Call SERVPRO of Mobile County After Any Storm

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

We are ready to help 24/7.

In the aftermath of a storm, the emotional toll can be just as overwhelming as the physical damage to your home or business. At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we understand the heartache and distress that come with seeing your cherished spaces in disarray. Our commitment goes beyond restoration; it's about helping you regain a sense of normalcy and peace.

When the winds howl and the rain pours, your sanctuary can be turned into a battleground. The memories and aspirations tied to your property can seem threatened. It's in these moments of vulnerability that our highly trained and empathetic team steps in. Our technicians are not just experts in storm damage restoration; they're compassionate individuals who recognize the value of every item and every corner of your space.

Choosing SERVPRO of Mobile County means entrusting your storm-damaged home or business to a team that genuinely cares. Your space is more than just walls and floors; it's a part of you, and we're here to help you rebuild both physically and emotionally.

National Preparedness Month

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month and is the best time to review with your family and employees. *Make a Plan *Build a Kit

Disaster Preparedness – Know Your Risks, Be Prepared

When it comes to being prepared, one of the most important steps you can take is to familiarize yourself with the type of disasters that are most common in your area.  For example, here along the Gulf Coast, we know that there is always the chance we could see a tropical system during hurricane season.  We got a vivid reminder of that with the arrival of Hurricane Sally and Hurricane Zeta in Summer of 2020.  Sally slowly meandered her way in our direction and left a path of destruction throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties.  As she sat over us for hours with howling winds and pounding rain many residences and commercial properties suffered extensive damage.  

From wind and rain to flooding, being prepared for catastrophic storms is the best step you can take to protect your family and your property.  And the best time to educate yourself and prepare is BEFORE disaster strikes. Before the storm, you should put together a disaster supply kit and emergency plan.  On your property, be sure to remove damage trees and branches and secure loose gutters.  Have alternative charging methods for devices that require power. You can learn more about hurricanes and being prepared by CLICKING HERE to visit Ready.gov.   

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we also offer a free service to create an emergency plan for your business.  Call us at 251-343-0534 today to schedule a consultation to get your Emergency Ready Profile!

Youth Preparedness- Teaching them to be Ready!

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Youth Preparedness – Teach them to be ready! 

We talk a lot about what we can do as adults to prepare for the unexpected.  When it comes to natural disasters, it is important that everyone understand why it is so important to be ready…even kids and teens!  Each year an estimated 66.5 million children are affected by some type of natural disaster. In 2012, FEMA developed the Youth Preparedness Council to engage young leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness.  This year FEMA, the Department of Education and the American Red Cross held a National Summit on Youth Preparedness.  The summit focused on how schools can help promote preparedness, how students best learn preparedness skills and how different countries around the world are helping youth prepare and respond to various emergency and disaster situations.  So, what can you do at home to help your children be better prepared?  There are some great resources at Ready.gov and Youth.gov to help you get started.  Everything from planning and fact sheets to fun, interactive games for kids are at your fingertips.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, our storm team understands the importance of proper preparation.  We hope you too will take a little time to make sure you are adequately prepared and “ready for whatever happens”.

How Do You Prevent Mold In Your Home?

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to hear that they have a mold issue in their home.  Unfortunately, the circumstances that cause mold growth can be unavoidable.  Mold likes to lurk in hidden space, such as wall cavities, behind appliances or baseboards.  Often a hidden link an be the source of the mold issue.  You may not even realize you have a problem until you call in the experts.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, our IICRC Certified team members have extensive experience in dealing with mold remediation.  Our warm humid environment encourages rapid growth and a small problem can become a large issue very quickly. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to minimize the possibility of mold growth in your home. 

• Perform an audit on your home and check for areas that hold moisture or collect condensations.  Visit your local home improvement store to find a wide range of products that can help protect those areas.  
• If you experience a water damage, make sure to have wet areas dried completely by a professional restoration service as quickly as possible. 
• Install proper ventilation, especially bathroom areas, to prevent mold growth. 
• Monitor indoor humidity.

If you are concerned about mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Mobile County today at 251-343-0534 today to schedule an inspection.  

What to Do After A Storm?

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we talk a lot about storm preparedness and what you can do to protect yourself and your property. 

What to do after the storm passes?

What happens after the storm though, if your home or business does suffer damage?

• First, we want you to know that our teams are ready to roll out as soon as it is safe to help those affected. 
• Our crews move in to the hardest hit areas and begin a triage process to assess damage, so that we can begin the cleanup process.
• Our project managers evaluate the impact and create a custom job plan based on each individual situation. 
• We pride ourselves on fast response in order to mitigate the damage. Each scenario is different and we know that one plan of action does not suit all. Depending on a number of factors, the first steps may include
  • tarping structures (if necessary)
  • ripping out affected materials
  • setting up fans
  • setting up dehumidifiers to begin the drying process. 

By starting the mitigation quickly, we are able to help our clients reduce costs and prevent further damage. No matter what happens, know that SERVPRO of Mobile County is always here to help our customers after the storm clouds have cleared!

What Matters Most After the Storm Clears?

