For Your Business

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) offers simple steps you can follow to protect your employees and your business.

To help your small business stay fire-free, here are 14 considerations to promote fire protection and prevention. The fire safety checklist in OSHA’s Small Business Handbook recommends you ask yourself:

Is your local fire department familiar with your facility, its location and specific hazards?
If you have a fire alarm system, is it certified as required and tested annually?
If you have interior standpipes and valves, are they inspected regularly?
If you have outside private fire hydrants, are they flushed at least once a year and on a routine preventive maintenance schedule?
Are fire doors and shutters in good operating condition?
Are fire doors and shutters unobstructed and protected against obstructions, including their counterweights?
Are fire door and shutter fusible links in place?
Are automatic sprinkler system water control valves, air and water pressure checked periodically as required?
Is the maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems assigned to responsible persons or to a sprinkler contractor?
Are sprinkler heads protected by metal guards if exposed to potential physical damage?
Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler heads?
Are portable fire extinguishers provided in adequate number and type and mounted in readily accessible locations?
Are fire extinguishers recharged regularly with this noted on the inspection tag?
Are employees periodically instructed in the use of fire extinguishers and fire protection procedures?

If you answered “no” to any of the questions, your small business could be at risk. To cultivate a safer workspace, we recommend you:

Have working fire extinguishers. And, make sure employees know how to work them. Portable fire extinguishers should be kept on every floor in easily accessible locations.
Have a functioning sprinkler system. Once it’s in place, follow the recommended maintenance schedule to ensure your sprinklers will work properly. Just determine who’s responsible (whether it’s an employee or contractor) and ensure they’re checking it on a regular basis. You’ll also want to protect all sprinkler heads with metal guards and give them plenty of clearance. After all, if they’re obscured, they might not make a difference.
Train your employees. Does your team know what to do in the event of a fire? If you have an evacuation plan and/or emergency protocol, be sure to educate them about it.

Spot VS. Stain

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire, going through items can be extremely difficult. Part of that process is deciding if something is damaged beyond repair or needs cleaning. Here are a few ways to figure out if your items are stained or just covered in spots.

People often use the terms “spots” and “stains” interchangeably, but they have an important distinction between them. A spot is a visible surface discoloration that results from a soil that you CAN remove. A stain on the other hand, is a visible discoloration resulting from a color that permanently attaches that you CAN’T remove.

A skillful cleaner is sometimes able to turn what appears to be a stain into a spot. But someone with poor cleaning techniques may do the opposite. That’s why acquiring the proper spot cleaning knowledge, education and product that SERVPRO of Statesboro has to offer is crucial to carpet cleaning success. We offer a range of specialized cleaning methods backed by state-of-the-art equipment to insure your carpets or upholstery are spick and span, and spot and stain free.

Have you been affected by a fire?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Every emergency situation can be devastating. However, among all of the possibilities, fire damage is usually the most severe. After a fire on your property, you have an increasingly larger area to restore the longer you wait, adding pressure to the entire situation.

If you are researching for information on how to deal with a fire before one occurs, make sure to contact your insurance company to discuss available coverage and take reasonable steps to limit the losses you might experience. However, if you are among those homeowners caught off-guard by unforeseen circumstances, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of your current situation.

Immediately after a fire occurs, notify your insurance agent and begin itemizing your losses. You want to consider your options carefully and make clear, concise decisions. You need to secure your property before entertaining the idea of getting some rest. It is entirely possible for us to respond, secure your property, and help you with your insurance company within just a few hours after a fire.

Calling SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties gives you access to IICRC certified technicians, who have experience assisting homeowners just like you with recovering after a fire. Repairing fire damage on your property can be a lengthy process, you need professionals that are on your side to assess damages properly and perform necessary repairs.

We can help you with filling out insurance paperwork and manage your entire restoration from start to finish, making things easier. Your SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties team does everything possible to help you recover, making it possible for you to get the fire damage in your home under control as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Be prepared for thunderstorms and severe weather

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

You can never be overly prepared when it comes to protecting your family and your home.

Be Prepared for Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms
Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household
Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm
Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches
Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home
Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods
Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies
Put together an emergency preparedness kit:
Water—one gallon per person, per day
Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation & personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents
Cell phone with chargers
Family & emergency contact information
Extra cash

Tornado Watch & Warning- Know the Difference

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Tornado Watch & Tornado Warning- Know the difference?

Multiple tornadoes flew across the CSRA, leaving homes destroyed and losing loved ones. How should one prepare for such a dangerous situation?

First, you should know the difference in a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Tornado watch means that the conditions are perfect for a tornado to form. Tornado warning means that one has been spotted, and you should take cover fast.

Secondly, everyone should get to a safe location. This safe location should be on the lowest area of the house or building and free of any windows. If you do not have a room without any windows, get in the tub and put a mattress over you.

Thirdly, if you are outside and cannot get to a building, get to a ditch and lay as flat as possible. If you have a cushion or blanket (anything soft to hold over you) of some sort, try keeping that above you to protect you from flying debris. You should NEVER seek shelter under a bridge as this can be one of the most dangerous places to be during a tornado. The bridge can create a more dangerous tunnel of wind.

TIP: If you are in a mobile home, find a secure storm shelter or building to wait out the storm in.

Finally, you should wait as long as possible after you no longer hear the wind noises before you move away from your safe space. You cannot fully know how safe the area is so be extra cautious while leaving your safe are.

If you find yourself looking at a pile of debris that was once your home, call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties to help after a storm.

3 things to do while you wait for SERVPRO

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

When you realize there is water in your home, what should you do? First you want to stop the water source. If you are unable to do this, immediately call a plumber. You should also call your insurance company so they can lead you through the steps. We have below 3 of the most important tasks you should do while you wait for SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties to reach your house.

Most importantly your SAFETY. You should make sure you are safe first. That could mean leaving the house completely (even with the water continuing to flow) if it involves an electrical issue. If the water is high enough where you cannot see the floor, it would be a good idea to leave that area. You may not be aware of some dangerous circumstances that are under the water.

Documentation, documentation, documentation. To help your insurance company and to have your peace of mind, document every damage you can. Make sure you can see the time and date of each picture. If you think you are taking too many pictures, odds are you should keep documenting. If you have furniture or appliances that were affected, take pictures of the serial number if you can find it. A good idea is to also walk through each affected (and not affected) areas and video. This will ensure you are catching everything.

Remove any item in harms way. You may be able to start the first step of the cleanup process. If it is safe to do so, remove waterlogged items from the flooded area. The more you can move out, the higher chance the items can be restored.

If you are over your head with a water loss, our IICRC certified technicians will be on site to help with your loss.

April Showers Can Mean Homeowner Headaches

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

April has always been known for the many rain showers that occur. In an effort to ensure that the showers do not damage your home, it is important for you to act before the rain comes! Here are some things you can check to prevent damage to your home!

Check your roof. The shingles can be damaged or just worn down which can create a mess for a homeowner. Make sure you check around the chimney. This can be a place that can easily be damaged during a storm.

Check your foundation. A crack in the foundation can lead to water damaging the home. To prevent water damage, look around your house for puddles, leaks, moisture on the walls, and moisture around the windows.

Check the seals in your home. Around windows and doors, check the caulking which over time can become a major issue. If you are unsure whether it needs it, ask a professional to look at the seal to see whether it needs to be redone or not.

If this April you notice an issue in your home such as water in area where it does not belong, call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties.

SERVPRO and Fire Damage

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Dry Cleaning - We use dry sponges, dusting cloths and vacuums to remove non-grease based soils and soot. This method is also useful to remove light (small) debris and particulate soiling.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is ready to assist you with both. Call us today to start preserving your life and memories.

Common Crime Scene Contaminates

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty counties have the training & equipment to safely clean trauma & crime scenes.

We mean business

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to your commercial property, we mean business. You need a company that can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results. Whether you need professional cleaning to make your business shine, or emergency water restoration services, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Listed below are different services that we can offer. If you have any questions, please give us a call!

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military

If you need these services, please call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties at 912.445.5190. We are always there to help!

Has your business had a positive case?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties are strictly following CDC regulations in regards to COVID-19.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties has access to an EPA approved cleaner, which we are able to use as a preventative measure to disinfect and sanitize for the current pandemic.

We are strictly following CDC regulations and staying educated and up to date regarding their processes and requirements.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can easily be spread from person to person. Having your work place sanitized as a preventative measure can be an effective way of being proactive in preventing the spread of possible contamination.

To reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) please have your employees follow these simple steps:

Wash your hands often and thoroughly
Be diligent in cleaning
Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and face
Avoid close contact with people. Keep all interactions at least 6-feet apart and avoid handshakes

Ways We Can Help Your Business

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties provides a multitude of different services. We are the leading professionals in restoration and cleaning. We are equipped to handle any job small or disastrous. Below are just some of the services we will gladly provide in your time of need.

Restoration:

Fire, smoke and soot
Water removal and dehumidification
Catastrophic storm response
Move outs and contents restoration
Contents claim inventory services

Cleaning

Air ducts and HVAC
Carpet, upholstery, drapes, and blinds
Ceilings, walls and hard floors
Odor identification
Deodorization

Whether you need your carpets cleaned during Spring Break or you need help with smoke damage from a terrible electrical fire, we would love to help.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties can be at your place of business to give a pre-estimate for the work needed. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 912.445.5190.

Grilling Tips

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Time to pull out those grills!

Spring has arrived and summer is upon us, which means it's time to pull out those grills.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties would like to share some helpful grilling tips to prevent any fires from occurring while you're enjoying that quality time with family and friends.

Do:

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home.

2. Clean your grill regularly.

3. Make sure to check for gas leaks.

4. Keep decorations away from the grill.

5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy.

6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple of steps of your grill.

DON'T:

1. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed.

2. Leave a grill unattended.

3. Overload your grill with food.

4. Use a grill indoors

When a Storm Hits

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it is a Category 5 hurricane or a bad thunderstorm rolling through, home owners should be prepared for any storm.

Take safety precautions

Any type of heavy winds can cause roof shingles, natural debris, or unnatural debris to occur. After the storm is over, take precaution when going outside because there could be debris such as nails, sharp wood, or other potentially dangerous items that are around your home.

Photograph the damage

If it is major or minor, take pictures IMMEDIATELY. You may not realize that something damaged your home until after you have moved it, so take pictures just in case (there is always the delete button). Insurance companies will need to see before pictures of the damage.

Contact your insurance company… and SERVPRO!

A homeowner must call their insurance company so an adjuster can be sent out to examine the damage so payment can be made.. Don’t forget to call your favorite restoration and mediation company, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties. We work around the clock to ensure happiness from our community! We will send a team out as quickly as possible to begin work for your home if disaster strikes!

Prepping for a storm

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm is approaching your home, there are some steps you can take to minimize any potential damages from strong storms and potential flooding. If you know a heavy storm is coming and you have time, follow these steps.

Make sure all your windows are shut tightly.
Bring in or tie down any outside furniture.
Make sure your gutters are clean to allow water to flow away from your home.
Cut down any dead branches or limbs around your home.
Seal any water leaks on your roof if possible.

Be prepared to lose power for any length of time. Strong storms can bring heavy winds which can cause power outages. Even a few hours of no power can be difficult to handle especially with young children. Go to our Storm Ready Kit blog to read about a kit to create to help with the loss of power.

Storm Ready Kit

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

You can never be cautious when it comes to being prepared.

It feels as if we are constantly prepping for a storm - whether that is a hurricane, thunderstorm, or even the rare winter storm that passes through the southern part of Georgia.

Our team at SERVPRO headquarters (HQ) has put together a list of basic household items you may want to keep in stock and store in a weather proof, safe place in case you find yourself in an emergency storm situation. We encourage checking on your items every 3 months to ensure they are in working order and haven't passed the expiration date.

Foundation problems due to water

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Do you think you have water damaging your foundation? Lucky for us you are a hands-on homeowner, who fixes and repairs things as needed. The problem is that water damage to foundations is not an easy water damaging problem to identify.

The key to minimizing the damage is to catch it fast and address the issue. But how? Below is a list of the some of the common symptoms of water damage within a house foundation.

A. Overly Damp Soil

If you have an idea that there could be an issue with moisture, take a look at the soil around the foundations of the property. If it is unusually wet without any recent rain, there is a good chance that groundwater is seeping into the foundation.

B. Water in the Crawlspace
Standing water and moisture building up within a crawlspace is a pretty good sign that something is wrong with the foundation, circulation of air, lack of adequate insulation, or a broken pipe. If it is too damp in this area, the quality of the air in your house can decrease, and it may give off a musty odor.

C. Mal-functioning doorframes or windows
This might sound like a surprising sign, but if your doorframes used to open and close correctly, but have recently started to stick, the problem could be moisture related. It may be a sign that the doorframes have begun to warp, from excessive water absorption.

If you notice one or all three of the issues, you may have a problem on your hands. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is here to help!

Water Damage Requires Professional Clean Up Now to Prevent Problems Later

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage that results from a broken water line, can cause severe damage throughout the home.

Many people clean their homes prior to leaving for vacation. They also make sure that all the lights are off, and then also check that all windows and doors are locked securely. Many otherwise careful people fail to shut off the water line at the outside of their home during their pre-vacation preparations. Many times, nothing comes of this, but when it does, the water damage can be substantial.

Water damage that results from a broken water line, no matter where the break or leak is located, can cause damage throughout your home. This damage may not only spread across the floor or down the inside of a wall space but from one floor to lower levels, increasing the amount of damage your home experiences.

Vacationing is Only Temporary and So Should Any Water Damage, if You Call for Professional Assistance
Upon returning from vacation, homeowners whose home has been water damaged while they've been away are in for a not-so-pleasant surprise. Shutting off the water should be the first thing done if it can be safely accomplished. Standing water can pose an electrical hazard if electrical outlets or wiring are immersed in the water. If you are not sure about your safety, you should have professionals complete the shut-down the electricity prior to shutting off the water. Everyone should remain clear of the water to be safe.

