Fire Prevention Tips for Homes and Businesses

1/16/2025 (Permalink)

Fire is one of the most devastating disasters that can strike a home or business. It can cause extensive damage to property and possessions, and can even lead to loss of life. That's why it's important to take steps to prevent fires from happening in the first place.

Here are some fire prevention tips for homes and businesses: Home fire prevention tips:

• ?  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries every year.
• ?  Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
• ?  Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
• ?  Be careful when cooking and using candles.
• ?  Never smoke in bed.
• ?  Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician. Business fire prevention tips:
• ?  Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your business. Test your alarms every month and change the batteries every year.
• ?  Create and practice a fire escape plan with your employees.
• ?  Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and electrical equipment.
• ?  Be careful when using appliances and equipment.
• ?  Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.

How SERVPRO can help after a fire

If a fire does happen, it's important to call a qualified fire restoration company as soon as possible. SERVPRO is a leading provider of fire restoration services. We have over 2,000 franchises across the United States and Canada, so we're always nearby to help when disaster strikes.

Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals is equipped to handle all aspects of fire restoration, including:

• ?  Emergency water removal
• ?  Structural drying
• ?  Smoke and odor removal
• ?  Content cleaning and restoration
• ?  Construction services

We work with your insurance company to make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so you can always count on us to be there for you when you need us most.

If you have experienced a fire, contact SERVPRO today. We're here to help you get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Additional fire prevention tips:

• ?  Educate your family and employees about fire safety. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.
• ?  Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home or business and know how to use it.
• ?  Keep your fire extinguishers in good working order by inspecting them regularly and

having them serviced by a professional.

• ?  Consider installing a fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler systems can help to extinguish

fires quickly and prevent them from spreading.

By following these fire prevention tips, you can help to protect your home or business from the devastating

Tips on Preventing Water Damage

1/16/2025 (Permalink)

Five Tips On How to Avoid Water Damage

Water damage can cause serious problems in your home. You might not realize it's happening until the damage has already been done. Water that seeps into your house can cause mold and mildew growth, which can start to smell and cause structural damage. If you think you have water damage in your home, call a professional immediately—the sooner they discover where the leak is coming from, the better chance there is of fixing it before it causes too much damage. Here are five tips on how to avoid water damage:

# 01. Clean your gutters regularly.

There are many things that can cause water damage in your home, but the most common culprit is dirty gutters. The water from your roof collects in a gutter, which then drains down to the ground. If you don't clean the gutters regularly, debris can build up and clog them, so they spill over onto your foundation or back into your yard. This causes flooding inside and outside of your home and can lead to rot of wood structures such as decking or siding.

Fortunately, it's easy to avoid this problem by cleaning out your gutters at least twice per year (preferably during fall and spring). 

# 02. Pay attention to your sump pump.

Sump pumps are a necessary part of any basement or crawlspace, but they can also be the cause of water damage if they're not properly maintained. If your sump pump isn't working, you could be at risk for major water damage, but you can avoid this by taking care of your pump and doing regular inspections.

Here are some tips on how to inspect your sump pump:

• First, look at how much water is coming into your house and determine if it's normal or excessive. If there is too much water coming into the home and you can't find the source, it could be caused by a malfunctioning sump pump.

• Check the float switch on your sump pump to see if it's working correctly. If it's stuck in one position or not moving at all, then replace or repair it before using your pump again.

• Look at where you install your sump pump—is it near an outlet? If so, be sure that nothing has interfered with its ability to draw power from that outlet (such as nearby trees). Also check for any signs of damage from animals or insects getting inside the system; this can cause big problems with functionality over time!

If you suspect that something isn't quite right with your pump but aren't sure what to do next, call in some experts who can inspect everything thoroughly before recommending repairs or replacement parts.

# 03. Control the moisture in your bathroom and kitchen.

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most likely places to have water damage, so it's a good idea to take extra precautions in these areas. Water can cause mold, mildew and other problems that can be very expensive to fix.

Water damage can occur when there is excessive moisture in your home. Moisture comes from many sources:

• leaky pipes under sinks or tubs 
• leaking showers and toilets
• leaky faucets

# 04. Double-check your dishwasher and washing machine.

If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, you may be at risk of experiencing water damage in your Harrison, TN home. If you are not careful, these appliances can cause flooding and water damage. Here are some steps to take to make sure that your dishwasher and washing machine don't cause any damage:

1. Make sure that the hoses on your washing machine are connected properly so that they drain properly when the machine is turned off.

2. Check for leaks around the door of your dishwasher, as well as at all connections to the dishwasher itself.

3. Make sure that any leaks you find don't go unnoticed for too long; if they do, it could cause serious damage to your home!

If any of these issues exist with your current machinery, then it is best to repair or replace them before they lead to any major problems down the road!

# 05. Look for cracks in basements, foundations, and retaining walls.

The next time you are looking through your basement, foundation, and retaining walls, look for the tell-tale signs of water damage. Look for cracks in the flooring, or anywhere else water could seep through. If you notice any cracks or holes that would allow water to get into your home's foundation, act immediately. There are multiple ways to fix them: some can be patched up with cement filler; others may need more extensive repairs by a professional contractor.

Keeping Your Property Safe with Security Fencing

1/16/2025 (Permalink)

What Is Security Fencing and Why Is It Used?

If you're looking to protect your property, then security fencing may be the right option for your business. However, there are some important considerations that you should make before hiring someone to install it.

You should always hire a professional

If you are going to use security fencing, you should always hire a professional for its installation. There are lots of examples of businesses using security fencing. For example, security fencing can be used by homeowners because they want protection from intruders who want to come into their house without permission like burglars and thieves! 

Hiring a professional fencing company to install your security fencing is important in order to ensure that it is done right and will give you the protection you want and need.

The Importance of Security Fencing for Commercial Properties

You might have security fencing in place to keep people out of your commercial property, but it can also be used to protect the property from vandalism and theft. If you own a construction site, for example, there are several factors that could make it more susceptible to criminal activity. The construction site is likely to be in a remote location which means that there aren't any passersby or other people around who might spot suspicious behavior. It's also possible that the materials on-site could provide opportunity for criminals looking for things they can resell or use themselves.

Security fencing may help deter these types of crimes by making it obvious that someone has put time into always protecting their property—even when nobody's around!

Who is Using Security Fencing?

Security fencing is a popular choice among property owners and managers for a variety of reasons. Some want to protect their property from theft, while others desire protection from damage caused by weather or fire.

If you are a commercial building owner who has experienced fire damage and need to keep intruders out, or if you're a landlord who wants to make sure that your tenants' belongings are safe, security fencing may be the right choice for you. It also could be useful for businesses that have experienced theft on their premises or want to protect their vehicles from theft.

Landlords who want to keep unwanted guests of their rental properties can find security fencing at hardware stores and home improvement centers throughout the country. If you own private residences in an area where crime rates are high, then having this type of fencing installed around each of them will ensure that no one enters without permission and stays after all hours (which could result in criminal charges).

Security fencing is often seen in the business world.

In the business world, security fencing is often seen. It can help prevent fire damage, water damage and other kinds of damage while also keeping unwanted people out of your premises. There are many different types of fences that can be used for this purpose.

Security fencing is usually made up of steel panels which are bolted together to create a secure barrier around your property. Some businesses also choose to install electrified wires or razor wire along the top of their fence as an additional deterrent for intruders or trespassers who try to climb up and over them without permission from management first (which should always be obtained before entering any area that's not public).

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.