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we feel blessed to be a part of the national network that makes up our Disaster Recovery Team.  It has been our honor to serve with SERVPROs from around the country to help so many in the wake of devastating natural disasters.  Since joining the Disaster Recovery network in 2012, we have been able to assist in cleanup efforts following Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Michael, Hurricane and the floods in Baton Rouge, Houston and so many in between.  We know that what we do means so much to those that we help, but it means so much more to us.  The human connections we have made during these situations are permanently etched in our memories and our hearts.  These people, who are going through the hardest of times have given us beautiful reminders of the strength of the human spirit.  We were truly humbled by the tenacity, the courage and the optimism that we witnessed.  Being part of storm team has helped us more than those that were in need.  It has been a great reminder of what matters most! 

What is the SERVPRO Disaster Storm System?

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Living here along the Gulf Coast, we are all familiar with natural disasters and the havoc they can wreak.  We have seen the fury of hurricanes, bringing with them damaging winds, flooding rains and rising waters.  After the storm has passed and the clouds have cleared, everyone moves in to cleanup mode.  But with such widespread damage affecting so many, who do you call to help?  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have developed a strategic process and triage system to ensure that we are there to help when you need it most.  At the local level, we have developed standard operating procedures to ensure that we are ready to roll and help our customers quickly.  We work closely with all insurance companies to make sure that we get your life back on track as soon as possible.  We have the manpower, the training, and the resources to make it "Like it never even happened."  In the event of a catastrophic situation, such as a hurricane or other natural disaster, we also have a highly trained system of back up support to ensure we are there for our clients. Our national network includes over 1,900 strategically located franchised, trained and certified in storm cleanup.  We come together to set up mobile command units where we can dispatch crews to assist in our efforts and ensure nobody is left waiting.  Our commitment to being the best in the industry is unwavering and we are always “Here to help”® when you need it most.

Are You Prepared For Hurricane Season?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Historical hurricanes that devastated Mobile, Alabama in the 20th century

When a major storm is coming, stay informed by following NOAA Weather radio or your local news channels for updates. In addition, make sure to obey all orders if requested to evacuate by the authorities. Follow these 10 hurricane and storm preparation steps to keep your home and loved ones safe before disaster strikes.

1. Make a plan
   If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.  
2. Secure the exterior
   Trim large trees and shrubs and bring all outside patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys indoors. If necessary, secure outdoor sculptures with burlap or blankets tied with rope.  
3. Install storm shutters
   Protect windows, doors and skylights with appropriate shutters or impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection.  
4. Check wall hangings and art
   Make sure wall hangings are secure and take notes about your art collection and any existing damage. Make sure that art hung on outside walls are taken inside, and elevated off the floor. Click here for more tips on how to help protect your art and other valuables from severe storms, winds, and floods.  
5. Move your cars
   Move cars to higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas.
6. Power up
   Fill your car’s gas tank, charge your cell phone, test your generator and have plenty of fuel ready in case of power outages.
7. Unplug appliances
   Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.
8. Store important documents
   Keep important documents, such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers and insurance policy information, as well as valuables such as jewelry, in a safety deposit box or in a bolted safe in an interior closet in your home.
9. Prep an emergency kit
   Gather flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
10. Identify a shelter room
    This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house with no windows. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.

Check out this quick video of historical hurricanes that devastated Mobile, Alabama in the 20th century!

Alabama Enters Tornado Season, Are You Ready Mobile, AL?

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

March is the beginning of Spring Tornado Season that runs until the end of May. Over the past 70 years, March is the second busiest month of tornado activity in Alabama. Tornadoes are terrifying and can often be devastating events in our communities. Damage caused by tornadoes to your home or office can be overwhelming, but the recovery process of where to even start can be a dauting task.  However, there are steps that you can take towards recovery and our teams at SERVPRO of Mobile County are ready to help along the way. There are steps that should be taken right after the storm passes, and other steps to take down the road when it is time for repairs and cleaning.

• Protect your family and loved ones
• Protect your various properties
• The clean up, recovery and repair

Now is the perfect time, to double check your Emergency Safety Kits. Fresh Batteries, working flashlights, portable weather radio and copies of current insurance policies are important items and documents to have readily available in a commonly know spot in your home or office. 

No matter what the weather challenges us with this Spring, SERVPRO of Mobile County is here and ready to help you with every step of the way. We are available 24/7 and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

https://mynbc15.com/news/local/alabama-enters-tornado-season

Disaster Preparedness - Know Your Risks, Be Prepared

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Familiarize yourself with the disasters that most frequently affect your area and crate an emergency kit and disaster plan.

When it comes to being prepared, one of the most important steps you can take is to familiarize yourself with the type of disasters that are most common in your area.  For example, here along the Gulf Coast, we know that there is always the chance we could see a tropical system during hurricane season.  We got a vivid reminder of that with the arrival of Hurricane Sally on September 16, 2020.  Sally slowly meandered her way in our direction and left a path of destruction throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties.  As she sat over us for hours with howling winds and pounding rain many residences and commercial properties suffered extensive damage. 

From wind and rain to flooding, being prepared for catastrophic storms is the best step you can take to protect your family and your property.  And the best time to educate yourself and prepare is BEFORE disaster strikes. Before the storm, you should put together a disaster supply kit and emergency plan.  On your property, be sure to remove damage trees and branches and secure loose gutters.  Have alternative charging methods for devices that require power. You can learn more about hurricanes and being prepared by CLICKING HERE to visit Ready.gov.   

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we also offer a free service to create an emergency plan for your business.  Call us at 251-343-0534 today to schedule a consultation to get your Emergency Ready Profile!

Youth Preparedness - Teach them to be ready!

