Dryer Cleaning

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Three Ways You Can Remove Lint From a Dryer

Almost 3,000 residential fires happen each year due to dirty lint traps in a dryer, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Preventing a lint fire in your East Mississippi, home takes little time and effort, and it can help save you thousands in fire restoration services costs. Here are three ways you can remove lint from a dryer. 

1. Clean the Screen To Prevent a Dryer Fire
   After every load in your dryer is done, pull out the lint trap and clean it. Gently start in one corner of the trap and pull the lint away from the screen. Ensure that you don't have any lint left on the trap that might get into the vents. It's also helpful to clean the screen in warm, soapy water every two weeks to help remove built-up dust and small bits of debris that could cause a lint fire. Be sure to thoroughly dry the screen before putting it back into the dryer. 
2. Clean the Vents
   Over time, pieces of lint get trapped in the vents and can eventually block airflow from the dryer. When that happens, you are at a much higher risk of fire damage happening to your home. Unplug your machine and remove the exhaust hose from the dryer. Use a vacuum to completely clean the inside of the hose and remove all of the accumulated lint. It's also helpful to access the exhaust hose from the outside vent and use a cleaning rod to remove the lint in the hose from that side. 
3. Deep-Clean the Interior of the Dryer
   Because lint pieces can be small and light, they often make their way to the dryer's interior. If not addressed, the pieces of lint can quickly build up and cause blockages, which can be a fire hazard for your machine. While your machine is unplugged, remove the back of the dryer. Wipe down all surfaces with built-up lint and use a vacuum to access hard-to-reach places. 
   Taking adequate care of your dryer and its components doesn't take a lot of extra time, and it can keep you and your family safe from a lint fire. 

Alternatives for Candles

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Candle Alternatives

Many people like to use candles in their homes. They can provide pleasant scents and create an inviting atmosphere. However, they can sometimes present a danger. If you are unable to use candles in your Meridian area  home or would just prefer something safer, there are several candle alternatives to consider.

1. Wax Warmers
   For some, the primary appeal of using candles is the fragrance. Scented candles are an easy way to add a nice aroma to a room. Electric wax warmers are able to do that without the use of a flame. Because they use heat and electricity, however, they should still be used with supervision.
2. Oil Diffusers
   Another way to avoid the risk of a candle fireis to use a diffuser. Electric diffusers and reed diffusers both use scented oils to add fragrance to the environment. If you want something hassle-free, a reed diffuser may be the best option for you.
3. Warm Lighting
   If for you, the appeal of a candle is its lighting instead of its scent, then you may only need to invest in a warm lighting fixture. There are a variety of candle alternatives that will serve this purpose. You could opt for a LED lamp that has multiple settings or even just a soft white lightbulb.
4. Flameless Candles
   Don’t want to sacrifice any part of the candle experience? Try a battery-operated candle. These items look like regular candles but don’t put your home at risk. Some battery-operated candles come in various scents and some have a flickering light reminiscent of a flame, so you can easily create the atmosphere that you want.
   Home fires can be devastating and fire damage remediation services can take a long time to complete. Using candle alternatives is just one way that you can reduce the chances of an emergency in your home. There are several options that you can use while still getting the experience that you are looking for.

Buying Commercial Buildings

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re purchasing a commercial property in East Mississippi, you’re probably aware of the many steps you must take before closing on the loan. Did you know that a mold inspection is recommended as part of the building inspection process? That’s because mold isn’t just a problem in and of itself, it’s an indication of water damage or other underlying issues you should address before you proceed.

What You Need to Know About Mold

Mold needs these conditions to grow: water, a nutrient source, oxygen and an environment where the temperatures are between 40-100 degrees.
Mold spores are almost always present in any environment.
The color of mold comes from its nutrient source and the age of the colony.
Mold will reoccur if its source of water isn’t removed.

Where To Look For It

The most common spaces to find mold during a mold inspection are in bathrooms, basements, kitchens and around windows or doors — wherever water is most likely to be found. In bathrooms, look for visible mold in tile grout and caulking, especially around bathtubs and showers. In basements, check the corners of the floor and ceiling, paying particular attention to outside walls. Kitchens can grow mold anywhere around the sink or stove, especially if the range hood isn’t working properly.

What Are Common Causes of Mold in Commercial Buildings?

