Tips to Keep Your Carpet Looking Beautiful

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Carpet is a popular flooring option for many homes, but it requires proper care to keep it looking new. Here are some tips to help you properly care for your carpet:

1. Vacuum regularly - Regular vacuuming is essential to remove dirt, dust, and other particles that accumulate in the fibers of your carpet. This will help to prevent the buildup of dirt, which can cause damage and fading over time.

2. Spot clean spills immediately - Spills and stains can quickly ruin the look of your carpet. It is important to act quickly to remove any spills before they have a chance to set into the fibers. Blot the spill with a clean cloth, then use a stain remover specifically designed for the type of stain.

3. Use a carpet protector - A carpet protector is a spray that you can apply to your carpet to help prevent spills and stains from setting in. This can be especially helpful if you have children or pets in your home.

4. Have your carpet professionally cleaned by SERVPRO- Professional carpet cleaning should be done at least once a year to remove deep-seated dirt and grime. A professional cleaning will also help to refresh the look of your carpet and remove any allergens or pollutants that may be present.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your carpet stays looking new and fresh for many years to come.

Remember to Check Your Fire Extinguisher!

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

It is important to regularly check fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers are a crucial part of fire safety in any building, and it is important to regularly check them to ensure they are in good condition and ready to use in the event of an emergency. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences, including the spread of fire and injury to occupants. 

First and foremost, it is essential to check fire extinguishers for expiration. Fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan and must be replaced after a certain period of time to ensure they are still effective. An expired fire extinguisher may not work properly or could even fail to discharge, putting lives and property at risk in the event of a fire. Checking the expiration date of fire extinguishers is a simple process, and can be done by reading the manufacturer's label or checking the serial number against a database.

It is also important to check fire extinguishers for damage. Fire extinguishers can be damaged in many ways, including physical impact, exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, or prolonged exposure to moisture. A damaged fire extinguisher may not work properly, or could even become a hazard if it leaks or discharges unexpectedly. To ensure fire extinguishers are in good condition, it is important to regularly inspect them for any signs of damage, including dents, corrosion, or cracks.

Checking fire extinguishers for expiration and damage can also help to maintain compliance with fire safety regulations. Failing to check fire extinguishers can result in penalties and fines, and could even lead to legal liability in the event of a fire.

Regularly checking fire extinguishers can also save time and money in the long run. By ensuring fire extinguishers are in good condition, businesses can avoid the cost of replacement or repair in the event of a failure. It can also minimize the risk of fire, reducing the potential for property damage and liability.

Checking fire extinguishers for expiration and damage is an important aspect of fire safety and should not be overlooked. Regularly checking fire extinguishers can help ensure they are effective, maintain compliance with fire safety regulations, and save time and money in the long run. 

Always Hire a Professional for Water Mitigation

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a serious problem for homeowners and businesses. If not addressed quickly and effectively, it can cause significant damage to a property, as well as create health hazards such as mold growth. Hiring a water mitigation company can help you address these issues and minimize the damage caused by water.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider hiring a water mitigation company:

1. Expertise: Water mitigation companies have the expertise and equipment necessary to quickly and effectively remove water and dry out a property. They know how to identify and address the source of the water damage, and they have the tools and equipment necessary to extract water and dry out the affected areas.

2. Time-saving: Water damage can cause significant disruption to your life or business, and it's important to address it as quickly as possible. A water mitigation company can help you get your property back to normal as soon as possible, by quickly identifying and addressing the source of the water damage and getting to work on removing the water and drying out the affected areas.

3. Insurance: Many insurance companies require that you use a professional water mitigation company when making a claim for water damage. In addition, a professional company will have the necessary paperwork and documentation to support your claim and make sure that you get the maximum benefit from your insurance policy.

4. Safety: Water damage can create a number of safety hazards, including the risk of electrocution if electrical wiring is submerged in water. A water mitigation company will take the necessary precautions to ensure that the property is safe to enter and work in, and they will take steps to prevent further damage and hazards, such as mold growth.