After the flow of water has been stopped, mop up the existing water using absorbent towels or mops and empty buckets. Dump these outside to keep drains inside your home from becoming clogged by any debris that may be in the water. Because water can infiltrate porous materials like drywall throughout your home, it is tough to remove completely. The structurally water damaged area must have the standing water extracted first. If this is not done properly, warping and deterioration of walls and other structures in your home can quickly occur. Then the absorbed moisture and humidity in the interior environment must be mitigated to acceptable levels. If not, this can lead to not only dangerous structural problems but also the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause health effects in your family members over time.

What We can do For You
Our professionals are trained in not only the removal of water that can cause damage to your home's interior, but we have training in the IICRC approved drying techniques that are designed for maximum efficiency. After cleaning-up and extracted all of the water, we will begin the drying process and take note of any damage that needs to be restored or repaired. Cleaning-up will continue with removing any debris that is left over from repairs, as well.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties are experienced in responding to water damage emergencies such as ruptured or frozen water lines, and we can respond quickly.

Ready to sell? Old tenants moving out? Let us help you get your home ready.

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you are trying to sell your home or you have renters moving out or even after a water loss in your home, getting your house ready for new people can be very exhausting.

When it comes to selling your home, it can be extremely overwhelming working with realtors, inspections, and potential buyers.

Lucky for you, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is happy to clean your house and get it ready for showings and the sale. With our highly trained crews, we are prepared to help with any cleaning task ranging from mold remediation to deodorization to general cleaning services including carpet cleanings. We have helped many homeowners prepare and sell their homes with a top to bottom cleaning. We have also helped a lot of apartment complexes clean after the lease ends and a new one is beginning.

Our thorough cleaning services can include wiping ceilings and walls, trim, the exterior of baseboard registers, and cleaning the inside and outside of kitchen and bathroom appliances. Window cleaning and floor cleaning are a great way to finish the project up and add the final sparkle to your fresh home.

We would be happy to set up a time for an estimator to come onsite to answer any questions you may have, and to get you a good idea of what the project would entail and cost. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is always here to help.

SERVPRO and Fire Damage

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Dry Cleaning - We use dry sponges, dusting cloths and vacuums to remove non-grease based soils and soot. This method is also useful to remove light (small) debris and particulate soiling.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is ready to assist you with both. Call us today at (912.445.5190 to start preserving your life and memories.

Preventing future mold damage in your home

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Can Be Remediated by the Professionals from SERVPRO

Safeguarding your home against mold before it ever gets a chance to strike is a matter of no little importance, and you should be aware of the factors that can lead up to mold damage, and account for them before they become a problem.

Here are a few ways to keep your home free of most mold growth in the future.

1. Never Let Water Accumulate
One of the most common causes of mold damage in homes is the accumulation of water. When water is allowed to pool and gather in a particular part of the home, it may facilitate mold growth due to persistent dampness. This happens in bathrooms, particularly in older buildings, as they may lack drains or have persistent and unnoticed leaks. Mopping up and removing excess water from a room is important, and you should never just assume that the water will evaporate on its own.

2. Make Sure Food is Sealed and Disposed Of Safely
Left-out food is a relatively common source of significant mold growth in homes, as even though the food may not be strictly left out in the open, mold can get into many types of containers unless they are fully and properly sealed. A good example of this is potato chip bags. Many people will simply roll or fold them up before placing the bag back on its shelf, but mold spores can still find their way in and start up a nasty colony. Consider buying consumer-grade food sealants for everything in your fridge and pantry; they may save both your food and your home.

3. Always Have Leaks and Water Damage Professionally Repaired
Many mold colonies form from water damaged regions that are not properly cleaned up and repaired. In the event of a long-term leak or significant water damage all at once, hiring a professional company like SERVPRO helps to ensure that the area is properly dried and secured against future mold growth. We use industrial-grade equipment specifically for this purpose, so that wetness in your home won't lead to another call about mold weeks down the line.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is committed to helping residents out of crises related to fire, mold, and water damage whenever disaster strikes.

If you've encountered any form of mold damage to your home, don't hesitate to call us at (912) 445-5190 for 24/7 emergency service.

Trust SERVPRO to take care of you after a fire

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Why should you trust your local SERVPRO to take care of you and your property after a fire?

After fire tears through your home, it's tough to get it back to the way that it was. Not only do you have to deal with fire and smoke; you also have to consider collateral damages from fire-fighters and firehoses, and the loss of your property. This leads to widespread water damage and flooding- both of which cause as much damage as fires do. In these situations, it's always best to call SERVPRO. Without a trained, professional team of cleaners, you'll never be able to return a building to normal after a fire. Professionals know how to remove smoke damage, restore your valuable furnishings, and ensure that ash residue, discoloration, and affected tarnished surfaces are back to normal.

Restore Your Property, Don't Just Replace It

The most important aspects of home restoration are cleaning and restoring your property. It's our goal to ensure that your property is cleaned and restored professionally, saving you money over the long run. We always strive to restore your favorite furniture and upholstery.

How To Ensure That You Save The Most

SERVPRO knows how to handle any fire emergency; as long as you call us immediately. The longer you wait, the more severe the fire damage becomes.

We start by inspecting your home, getting an estimate, and drying out any water damages. After that, we remove as much soot, ash, and smoke from as many surfaces as possible. Then, we clean, repair, and restore your property back to its original glory.

Trust SERVPRO to Give You Fire Damage Security

SERVPRO specializes in making your home livable again. We can perform repairs in virtually any regard; from fire and smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning, to water damage restoration to handle damages that might have occurred from a fire. We know how terrible fire damages can be, and how they affect your life.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, call us so we can help because our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Safety Tips For Children

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Children, especially younger ones, may not be capable of exiting a home on their own or understanding the dangers of fire hazards. If parents take the extra precautions not only by reducing risks in the home and installing proper safety equipment, but by creating and explaining a comprehensive fire safety plan of action with your family, the chance of risk can be greatly reduced.

Here are just a few fire safety tips for you and your family to get you started.

The Stop, Drop and Roll technique – Stop moving, lie down and roll if clothing catches fire.
Crawl through rooms and hallways to avoid smoke inhalation.
Touch doors before opening – if the door is hot, don’t open it.
Never re-enter the building for any reason once safely outside.
Fire is a tool, not a toy.
Never pick up matches or lighters if found. Instead, tell an adult right away.
Never leave children unattended around any fire hazard, including cooking stoves, candles, portable heaters, or any other heat source. Teach toddlers and young kids to stay at least three feet away from any common heat source or hazard in your home.

Did you know, you can contact your local fire department for free fire safety equipment like smoke detectors? Some may even be willing to have your kids stop in for free fire safety tips. Make sure to check your community events, as some fire departments are known to have free fire safety classes for families.

You can also visit the link provided for more tips and activities for children.

http://keepkidsfiresafe.org/kids1.html

Important Storm Tips for Spring & Summer

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $15 billion in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.

2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.

3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.

4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.

5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.

6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.

7. Invest in storm windows.

8. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.

9. If your town is evacuating due to a hurricane, secure and board up windows and any openings of your home.

10. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado and hurricane warnings. Tornadoes and hurricanes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Compulsive Hoarding & SERVPRO

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how extremely emotional (HD) can be for the customer & the family.

SERVPRO is known for water & fire damage clean up, mold remediation, storm damage clean up, & commercial services; however, were you aware that SERVPRO also handles Biohazard clean up?

We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations, one being hoarding scenes.

According to a Washington Post publication released on 04/11/2016; studies show that compulsive hoarding affects up to 6% of the population, or 19 million Americans, and it has been found to run in families.

A difficult aspect of Hoarding Disorder (HD) is that the person finds it hard to part with their possessions because of the perceived need to save them.

SERVPRO understands the toll hoarding can take on an individual and their family. In some cases a person diagnosed with Hoarding Disorder (HD) can be ordered by the court system to clean up the home and property.

So the question is why SERVPRO? Our company is trained to safely remove biohazards of all types and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. SERVPRO also realizes that a hoarding scene can be both dangerous and extremely emotional for the customer and their family.

Mold...What you should and shouldn't do

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

Microbial growth can cause a lot of problems for you and your house. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, & East Liberty Counties has the proper training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Fact about microbial growth:

Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours if the conditions are right.
A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What should you do?

Contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, & East Liberty Counties so we can take you through the proper steps for remediation
Stay away from the affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

What should you not 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.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, & East Liberty Counties has the proper training from IICRC to properly take care of your house. We will get a crew out to your house for an inspection and recommendations on the proper ways to remediate the area. If you believe you have mold in your home, give us a call at (912) 445-5190.

We Are Cleaning Experts

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty County specialize in cleaning and sanitizing.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

Specialized Training

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

Specialized Products

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties.

10 Steps to Avoid a Kitchen Fire

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

Never leave your stove or oven unattended.

Did you know that the majority of house fires begin in the kitchen and the most common cause is cooking?

The American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to avoid a cooking fire:

Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Hurricanes With Your Business Property

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Preparation is Key for Water Damage Remediation

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) system allows business owners to easily keep track of all properties and locations during a hurricane, and respond appropriately. Using the tool, you can create multiple individualized profiles and information sets for each property you own, and with just a few clicks after an emergency, our technicians will have all the information they need to get to work on mitigating damage. As a result, they can save owners of multiple properties, such as landlords, thousands in repair costs after a hurricane by responding quickly to each location.

During a hurricane, commercial water damage in apartments and rental properties can come in the form of flooding, staining, physical damages, rain exposure, and any of a host of other small problems. Usually, our technicians have to spend precious time evaluating the building and formulating an approach, but this process is hastened with SERVPRO's ERP system. Through it, they can access relevant contact information, building plans and layouts, and critical information about utility systems. This is especially useful in attached properties, which may share utilities and resources with neighboring locations.

Generally, the information you submit to the ERP system is the same information that we will ask for during the emergency. The main difference is that instead of having to operate under heavy time constraints and rely on you to be available to provide that information, we can access the information digitally and before we even arrive. When a disaster like a hurricane hits, you can log onto our website or open up the app and have us responding with all the info we need in seconds. For apartments and rental properties, this can include relevant information and contact routes for tenants, ensuring that they make it through the process unscathed as well.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties operates on the principle of mitigation to respond around the clock and save landlords thousands in restoration costs. Call us at (912) 445-5190 for our help or to learn more about the ERP system.

Water Damage Prevention

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Check the wood siding of your home for any indication of water damage. You want the wood to your home approximately a foot away from the ground.

Ensure your sprinkler system is not spraying on your actual home. This could cause water to seep into the foundation.

Locate the valve to the water in case of emergency and this needs to be turned off. You may want to inform family members where the valve is in case you are not home during the emergency.

Lastly, you want to check nature growing around your home. Tree limbs and vines can be detrimental. If you notice any issues with your home in regards to water damage, do not wait to call someone to inspect the area.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is always ready to respond to any call and make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Prevent Water Damage from Water Disasters

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home can experience, costing billions of dollars annually.

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage from water disasters.

The following are some helpful tips:

1. Reseal your basement

2. Make sure water drains away from the building

3. Install a backwater valve.

4. Inspect appliance hoses and faucets

5. Inspect showers and tubs

6. When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine

7. Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home

8. Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system

9. Check plumbing and heating pipes

10. Caulk and seal windows

11. Inspect your roof

12. Check your downspouts

13. Check sprinklers and irrigation systems

14. Install gutter guards

15. Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins

16. Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is risk of destruction from water

17. Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in the basements

18. Keep an up to date home inventory

If water damage occurs, remember to call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties.

Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

IICRC Trauma & Crime Scene Clean Up Training

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

A mock crime scene for training.

Frank Harris, the owner of SERVPRO of Statesboro, participated in IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Clean Up Training (TCST). The TCST training course reviews the process for inspecting and investigating crime and trauma scenes, which may involve blood and other potentially infectious materials. The course focuses on the procedures to follow as well as the precautions that must be taken. This course gives the participants the opportunity to engage in interactive experiences first hand.

One question everyone asks is if a formal education is required to handle trauma & crime scene cleanups & the answer is no; however, completion of a professional training course is a requirement to engage in trauma & crime scene clean up.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not an actual trauma or crime scene. This is a mock version for training purposes only.

IICRC Training

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

The instructor, Bruce DeLoatch, with our technicians during the IICRC training.

Effective training is the best way to ensure our customers receive the services they deserve. With SERVPRO our technicians are trained to the IICRC standards.

IICRC stands for Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.

Our technicians with SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty County attended the IICRC Triple Certification Course for CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician) and FSRT/OCT (Fire and Odor Combo) last week and even devoted their time to coming throughout the weekend.

Our technicians take pride in the work that they do and enjoyed the classes they attended. The classes taught everyone new techniques that can be used to make the experience even better.

We take pride in the quality of work that our technicians produce and we are always looking into continuing our education so we can make the experience even better for our customers.

With any disaster, big or small, our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

All About Our Fur-Babies

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Contact your local animal shelter to find out more information on providing a fur-baby with a fur-ever home.

Approximately 6.5 million animals are entered into U.S. animal shelters nationwide each year. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.

Each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats).

Approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year (1.6 million dogs and 1.6 million cats).

Animals play a very important role in our everyday lives. Having an animal as a pet gives you a sense of companionship but it also helps with emotional support, reduces stress levels, sense of loneliness, and helps us to increase our social activities. Pets are very beneficial to our emotional, mental, & physical health. For children, having a pet can help with self-esteem and positive emotional development.

Having a pet allows you to be responsible for someone other than yourself and make you appreciate the innocence in the world. For some people, their pet is all they have in life and may be the very reason they wake up each morning.

Here at SERVPRO we value and appreciate the bond a person has with their fur-baby. We want to hear your story. Did you decide to adopt a fur-baby and give it a fur-ever home, if so then please share your story with us, don’t forget to share pictures.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty County is proud to announce that we have chosen to sponsor the Bryan County Animal Shelter.

Make sure to stay tuned for more information from SERVPRO on how we are contributing to make our local fur-babies find their fur-ever homes.

February Employee of the Month

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Scott Kingery, February Employee of the Month

Here at SERVPRO we value each of our employees. People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing and that is what we strive for. We have learned that the only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Every month SERVPRO likes to recognize an employee that brings a positive attitude and goes above and beyond to help the company grow as a whole.