Roof leaks
Clogged gutters
High humidity levels indoors
Leaky pipes
Poor drainage around the foundation

How To Get an Inspection Done

Hire a commercial real estate inspector that will check for mold and provide a risk assessment for potential water damage or mold problem. Inspections of this nature can be expensive; however, it is a cost worth undertaking to protect your investment. The inspector should check each unit and room of the building to provide an accurate assessment.
If your commercial mold inspection reveals existing water or mold damage, hiring a mold remediation specialist is the next step to make the building safe and sound for your new purchase.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in Two Steps

Every business owner needs to train its employees on how to properly use a fire extinguisher. It is not as easy as it looks. In the event a kitchen fire breaks out in your building, you should always contact 9-1-1 so that professional firefighters in Lauderdale county and the surrounding counties, can address the situation promptly. However, you may be able to contain smaller fires and prevent more fire damage from taking place by using an extinguisher the right way.

1. Use the Right Extinguisher

Many people do not realize that there are several different kinds of fire extinguishers available. They are categorized as follows.

• Class A: Meant for paper, cloth and wood
• Class B: Meant for flammable gases and liquids
• Class C: Meant for electrical fires
• Class D: Meant for flammable metals
• Class K: Meant for grease fires and oils

You should have the proper fire extinguisher in your building meant for the type of fire most likely to break out. A majority of businesses will benefit from a Class ABC extinguisher. However, if you work out of an industrial plant, then you may need the other variations readily accessible.

2. Follow the PASS Method

PASS is an acronym to tell you how to operate an extinguisher. First, you need to pull the pin. Next, you need to aim the nozzle toward the base of the flames. Hitting the flames directly will not help. After that, you need to squeeze the trigger. Finally, you want to sweep the extinguisher from side to side to ensure complete coverage. You will only have between 10 and 20 seconds to use the device until it is out of flame retardant.

Clean up a Water Heater

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

How To Clean Up a Broken Water Heater

Having a broken water heater in Meridian can be dangerous on many levels. While the most obvious threat from a leaking water heater is water damage, the liquid could come into contact with power outlets if not detected quickly, adding fire and electrical hazards to the list of possible dangers. Because they are typically hidden in low-traffic areas of the home, a failed water heater may not be detected for several days, which causes problems to multiply. When dealing with water heater overflow, follow these clean-up procedures to make the process go smoothly.

1. Shut off the water source. If you do not turn off your water while you clean up, not only will it be useless trying to mop up the liquid, it also increases the risk that the water comes in contact with an electrical source. For safety reasons, this should always be the first step.

2. Clean up the water. For small areas, you can probably mop up water with old towels. If your leaking water heater went undetected for a while, you may have a more substantial mess that may require a sump pump or a trash pump.

3. Assess secondary damage. Because mold and bacteria grow best in warm, damp places, a broken water heater can lead to more secondary damage than many other reasons for flooding. The warm water creates an environment that favors mold growth, so it is important to carefully expect any flooring or sheetrock the water came in contact with.

4. Treat mold and disinfect the area. Use an antifungal treatment to remove any existing mold, and then use a disinfectant to thoroughly cleanse the area. Scrubbing the affected spot with bleach and clean water may discourage mold to grow.

Cleaning up from a leaking water heater in your Lauderdale County home goes beyond simply mopping up the water. Remember to thoroughly clean and disinfect any area affected by your broken water heater.

Working at SERVPRO of Meridian

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people around you each and every day. We are seeking individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, responsible, and service-oriented teammates. Please join us in our mission to help our customers in their greatest moments of need. Coupled with a family-oriented culture and a standard of excellence in all we do, not only do our team members feel right at home, but they also end the day knowing that the work they deliver is among the best in the industry. At SERVPRO, positions are always available for the right individuals who wish to join us in our vision of becoming the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world. Not only is it our mission to develop a team of quality people who focus on fairness, excellence, and mutual respect, but we are also creating opportunities for our team members to grow within the organization. We desire to see you succeed!  So, no matter which role you play in our organization, whether it is at the front desk taking calls or on the front lines extracting water, you can be certain that you are fulfilling duties that go beyond administrative tasks or heavy lifting, you are helping us restore hope and normalcy to the lives and daily routines of some of the most vulnerable and even traumatized members of our communities.  If you are highly dependable and excited about exceeding expectations, then you may be just the person we're looking for. 

Claims Inventory System

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance companies prefer to work with mitigation and restoration services that maintain up-to-date systems. 

The SERVPRO Claims Information System enables an insurance agent to access the information he or she needs to process and settle an insurance claim.

Insurance companies seek out Preferred Vendors for mitigation and restoration services. The SERVPRO Claims Information System is one of many features that can help an agent or adjuster settle an insurance claim. Here are four benefits of this system.