5. Professionalism and accountability: Professional water mitigation company will have the proper licenses and certifications, they are trained and equipped to handle the situation. They are accountable for the work they do, and they will provide you with detailed documentation of the work they performed and the condition of your property before and after the work was done.

Hiring a professional water mitigation company, like SERVPRO, can help you address water damage quickly and effectively, minimize the damage to your property, and ensure that your insurance claim is handled properly.

Fire Safety in the Workplace

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

Workplace fires are a serious concern for all employers and employees. They can cause extensive damage to property and put lives at risk. Unfortunately, workplace fires are more common than many people realize, and there are a number of common reasons why they occur.

One of the most common causes of workplace fires is electrical malfunctions. This can include everything from overloaded outlets to frayed wires and faulty electrical equipment. It is important to have a regular inspection of all electrical systems to ensure that they are functioning correctly and to identify any potential hazards.

Another common cause of workplace fires is unattended equipment. This can include things like coffee makers, space heaters, and hot plates that are left on for an extended period of time. It is important to turn off all equipment when it is not in use to reduce the risk of fire.

Improper storage of flammable materials can also be a contributing factor to workplace fires. This can include storing chemicals, fuels, and other flammable materials near sources of ignition, such as heat sources, sparks, and flames. It is important to store flammable materials in designated areas and to follow proper safety procedures.

Careless smoking is another common cause of workplace fires. This includes leaving smoking materials unattended, such as cigarette butts, and failing to dispose of them properly. Designated smoking areas and proper disposal methods can help to reduce the risk of fire caused by smoking.

Finally, human error can also be a factor in workplace fires. This can include things like leaving open flames unattended, failing to properly use fire extinguishers, and not following proper evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. Regular training and education can help to prevent fires caused by human error.

In conclusion, workplace fires can have devastating consequences and it is important for employers and employees to understand the common causes of these fires and take steps to prevent them. Regular inspections, proper storage of flammable materials, careful smoking practices, and education on proper fire safety procedures can help to reduce the risk of workplace fires.

The New Age of Textile Cleaning

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

State of the Art Cleaning System

As the SERVPRO name has become synonymous with the best in restoration and cleaning services for your home or business, the Esporta® name represents the best in textile cleaning. This amazing system is the biggest breakthrough in washing technology in nearly thirty years. What makes this system so radically different and more effective than previous machines? The secret lies in the combination of a patented system of hydraulic pressure paired with a combination of specifically blended detergents to target each item. This allows you to clean a wider variety than ever before, ranging from soft textiles to hard goods. If you are like most people, you probably have no idea about the history of washing machines so allow us to enlighten you. 

The first automatic washing machine was introduced by Bendix in 1937. The machine introduced by Bendix was the first to use a drum and agitation to clean. Amazing as it may seem, this has remained the principle of all washing machines even in today’s time. These systems continue to work for families as a means of everyday laundering, but it can’t handle the challenges of the cleaning and restoration industry that require a much deeper cleanse due to severe damage from severe situations. The Esporta® washing system consists of five main factors that set it apart from traditional cleaning methods. First, the Esporta system utilizes hydraulic pressure as opposed to traditional agitation. This removes both organic and inorganic compounds and is proven to result in 99% efficacy. This method also reduces wear and tear on the fabrics so that your items may be returned to you in the ways they looked when they were first purchased. Secondly, the items are held stationary in each compartment of the machine while water and detergents are forced through, allowing for cleaning of a wide range of textiles/items. Third, the system uses a four-stage detergent process. This provides for a pH neutral washing environment, preserving the color fastness and fabric strength. Next, the water is typically stabilized at room temperature, eliminating shrinkage or damage to the fabric which is major in the restoration of your textiles. The last portion is the drying process which for a lot of people is the trickiest part when doing their own laundry. We are proud to say that we have designed and built a customized low heat drying chamber that works by gently drawing moisture out of the items. This prevents damage resulting from heat or tumbling that would happen in a traditional dryer. 