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

We talk a lot about what we can do as adults to prepare for the unexpected.  When it comes to natural disasters, it is important that everyone understand why it is so important to be ready…even kids and teens!  Each year an estimated 66.5 million children are affected by some type of natural disaster. In 2012, FEMA developed the Youth Preparedness Council to engage young leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness.  This year FEMA, the Department of Education and the American Red Cross held a National Summit on Youth Preparedness.  The summit focused on how schools can help promote preparedness, how students best learn preparedness skills and how different countries around the world are helping youth prepare and respond to various emergency and disaster situations.  So, what can you do at home to help your children be better prepared?  There are some great resources at Ready.gov and Youth.gov to help you get started.  Everything from planning and fact sheets to fun, interactive games for kids are at your fingertips.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, our storm team understands the importance of proper preparation.  We hope you too will take a little time to make sure you are adequately prepared and “ready for whatever happens”.

What to Do After Hurricane Sally Passes in Mobile County?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Downtown Mobile Water Mitigation after Hurricane Sally.

Hurricane Sally made landfall as a Category 2 storm in Baldwin County on September 16, 2020. Normally, Mobilians aren't phased by a simple storm, but Hurricane Sally has decided that she likes the area and is going to hang out for a bit. Excessive rainfall and incessant winds can lead to flooding and wind damage. Once the storm passes and residents are able to assess their homes and businesses, you may find that you have experienced damage. The next question is, what should you do if you have any storm damage?

Call SERVPRO of Mobile County at 343-0534

Upon arrival, we will assess your needs and walk you through the entire process, from mitigation to complete restoration.  We are the local mitigation restoration company here in Mobile County, and part of the elite SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team.

National Preparedness Month

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, having a plan in place can help protect your family and your property.

National Preparedness Month

Each year, September is recognized as National Preparedness Month.  This month is geared towards encouraging family and community disaster planning not just for the month, but throughout the entire year.  The theme for 2020 National Preparedness Month is “Disasters Don’t Wait.  Make Your Plan Today.”  Each week, a different subtopic will be emphasized. 

• Week 1: Make a Plan - Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster.
• Week 2: Build a Kit – Gather supplies that will last you a few days after a disaster for everyone in your home.
• Week 3: Prepare for Disasters – Know the risks of disasters for your area and check your insurance coverage.
• Week 4: Teach Youth about Preparedness – Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do if you are separated.

The goal of National Preparedness Month is to make sure everyone has the tools and resources they need to be prepared for a natural disaster.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we pride ourselves on always being ready for emergencies and we want to make sure that you are prepared too.  Having a plan in place can minimize damages associated with storms and keep you and your family safe. CLICK HERE to be taken to Ready.gov where you will find valuable resources and tools to help you create a preparedness plan.  We can also help your business prepare for disasters with our FREE Emergency Ready Profile.  Call us at 251-343-0534.

Are You Covered?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to your homeowner’s insurance policy sometimes it is hard to know exactly what to look for when checking your coverage.  Many times, the average consumer doesn’t consider all the variables and the multitude of “what if’s” that could occur and cause damage to their home. SERVPRO of Mobile County wants to help you make sure you are covered BEFORE disaster strikes.  One of the most common areas of gaps in coverage can occur in water loss situations.  An overwhelming majority of policies do not provide coverage for flood damage that is incurred from “rising water”.   This term is how most insurance companies will differentiate whether water damage is covered under the policy.  Rising water would be determined to be flood damage and most often only covered if you bought an additional flood policy.  Other water damage that would be covered would be water that filled the home as the result of a collapsed roof, broken windows etc.  If you aren’t sure of what your homeowner’s policy covers, we strongly encourage you to contact your agent today and ask questions. 

Choosing a Storm Restoration Company

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

When storm damage strikes, call the Storm Damage Experts at SERVPRO of Mobile County.

Like Mother Nature herself, natural disasters are unpredictable and unavoidable.  When disaster does strike it can be stressful and overwhelming.  As the storm clears and the cleanup begins there is much to be done.  The first thing you must decide as a homeowner is what restoration company you will use.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have responded to a multitude of storm situations and we want to help you be prepared should you ever face such a decision.  From flooding to fire, you should first make sure that the company you choose has the skillset to handle any situation. 

• First and foremost, they should be able to coordinate with insurance companies and know how to work directly with them.
• Next, make sure the company you choose has experience in dealing with storm situations. SERVPRO has a national network of franchises that has undergone additional training and certification to become part of the Storm Response Team. 
• Make sure they offer a range of services from water and fire to reconstruction and mold remediation. It is much easier to deal with one contractor that can handle it all.
• Finally, make sure they are IICRC Certified Firm and that they adhere to all OSHA and EPA guidelines in regards to mitigation/remediation work.

SERVPRO of Mobile County is a dedicated member of the Storm Response Team and we know how to handle it all!  If you ever experience a catastrophic situation, give us a call at 251-343-0534.