1. Access To Individual Claim Information

Insurance agents and adjusters can gain access to information for each claim through the Claims Information System. Local franchises upload damage information and estimate to an internal database. Documentation is then made available to representatives of property owners' insurance providers to facilitate the claim process.

2. Ease of Data Comparison and Research

Agents and adjusters can also access information to ensure that each estimate falls within the normal range nationwide and for the region, state, county, or the surrounding area of Birmingham, AL. Discrepancies may be due to extenuating factors for a particular job, such as secondary damage. A claims inventory system makes it easy to sort data based on causes of loss, types of claims, and job costs.

3. Shorter Processing Times

It may take less time to process an insurance claim if all of the information about the job is available in one convenient online resource. Insurers can access updated information at any time, which should prevent delays due to communication. An estimate that accounts for both damage mitigation and restoration may make it easier to settle a claim.

4. Updated Estimates and Job Information

Experienced mitigation professionals and the option for pretesting can increase the accuracy of initial estimates. If additional damage becomes apparent later in the mitigation or restoration process, this information is made available to agents and adjusters through the claims inventory system.

Cleaning the Outside of your Home

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a quick maintenance checklist focusing on the exterior of your building.

1. Start at the Top (Inspect the Roof)

A healthy roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Ensuring it is sturdy and sealed is central to keeping your entire home efficient. Damage to your shingles, flashing, or any leaks can quickly trickle down and affect other areas of your home. When looking at your shingles look for curled edges, tears, or loose stones in your gutters, these are all signs of damage and could be a signal for replacement.

2. Check the Structure (Inspect the Foundation, Walls, Windows, and Doors)

Do a walk around of your home and check for cracks/holes in the foundation. as well as inspecting the exterior walls, siding, windows, and door. If you identify a foundation issue, contact a specialist to take a look. When inspecting the windows and doors, pay special attention to the caulking and weather stripping, issues in the seal are often harder to find than obvious holes or tears. 

3. Independent Structures (Garages, Sheds, Fences, etc)

Make sure the garage door is functioning properly and has a strong seal at the bottom. Sweep and vacuum dust, dirt, and debris around the doors. Also, make sure there is nothing that could fall off the ceiling and impede the doors from working properly. Look for signs of cracked or split fencing boards, especially near any gates, and ice can raise fence boards and make gates stick.

4. Spring Yard Cleanup

It is almost grass-cutting season! Before you get ready to use that lawnmower, make sure to change the oil, and get the blade sharpened. Now, head to your local hardware store to restock on supplies such as landscaping bags and grass seed. Don’t forget to pick up the tools you need to thatch, weed, and clean out your garden beds. Now that you are ready, fire up the BBQ, pull out the cooler and invite the family and friends.

Smelling Natural Gas.

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Many East Mississippi  homeowners use gas of some kind to run their heaters, warm water, clean clothes, or cook meals. Unfortunately, a gas fire at home is more common than you might think. These explosions may be caused by

• Improper installation of gas lines and appliances
• Defects in appliances
• Improper use of gas appliances
• Incorrectly turning gas appliances on or off
  

When natural gas comes into contact with a spark, an explosion will occur. This spark could result from something as simple as flipping on the light switch. If you notice the telltale rotten egg of gas or hear a hissing sound, there are several things you can do to avoid a gas explosion.

Know Where the Gas Meter Is Located

This meter is usually located outside of your home. Make sure you know how to work the meter, so you can shut it off if you suspect a gas leak. You may need a wrench to move the valve from its on and off positions. If possible, store a wrench so that it's convenient to use during an emergency.

Don't Turn Anything On or Off

If it's plugged in or uses electricity, don't turn it on. One tiny spark is all it takes to ignite the mixture of gas and oxygen. If you have a flashlight convenient, you can use that to safely light your way out of the home.

Check the Stove

If you aren't at risk, check the stove to be sure that all burners are off. One common cause of gas leaks in the home happens when someone bumps into the stove and doesn't notice that the gas has turned on. If the gas is on, turn it off and open windows to ventilate the home. If it isn't on, open the doors and windows and evacuate right away. Contact the gas company immediately.
It is possible to avoid the risk of a gas fire in your home, especially when you're aware of the situations that cause this type of explosion. If you want to know more about avoiding fire damage and keeping your home and family safe, reach out to local authorities, such as property damage cleanup and restoration experts.

Business' Plans for Water Damages

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

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

1. Determine Your Risks

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

2. Calculate the Costs

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

3. Read Your Insurance Contract

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

4. Implement Prevention Strategies

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

5. Create Communication Plans

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