We used our Esporta® cleaning system to help out a local high school football team. Our Esporta® cleaning system to clean football equipment of shoulder pads.

Not something you would typically hear about, but there is so much that this system can clean. Have items you feel have no hope in restoring? Give us a call and we might change that narrative for you! 251-343-0534.

Creating a Fire Safety Escape Plan for your Family

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

3 tips from American Red Cross on teaching your children a fire safety escape plan.

Did you know it only takes a little under two minutes for a home to become completely engulfed in flames? Fire can spread quickly throughout a structure and the smoke that precedes it can become deadly for your family extremely fast. It is crucial that you create an escape plan for your family should you find yourself in the situation of a fire. Practicing it often to ensure that you make it out of the fire safely no matter how unlikely you may think it is for it to happen to you. The saying “better safe than sorry” applies directly to a situation like this. 

The first step in creating your plan is to draw up a grid of your home. Having a visual map of your home allows you to know all possible exits should you need to try more than one. The National Fire Protection Agency has a free downloadable resource to help you get started. Click here to be taken to their website. Next, establish all exit points including both windows and doors mark exactly where they are. Discuss them together to make sure all members of your family know where they are. If you have a multi-level home with bedrooms on the top floors, you should invest in escape ladders that attach to the windows. If you have small children, practice their escape routes frequently and make sure that they are familiar with the sound of the smoke alarms and know what it means. Doing this could save lives. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the idea and are not sure where to start, you can also try this link to find a free downloadable plan that can be specific to your family to get you started!  

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we are experts at fire restoration, but even we cannot always save everything when it comes to fire. There is no “restoration” when it comes to your life, so we want to help you stay safe and have a plan in place. We never wish for disaster to come, but if it does, we would much rather restore and replace your home because your life is irreplaceable.  

How to Protect Your Pipes

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these steps so that your pipes do not end up looking like the ones above.

12/3/2021 

While cooler weather may be scarce here in lower Alabama, it does not mean we are in the clear for winter weather mishaps. If you are anything like a lot of people in our area, you are under the impression that since our temperatures do not drop very low that your pipes will not freeze. Unfortunately, that ideology is far from true. If you do not know what happens when pipes freeze, you can click here to check out this article from Live Science. Spoiler alert though, the pipes will burst and that is exactly what you do not want to happen. A burst pipe can cause various issues of water damage in your home. While SERVPRO of Mobile County can help with water damage and restoration, we want to help you avoid it at all costs.  

An article from State Farm discusses that there are three central causes as to why pipes freeze. You can view that article here.  

Causes of Pipes Freezing  

1. Quick Drop in Temperature 

1. Thermostat Set Too Low 

1. Poor Insulation 

In order to avoid a pipe or pipes bursting, there are a few things that homeowners can do to protect their pipes. The most common tip people typically try is the first option listed below. Having a flow of warm or cold water will help the pipes to not freeze. This option is a solid one, but there are other avenues to explore as well that are listed below: 

Ways to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing 

1. Let Cold or Hot Water Steadily Drip  

• Preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Doing this when the temperature drops will prevent pipes from freezing. 

1. Seal Leaks 

• You may find air leaks around dryer vents and pipes, or around electrical wiring. Search and locate any leaks that will allow cold air to get in. Once located, seal the leaks diligently with either caulk or insulation. 

1. Open Cabinet Doors 

• This simple concept can have a bigger impact than you may realize. Opening the cabinet doors allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes that may be under sinks or near appliances located near exterior walls.  

1. Insulate Pipes 

• This is an especially ideal option because it is great for homeowners to do that live in areas that are uncommon for freezing temperatures to happen. 