Storm Prediction Models

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to predicting storms during Hurricane Season, technology has definitely come a long way in giving us advance notice to prepare.  In years past, those in areas that could be affected would patiently wait for the news to release the latest updates and carefully plot the course on paper “hurricane tracking maps”.  Thanks to modern technology, we can now get updates every few hours and simply look at the maps and projected path on our smartphones.  We now have much more advanced notice of when and where a storm may strike, although nature is never 100% predictable.  There are several models when it comes to predicting the projected path of a storm.  Have you ever wondered which model is the most reliable or exactly what factors affect their predictions?  The truth is the accuracy of one specific model has not been proven and typically a number of models are used to outline the projected path.  This is where the term “cone of uncertainty” has come into play.  Using several model forecasts, those most closely aligned are used to outline a “cone” or path that is most likely.  Despite all the advances in hurricane and storm prediction, Mother Nature can still be unpredictable.  Your best bet is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.  Having an emergency plan in place is the best defense against the unexpected.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have years of experience in handling the aftermath of all types of storm situations.  We are always Here to Help^® should you need us!  For more information on storm prediction models CLICK HERE to be taken to the NOAA Hurricane Center.

Roof Tarping in Mobile, AL

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any type of storm damage, we have you covered!

During a severe storm, high wind, falling trees or hail may often affect the integrity of your roof system.  In addition to structural concerns, shingles are often displaced which can lead to secondary damage if not remedied quickly.  Following the storm, you want to be sure to assess your roof and contact a professional right away to prevent secondary damage to the interior of your home.  If you are filing an insurance claim it may take some time to get your adjuster on-site, especially in a catastrophic storm situation.  In the meantime, you will want to make sure that your home is protected from the elements.  SERVPRO of Mobile County offers emergency roof tarping installation as part of our line of services.  Our professional, licensed Construction Services division have the training and the experience to safely and securely handling your tarping needs.  After disaster strikes, you shouldn’t have to worry about additional damage while waiting for inspection and repairs.  Call SERVPRO of Mobile County…we are always Here to Help^® with your emergency tarping needs, any time of the day or night!

Saharan Dust - What is it?

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

The Saharan Dust Plume is actually an annual occurrence that takes place each summer.  This cloud of dust known as the Saharan Air Layer develops off the coast of Africa when powerful winds from thunderstorms push dust and sand from the vast Saharan Desert up many thousands of feet into the atmosphere.  The dust gets caught in the trade winds and travels up to 4,000 miles making its way to the U. S.  The most significant effects will be seen here along the Gulf Coast as the dust plume is pushed into the Gulf of Mexico.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we are always ready for the catastrophic effects of hurricanes and other weather events.  Luckily, the Saharan Dust Plume doesn’t bring with it any dangers of property damage.  Impacts are mostly seen along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico and include a whitening of the sky during daylight hours, redder sunsets and decreased air quality.  

Storm Quadrants

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

When there is a hurricane in the Gulf, all eyes are watching the path that it takes.  We make our preparations and follow the track as it sets sights on its target.  However, did you know that some of the roughest weather and destruction may not fall on the bullseye, but rather to the east of it?  While the structure of the hurricane can be broken down in to three parts (eye, eyewall, outer region), the storm is broken out into quadrants.   When looking at a storm and drawing a line directly perpendicular and horizontally through the eye you have the left front, right front, left rear and right rear quadrants.  Each quadrant has unique characteristics regarding the type and strength of storm conditions it brings with it.  The front left quadrant sees the largest storm surge while the front right quadrant brings the most significant impact.  The back left quadrant is the weakest but still dangerous, while the back right quadrant will see the strongest winds and gusts.  No matter what portion of the storm your area falls into, it is important to be prepared.  Nature is unpredictable and having your emergency kit together could minimize damage and protect your property and your family.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we are experts in storm cleanup and we will always be ready should the unexpected strike.  After the storm clears, we are Here to Help^® when you need us!

Building Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

With hurricane season in full swing, the time to begin your preparations is now.  You can not fully prevent damage from storms; but having a plan in place can help to minimize damage and protect yourself and your family.  It is important to have an emergency kit already prepared so that you are not scrambling at the last minute to find supplies.  According to Ready.gov, Your kit should include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

With what is projected to be a very active season, it never hurts to be ready for whatever Mother Nature may throw our way.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we are always ready for the unexpected and we will be Here to Help^® you through every step of the recovery process! 

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2020

4/26/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season is just around the corner and that means it’s time once again to make sure you have a plan in place before disaster strikes.   Luckily, National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 4-9 to promote emergency planning and deliver all the tools you need to be “Ready for whatever happens.”  Each day during Hurricane Preparedness week the focus will be placed on a different aspect of preparation. Topics covered this year are:

• May 3 – Know Your Hurricane Risk
• May 4 – Know Your Evacuation Zone
• May 5 – Assemble Disaster Supplies
• May 6 – Prepare Financially
• May 7 – Strengthen Your Home
• May 8 – Help Your Neighbors
• May 9 – Make and Emergency Plan

To get started on your plan, you can visit the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) where they have tips and quick links to a number of helpful resources.   For even more information on organizing a disaster preparedness strategy, CLICK HERE to be taken to the Red Cross website.

Preparation is key to minimizing damage when a catastrophic event strikes, however it can’t prevent it all together.  Rest assured that SERVPRO of Mobile County will be here to help you every step of the way should you experience a storm loss.  As part of the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Network, we have travelled all over the country to help those affected by a wide variety of storm situations.  We have the experience and resources to help with any job.  Nothing is too large or too complicated for us to manage.  We can also help BEFORE the storm with our FREE Emergency Ready Profile service.  Call us at 251-343-0534 for more information.