Scott Kingery is one of our many dedicated employees and it is our honor to name him February Employee of the Month.

Scott has been with SERVPRO for 6 years and has been a true asset to the company.

Scott, thank you for all that you do to make this company run efficiently and for the respect you give to our customers and staff.

March Employee of the Month

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Wiliam Brower, March Employee of the Month

Here at SERVPRO we value each of our employees. Your work is going to fill up a huge part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. We have learned that the only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Every month SERVPRO likes to recognize an employee that brings positivity to work place and most importantly to our customers.

William Brower is one of our many dedicated employees and it is our honor to name him March Employee of the Month.

William has been with SERVPRO for a brief time, but has managed to excel and show us that he is a true asset to our company.

William, thank you for your hard work and dedication to the company. We truly appreciate all that you do.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is an annual observance in the United States in which communities come together to dedicate their time in raising awareness and preventing child abuse. The month of April was designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States in 1983. According to the National Children’s Alliance, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States annually.

On April 20^th the Exchange Club of Statesboro will be sponsoring a community picnic in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, & Liberty County is proud to announce that we will be joining in on this event and we can’t wait to see everyone there showing their support for the kids and families of our community.

Kitchen Fire

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen area where the fire took place

We received a phone call from a home in Midway, Georgia. A kitchen in a house caught fire and damaged the entire house. Soot and smoke touched every inch of the house. So how do we clean the soot from walls and contents?

One would think that we should be using water to wash away the soot. One would be wrong. Soot should not be cleaned up with water first. The water on a sponge or rag would just move the soot around on the material. Soot should initially be removed with dry sponges. Dry soot cleaning sponges are used to remove soot and dirt where you don’t want the surface to get wet. It is made of a natural rubber and is used like an eraser. Once the surface of the sponge is dirty it has to be discarded. The sponges hold a remarkable amount of soot in the pours of the sponge. After wiping the fine particles of soot off the surface the surface can be wet washed. This process needs to be done by a professional. If not done properly surface damage can occur. There is a science to fire cleaning and you should trust and hire a professional if you have fire clean up that needs to occur. This is why we love having IICRC certified technicians on our team! We work hard and have trained professionals ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call the Professionals

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can be tricky. A small water leak under the sink can make the homeowner assume it is something they can handle. What the homeowner is not aware of is that the water was able to go under the tile in the bathroom. The water sits for any period of time creating the perfect conditions for microbial growth.

The job has gone from maybe 2 days of drying time and little work for a professional. To now, multiple air testings, demolition in the bathroom, and an extensive amount of cleaning.

Trust your home to SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties. We have the right equipment and tools to ensure that your house is taken care of. If you have a water leak in your house, give us a call at (912) 445-5190.

Green Trucks Stick to Each Other!

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, & East Liberty Counties responded to another green truck in need. A local favorite to Savannah, Georgia, had had an electrical fire in their kitchen in January. We were called to the restaurant to assess and begin work. As we are locally owned and operated, we understand how tragic being closed unexpectedly can be. We knew when we arrived that we wanted to work quickly but efficiently. Fortunately for the Green Truck Pub, we thrive in these types of situations. We never want to be the reason that another business is closed. Our Operations Manager, Jon, has been keeping a close eye on this job to ensure a local favorite is restored to make it appear "Like it never even happened."

If your business is impacted by a tragic event, such as a fire, give us a call at 912-445-5190 so we can help you in need!

Trust SERVPRO to help you after water floods your home

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

We are... Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

We are... Highly Trained Technicians

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

We have... Advanced Technology

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

Call us with any of your water damage needs! We are always available at 912-445-5190.

Drying the water away

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

A small water leak happens in your home, you think you dried it all the way. The floor is just slightly damp but maybe it will dry on its own. Here is a good reason you should get the area completely dry.

It is no joking matter to have mold growing in your home. It is true that mold spores are indoors and outdoors all the time, but for mold to grow out of the healthy range you have to have two things: 1) food and 2) water. There is very little you can do to remove all “food” sources in a house, but you can eliminate the water factor. When you have a water loss, it is incredibly important to completely dry the area affected so mold will not grow.

If you have a water loss that you cannot handle, call us at 912-445-5190 so we can ensure your home is handled properly.

Hoarding turns to mold

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you or a loved one is hoarding possessions, know that it is a serious condition. Once you have started the process of cleaning out the areas, you are moving in the right direction.

Once you’ve brought in professional help and addressed the underlying issues of their hoarding tendencies, you can start helping your loved one clean their home.

Assess the situation and decide if you can take this on without a professional organizer. Gauge the severity of the hoard, as well as how many people will help you with the cleanup. You should also consider your loved one’s personal progress. A professional organizer can be a huge help if your resources allow.

If you decide to work with an organizing professional, they can guide you through the process. It could potentially be beneficial for a homeowner with the help of a loved one remove anything that is meaningful, and then allow a professional company to come into the home to remove the other debris in the home. It could be too much for the homeowner to actually discard the items.

Hoarding debris or too many items in the home could potentially bring in the perfect conditions for mold to begin growing in the home.

If you or anyone you know needs help with a severe clean up, call your SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties at 912-445-5190 so we can be there to help.

Items in Your Business after the Water Loss

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

A broken pipe can transport water, bacteria, mold and debris into your property. Apart from the bad smell, the damage can be serious enough for you to throw away important documents or equipment. While a pipe burst cleanup should always be completed by a sewer cleanup company, there are immediate steps you can take to save your items and keep your environment safe.

1. Unplug Electronic Appliances

Entering a wet room that has appliances plugged into outlets can be dangerous. Getting your electronic devices out of a water damaged room as soon as possible can prevent them from short circuiting and keep the cleaning crew safe. Take care while transporting your items; don't yank the cord out of the outlet too fast, or it might spark.

2. Use Disinfectant

A pipe burst can cause bacteria to build-up. To thoroughly disinfect your items, avoid simply drying them with a rag or towel. Instead, use a quality disinfectant cleaner on any hard surfaces such as furniture. You don't need to search far and wide for a good cleaning product; local grocery stores typically carry several reputable brands.

3. Consult with Professionals

If the situation is unfortunate enough so that important items like paintings, books or photographs are damaged, you shouldn't immediately throw them away. There are professional cleaners in our area that specialize in restoring such items. Call them right away to see if you can do anything to salvage your items. Sometimes, they might recommend rinsing them with water to prevent stains from setting.

A sewer cleanup company can usually send professionals to your home or business promptly for an emergency pipe burst cleanup. However, if you have to wait, taking these steps on your own can help minimize some of the damage. You don't have to spend a lot of money replacing your items if you get them away from a broken pipe and leaking water as soon as possible.

Also check out our Emergency Ready Plan option for business owners. It will only benefit you in a disaster such as a pipe burst!

Water Damage Control

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

When homeowners find themselves faced with water damage from a sewage backup or bursting pipes, they often want to know how long the restoration efforts will take. The answer depends on the extent of the damage, the type of water to invade the home and materials used throughout the affected area. Our SERVPRO water restoration team may tell homeowners to expect the process to take anywhere from two to three days, but to not be surprised if it takes as many as seven or longer. Some factors that affect the time it takes to dry out a home include:

• The type of water to flood the home
• The size of the area affected
• The building materials affected

Type of Water

Clean water is easier to clean up than black water, as the former doesn’t require special Hazmat materials or equipment. If your problems stem from bursting pipes, the solution may be as simple as fixing the pipes and drying out the area. If you do so within 24 to 48 hours, you can reduce the likelihood of mold and bacteria growth as well.

Size of Affected Area

The type of water isn’t the only factor to affect restoration times. The size of area plays a huge part as well. If the size of the affected area is relatively small, less than ten square feet, restoration efforts can take as little as two days, and you may even be able to perform them yourself. However, if your entire ground floor is flooded, it could take several days of professional efforts.

Materials Impacted

If it is just your carpet that is affected, restoration efforts shouldn’t require much of your time at all. However, if your drywall, insulation and/or framing are impacted, you may need to do more than fix a broken pipe. Restoration efforts in the latter instance could take as long as 7 days or more.

Every situation is different, and the water damage caused by bursting pipes could be far more severe than damage from, say, a leaking pipe. Talk to your local SERVPRO water damage restoration team to learn more about what to expect. We are always here to help!

Storm Damage to Your Home, Now What?

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane season always seems to be around the corner. The past 3 seasons we have been in the beginning path of a major hurricane. The Savannah area was very lucky to have the storm turn away from us. However, what if we were not so lucky? Do you know how to recover from the storm? We here at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, & East Liberty Counties will be there to help you.

The flooding is over after the hurricane has run through. River flooding is finally going down. Now you have to look at what has been left behind when storm damage affects your home. Wind damage, hail damage, and roof damage has been considerable. You have no idea where to begin when dealing with storm damage of any kind. The same can be said when winter weather becomes severe, resulting in hail and frozen pipes. Ice damage can be just as devastating to your home. You know that storm restoration is a must if you are going to live in your home once again. Once the river flooding or flooding has settled, you will be able to see more clearly what you are dealing with. Professional storm damage restoration services make it possible to achieve storm restoration, water restoration, and home restoration. Your professional technicians have the skills, experience, and resources needed to achieve storm remediation.

Truth about Mold

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Want some mold facts? This will be the honest truth about what we know about mold.

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. They are the pesky unwanted guest!
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 will most likely 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.

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.

Tip for Owning Multiple Houses

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

We responded to a phone call from a concerned neighbor seeing water flow out of a house that was not being lived in full time. This was the homeowner's summer house near the water in Midway, GA. The house had a pipe burst. Water seemed to flow from room to room soaking into the carpet, walls, and furniture. We did not know how long the water was flowing before the neighbor saw it.

Our crew discovered that there was more than water damage at this property; mold had started to grow on the wall and other contents in the room.

We respond to these calls more often than people think due to the area in which we live. So many houses are vacation homes to families that aren't living near this area. This is a reminder to shut off your water if you will be gone for a long period of time. You never know if a pipe would burst or a toilet would overflow while you are gone. It would also be a great idea to have someone come in the home weekly or more often for a walk through to make sure everything is perfect in your home.

Bundle up!

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Down here in south Georgia, we do not see temperatures too low. With this winter season, it has been bone chilling cold. Here are some winter tips!

Keep your gas tank almost half full (or full) this will prevent the fuel line from freezing.
Don't forget to crank up your car in the morning before you need to leave. Those windshields will most likely be frozen over!
Drip those outdoor pipes. You don't want to have a flooded yard.
Drip those indoor pipes to keep the water flowing so a pipe does not burst in the middle of the night.
Keep in mind- your pets! Yes, some types/breeds of animals love the cold weather, but some are not built for the cold. They will love sleeping inside.

Keeping warm and staying safe during these cold winter nights is very important. However if you find yourself in a situation where you have a pipe burst in your home, call us at 912-445-5190 so we can help you!

Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Contact our office today at (912)445-5190 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss!

Thunderstorm coming your way?

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Storms are more often than we realize. It does not have to be a hurricane or a blizzard. A thunderstorm can be just as devastating. So when should you be prepared for the worst? Weather channels often send out a warning and a watch. A severe thunderstorm watch is when the conditions are right for the storm. This is when you should prep your outdoor furniture and make sure everything is secure outside. You should make sure you have some water and candles incase the power goes out. A severe thunderstorm warning is when a thunderstorm is in your area. It has been spotted. Tornadoes, hail, and severe winds often accompany the thunderstorm. When a thunderstorm is in your area, you should take cover inside. Stay away from windows and bring your pets inside to keep them safe. If you are caught away from a building or shelter, stay away from high ground and metal objects.

In our area, thunderstorms can be the scariest when we are out on the boat. If you start seeing dark thunderstorm clouds, get to safety quickly.

If you have damage from a thunderstorm, don't wait. Call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties, and we will be there to help!

Tornado Tips

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

The same as a thunderstorm, tornadoes have a watch and a warning. Tornado watch means that the conditions are perfect for a tornado to form. Tornado warning means that one has been spotted, and you should take cover fast. What are some ways that you can keep you and your family safe during a tornado?

Get to a safe location away from glass windows. If you do not have a room such as this, get in the tub and put a mattress over you. The mattress will do its best to keep you as safe as possible from debris.

Get to a safe location on the lowest level of the building/home.

If you are outside and cannot get to a building, get to a ditch and lay as flat as possible. If you have a cushion or blanket of some sort, try keeping that above you to protect you from flying debris. NEVER seek shelter under a bridge.

If you are in a mobile home, find a secure storm shelter or building to wait out the storm in.

You should wait an appropriate time after you no longer hear the wind noises before you move away from your safe space. Whenever you do, be careful.

How do we help with fire damage?

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Imagine coming home to finding your bathroom socket faulted and caught your bathroom on fire. Luckily your family was out of harms way, but you lost your entire bathroom and part of your bedroom. You ask the fire department, "What now?" They give you SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties business card and informs you to call that number. You reach our Operations Manager, and he heads out to meet you to inspect your home. When he arrives at your home, he walks through the house to see what needs to be taken out, damaged out, and cleaned. We create an estimate for you and your insurance company with the list of all the repairs that need to happen for your house. We begin the work. We begin to remove any affected area. We place equipment in your house to begin removing the scent and clean the air. We work until you are happy with the results. Our company strives to reduce the stress for you and your family when a devastating thing such as a fire happens. Please give us a call at 912-445-5190 so we can help.

Avoiding Mold in Your House

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Microbial growth is an unwanted guest in anyone's house. Unfortunately we cannot eliminate the possibility of mold, but here are some ways you can reduce that possibility!

Mold loves humidity. If you live a humid area, such as the coastal areas in Georgia (or anywhere in Georgia), we need to reduce the humidity level in the homes. In addition, fix those leaks! When you have a leak in your home, do not wait until you notice little spots growing before contacting a professional to help. If your leak is minor, you can try to fix the leak, but you need to keep a close eye on the area to catch anything quickly. If the leak is more than you can handle, call us! We will come and clean the area. Lastly, ensure everyone in the family is using the exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when it is getting steamy! After showing, the fan needs to stay on as long as 25 minutes to help the steam escape in a safely manner.