1.  Adjust the Thermostat 

• Consistency throughout the day and night is key for reducing the likelihood of your pipes freezing. This is the opportunity for the ‘thermostat police’ to put a lockbox on it with the rule to not touch the thermostat. This is their free pass!  

Hopefully you will consider implementing these tips in your own home. It will surely help the odds to be in your favor. If you are the type of person who prefers a visual example on exactly what to do, check out this video on how to prevent frozen pipes.  

If you do, however, find yourself in the event that your pipes do freeze, and they do unfortunately burst, we are here to help. When and if that were to happen, that is when you call us, SERVPRO of Mobile County at 251-343-0534. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is our hope that in this type of instance, you will not need our services. However, if you find yourself in the situation that you do need us, you know where to find us.  

Holiday Fire Safety

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to make sure you know everything to do to prevent your turkey from going up in flames.

Did you know that house fires during the holiday season are more frequent, more costly, and more deadly than at any other time of the year? 

Don't let your holidays go up in smoke! Make sure you are taking the necessary precautions before cooking your bird for the holidays. 

Whether it is fried or baked, turkey is always a staple of many family holiday feasts across the nation. Almost always it is the centerpiece of a home cooked meal made with love and lots of preparation. It is vital to make sure when preparing to cook your delicious bird, that you take caution of the necessary steps of cooking to prevent a house fire. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires in the United States. We do not want your family to be added to the list this year to become an unfortunate statistic. First and foremost, it is very important to invest in a few fire extinguishers and keep them easily accessible in your kitchen. Maybe under the kitchen sink in the cabinet, or in your pantry. While the hope is that the turkey does NOT catch fire, we want to make sure that you are prepared if it does. Shopping for things like fire extinguishers can be overwhelming. Check out this blog on picking a fire extinguisher to help you learn what you will need. Not sure where to get one? Visit your local Lowe’s or Home Depot to find exactly what you need! If you are unsure when and how to use a fire extinguisher, check out our blog on exactly how to. 

In order to avoid the tragedy, you want to be sure to never leave your stove unattended and keep loose fabric away from burners. Things like your kitchen towels, oven mitts, paper towels, or even a bag/purse away from the stove. It is also important to know that you should never fry your turkey indoors under any circumstance. 

Frying turkeys has become an increasingly popular method of cooking and along with it comes an increased risk for fire. Here are some tips for how to safely fry your bird:

• Always be sure to fry your turkey outside.
• Place your fryer on a stable, level surface.
• Make sure the fryer is far away from flammable items and your home.
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying.
• Check the temperature of the oil often to prevent overheating.

For more tips on how to safely fry a turkey, visit the US Fire Administration website, by CLICKING HERE. 

It is our hope that taking these measures will completely prevent a kitchen fire from occurring in your home this holiday season, but if it does, SERVPRO of Mobile County will be glad to help in any way possible to help you pick up the pieces and get your kitchen back to its original glory. "Like it never even happened." 

Finding Hidden Damage

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

A visible example of water damage coming through a ceiling.

Finding Hidden Water Damage in Your Home or Business in Mobile, AL 

11/8/2021  (Permalink) 

Thinking about water damage, you may visualize a pipe bursting and spraying everywhere, but some damages are not always dramatic as that would be. Water damage occurring in your home or business is not always visible. Believe it or not, a lot of times the most costly and significant water damage situations are those that you are not even aware are happening… 

Slow dripping pipes underneath cabinets or walls, a hole in the roof allowing a leak into the attic, or a refrigerator along the wall can all cause extensive damage because they are not visible while occurring. If you cannot see the water slowly leaking, it can go on for extended periods of time before any damage becomes noticeable.  

Water damage that occurs in hidden spaces may go unnoticed for extended periods of time and lead to secondary damages such as mold growth. 