Building a Fortified Home

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Building a new home can be a big undertaking.  There are so many variables to consider and if you have never built a home before, you may not know where to start.  One of the first things that you may want to consider is what level of fortification you want to include in your home to protect it from catastrophic events.  Living here along the Gulf Coast, we know that hurricanes are an unavoidable peril.  How your home is constructed may mean the difference between minor damage and complete devastation.  There are now universal building codes that may make your home more resilient in the face of a storm.  You may even receive discounts on your homeowner’s insurance based on which construction standard you choose for your new home.  Building codes may vary from state to state and this can lead to inconsistencies in the ability of a structure to bear the force of a major storm.  In 2010, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed the FORTIFIED Home to create a uniform, hazard specific standard to alleviate these discrepancies and make new homes more resistant to severe weather.  The program includes three levels for homeowners to choose from based on their needs.  The Gold standard ties the entire house together by tying the roof to the walls, the walls to the floor and the floor to the foundation.  This means the entire structure functions as one seamless system.  Silver requires additional fortification to the roofing system and the windows.  The Bronze level addresses only the roof.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have seen first hand the devastation that a natural disaster can bring with it.  If you are building a home, we would encourage you to do your research and make sure your home has the most protection possible.  You can’t predict the future, but you can be ready!  If you want to learn more about the FORTIFIED Home, CLICK HERE To visit the IBHS website.

Keeping Your Keepsakes

9/1/2019 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes and Mother Nature unleashes her fury, she leaves a trail of destruction in her wake.  We have all seen the images of demolished homes and businesses, but have you ever thought about what we don’t see?  In a storm event, it is not always just the structure that is affected, but often what is inside of it as well.  Can you imagine having all your personal belongings damaged by water, often polluted by all matter of contaminants.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we are always Here to help® with the structure AND contents restoration.  Depending on the category of the water loss (categories set by the IICRC based on the contamination level of the water) and the item affected we will determine what is salvageable and work our magic to make it “Like it never even happened”.  We have added state of the art technologies to our cleaning arsenal, including the Esporta washing system, to improve our ability to clean and restore soft contents.  Our restore versus replace mentality can greatly minimize storm losses and help you keep your keepsakes!

Hurricane Categories

9/1/2019 (Permalink)

Along the Gulf Coast we are all too familiar with hurricanes.  Most of us have seen at least one in our lifetime and know the devastating effects that they can have.  Depending on the size and scale of the storm these effects can be lingering and the rebuilding process lengthy.  That is not to say that small storms still can’t cause extensive damage.  Here at SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have even seen summer thunderstorms bring about torrential flooding and a whole slew of problems.  Statistics will show however, that the larger and more powerful the storm, the more pervasive the damage left behind in its wake.  Do you know how hurricanes are categorized?  Hurricanes are rated based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  It has categories ranging from 1-5 based on the hurricane’s sustained wind speed.  This scale estimates the potential damage that will be left behind based on the hurricane’s configuration.

• Category 1 – Wind Speed 74-96 mph
• Category 2 – Wind Speed 97-110 mph
• Category 3 – Wind Speed 111-129 mph
• Category 4 – Wind Speed 130-156 mph
• Category 5 – Wind Speed 157 mph or higher

No matter what category the storm falls in to, SERVPRO of Mobile County wants you to always be prepared.  For disaster preparedness tips, CLICK HERE to be taken the American Red Cross’ website. 

Most Common Types of Storm Damage

9/1/2019 (Permalink)

Snowplow on the streets of Chicago following the Polar Vortex. SERVPRO of Mobile County crews traveled to Chicago to help those impacted.

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we talk a lot about our storm response and disaster restoration services, but that can encompass quite a variety of damages.  There is no way to prevent the unforeseen havoc that nature can wreak, but knowledge can help you be better prepared.  So, what is the most common types of storm damage? 

• Flooding is the most common and extensive form of storm damage annually. Even during tropical storm/hurricane events, flooding from rising waters causes more damage than the high winds.
• Hail Storms
• Snow Storms
• Hurricanes
• Ice Storms
• Lightning
• Tornadoes

Although there is no way to prevent when or where many of these events will strike, you can research the best ways to prepare your home for the most common events in your area.  For more information on our storm restoration services, call us at 251-343-0534.   

The SERVPRO System

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Living here along the Gulf Coast, we are all familiar with natural disasters and the havoc they can wreak.  We have seen the fury of hurricanes, bringing with them damaging winds, flooding rains and rising waters.  After the storm has passed and the clouds have cleared, everyone moves in to cleanup mode.  But with such widespread damage affecting so many, who do you call to help?  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have developed a strategic process and triage system to ensure that we are there to help when you need it most.  At the local level, we have developed standard operating procedures to ensure that we are ready to roll and help our customers quickly.  We work closely with all insurance companies to make sure that we get your life back on track as soon as possible.  We have the manpower, the training, and the resources to make it "Like it never even happened."  In the event of a catastrophic situation, such as a hurricane or other natural disaster, we also have a highly trained system of back up support to ensure we are there for our clients. Our national network includes over 1700 strategically located franchised, trained and certified in storm cleanup.  We come together to set up mobile command units where we can dispatch crews to assist in our efforts and ensure nobody is left waiting.  Our commitment to being the best in the industry is unwavering and we are always “Here to help”® when you need it most.