All these will help reduce the likelihood of microbial growth in your home. If you notice anything in your house that you believe is mold, do not wait. Get a professional out as quickly as possible to prevent the growth from doing what it does best- grow! We are available 24/7 at 912-445-5190.

Hurricane Season 2018

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

This year SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties sent a Storm team to North Carolina and Florida to help with the hurricane damage. Both of these hurricanes were projected to hit our own territory. As we prepped for our territory to hit, we prepped another team to respond to other areas as well. Our first team responded to the areas in North Carolina that needed us. We were there for a few weeks. We quickly began working- setting up equipment, demolition, cleaning, sanitizing, taking down equipment and moving to the next place. We worked in homes and in businesses trying to help. We came home for a brief moment then responded to areas in Florida that needed us. We stayed in Florida twice as long trying to help in anyway.

We here at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties love the community that the SERVPRO franchise brings us. We teamed with other SERVPROs trying to do our best to help people in need. If you are ever in the aftermath of a storm and need help, please call us at (912) 445-5190.

Mold Remediation

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

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. Please give SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties a call at (912) 445-5190.

Water damage prevention

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

You can’t always prevent harm from coming your way. Sometimes disaster strikes and accidents happen. Some things, however, you can control. Giving these potential problem areas in your house some extra attention will help keep you and your home safe and dry!

Your Windows! Regardless of the season, a drafty window can end up costing you a fortune! To check for drafts in your home, use a lit candle against windows. If the flame flickers as you run it along the seams then you may need to reseal your windows
Your Plants! Plants both in and around your home can be a problem if they are not properly maintained. In an effort to avoid the growth of mold or mildew on your property simply make sure that your garden areas have adequate drainage, and that you are trimming plants around the structure.
Your Gutters! As tedious as it may be, keeping your gutters clean is really going to help keep your home safe from costly water or mold damages. Cleaning out and inspecting your gutters regularly as well as keeping downspouts clear of any blockages will help keep the structure draining properly.

If you do find yourself dealing with the troubles of water damage in your home, give SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty Counties a call at (912) 445-5190. We’re available 24 hours a day to clean up the damage and restore your property. We will make your home look "Like it never even happened."

Contaminated Water Categories

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

Water from a clean source like a broken water line
If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

May contain bacteria and viruses
Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business. Call us at (912) 445-5190 if you have any emergency problems!

Storm Tips

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms & Lightning

All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. On average in the U.S., lightning kills 51 people and injures hundreds more. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities – more than 140 annually – than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.

Before Thunderstorm and Lightning

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Postpone outdoor activities.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

After the Fire...

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.

1. You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.

2. There is still viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.

3. You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition. Loss can be far more expensive than restoration or covered replacement.

4. You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Here at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties we will always put our customers first.

5 Things You Should Know about Microbial Growth

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Microbial growth occurs in homes and places of business. If you believe your home or business has mold growing do not hesitate to give us a call at (912) 445-5190. We will send a technician to you as quickly as possible. Continue reading to gather more information on microbial growth.

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Mold spores are microscopic and float among in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or attach to clothing or pets.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Microbial 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.

Do not wait until the microbial growth has taken over an area in your home to call us. Mold remediation needs a professional touch, and with our IICRC certified team, we are the professional touch you need to make your home look "Like it never even happened."

Camp Fire Safety

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Outdoor fires are absolutely beautiful especially in the fall. The air is crisp and being outdoors is a fall favorite. When creating a fire outdoors, you definitely need to consider the environment surrounding the fire. Whether you are near your home or in a national forest, you want to ensure the fire will not burn the area. Here are some tips to keep your home and our nature areas safe.

When selecting a fire pit location make sure you are at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees, or anything that might catch fire.
Make sure the pit area is level and clear of debris.
Make sure the wind spot you have chosen is calm.
Dig your pit about one foot into the ground, and circle the mouth with stones.
Always remember to check with your campsite or the U.S. Forestry Commission to see if you are allowed to have a fire at the time you plan on camping.
Make sure that any fire you build is kept low and out of the wind. This will help keep the embers down.

Never for any reason leave a fire unattended or hot. Make sure you pour water on the fire until it stops hissing.

Fire Classes and How to Extinguish the Fire

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustibles. These fires are commonly flammable material one may find around their home. These items include wood, fabric, paper, trash, and plastic. To extinguish a Class A fire use either water or monammonium phosphate.

Class B fires are defined as one that uses a flammable liquid or gas as its fuel base. These fires are a common hazard in industries dealing with fuels, lubricants, and certain types of paint. Class B fires used to be majority of kitchen fires. However, because kitchen fires are typically the most common house fire, they have their own classification. Smothering Class B fires to remove oxygen will result in extinguishing the fire.

Class C fires are defined as fires that use electrical components and/or energized equipment as its fuel source. These fires are typically fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. Electrical fires are more likely to be seen in industries that use heavy electrically-powered equipment. Bad wiring can result in electrical fires. To extinguish these fires, one should cut the power off to the source and use a non-conductive chemical to extinguish the fire.

Class D fires are defined as one that uses a combustible metal as its fuel source. These combustible metals include titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. Class D fires are typically in a laboratory environment, but they can be found in other industries. You want to completely avoid throwing water on these fires because it is ineffective and can have the opposite effect. To extinguish these fires, use a dry powder agent which will absorb the heat and smother the fire.

Class K fires are defined as a cooking fire involving combustion from liquids used in food preparation. Greases, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat are all fuel sources that Class K covers. These fires are extremely dangerous and extremely destructive. To extinguish these types of fires, wet chemical fire extinguishers should be used.

If you or someone you know falls victim to a house or business fire, call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties at (912) 445-5190.

Work in Historic Downtown

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties responded to a call to a historic building in Savannah early one morning. The Marshall House is Savannah’s oldest and most recognized hotel. It has beautiful hallways filled with local history. They provide guests with a wonderful stay to see the charm downtown Savannah has to offer. So when we got a call to help out this historic building, we were overjoyed to do this for our community. Because of a faulty sprinkler system, we moved furniture out of danger to water damage. In addition, we placed fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. Not only was it wonderful to help a local treasure, it was amazing to be working in such a historic building. It was simply beautiful!

Prevent Kitchen Fires in your Home

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Fire safety is extremely important. The kitchen is an area in the home that is more likely to catch fire. Keep reading for some safe cooking tips for your kitchen. Before cooking, you want to wear clothes that are closer to your body so it does not get too close to a hot surface. Check the area for anything too close to a burner such as paper towels, pot holders, food packaging, and more. Clean the area before cooking in case there is any residue left from previous cooking. While you are cooking, never leave the stove unattended. This could easily catch fire and spread to other others quickly. In addition, you need to have a fire extinguisher somewhere close to your kitchen in case of a fire. Most people assume the best place to keep it is close to the stove or oven. This would be wrong. If a fire breaks out in that area, the last thing you need to do is go toward the fire and harm yourself. Keep the fire extinguisher in a place such as the pantry or close cabinet that is away from any area that is more prominent to a fire. If you experience a fire in your home and need SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties, give us a call day or night at (912) 445-5190.

How to Remove Soot and Smoke from your Contents

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

You may want to separate items made from different materials because they will clean differently. Create a mixture of vinegar and a Mr. Clean and vinegar. The vinegar will deodorize the scent while Mr. Clean removes the soot. You may need to clean the items multiple times to completely remove the soot and smoke from each piece. When it comes to clothing, you need to separate items that are reparable and items that are not reparable. The items you deem reparable need to be washed several times. With each wash, put vinegar in addition to the laundry detergent to remove the scent of smoke. The most difficult items to clean will be items such as mattresses, couches, and chairs. These items will need to be placed in a garage or carpet to air out. In addition, you will need to vacuum each item very slowly. If you feel as if you need professional help, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is here to serve you.

Hurricane Categories

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to hurricanes, the category means a lot. If a CAT 1 hurricane is coming your way, you can ride out the storm in your home.

However, if a CAT 4 hurricane is barreling your way, you want to evacuate. So what does each category mean?

-Category 1 is a minimally damaging hurricane with winds reaching 95 miles per hour. The storm surge could range anywhere from 4 to 5 feet above sea level.

-Category 2 hurricane is referred to as moderately damaging. Winds could be anywhere from 96 to 110 miles per hour and the storm surge reaches 8 feet.

-Category 3 can bring extensive damage with winds ranging from 111 to 130 miles per hour, and the storm surge reaches 12 feet.

-Category 4 brings extreme damage with winds reaching 131 to 155 miles per hour. The storm surge for a CAT 4 is between 13 to 18 feet.

-Category 5 hurricane, this category of hurricanes brings catastrophic damage with winds reaching well over 155 miles per hour, and the storm surge going over 18 feet.

With any category of a hurricane, you want to board up your home and secure the perimeter around your home. The winds could easily blow items around your home into a window or damage your vehicle. If you do not know exactly what to do in order to prep your home for a hurricane, watch the local news for tips and ideas on what to do to best fit your home.

Water Damage to Rental Property

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties restored a rental property due to water damage. The rental townhome had been vacant for about a month when the landlord went to inspect the apartment before getting ready for remodeling. This landlord saw some water damage on the ceiling. The pipe above that particular room was slowly leaking causing slight damage. The landlord called us to then do a further inspection of the damaged area. We were able to come in and restore the ceiling before the leak had the chance to completely destroy that area in the home. The landlord was lucky she went to remodel or the damage would not have been found until a few months later when she went to rent out the apartment.

Removing Mold Before You Paint

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores located near the baseboard in a home.

First Step: Remove the mold. If you attempt to just paint over the coloration of mold, it could aid in the growth of mold. Some paints are basically food to mold. So you need to kill the mold before painting by using a cleaner that can sink into the surface.

Second Step: Begin painting with a primer. Wait after cleaning the wall until it is COMPLETELY dry because any moisture left on the wall can feed the microbial spores- if any was left. Begin priming with an acrylic primer that consists of mildewcide. Next chose a primer that is a latex stain- blocking primer because it can create a shield from moisture.

Third Step: Paint your walls. Finally, you paint your walls in a normal manner to ensure you love the look of your new walls!

Overall, we highly recommend having a specialist come out to your home to inspect the possibility of microbial growth. Microbial growth is dangerous to have in your home to breathe in the bacteria it contains. If you believe you have mold growing in your home, call us at (912) 445-5190, and we will send a team out to inspect your home.

Removing Mold from Concrete Walls

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Mold thrives in a place that is dark and humid which is stereotypically a basement. With the perfect environment, microbial growth can happen anywhere including a surface that is not usually mold prone. Concrete is that surface. So what do you do when you walk down to your basement and it is covered in mold? You can always call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties. But if you want to attempt to clean it yourself follow these guidelines. To avoid any possibility of breathing in the bacteria, wear a mask to protect your health. Clean with a mixture of detergent and water. After creating the cleaning mixture, scrub the area to remove the mold. Once this part is complete, you want to spray the area with a disinfectant to reduce the possibility of regrowth. If you are worried about not treating the area properly, call us at (912) 445-5190.

How to Prevent Mold after Water Damage to your Carpet

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Remove water as quickly as possible by using a wet/dry vacuum system. Use fans to speed up carpet drying process. Sometimes the floor can seem dry when it is actually not. When it feels dry to the touch, keep the fans going for at least another week. The next step would be to use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in the room. Once the humidity level is low in the room, you want to steam and clean the carpet. This is mainly to just deodorize the carpet so a scent is not left. Lastly, you want to clean the walls, baseboards, and furniture. If this was water due to a storm, the areas water touched needs to be clean since it could contain bacteria. Of course you can always call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties at (912) 445-5190 for your clean up needs.

Why Cleaning Mold with Bleach is a Horrible Idea

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Most homeowners assume that when mold spores appear on your walls, you should clean the area with bleach. This is very wrong. Bleach mostly consists of water. Water encourages mold growth. In addition, by putting bleach on the microbial growth, it only takes away the coloration of the spot. This could be interrupted as the end of the mold growth. When mold spores are being removed, the person should kill the mold from the root. Bleach only removes the appearance of mold. Bleach is for any material that is hard or a non-porous surface. This being said, mold grows on surfaces that are considered porous. So when bleach is poured onto a moldy surface, it is absorbed very easily which leaves a residue on the surface that is like a welcome mat to mold. This results with microbial growth to increase rapidly. Overall, if you believe mold is growing in your home, don’t hesitate to call us for any tips on how to remove the mold in the proper way. If you want us to come out to your home, we will do that as well so we can make it look “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 912-445-5190.

When a Storm Hits...

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

A local road flooded by Hurricane Irma

Whether it is a Category 5 hurricane or a bad thunderstorm rolling through, home owners should be prepared for any storm.

Take safety precautions

Photograph the damage

Contact your insurance company… and SERVPRO!

How to Prepare for a Hurricane Evacuation

1/6/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane season can be extremely scary for those who live on or around the coast. With the fear of winds, rain, and storm surge, people will be concerned with their safety and their home. Homeowners should be prepared to evacuate their homes and go further inland. Evacuations in itself can be intimidating. Here is some ways to help prepare you for an evacuation.

Make a Family Ready Plan

In this you want to include cash, prescription medications, and enough food and water for your entire family and pets for a few days in case these items are not readily accessible. For any families that are traveling in different vehicles make sure you have a backup plan if cell phones are not usable.

Think about what to do with valuable irreplaceable items

Documents such as passports, licenses, insurance cards, social security cards, and other legal papers you want to make sure you have copies of these along with a waterproof/fireproof container and travel with them. Other items such as irreplaceable photographs and meaningful items, place in a watertight and fireproof container to store in a safe place. You may not be able to take them with you for room purposes.

Take care of your food at home

You may want to freeze most of your food incase power is loss. Set your freezer on the coldest temperature so it stays colder longer. If you are anticipating a long-term power outage, you may want to clean out the refrigerator and freezer. If you do this, leave the doors open so there will be little risk of smell when you return.

Clear the grass areas around your home and secure windows and doors

If a hurricane is approaching, there is a high risk of items around your home to be blown around. This increases your risk of windows to be broken because of extra debris. Tie these items down or place them in a safe enclosed area for safe keeping. With the windows and doors, make sure you are boarding up the windows so there is less of a risk for window leaks and breaks.