While we know it can be difficult to catch, we want to make sure you have the knowledge of how to prevent a minor problem from becoming a major one. If not located and mitigated in a timely manner, mold may begin to grow. Here are a few warning signs of concealed water leaks: 

• Water accumulation in unusual locations. 
• Discoloration of ceilings or walls. 
• Changes in the texture in your flooring (warping, buckling, expansion or sinking). 
• Strange odors may indicate growth due to the moisture problem. 

If you suspect a moisture issue at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Mobile County.  

Our IICRC Certified Water Restoration Technicians have the skills and equipment to locate any moisture issues quickly and easily within your home or business. Listed below are commercial grade devices we use to detect moisture: 

• Flir Infared Thermal Imaging Camera 
• Tramex Non-Penetrating Meter 
• Delmhorst Penetrating Meter 

It is our mission to help you in your time of need. We pride ourselves on our ability to get in and get out. "Like it never even happened." 

Preventing the Thanksgiving Plumbing Nightmares, Mobile AL

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

After the plumbing leak has been repaired and you're left with water everywhere, call the trusted leader, SERVPRO of Mobile County to finish the job.

Thanksgiving Plumbing Preparation Tips for Your Home

November is finally here, and with it comes Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is that wonderful Thursday in November where family gathers and great food is eaten. It's a festive holiday with an abundance of family traditions from parade watching, hours of football, and traditional preparations of the Thanksgiving Feast. With all the cooking, visiting family and friend members, your plumbing will be tested to its max. Thanksgiving is the most popular US holiday for family gatherings, but did you know it is the single busiest day of the year for plumbers? In fact, plumbing problems spike by 50 percent the day after Thanksgiving — and it’s no doubt why. With all the feast preparations, shower taking and toilet needs can really put a strain on your house hold pipes. When your plumbing is clogged with food or even hair, the potential for water damage is at an all-time high. There are some Thanksgiving plumbing prep tips to help you though. Water damage isn't 100% preventable but being cautious and taking care of your plumbing are great ways to reduce your chances of water damage.

Thanksgiving Kitchen Preparation Plumbing Ideas

The kitchen is the central gathering place for preparing all the  festive delights and treats. It’s is where all the food is prepared and cleaned up afterwards. The kitchen is also where one of the biggest plumbing mistakes can happen. Garbage disposals are fantastic devices that can churn up a lot of scraps in a short amount of time, but they are also delicate and unfortunately, they can turn into a massive headache on Thanksgiving. If you use the garbage disposal as your sole means of food disposal, chances are you're going to break it.

There are a lot of foods that you should never put down the disposal, including:

• Potatoes Peels
• Food like celery and lettuce (stringy texture)
• Non-edible items like grease, oil, bones, and eggshells

The garbage disposal has a hard time breaking down these types of foods, which in turn can cause an issue such as a blockage, breakage, and leak. Most people don't always use the garbage disposal correctly, leading to obstruction and potential damage. The proper way to use the garbage disposal is to:

• Turn on the faucet, allowing the drain to fill with water before you put food into it.
• Turn on the garbage disposal until food is gone.
• After you turn the disposal off, let the water run for a moment longer to prevent the waste from clogging the drain.
• Use cold tap water to not promote overheating with hot water.

Thanksgiving Bathroom Preparation Plumbing Ideas

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is the one day of the year you're expected to overeat, which means your bathroom is overused. If your home is going to be filled with guests, make sure your stock bathrooms with easy flushable toilet paper and keep on hand fresh cotton hand towels.

Thanksgiving Plumbing Preparation Tips after the Plumbing Failure

If you took all or none of these Thanksgiving plumbing prep tips, and you've got a plumbing problem leading to a water loss, your first step should be to call a plumber to stop the water. But you also need to take care of the water itself, so your next action needs to be calling a water restoration company like SERVPRO of Mobile County.  A little bit of water can cause a lot of damage, and water damage is the second most common insurance claim filed by homeowners. If something leaked or gushed onto your floors or walls, SERVPRO of Mobile County will perform mitigation and restoration. Click here to find some resourceful steps on what you can do until help arrives.