Hurricane Forecasts

8/18/2019 (Permalink)

As we move forward in to Spring and Summer, hurricanes are at the forefront of our thinking her along the Gulf Coast. At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we stress the importance of preparing for disaster before it strikes, but how do weather experts exactly predict those disasters?  The NHC (National Hurricane Center) is responsible for predicting the formation and intensity of storms in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins around North America.  They predict storms based on data from a variety of resources including satellites, reconnaissance aircraft, ships, radars, buoys and other land-based platforms. Once a hurricane becomes a threat to land, it is monitored U. S. Air Force and NOAA hurricane aircraft.  These forecasts are important to help those in the storm’s potential path make preparations and evacuations if necessary.  For more information on how you can be Ready for Whatever Happens® click here to be taken to the official National Preparedness website.

Storm Response - Nebraska

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

In March of 2019, the crews at SERVPRO of  Mobile County once again packed up and headed out to help those affected by Mother Nature’s fury.  This time, we ventured to Nebraska and Iowa to help residents begin the recovery after catastrophic flooding occurred.  A rare confluence of circumstances came together resulting in the epic floods.  An extremely cold winter caused a buildup of ice and snow, as well as frozen impermeable ground layers and thick ice covering the waterways.  A round of storms and warm weather rapidly melted the snow and ice producing enormous runoff in short periods of time.   River ice broke into giant chunks, crashing into and compromising dams, levee systems and packing together to further jam waterways.  It was an unbelievable combination of events, with each new one causing further problems.  This “bomb cyclone” left behind more than $1.3 million in damages.  In addition to roads, dams and other infrastructure it is estimated that more than 2,000 homes and nearly 400 business were damaged.  Our prayers go out to all of those affected as they begin to rebuild.  We were honored to serve you.

Global Warming and Flood Forecasts

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Global Warming and Flood Forecasts 

Despite the torrential summer thunderstorms, we are accustomed to and the risk for tropical activity, Alabama doesn’t make the top 10 when it comes to states most at risk for future flooding.   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently published a report detailing the risk of flooding for each state due to effects of global warming.   Sea levels have been rising over the last century due to warming ocean temperatures and melting land-based ice.  The ramifications of this could include an inundation of coastal flooding; however, Alabama isn’t among the states that bear the greatest risk.  This is because changing rain and snowfall patterns could also increase the risk of inland flooding.  So what states could be affected by the influence of global warming?  The top 10 most at-risk states as reported by NOAA (in rank order) are:

• Florida
• Louisiana
• California
• New Jersey
• New York
• Virginia
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Georgia

For more information on climate change and its impact on flooding, visit NOAA’s website by CLICKING HERE.  Remember, if you are ever impacted by a flood, SERVPRO of Mobile County is always just a phone call away.  We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you with your water damage situation!

Out of the Blue

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

When the dark clouds roll in and thunder begins to boom, we all know it's time to take cover.  As a rule, we have always been told, “if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.” You might think that you could never be struck by lightning on a beautiful blue-sky day, but this is a fallacy.  The first thing to note is that there are different types of lightning. The most common type of lightning is what we would expect.  It is “cloud to ground” lightning that you would see when those dark storm clouds appear.  However, this is another lesser known phenomenon known as “positive lightning”.  About one in twenty cloud to ground lightning bolts is positive lightning.  These bolts originate in the tops of positively charged storm clouds and reverse the charge of typical lightning bolts.  These bolts are far stronger than your typical lightning and can stretch out across the sky to strike nearly 10 miles from the origin of the storm. Although rare, this means that you could be struck “out of the blue”.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we want to help you be more informed about all extremes of severe weather that you can encounter.  Be aware of the weather conditions in your general area, not just directly above.  To stay informed about current weather conditions, you might want to consider downloading a weather app on your smartphone or device.  There are loads of resources out there.  For more information on recommended weather apps, CLICK HERE.

Water Spouts and Tornadoes

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are a common component of severe weather and they can bring immense destruction with them.  Living in a coastal community, the threat of tornadoes is less than other regions of the nation, but with so much water surrounding us, waterspouts are a common occurrence.  So, what’s the difference?  Are water spouts just a tornado over water?  To truly understand waterspouts, you must first know that they are broken down into two different categories. There are fair-weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. Tornadic water spouts start from intense rotating thunderstorms and these are the most dangerous but fortunately, the least common.  Fair weather waterspouts spring from slow moving developing storms and occur much more frequently.  Both require high humidity and a warm water temperature to develop. It is important to remember that waterspouts can move over land and become a tornado. Alternately tornadoes can move from land to water and become waterspouts.  Waterspouts are most common from late spring to early fall.  If they do move over land they can still cause damage, though in general, not as extensive as a tornado that has developed over land.  They are generally weaker by the time they reach land.  If you are impacted by storm damage, SERVPRO of Mobile County is always “Here to help”.  Contact us any time of the day or night at 251-343-0534.  

Wind Coverage

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Most of us take out a homeowner’s policy when we purchase our home.  We often assume that everything is covered, but that is a misconception.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we want to help you be better informed when it comes to protecting your home.  There are many situations that aren’t covered by your average policy.  Many homeowners don’t realize this until the damage has been done.  In addition to flood and mold coverage, wind damage is often an additional rider that you must add to your policy. Even if your policy does cover wind damage that can be attributed to a natural disaster, there may be stipulations such as the age of the roof at the time of the event.  It is important to know that each insurance carrier covers wind damage differently and it is important to discuss with your agent exactly what your policy covers.  If you experience roof damage during a storm, call SERVPRO of Mobile County. We can help with temporary tarping until the restoration process can begin.