When you return from the hurricane, if you have experienced any damage to your home, call your SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty Counties. We will send a team out as soon as possible to begin work on your home.

How to Prepare for an Ice Storm

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

A view of the Georgia coast during the ice storm

This past week has been such a difficult time for the south. We aren’t typically prepared for an ice storm.

The main thing is to be prepared. When you are prepared for a winter storm, any obstacles that occur, you are ready. There are a few things one can do in order to prep for an unwelcomed and unusual storm. Stock up on foods that will last through an outage of power. In addition, you want to stock up on water, whether it’s bottled or stored in Ziploc bags. Keep flashlights and batteries in the house. Lastly, do not freak out if or when the power goes out.

If anything happens to your home, we are here for your storm disaster. Please give us a call so we can send out a team to help you.

When Water Comes

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur from mother nature visits such as hurricanes or thunderstorms to pipe bursts, foundation or roof leaks, septic tank issues, and much more. Either case, a homeowner should call a restoration company to help with proper clean up. When it is contaminated water such as a septic tank issue, homeowners are in the danger zone for viruses and bacteria growth. In this case, you want to call a restoration company immediately so there is little risk of exposure to dangerous bacteria. Regardless, a homeowner could experience mold growth very quickly if the water is left after 48 hours. If you encounter ANY type of water damage, you first want to stop the cause of the water damage. Example, if your toilet is over flowing, you want to stop water flow to the toilet, then call SERVPRO to come out and conduct the clean up. A homeowner would then need to call their insurance company about the issue. Do not forget to document each step with pictures and notes so you can remember who you talked to and what was said. We will be there EVERY step of the way to ensure you get your home fixed like it never happened.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is here for your water damage restoration needs. From natural disaster such as a hurricane to septic tank issues, we will be there to help with the entire process.

What are the Most Common Causes of Water Damage in the Home?

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

In most cases, a homeowner may see an issue with their home leaking and believe that it is minor and shouldn’t be looked at. This is true in the sense it is minor, which means it would be an easy fix. The problem with this is when the issue does become major then the homeowner seeks professional help and now the problem is expensive and extensive. Read on to see what the most common cases of water damage to your home. Don’t forget that SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties is here to help with the minor and major water damages to your home.

Outside of the home: Roofs and Gutter

Flat roofs are a big helper in water damage to your home. Even though it is referred to as flat, it is not actually flat. It will have some design for water and debris to flow to the gutters. However, debris such as leaves and limbs can get stuck and will keep water in a particular area. This can create a huge amount of pressure which can result in water leaking through in that area from the roof. Another issue with this is during winter. During winter, water can freeze around the edges which will create a little pool on the roof which will begin to weaken the roof and allow for water to seep into the home. If you have a flat roof, you want to get regular maintenance on the roof to ensure you do not fall to a victim of water damage.

Gutters can fail homeowners. They are beautifully designed to run water away from the home. But when a thunderstorm happens, leaves and other debris can be blown into the gutter causes water to get stuck. Also, if a gutter cracks, the water could leak down the side of the home through a small afternoon shower which over time will lead to water damage and potentially mold. What to do? Keep a close eye on your gutters and after a storm, clean the gutters out properly.

Inside of the home: Pipes

Leaking pipes can be extremely dangerous because it can take a while for a homeowner to see major damage. By the time most homeowners catch this issue, there is major water damage and black mold. Leaking pipes can be from major temperature changes to the wrong level of acidity. If you notice a change in pressure or color of your water, this could be a sign of a leaking pipe.

What are Your Steps after Your Home Catches on Fire

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

First, you want to ensure someone such as the Fire Marshall has cleared you to enter your home for safety reasons. At this point, you can go through your home to see the damage and possibly gather items you can keep. Second, you want to document everything. Take as many pictures of your home as is for insurance purposes. You may want to take a note pad and write notes while going through your home. If the fire was in one room, you still may have the smoke odor in other rooms. It is important to carefully note this for insurance and restoration companies. Lastly, call a restoration company such as SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties to come in and help restore your home.

4 Types of Home Fires

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

The most common type of house fires starts in the kitchen. The most common kitchen fire is a grease fire. It can be started very easily and spread if not properly put out. *Do not put water on a grease fire, you want to cover it. Another common house fire is due to electrical wiring. It can be from faulty wiring or old wiring. During the cold winter months, a fire can be due to a heater. Portable heaters need to be used when someone is watching it closely or where it will turn off if overheating. Lastly, a major cause of a home fire is smoke-related. People falling asleep with a cigarette in their hand can cause a major house fire. If you are disposing a cigarette in the home, make sure it is properly extinguished before placing in a trash can or emptying the ashtray.

Moisture Control: 4 Tips on How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Home

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in your home can cause numerous issues. If not treated properly in the early stages, mold damage can become rather expensive. Not to mention, mold can cause various types of health issues. Lucky, we have some tips on how to prevent mold in your home. If you have mold in your home, we provide emergency services 24/7 so please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Identify problem areas and fix the problems immediately

If you notice your basement flood every time it rains, get it fixed before the mold spreads to other areas in the house.

Dry wet areas immediately

Areas that get wet after a heavy rainfall or even just a spill onto carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you experience items that cannot be dried within this time frame, you want to remove the items that cannot be dried- carpet, furniture, bedding.

Direct water away from your home

Ensure that the foundation of your home does not allow for any flooding to seep into your home.

Clean or repair roof gutters

A roof can leak due to clogged gutters. During and after fall, ensure the gutters are free from natural debris such as leaves and twigs. Occasionally, you want to check to make sure the gutters are not blocked by any debris so they work properly.

How to prepare your home for the cold winter days

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Check the pipes

With the temperature going down into the freezing numbers, homeowners should drip all the faucets at night. This ensures no water is still to freeze and burst a pipe overnight. A tip for outside pipes, make sure the pipe and hoses are free of water.

Chimney safety

For homeowners with a chimney, you should get a professional to inspect and clean your chimney so there is very small risk of a chimney fire.

Clean your gutters

With winter approaching after fall, homeowners should clean out all of the gutters surrounding the home. Leaves, twigs, and other outdoor trash can cause water to be trapped in the gutter and freeze. When the ice unfreezes, it can cause a leak into the home.

Overall, you want to make sure your home is well insulated so your home will stay cozy and warm. Don’t forget to check the basement, attic, and roof for any indication of danger before the cold weather is in full swing. And of course, if you see anything in your home that could potentially turn into a home disaster, please call us. We can send one of our technicians out to inspect your home before anything further happens!

How to avoid a Christmas tree fire in your home

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

As the last of the turkey gets gobbled up, the Christmas decorations are being pulled out of storage and the trees are getting chopped down to be purchased by many families. Christmas is a time for beautiful lights, warm fires, and the aroma of baking cookies. Fire safety is a big topic among the holiday season. Continue on to read about some tips on how to pick out the perfect tree and how to keep your home safe!

How to pick out the perfect Christmas tree…

First, you want to measure the area you want to place your tree so when you are looking at Christmas trees you can make sure it will safely fit. Second, with a live tree, you want to make sure the needles are flexible and smell great. The smell allows you to know it is still fresh. If you shake your tree and a lot of the needles fall off, go to the next tree. Lastly, bring the tree home and enjoy!

How to set your Christmas tree up…

Place the tree stand a minimum of three feet away from fire, candles, and vents. If you did not cut the tree down yourself, you want to cut a couple of inches off the bottom so the tree is able to stay hydrated at the maximum level. Now, you are ready to place your tree in the tree stand! Fill the container full of water and check very often for the first day because the tree will be thirsty. You may want to leave the tree in the stand for about 24 hours to let the limbs fully fall down before beginning to decorate.

How to keep the Christmas tree safe after being placed…

Christmas tree lights need to be checked for any indicators of false wiring. Plug them in BEFORE placing on the tree to make sure each light is in perfect condition. When placing on the tree, avoid over using the same outlet. Keep a close eye on the lights throughout the holiday season! In addition to the lights, check the water level twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon/early evening.

Doing all of these steps will help families keep the holiday spirit and stay away from disasters like a home fire due to a Christmas tree. Happy Holidays to all from us here at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty counties!!

Does your Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, or East Liberty County Home or Business have a Mold Problem?

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

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 – (912) 312-6081

Stinky Situation (The story of a sewage loss in Richmond Hill)

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

In an inexplicable fluke, one of our local churches in Richmond Hill experienced a back up from the city sewage lines last week. Fortunately it was not during services hours, and the staff noticed the situation quickly and immediately raised the alarm. We were able to arrive on site within the hour to start extraction and clean up, and by the end of the day the structure had been sanitized, and we were thankfully able to set up several air scrubbers to address the smell as well.

Every water loss is different, but here at the SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, and East Liberty Counties, we have the necessary equipment, staff, and cleaning solutions to cover even the most sinfully contaminated conditions. We don't hope our services are needed by anyone but when issues come up, we are always ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

SERVPRO Helps Dry Your Cabinets After Water Damage To Your Richmond Hill Home

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

If water damages your beautiful kitchen cabinets call SERVPRO for help right away.

After water damage to your kitchen cabinets, SERVPRO can help

Water damage wreaks havocs in homes. All it takes is for a single pipe to burst or one appliance to develop a fault, and a small leak can soon become something much bigger. Georgia is also prone to flooding at times which means that overall there is a real risk of water affecting your house.

After water damage to your Richmond Hill home get everything dry as quickly as possible. A damp home is unpleasant to be in, and there is more of a risk of long-term damage if you do not take swift action. Damp areas are a breeding ground for mold spores and mildew.

One of the leading causes of interest for householders after a leak or flood of any kind is how to dry out hard to reach places such as behind cabinets. Floors and walls around cabinets are not easy to get to, and the extra layers of material there present a significant challenge. SERVPRO recommends contacting our experts for a full assessment of the situation as soon as possible.

Many factors affect drying around and behind cabinetry. These include the type of wood, the paint used, the position and whether the cabinet has its own back or backs onto the wall. Because the backs of cabinets are hard to dry, our IICRC-certified technicians are trained to carefully drill holes in either the cabinet or the wall to allow for better air circulation.

Our professional teams also remove molding underneath cabinets and drills holes in the base as necessary to ventilate the floor beneath the cabinet. In many cases, the molding can be put back after and may not need to be replaced by new molding.

Drying under and behind cabinets is not just about creating better ventilation through drilling holes or removing molding. We also use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the area. Our certified professionals come equipped with powerful vent systems that force dry air under cabinets to speed the drying process.

SERVPRO monitors cabinets carefully every step of the way to ensure that the drying process is as efficient and speedy as possible. We handle your furniture with care, and when drying is complete, we patch any holes and put the molding back - "Like it never even happened."

If you are worried about your cabinets after water damage, give SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty Counties a call at (912) 445-5190.

A Headache You Did Not Cause -- Fire Damage From A Neighboring Business in Richmond Hill

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

RIchmond Hill Fire Damage to Businesses Can Be Devastating

Trust SERVPRO for Keeping Your Establishment Open After a Fire

Retail outlets, restaurants, and offices commonly share the same building. That means fire in the kitchen of a restaurant in the same location has the potential to damage the structure, fixtures, records, and equipment in your medical office or other storefront business. Get the restoration help your company needs from SERVPRO after a neighbor suffers a fire.

Stored records, furnishings, and equipment in your office and patient or client areas risk smoke, soot, and other fire damage when another Richmond Hill commercial tenant near you fights a blaze. Shared HVAC systems, common walls, and building-wide sprinkler systems distribute the consequences of a fire and its extinguishing among the tenants within the larger premises. A full-service restoration company like ours brings the skills, training, and experience to recover all items harmed in your office by the neighboring fire.

Water damage is almost always a part of fire damage, and when combined with soot and smoke, compromises any paper filing system you use on the site. Harm to specialized equipment, including electronic devices, brings the work in your space to a halt. Our command of restoration services is broad, permitting us to offer everything from structural restoration or replacement to the drying and cleaning of critical records and machines use in your trade. SERVPRO staff train to complete state of the art document drying and cleaning and the particular needs of modern electronic equipment.

Our staff, working under your guidance, ascertain which of your documents require drying. We also help you to establish a hierarchy, which informs our drying order, and to create an inventory, so we find needed documents for you quickly. We select from air drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, and two types of vacuum drying -- below freezing or thermal -- depending on the circumstance. Most of our efforts focus on creating the process of sublimation, where water vapor is removed from the articles that were frozen solid without going through the moisture’s liquid phase. SERVPRO commonly removes documents from the site to effect freezing temperatures and operate our specialized vacuum dryers.

When working with your wet, sooty, and smoke damaged equipment we emphasize safety first, disconnecting power sources. We discuss the advantages of collaborating with electronic damage contractors with you and work cooperatively with them if engaged to help. Best practices are to keep the temperature above the dew point to avoid interior condensation and using ambient heat to dry out the components of your equipment. Throughout all steps of restoration, we keep your, and the other business’s property insurance company, informed and help you complete needed forms to limit your liability.

Restoring commercial fire damage is a complicated undertaking especially when you were not the responsible party. SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is ready to streamline the process as much as possible. Call (912) 445-5190 for an inspection and formulation of a comprehensive plan.

Expert Answers to Common Questions about Flood Damage in Darien

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating. Call SERVPRO quickly so that we can help!

Team SERVPRO Deals with Flooding on a Daily Basis

Most homeowners either know somebody who has experienced flooding in their property or they have encountered it themselves. It can be stressful, frustrating, and very messy. It can also end up costing a lot if you do not arrange for repairs right away.

The thing to remember about flood damage in Darien homes is that it can come from all kinds of different places. The easiest way to prevent it is to keep up with routine maintenance. Keeping gutters clean, inspecting pipework regularly, and investing in plumbing services can make sure that your home stays protected.

Keep reading to learn more about flood damage and what happens when SERVPRO is brought in to deal with the aftermath.

What Happens When a House Floods?

Well, the answer is different in all situations. It depends primarily on the severity of the damage and how much water has intruded into the property. Usually, the first item to be compromised is the flooring. Carpets absorb liquid until they are saturated, and any backings or adhesives begin to come loose.

Drywall bows and warps, while wood is prone to swelling because it is more porous than other materials. If not dried and cleaned quickly, it starts to rot. Our technicians perform a visual inspection as soon as they arrive onsite, in order to identify the most vulnerable items and single them out for priority treatment.

Is It Safe When the Standing Water Is Gone?

Extraction of the standing water is only part of the process. Without thorough drying, the materials in your home are not safe from further damage. After 48 hours, mold becomes a risk, and organic substances degrade quickly.

After removal, SERVPRO implements a carefully controlled system of dehumidification and humidity monitoring. Fans, air movers, and powerful dehumidifiers are used in combination to create optimal drying conditions. It prevents the air from filling up with moisture and causing secondary water damage to furniture and other possessions.

How Long Does the Drying Process Take?

Once again, it is different for every home. The two biggest factors are the size of the affected area and the amount of water which has caused the problem. The balance of porous to non-porous materials has an impact on how long it takes to complete the drying process.

The more porous items that become saturated with liquid, the longer it will take to draw the water out. Usually, an average sized home gets remediated in around 2-4 days, but there are no certainties when it comes to internal flooding. The goal is complete repairs as quickly as possible, but without compromising on quality.

At SERVPRO of Bryan/Effingham/McIntosh/East Liberty Counties, high-quality restoration is a guarantee. We have access to sophisticated drying equipment, and our technicians are very skilled. Call us 24/7 at (912) 445-5190.

Understanding Mold And Mold Damage In Crescent

2/25/2017 (Permalink)

Usually microscopic in size, mold spores occur in nature in big numbers.

Mold Damage

Do you ever worry about mold growth in your home? However, what exactly is it, and where does it come from? Usually microscopic in size, mold spores occur in nature in big numbers. These spores are released into the air to reproduce and then settle onto surfaces, and if the right conditions are there, they start to grow. Mildew is a common fungus you might see in your bathroom.

Mold damage is not only unsightly and smelly, but it can be detrimental to the health of your family as well. If you ever suspect any mold in your Crescent home, you need to call in the professionals at SERVPRO right away, as our technicians can find the mold, the source of the moisture, and clean up the dangerous mold.

How Does Mold Grow?
Molds thrive on materials that are organic, such as paper, natural fibers like wool or cotton, wood, leather, or surfaces coated with organic matter like grease, food, and soil. Mold does best in warmer temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Mold spores need moisture to grow, which can come from flooding, water leaks, condensation, or high relative humidity. Without the right conditions, mold spores can be present but are dormant. When the conditions are right again for growth, they start to regenerate.

Where Is Mold Found?
Basements which have moisture seeping through walls and floors give conditions that can cause mold to grow in carpets, on walls, and materials stored in your basement. Even moisture from the ground can migrate through concrete walls, making them damp. Other moisture sources include holes for sump pumps, leaky pipes, and condensation from a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Mold can grow in crawl spaces which are built over the uncovered ground, and crawl spaces which are sloped incorrectly and have water pooling inside can have a mold problem as well.

Mold can grow behind baseboards, under cabinets, in the padding of carpets, inside walls, and under wall coverings made of vinyl. It can be seen under and around the sink, on kitchen walls, or in a drip pan under the refrigerator. Plus, as mentioned already, bathrooms are a significant source of moisture for mold growth. Mold can grow on shower curtains and around or in the shower or tub.

How Do You Know If Mold Is Present In Your Home?
Besides visible mold, you can often detect it from a musty odor. The growth of mold can be in the form of a discoloration which ranges from white to orange, and green to brown and black.

If you suspect mold growth for any reason in your home, get a hold of our staff at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties as soon as possible so we can inspect your home and clean up the mold in your home. You can always reach us, day or night, by dialing (912) 445-5190.

Specialized Restoration Methods Used For Fires In Springfield

2/25/2017 (Permalink)

Many electronics are lost in a fire, as ash and smoke can damage their fragile internals.

Restoration Methods Used For Fires

No two fires are the same, meaning that SERVPRO must create individualized plans and employ different restoration tactics for every fire we come across. In lighter fires, we may be able to use cookie-cutter methods to quickly and easily restore minor damages to the home. However, most fires require some amount of planning and consideration of alternative cleanup and restoration methods. Most troubling in some cases are materials and objects with special cleanup requirements, where our normal methods would be ineffective or even destructive. For instance, here are a few of the most common alternative approaches we must take in some situations.

Furniture
Furniture may sometimes take the worst of the fire damage in Springfield, being hit simultaneously by burn, smoke, and ash damages. However, cleaning and restoring furniture is no easy task, especially when it is made of leather or artisan materials. For most furniture, we have to employ delicate foam washing techniques and other hand-applied cleaning or deodorization methods, as opposed to the broader and faster industrial-grade tools we prefer to use for the sake of time and cost.

Clothing
In some fires, removing damage to clothing may be a simple job. SERVPRO uses a powerful set of washing and drying machines, that can take all the clothes in a home and clean them in one fell swoop. However, some articles may be more delicate or need more intensive care than others, requiring dry cleaning or perhaps hand-applied cleaning methods to be restored.

Electronics
Many electronics are lost in a fire, as ash and smoke can damage their fragile internals. However, we focus on restoration rather than replacement, meaning we carefully evaluate whether or not electronics are salvageable before throwing anything out. When these devices can be saved, we typically send them to a contracted specialist to ensure that they receive the best care available.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is a locally-owned branch of a national company with the equipment and expertise to help you and your property get through even the toughest of fires. Give us a call at (912) 445-5190.

Ensure Your Fire Damage Woes in Guyton Become a Distant Memory

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO right after a fire for best results and to prevent secondary damages.

SERVPRO Technicians Professionally Restore Homes After Sustaining Fire Damage

Fire can strike at any time, with a multitude of different causes. Electrical shorts in your wiring, faulty appliances, or even using the wrong charger with a phone can cause a small fire to start. If no one is present in the area where the fire begins, fire can spread from one room or area to another rather quickly.

Guyton has many beautiful homes blessed with striking architecture, but fire damage can ruin these homes quickly. SERVPRO can restore damaged homes to their original state. Our employees include at least one Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT). Their training covers all aspects of restoring homes and other structures after a fire. Experience in actual home restorations provides further knowledge that is then put to work to make every home we work on “Like it never even happened.”

A fire damaged home must be repaired structurally before it can pass inspection, which must occur before your family can return home. After removing drywall and paneling, we examine the interior of the wall. If any support beams are charred or show other signs of damage, we remove those and replace them. We repaint or reapply wallpaper to finish a full restoration of the wall. When kickboards are damaged, we also replace those.

Floors also need to be made safe again. The flames and heat from the fire might not have affected your floors and the structures underneath as much as the water used to put out the fire may have. Heat combined with water can create steam that dry wood can quickly absorb, and this can create dangerously weak spots in floors.

When a home catches fire, smoke damage also happens. As the fire grows, the amount of smoke produced increases. SERVPRO uses techniques and machines that eliminate smoke and soot, and the odors they cause. Cleaning intricate details by hand by the use of ozone-producing equipment completes the finishing touches need to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

For fire damage that is ruining your home, you deserve experts who care about your family's safety and comfort. Calling SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties at (912) 445-5190 can be the best way to restore your home. Available 24/7, we always arrive within an hour after your call.

Mold Damage Brought on by Ice Dams can Happen to Rincon Homes

1/12/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for Your Home in Rincon If Mold or Ice Shows Up

Rely on SERVPRO to Remediate Mold Damage to Your Roof and Attic

Winter doesn't seem to be a time when water would be the cause of mold damage in a home, but even a small amount of moisture can create problems leading up to mold growth. Fungi do not care from where their water source originates. Ice dams on a home's roof have been known to cause moisture to enter into a home's attic. Sometimes this moisture is substantial enough to be noticed in the living areas of the home, outside of the attic. This can often take a while before evidence is seen in lower levels of the home. Though ice dams are somewhat of a rarity in this southern region of Georgia, when it occurs, it can be quite damaging.

In Rincon, this delay in discovering water seeping down walls can give mold damage plenty of time to become extensive in the attic. The inside of walls can also be harboring mold. Ice dams are rare when insulation is in good to excellent condition – however, when ice dams have had a chance to damage shingles, they become worse quickly, often without showing visible damage to shingles. This keeps visual inspections from discovering the damage before mold can develop.

When ice dams are found to be a problem and are allowing moisture to accumulate inside the attic, this can compress the insulation, rendering it useless. Homeowners in this situation need to have the roof repaired, and the insulation replaced. But what about the mold damage? Having SERVPRO's mold remediation technicians ridding your attic of mold growth in the areas that roofers won't repair can remove mold damage and most of the spores.

This includes your attic's floor and the beams supporting the shingles and underlay. Because both of these are constructed of wood, they can be treated without needing to be removed and replaced. If water damage is also present to a substantial degree, we can remedy the situation for that, also. You can have a new roof, free of mold damage and growth. Moisture and a food source, the needs for fungi to proliferate must be eliminated to reduce the chance of future infestations.

Ice dams and water intrusion can sneak up on anyone over the winter. Freezing temps can often keep moisture hidden, but mold can find it easily. If your attic is showing signs of mold damage, call us, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties at (912) 445-5190, at any time.

How the Experts Use ‘Drying Goals’ to Roll Back Flood Damage in Port Royal Properties

12/21/2016 (Permalink)

For most homeowners, flood damage repairs are something which doesn't warrant much thought until the need becomes urgent.

How SERVPRO Technicians Use Equipment to Restore Flood Damage in Port Royal Properties

For most homeowners, flood damage repairs are something which doesn't warrant much thought until the need becomes urgent. In fact, unless you live in a flood-prone area, you’re unlikely to have put huge steps in place for dealing with water damage. However, extreme rains and faulty water lines can also cause major problems.

You don’t have to live on the edge of a turbulent river to benefit from a solid, practical flood damage contingency plan. Flood damage in Port Royal properties is more common than you might think. Broken kitchen appliances, clogged drains, and broken pipes are all possible culprits. Fortunately, the experts at SERVPRO can respond fast if your home ever does get itself into a watery crisis.

At SERVPRO, we use a system of checks, reviews, and drying goals to ensure that the repair process is carried out successfully. Keep reading to find out more about how this works.

The Importance of Baseline Measurements

One thing which is crucial to effective flood damage repair is flexibility. All properties are different, and they all have unique needs. What may be considered dry in one area of the country may be far too dry for the climate of another. This is why the SERVPRO technicians always take baseline measurements before starting repairs.

They take these measurements from dry, undamaged areas of the property. It allows us to determine what is ‘normal’ for you, as opposed to using some arbitrary standard. While it may sound like a small detail, it can have a big impact on how you feel in your home after the repairs are finished. Getting the level of dryness and humidity right also ensures the longevity, success, and quality of flood damage repairs.

The Effect of Rapid Evaporation Methods

Flood damage remediation experts use dry air to increase the rate of evaporation and pull the moisture out of very humid, heavy air. Generally, this requires the humidity of the affected space to be below 40%. At this level, the air gets ‘thirsty’ and starts drawing moisture from the surroundings. It is very important that water damage experts don’t rely solely on relative humidity readings.

To be sure that the drying process – be it dehumidifying, air scrubbing, or air moving – is working, specific humidity measurements must also be taken. These are compared with the baseline measurements until the two match. Ultimately, this is the primary drying goal; the objective that your flood damage repair team is trying to achieve.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

For help and support dealing with a flood damaged property, speak to the experts at SERVPRO of Bryan/Effingham/McIntosh and East Liberty Counties. We have access to state of the art drying, cleaning, and restoration tools. We can carry out repairs fast and get your home back to full health as soon as possible. Call us 24/7 on (912) 445-5190.

Differences Between Small and Large Mold Colonies

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Rincon Mold Remediation Keeps Commerce Going

Size Does Matter, SERVPRO Customizes Mold Remediation

Mold damage is hard to remove no matter what species is growing in what quantity, but make no mistake, there are major differences between our treatment of small mold colonies and large ones. Everything from the machines we use to the safety precautions we take can vary depending on the size and intensity of the mold colony in question. In any case, SERVPRO makes sure to fully quarantine and treat the affected area, with measures appropriate for size and spread of damage.

Small Patches
Small areas of mold damage in a commercial Rincon structure are generally relatively easy for us to deal with, although you should still never attempt to remove it yourself. Mold is potentially dangerous, and without thorough sanitation measures, can easily be spread when a cleaning attempt is made. For small patches of mold damage, we first set up a quarantine, preventing the mold from spreading outside of its immediate area. This quarantine may be in just a small corner or an entire room. After this, we begin setting up drying and sanitizing machines and processes, killing off mold and preventing further spores from growing. For some cases, a business may be able to continue as usual while a small section is quarantined.

Large Patches and Extensive Damage
When the mold has had a chance to grow out of hand, it often requires a larger quarantine (containment) and temporary closure of business. Large mold colonies can spread their spores by air, meaning HVAC systems must be cleaned out and other areas of the structure must be carefully examined for mold damage and propagation. Additionally, high volumes of gas and spores produced by these colonies can create greater health risks. Large mold colonies also often have sister colonies in hidden places such as behind walls and above ceilings, making containment and full evaluation a much longer and more difficult process. From protecting your merchandise, customers, and employees to offering excellent service, we can unintrusively deal with mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties has the equipment and training to handle commercial mold damage of all sizes and intensities. For our fast and reputable service, give us a call at (912) 445-5190.

Commercial Flooding to a Crescent Restaurant

11/19/2016 (Permalink)

Crescent Restaurant Suffers a Flood

SERVPRO Services that Help Restaurants to Reopen Doors Quickly

Restaurants are some of the most commonly flooded businesses in America, as they are prone to some risk factors that can lead to significant water and flood damage year-round. Many restaurants are located near rivers, creeks, lakes, or shores, making them vulnerable to heavy rainfalls which cause banks to overflow. Restaurants also have high amounts of water usage as compared to other businesses, which can lead to more interior and clear water flooding than in other commercial establishments. Fortunately, SERVPRO knows how to get a restaurant's doors back open as quickly as possible after these damages, through a few key services.