Let Us Handle the Worry

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

After a catastrophic storm event, you may feel like your life is in shambles.  It can be overwhelming, stressful and confusing.  Where do you begin to pick up the pieces?  That is where SERVPRO of Mobile County can help!  We have vast experience in handling storm situations.  As part of SERVPRO’s national Disaster Recovery Team, we have traveled all over the country to help those in need.  Not only does this mean we are experts in triaging damage and quickly creating plans of action, but we are familiar with the insurance process as well.  As a preferred provider for numerous carriers, we know what they want and how to get the job done quickly. We will take the burden off you by acting as an intermediary between you and your insurance company for any claims that are covered.  We also know that many flood claims resulting from storm situations may not be covered by insurance. We are here to help you through those situations too.  When it comes to disaster recovery, SERVPRO of Mobile County wants to help you when you need it most.  Let us handle the worry for you, so you can get your life back on track faster.

Lightning and Fire

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

It doesn’t have to be a catastrophic event to cause catastrophic damage!  We all know that the weather here in Mobile can turn on a dime.  This means that strong thunderstorms, with damaging winds and lightning can pop up on a moment’s notice.  These storms often cause extensive damage especially when they are loaded with lightning.  On average over 22,000 residential home fires are reported each year due to lightning strikes. These fires account for an average of nine deaths and nearly $451 million in property damage each year.  The good news is that there are things that you can do to protect your home from lightning strikes.  Click Here to find out how to protect your investment, and remember, should you ever experience a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Mobile County is always Here to Help.®  We are available 24/7 to take care of your fire restoration needs!

Staying in the Know with SERVPRO of Mobile County

8/19/2018 (Permalink)

Severe weather can come out of nowhere.  Here in Mobile, we are all too familiar with forceful pop up thunderstorms that can strike at any time, especially in the summer.  How do you stay ready?  Watching the weather while you are getting ready for the day, doesn’t always keep your prepared.  With today’s technology there are a wide variety of ways to receive notifications and SERVPRO of Mobile County wants to make sure you are “Ready for whatever happens”.  If you have your email linked to your mobile device and receive up to the minute notifications, this may be a great option for receiving severe weather alerts.  If you are like many of us and don’t want to have to think emails when you aren’t at work, text messaging may be a better choice.  Text messages area a great way to make sure you receive alerts.  Just always make sure to go to your device settings and allow notifications.  If you set your phone to do not disturb during certain hours, make sure that text message notifications from your platform of choice are set to allow.  As far as what service you use, the options are almost limitless.  From local news stations to national outlets such as NOAA and apps such as Weather Underground, the best thing to do is try them out and stick with the one that works best for your needs.  For a listing of services that offer severe alerts via email and text, you can visit weather.gov by  CLICKING HERE.

What is a Hurricane?

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

A hurricane is defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as “a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 mph hour or greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes.”  A cyclone is “a storm or system of winds that rotates about a system of low atmospheric pressure, advances at speeds of 20-30 mph and often brings heavy rain.”  This means that a hurricane is always a cyclone, but a cyclone is not necessarily a hurricane.  A cyclone can also be a typhoon or a tornado.  Cyclones that occur in the North Atlantic, Caribbean and northeastern Pacific are known as hurricanes.  The most active tropical-cyclone basin in the world is the Northwest Pacific and when these storms occur there, they are known as typhoons. In the Indian Ocean and South Pacific they are simply referred to as cyclones.  No matter what they are called, they can all bring about devastating effects and SERVPRO of Mobile County wants you to know we will be Here to Help.®  As a member of the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team, we have countless hours helping those affected by catastrophic events.  From fires to floods and even hurricanes, we can handle it all!

After the Storm

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

We will be here to help you through each step of the way.

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we talk a lot about storm preparedness and what you can do to protect yourself and your property.  What happens after the storm though, if your home or business does suffer damage? First, we want you to know that our teams are ready to roll out as soon as it is safe to help those affected.  Our crews move in to the hardest hit areas and begin a triage process to assess damage, so that we can begin the cleanup process. Our project managers evaluate the impact and create a custom job plan based on each individual situation.  We pride ourselves on fast response in order to mitigate the damage. Each scenario is different and we know that one plan of action does not suit all. Depending on a number of factors, the first steps may include tarping structures (if necessary), ripping out affected materials and setting up fans and dehumidifiers to begin the drying process.  By starting the mitigation, we are able to help our clients reduce costs and prevent further damage. No matter what happens, know that SERVPRO of Mobile County is always here to help our customers after the storm clouds have cleared!

Hurricane Preparedness

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Are you prepared?

The flowers are blooming, the air is thick with humidity and pollen and school is just about to be out for the summer, you know what that means???  Well for us here along the Gulf Coast, it means it’s time to start thinking about hurricane season! Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 with the height of the season falling around the middle of September.  Even though our minds are more focused on barbecues and beach trips, it is best to go ahead and create a plan so that you are fully prepared if Mother Nature turns her fury our way. If you aren’t sure of where to begin, there are lots of resources out there to help you find your way.  A great place to start is Ready.gov and RedCross.org.  These sites will help you create a supply list, communication plans and even design an evacuation plan should it be necessary.  If you own a business, you can contact SERVPRO of Mobile County to create an Emergency Ready Profile. This is a free service that compiles vital emergency information, photographs of crucial shutoffs, and contacts into an easily accessible app form.  Residential customers, you can create your own ERP by visiting clicking here.  Having a plan in place can help you minimize damage and recovery times!