Inventory and Stock Management
One of the most difficult tasks to accomplish alone after commercial water damage in Crescent is to take inventory of what has been lost, damaged, or left alone in the building. Everything from furniture to valuable kitchen equipment to food stock can be accounted for and should be, for insurance purposes. SERVPRO can help you to keep track of your losses and get proper repayment from an insurer after the event is said and done.

Rapid Restoration Services
We have access to a wide variety of powerful tools and machines to help accelerate the process of water removal and restoration, including high-powered air movers, water extractors, deodorizing foggers, UV sanitizers, and more. When used strategically, these machines help businesses to open doors quicker than expected after even the worst water damage.

Cohesive Teams and Helpful Policies
We strive to ensure that a restaurant owner understands the process of restoration and can talk to our teams and representatives. Also, our staff is assembled in a way that encourages cohesiveness and cooperation. This also extends to our "white collar" representatives, who can present documentation to insurance adjusters and regulators with maximum efficacy.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is a trusted local source of commercial repairs and restorations. Contact us at (912) 445-5190 for our help with your disaster in inconvenience.

Speedy Solutions for Water Damage In Crescent

10/26/2016 (Permalink)

Leaks Can Run Water Down Through Floors Increasing the Damage to a Crescent Home

Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, and Leaks Are All Better Served by SERVPRO

Homeowners who dwell close to the Georgia coast are often in the path of severe seasonal storms and flooding, without a doubt needing the fast and effective water damage restoration services we offer at SERVPRO. Our teams of highly qualified technicians arrive at your home quickly, assessing the damage and beginning development of a plan to restore your personal water damage problems. Even when many of your neighbors, local businesses and area infrastructure also sustain severe damage from high winds, pounding rains and storm surge flooding we focus on your needs, ensuring that your home’s structure, mechanical systems, built-ins, furnishings and personal possessions are returned to normal promptly.

When you are coping with water damage in Crescent, you do not want to get in line to have your home inspected and then wait for crews to find time to clean up and rehabilitate your property. Delaying investigation of your personal water damage challenges and waiting for restoration efforts for days or even weeks can result in irreparable harm to your house. Our locally owned company has access to a nationwide network of storm and water damage experts, pledged to increase our capacity to respond to any size disaster. Our Disaster Recovery teams support us as our community recovers from catastrophic events like hurricanes and tropical storms, allowing us to concentrate on your water damaged home sooner.

Successful water damage repair and restoration require an immediate response. SERVPRO will stop the rain or floodwater from entering your home, erecting temporary repairs if roofs, windows or walls have been breached. If structural repair is necessary, we will help arrange for it. We then will remove water in the most efficacious way possible, our powerful pumps and water extractors ridding your home of moisture before contamination from molds or sewage complicate the recovery. Our staff will then review your options for cleaning and drying the interior of the structure and contents so you can enjoy your home again soon. All items will be treated according to proper industry standards, our technicians following the protocols learned during intensive certification and continuing training.

You can rely on the expertise and focused attention of SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties when a water damage disaster affects your home. Call (912) 445-5190 24/7 assured that our crews will respond fast with the full capability of our community-based company and our partners.

From Minor Water Damage To A Biohazard In Pembroke

10/21/2016 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to Secure Your Biohazardous Problem to Your Pembroke Home

SERVPRO Conducts Biohazard Clean Ups in Pembroke Safely and Effectively

Every time you leave home, there is a risk of the wind, rain or storm damage bringing water into your dwelling. It is also possible a pipe could burst, or a water heater could leak 40 or more gallons of water into your basement or another level while you are at work or play. Initially, the water could be relatively clean, or it may be laden with fecal matter, creating some challenges beyond just drying out the areas. If you are away for several days unaware the water has seeped into every nook and cranny or is standing several inches high in your basement, however, your homecoming may be problematic. It could include not only wet walls, ceilings or floors but also rapidly spreading infectious growths that contaminate water and air. Mold, sewer backup and other contaminants can take hold in just a matter of days, and SERVPRO is ready to manage both the biohazards and the original water damage safely.

Dealing with the aftermath of water damage turned biohazard in Pembroke requires the expertise of a professional disaster restoration company. Our teams of technicians from SERVPRO are trained to investigate your water disaster with an eye to discovering secondary concerns from contamination of the affected areas because of overgrowths of molds and infectious organisms. We look sharp in our HAZMAT gear. If your home suffered water damage that was not handled immediately, we have the products and know how to control the hazardous infestation safely and by all local, state and other rules and regulations.

Sometimes when biohazards present a danger to other areas of your home or the air quality within your home, we will employ containment strategies. Depending on the level of risk we will construct areas within your home to manage the infectious waste problem (whether from Black Water from a sewer break or an unfortunate crime scene clean up) without allowing it to spread through the air or otherwise to the unaffected areas of your house. Count on us to remove and contain contaminated materials appropriately and dispose of them as mandated by law. This may include pumping the contaminated water into a holding tank and disposing of it in approved wastewater facilities. Our local team can trust on the assistance of affiliated SERVPRO restoration businesses if the challenge to return your home to its pre-loss condition is that great.

Far more than merely a water damage restoration company, SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is poised to handle even the most difficult biohazardous situation. Call (912) 445-5190 when your business trip or vacation ends with a tough biohazard crisis in your home before your bags are even unpacked.

Preventing Mold Damage in Homes: A Great Great Way to Prevent a Costly Problem

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Mold build up can spread quickly. Call professionals at SERVPRO to remediate ASAP!

Mold Removal is More Thorough with Professional Remediation

Both indoor and outdoor environments have mold, no matter where you go. Mold and spores are found during every season, and also in all climates. It is because of this that changes in humidity can create mold problems in homes. Outdoor mold growths are controlled naturally, most of the time, by the wind, which can dry it out, and by the sun, which can kill mold quickly. Indoors, without mechanical means to control humidity and other indoor environmental aspects, mold can quickly spread from one area to another, creating damage to your home. Before this happens, you need remediation.

Springfield homeowners can prevent mold damage by having excess mold removed from their homes. Complete removal of mold is not something that can be done, although some companies claim this. SERVPRO technicians will follow EPA guidelines while using protocols and procedures from IICRC to remove mold and spores from your home, both in the air and on surfaces within your home. Mold can easily enter your home through open windows, even through screens, on shoes, on clothing, in boxes and bags from shopping, and even your pets' fur coats. This is why mold elimination is not really possible. Control of the mold is possible, though, and we can teach you what will work best for your individual situation.

Mold damage can cause health effects for anyone, including healthy people; it can create damage to structural supports in homes, and also cause drywall to deteriorate. Mold damage is very costly. It can change a home's interior air quality for worse by spreading to other areas through the ducts in your heating or cooling system.

Remediation work removes problematic mold by scrubbing the air with special machines, and with the use of HEPA filters when vacuuming carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, air ducts, and anywhere else that dry mold spores might be located. Manual cleaning of mold growth, when indicated, is also a part of the process. When mold damage is found, porous materials need to be extracted and removed, and then replaced. If it is a hard and non-porous surface, cleaning is often sufficient. In the case of semi-porous items, cleaning and then sealing is often performed.

Letting mold grow until later can lead to expensive and more time-consuming repairs and restorative work needing to be conducted. Save time and money by calling SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties at the first sign of mold problems, before damage happens. We can be reached at (912) 445-5190, 24/7.

Hurricane Damage-Matthew

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Hard to Restore Order After Hurricane Matthew

SERVPRO Local and Our National Recovery Teams Help Recovery After Hurricanes

Hurricane damage is one of the banes of being a homeowner in a region that has seen many devastating storms. Preventative measures and purchases you can take to protect your home from hurricane damage completely are not possible, but still are critical. High winds, debris, storm surges, and flooding are all natural events that occur whether you have put up storm shutters, placed sandbags around your home, or other measures.

Storm damage in Savannah from Hurricane Matthew can be catastrophic when it first hits, but with the professional services led by our specialists at SERVPRO, we can help set your mind at ease as we remove the water from your home and begin the restoration process. We can also work directly with your insurance company for you!

What is a Storm Surge?
A storm surge is caused by the rising of the sea as a result of powerful winds associated with a storm event. A hurricane or tropical storm are the most common causes of storm surges in regions like Savannah, where abnormal water levels can be generated by a massive storm event. The five to seven feet of surge is stacked on top of the normal high tide mark.

Your home can be at great risk of a storm surge and unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent it during a hurricane. Storm surges can penetrate far inland from a coastline. In the past, Hurricane Ike produced storm surges in Texas and Louisiana coastal regions, moving inland nearly 30 miles in some locations. Hurricane Matthew was nearly 250 miles wide and traveled for over 3,000 miles along its path of destruction.

All living areas along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Coast of the U.S. are vulnerable to water damage caused by storm surges. The best thing you can do when anticipating a dangerous hurricane is to get out, listen to your local and federal officials.

The Safest Defense is Retreat
When expecting a dangerous hurricane, pay special attention to your local and county officials, and if an evacuation is suggested, it is best for the safety of you and your family to avoid the storm and impending water damage. If an evacuation order is mandatory, do not try to ride out the storm. Your home can be replaced, but your life and those of your family cannot.

Contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties at (912) 445-5190 at anytime, day or night. With our 24/7 Emergency Services, our staff is here to take your call if you have been affected by a recent hurricane or have experienced any water damage to your home. Our Emergency Response Network of SERVPRO franchises responds to natural disaster with teams, equipment, and know-how.

Preventative Tips to Combat Water Damage

10/10/2016 (Permalink)

Drips can be fixed by changing a washer or cleaning the screen. Call SERVPRO to remediate any water damage!

Household Maintenance Can Prevent Leaks and Subsequent Damage

Some of the top causes of water damage are surprisingly easy to avoid if you commit to making the proper checks and taking certain preventative measures. Did you know that easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners around 10% on their water bills? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that these common types of leaks (such as toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves) waste 90 gallons or more every single day in 10% of US homes.

Water damage in Pembroke does not have to affect your household. While not all water damage is avoidable by implementing preventative measures, most causes of water damage are.

SERVPRO knows just how distressing it is to waste water and pay high water bills due to leaks. This is why we have collected some tips below to help you avoid easily preventable issues that could lead to larger water damage issues.

Small Leaks are the Biggest Enemy
When a homeowner thinks of water damage, their thoughts turn to gushing water from underneath sinks and plumbing in the walls. However, it is often the smallest leaks that wreak the most havoc.

Drips
Nearly everyone has experienced a dripping sink from a bathroom or kitchen faucet. Changing out the washer inside of a leaking faucet and screwing the faucet head back on can stop many leaks from continuing. Replacing the faucet head entirely may be needed if the interior threading is causing the leak. Even if you require a new kitchen or bathroom faucet, you can find them rather cheap at your local home improvement store.

Sinks
Sinks can cause both slow drips from faucets or small leaks from the piping underneath. Water damage due to sinks cost homeowners an average of $7,000 per incident. That is a lot of money to spend on repairs. Instead, inspect the plumbing underneath the cabinets and sinks where the pipes are located. Also, check the hoses that bring the water up to each handle in the faucet (the hot and cold water hoses), for kinks in the plastic or copper pipes can have pinhole leaks that get worse over time. Feel the piping for possible corrosion, or if the plumbing is largely PVC, check around the connectors to make sure the connection is secure and leak free.

Watch Your Water Bill
An excellent way to check if you need to inspect all water pipes on your property, keep watch of your water bill and compare it to previous months as well as water usage from the past year. Significant increases that are unaccounted for can indicate a leak on your property or in your home. Homes that are 30 years old or older are 3 times as likely to have problems with plumbing and drains. Nothing is impervious to time and aging.

Contact Us
Contact SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties at (912) 445-5190. We are more than happy to take your call, answer any questions you have, and if needed, send a team out to handle your water emergency.

Fire Damage Calls for Professional Help

10/7/2016 (Permalink)

Crescent Smoke & Fire Damage Could Use the Help of SERVPRO

Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Fire Damaged Home

Dealing with fire damage at any level can be stressful and disconcerting. Even a small amount of harm will disrupt your daily life, and most likely mean you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay temporarily while your home is restored back to normal for safety reasons. It is good to know ahead of time, therefore, of a reputable restoration company who you can call in a time of crisis, such as SERVPRO.

Fire damage in Crescent never comes at a time that is convenient. However, understanding some things about the different steps of fire remediation is not difficult, and can help you to have a peace of mind when tragedy strikes. At SERVPRO, we’ll take you through all the steps before even beginning any work, and explain anything that you do not understand.

Loss from fire damage presents different challenges than regular repair and cleaning. The combination of the impact of intense heat, burning fire, smoke residues and moisture from firefighters creates an effect which will need various kinds of services from the fire restoration company, plus working together with licensed subcontractors and contractors.

Fire damage restoration services can be divided up into five categories:

Mitigation Services
The goal here is to secure your home and stop any more damage from occurring. Mitigation can include boarding up any openings and establishing a source of electricity that is temporary to your home. Structures which are wet from firefighting efforts will need emergency drying, so there is not any secondary water damage.

Structural Cleaning
When your home is damaged by fire, cleaning the structure will focus on getting rid of smoke residues from your home’s structural components and deodorizing odors which are given off by the residues. The adjuster and restorer will consult and advise you on which components can be cleaned and which ones will need to be replaced. All belongs are not always salvageable after a robust fire damaging event.

Contents Cleaning
Your personal property has to be cleared from the smoke residues. In some situations with fire, your things can be cleaned right on site. Sometimes, however, contents will have to be packed up and moved to a different location for cleaning and storage. These situations happen if your home is not secure or if it is too damaged for on-site cleaning to be done.

Specialty Restoration
Content restorers from SERVPRO will at times subcontract specialty cleaning of particular contents such as dry cleaning of clothing, cleaning of electronics, refinishing furniture and cleaning expensive artwork.

Reconstruction Services
In some cases, structural components can be damaged so much that they can’t be restored to a pre-loss condition. Reconstructing and repairing fire-damaged structural components might need different skills than standard home remodeling. A fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO usually performs cleaning services while licensed general contractors perform highly extensive reconstruction services. SERVPRO can clear away the debris, eliminate odors smoke, clean and wipe away soot "Like it never even happened."

Fire damage of any kind needs a professional touch. Call us at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh and East Liberty Counties when you have experienced a fire. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (912) 445-5190.

Preventing Hurricane Damage

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

Roof repairs can minimize water getting into your house during a storm. If water does get into your house, call SERVPRO quickly to remediate!

A Few Ideas to Consider to Minimize Potential Storm Damage

With their high winds and risk of flooding, hurricanes can cause a lot of damage to your structure. While you can’t control the weather, there are always some things that you can do to prevent hurricane damages from happening.

Maintaining Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home when you are talking about wind and hurricane damage. Once the roof is damaged, it can lead to even more damage throughout the rest of your home.

Because of this, it is essential to maintain your roof and have professionals check it regularly. This will mean ensuring there are no loose shingles, nailing down roof sheathing and making sure that the connection between the walls and the roof is tight to stop updrafts. Your roof maintenance company can do these things for you.

Keeping Trees Low
Large trees grown on your property can create a visual statement and be dramatic. However, this means that you are giving the wind a weapon as well with which to cause severe damage to your home. If a large tree blows over in a storm, this can go through your walls and windows damaging your property. Try to keep trees under a certain height instead, and you will have less to worry about if the winds pick up.

Consider Projectiles
Look around your yard and consider everything which could maybe be a projectile in heavy winds. This means that anything which is not nailed down can become a danger. Garden benches are common items for this, so position them in a way which will lower the likelihood of them causing damage. Other threats could include tools, barbecues, ornaments, toys, and rocks.

Doors and Windows
Do your best as well to protect doors and windows. If you live somewhere that has a high probability of storms, you can get permanent storm shutters. If you know that a storm is on its way, you can use plywood as a temporary solution. Also ensure that your windows are insulated well and if you have older windows, vibration on its own can be enough to make them shatter in some instances.

Preparing for Hurricane Damage
Even with the best preparation, no home is impervious to a severe hurricane, and you may have to deal with some hurricane restoration. There are some things you can do to prepare for this as well. First, make sure to have the number of a reputable hurricane restoration company in your phone so you can use it when needed.

Ensure that you also have the right insurance coverage for your home and your belongings. You will then be able to get the restoration services you need without having to pay out of pocket.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is the hurricane restoration company you are looking for. Our trained professionals are ready at all times to come to your property and properly assess the damages and begin remediation so you can get back to a normal way of life as soon as possible. Call (912) 445-5190.

3 Reasons to Leave Biohazard Cleanup to the Pros

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Be safe, call SERVPRO for emergency biohazard cleanup!

Certified Technicians are Trained to Deal with Biohazard Emergencies

Most people don't think they'll ever have the need to deal with a biohazard, but it's surprisingly common. Should your home ever become the site of a crime scene, traumatic accident, or fall into distress and be in need of severe cleaning, you'll be put in the situation of figuring out what to do next. While some homeowners think it's perfectly fine to attempt cleaning up a biohazard on their own, that's actually the worst thing to do.

Properly and safely cleaning up biological waste and dangerous materials requires expertise and the proper equipment. If you're facing a biohazard emergency in Springfield, you're probably wondering how to get your home restored and back to normal. Here are just a few reasons why going the do it yourself route isn't best in this situation.

1. Advanced cleaning equipment is needed. Trying to tackle a biohazard cleanup with regular household cleaning supplies and tools is not only inefficient but doing so will not properly disinfect your home. At SERVPRO, our staff is trained to get rid of all traces of biohazards, including those that you can't see.

2. Your safety is important. Especially in the case of a biohazard scene that contains blood, human waste, or animal waste, preventing the spread of disease is important. Our technicians use specialized protective gear that allows us to handle biological emergencies and trauma scenes without exposing ourselves to risks.

3. Disposing of the waste requires special care. Sometimes we have to use an incinerator or autoclave during a biohazard cleanup, but the waste can't simply be put into your garbage can. Things that become contaminated or ruined by a biohazard emergency have to be disposed of so that no one is exposed to any health risks, and specific permits are required to dispose of and transport biohazard waste.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties has a team of professionals who can handle your restoration emergency, even in the most extreme situations. To get a quote or learn more about our biohazard cleanup services, call us at (912) 445-5190.

Water Removal Professionals Save You Stress and Money

8/5/2016 (Permalink)

Springfield Damage is Mitigated By Fast SERVPRO Water Removal

SERVPRO's Fast Water Removal Limits Damage and Inconvenience

When you experience an emergency like flooding due to a storm, a burst pipe or water used to put out a fire, a sewer backup, malfunctioning appliances, or other rising water events, we are here to help you! After the water has inundated your home or business, let us remove the water and get your structure back to full restoration. If you don't act immediately to begin mitigation of affected soaked areas, this can cause secondary damage resulting in loss of possessions and increased expenses. Our professional and IICRC certified specialists are experienced in handling water extraction, restoration, mold remediation and more.

Through our water removal in Springfield and restoration processes, you can trust us to return your home or business to a safe and dry environment. Standing water in the foundation of a building can cause severe damage and an unhealthy environment. SERVPRO will pump and remove the water with the aid of advanced drying equipment. Our technicians, after corporate and franchise ECTP, Employee Certification Training Program, run this heavy duty equipment.

Infrared cameras, moisture detectors, and other meters seek out and measure even the smallest trace of hidden moisture. Powerful submersible pumps and industrial strength wet/dry vacuums can tackle wet carpeting, drywall, flooring and more to prevent further damage, mold and odor causing bacteria. Our truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

If warranted, we may use antibacterial, antimicrobial, or disinfectant treatments. We will also remove and dispose of damaged materials in coordination with you and your insurance adjuster. For your claims process, SERVPRO will also work with your insurance in managing the insurance paperwork and process.

We are an important part of the Georgia community, and we want the best for our residents, which is why our technicians are courteous and kind. With our experience, we will recommend the quickest way to remove water and restore your home or business. Through our restoration process for water removal, we know that prompt action is required with any amount of standing water to prevent the formation and growth of mold and mildew in your home or business.

For water damage restoration you are in need of, call SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties. We will provide you with an emergency service that is immediate and professional. We want to re-establish your home or business to a pre-loss condition "Like it never even happened." (912) 445-5190

How to Prevent Future Mold Damage in Your Home

8/1/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Remediates Mold Damage in Darien

Mold Damage Can Be Remediated by the Professionals from SERVPRO

Once rooted in a home, mold colonies can be difficult and sometimes expensive to remove. Many homeowners have their personal horror stories related to mold damage and their home, but most often, these can be avoided with proper precautionary measures. Safeguarding your home against mold before it ever gets a chance to strike is a matter of no little importance, and you should be aware of the factors that can lead up to mold damage, and account for them before they become a problem. Here are a few ways to keep your home free of most mold growth in the future.

Never Let Water Accumulate
One of the most common causes of mold damage in Darien homes is the accumulation of water. When water is allowed to pool and gather in a particular part of the home, it may facilitate mold growth due to persistent dampness. This happens in bathrooms, particularly in older buildings, as they may lack drains or have persistent and unnoticed leaks. Mopping up and removing excess water from a room is important, and you should never just assume that the water will evaporate on its own.

Make Sure Food is Sealed and Disposed Of Safely
Left-out food is a relatively common source of significant mold growth in homes, as even though the food may not be strictly left out in the open, mold can get into many types of containers unless they are fully and properly sealed. A good example of this is potato chip bags. Many people will simply roll or fold them up before placing the bag back on its shelf, but mold spores can still find their way in and start up a nasty colony. Consider buying consumer-grade food sealants for everything in your fridge and pantry; they may save both your food and your home.

Always Have Leaks and Water Damage Professionally Repaired
Many mold colonies form from water damaged regions that are not properly cleaned up and repaired. In the event of a long-term leak or significant water damage all at once, hiring a professional company like SERVPRO helps to ensure that the area is properly dried and secured against future mold growth. We use industrial-grade equipment specifically for this purpose, so that wetness in your home won't lead to another call about mold weeks down the line.

SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties is committed to helping residents out of crises related to fire, mold, and water damage whenever disaster strikes. If you've encountered any form of mold damage to your home, don't hesitate to call us at (912) 445-5190 for 24/7 emergency service.

Fire Damage and What to Do After the Fire Truck Leaves Your Home

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

Rincon Fire Damage Can Be Restored and Repaired By SERVPRO.

Contact SERVPRO to Fix Your Fire Damage

When a homeowner sees the fire truck leave their home after extinguishing a fire, it’s not uncommon for the owner to ask the question, What’s next? Since this kind of devastation can leave the owners head spinning, it may be difficult to make the wisest decisions, especially based on the knowledge that they have acquired over the years. Also, if this is the owners first experience with dealing with a home fire, they may be confused and stunned. Fortunately, there are resources available that can assist a homeowner with getting through these hours with as little as disruptions and discomfort as possible. By calling SERVPRO, a representative will arrive with the knowledge to provide home owners with a comprehensive plan to restore their property to its original pre-loss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Services – 24/7
Because a fire can occur in a home at any time of the day or night, it is important that the family can get the help that they need without any unnecessary delays. In fact, once the fire truck leaves the property, it is essential that the owner and their family know how to respond to minimize this devastating situation of fire damage to their Rincon home. For instance, the windows and doors should be boarded up so that intruders cannot enter the home and cause additional damage or begin to take away items that were not damaged by the fire. This is why we offer emergency services to the owners that contact us, especially so we can help with taking the appropriate actions, while also devising a plan. Additionally, because no job is too small or too big, our technicians are trained in developing a customized plan to fit your situation.

Highly Trained Experienced Professional Restoration Technicians Even if a homeowner has dealt with fire damage in the home before, they can still use the help of a professional. This is because fire damage must be handled by trained experienced professionals that know how to restore the home to its pre-fire condition. For instance, when a fire occurs in the home, there are a wide variety of damages remaining. One of the most common involves extracting all of the water that the firefighters used to put out the fire as quickly as possible, specifically so that the family does not have to deal with mold or mildew growing in their home. Another part of the clean-up process deals with smoke damage. While some areas of the home may not show any visible signs of fire damage, the smoke and soot from the fire can circulate to unaffected rooms. The SERVPRO fire & smoke remediation technicians, FSRT, certified by the IICRC and in-house training, use specialized equipment to remove the smoke from the carpeting, draperies, flooring, walls, ceilings and other areas that have been affected. Ozone machines, air scrubbers, and several types of foggers help to limit this kind of smoke and soot damage.

When firefighters pull away from a home after a fire, the homeowner is tasked with the job of cleaning up and getting the home back to a pre-fire condition. To ensure the clean-up process is handled correctly, the owner will need to solicit help. Because our technicians are highly trained in fire restoration cleaning up services, we can assist you with doing a thorough job before occupying the home again. So, for help with fire damage in your home, contact our SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties franchise at (912) 445-5190 today.

Water Damage Requires Professional Clean-Up Now to Prevent Problems Later

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tip: Prevent Water Damage in RIchmond Hill--Turn Off Your Water Main When on Vacation

SERVPRO Offers Professional Water Damage Cleanup

Many people clean their homes prior to leaving for vacation. They also make sure that all the lights are off, and then also check that all windows and doors are locked securely. Many otherwise careful people fail to shut off the water line at the outside of their home during their pre-vacation preparations. Many times, nothing comes of this, but when it does, the water damage can be substantial.

Water damage in Richmond Hill that results from a broken water line, no matter where the break or leak is located, can cause damage throughout your home. This damage may not only spread across the floor or down the inside of a wall space but from one floor to lower levels, increasing the amount of damage your home experiences.

Vacationing is Only Temporary and So Should Any Water Damage, if You Call for Professional Assistance
Upon returning from vacation, homeowners whose home has been water damaged while they've been away are in for a not-so-pleasant surprise. Shutting off the water should be the first thing done if it can be safely accomplished. Standing water can pose an electrical hazard if electrical outlets or wiring are immersed in the water. If you are not sure about your safety, you should have professionals complete the shut-down the electricity prior to shutting off the water. Everyone should remain clear of the water to be safe.

After the flow of water has been stopped, mop up the existing water using absorbent towels or mops and empty buckets. Dump these outside to keep drains inside your home from becoming clogged by any debris that may be in the water. Because water can infiltrate porous materials like drywall throughout your home, it is tough to remove completely. The structurally water damaged area must have the standing water extracted first. If this is not done properly, warping and deterioration of walls and other structures in your home can quickly occur. Then the absorbed moisture and humidity in the interior environment must be mitigated to acceptable levels. If not, this can lead to not only dangerous structural problems but also the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause health effects in your family members over time.

What We can do For You
Our professionals are trained in not only the removal of water that can cause damage to your home's interior, but we have training in the IICRC approved drying techniques that are designed for maximum efficiency. After cleaning-up and extracted all of the water, we will begin the drying process and take note of any damage that needs to be restored or repaired. Cleaning-up will continue with removing any debris that is left over from repairs, as well.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh & East Liberty Counties are experienced in responding to water damage emergencies such as ruptured or frozen water lines, and we can respond quickly. We are available 24/7 so call us at (912) 445-5190 for not only fast service but also professionalism and experience.

House Cleaning

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

Here are some great house cleaning tips!

Grilling Safety Tips

6/3/2016 (Permalink)

Here are some great tips for staying safe while enjoying your summer cookouts!

Hurricane Season is Here!

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for a hurricane??The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The areas covered include the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.The National Weather Service defines a hurricane as "an intense tropical weather system with well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher."Here are some helpful links to get you prepared in case of a hurricane:https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

Summer Fire Safety

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Follow these simple tips to help you and those you love stay fire safe this summer season!

• Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

• Enjoy outdoor celebrations and cookouts, but remember to keep a 3-foot “safe zone” around grills and campfires.

• Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn.

Knowing when you need a professionals help!

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

When? You always need a professional! We will come to your home or place of business for free to give you our professional advice!

Why? Our professionals are held to the highest standard and want to make sure your home or business is properly restored!

Got Water Damage? Here’s When and Why You Need a Specialist

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (912) 445-5190

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