Ready for Whatever Happens

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, our job is all about being “ready for whatever happens.”  Our whole business is driven by and centered around emergency situations.  From small water leaks to large catastrophic storms we have a plan in place to ensure our clients are taken care of quickly and efficiently.  September is National Preparedness Month and it serves as a great reminder of the importance of having an emergency plan in place.  You should always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.  Although it is our business, many people don’t think about making emergency preparations for their home and family until it is too late.  SERVPRO has partnered with the Red Cross to provide resources to help you get your plans in place. For even more resources and tips, you can also check out https://www.ready.gov/september.   Nobody can predict the future, but they can prepare for the unexpected.  Having a plan in place can ensure safety and help you recover faster!

Disaster Preparedness

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season officially runs June through November.  As everyone’s thoughts turn to hurricane preparedness during this time, we want you to know that your local SERVPRO is ready for “whatever happens”.  We have worked extensively to develop advanced response systems, to ensure that we are always “faster to any size disaster”.  Our highly trained team members are ready to move 24/7 to help when it is needed most.  In the event of catastrophic situations, we have a team of over 1600 franchises that make up our Disaster Response Network.  They can provide support and added resources to help us aid clients in the event of a natural disaster.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have seen it all and we know that being prepared is the first step in minimizing damage to your home or business.  The first step is to develop an emergency plan for your property and have all the supplies on hand to ride out a storm and the aftermath.  Also make sure you have nailed down any evacuation plans and set up a family communication plan should you happen to get separated during a storm.   If you own a business, call us today to set up a consultation for your FREE Emergency Ready Profile to reduce damage and minimize down time. 

Ready for Whatever Happens

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of North Mobile County, our job is all about being “ready for whatever happens.”  Our whole business is driven by and centered around emergency situations.  From small water leaks to large catastrophic storms we have a plan in place to ensure our clients are taken care of quickly and efficiently.  September is National Preparedness Month and it serves as a great reminder of the importance of having an emergency plan in place.  You should always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.  Although it is our business, many people don’t think about making emergency preparations for their home and family until it is too late.  SERVPRO has partnered with the Red Cross to provide resources to help you get your plans in place. For even more resources and tips, you can also check out https://www.ready.gov/september.   Nobody can predict the future, but they can prepare for the unexpected.  Having a plan in place can ensure safety and help you recover faster!

Why SERVPRO of Mobile County is the Leader in Storm Recovery

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

Living here along the Gulf Coast, we are all familiar with natural disasters and the havoc they can wreak.  We have seen the fury of hurricanes, bringing with them damaging winds, flooding rains and rising waters.  After the storm has passed and the clouds have cleared, everyone moves into cleanup mode.  But with such widespread damage affecting so many, who do you call to help?  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have developed a strategic process and triage system to ensure that we are there to help when you need it most.  At the local level, we have developed standard operating procedures to ensure that we are ready to roll and help our customers quickly.  We work closely with all insurance companies to make sure that we get your life back on track as soon as possible.  We have the manpower, the training, and the resources to make it "Like it never even happened.”  In the event of a catastrophic situation, such as a hurricane or other natural disaster, we also have a highly trained system of back up support to ensure we are there for our clients.  Our national network includes over 1700 strategically located franchises, trained and certified in storm cleanup.  We come together to set up mobile command units where we can dispatch crews to assist in our efforts and ensure nobody is left waiting.  Our commitment to being the best in the industry is unwavering and we are always ready to help when you need it most.  

What Matters Most- STORM

8/20/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we feel blessed to be a part of the national network that makes up our Disaster Recovery Team.  It has been our honor to serve with SERVPROs from around the country to help so many in the wake of devastating natural disasters.  Since joining the Disaster Recovery network, we have been able to assist in cleanup efforts following Hurricane Sandy and the floods in Baton Rouge, Houston and Kansas.  We know that what we do means so much to those that we help, but it means so much more to us.  The human connections we have made during these situations are permanently etched in our memories and our hearts.  These people, who are going through the hardest of times have given us beautiful reminders of the strength of the human spirit.  We were truly humbled by the tenacity, the courage and the optimism that we witnessed.  Being part of storm team has helped us more than those that were in need.  It has been a great reminder of what matters most!  

Hurricane Season 2020

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season officially arrives each year on June 1 and ends on June 30.  As everyone’s thoughts turn to hurricane preparedness during that time of the year, we want you to know that SERVPRO of Mobile County is ready for “whatever happens”.  We have worked extensively to develop advanced response systems, to ensure that we are always “faster to any size disaster”.  Our highly trained team members are ready to move 24/7 to help when it is needed most.  In the event of catastrophic situations, we have a team of over 1600 franchises that make up our Disaster Response Network.  They can provide support and added resources to help us aid clients in the event of a natural disaster.  At SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have seen it all and we know that being prepared is the first step in minimizing damage to your home or business.  The first step is to develop an emergency plan for your property and have all the supplies on hand to ride out a storm and the aftermath.  Also make sure you have nailed down any evacuation plans and set up a family communication plan should you happen to get separated during a storm.   If you own a business, call us today to set up a consultation for your FREE Emergency Ready Profile to reduce damage and minimize down time.