Cleaning up from a storm

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

How To Clean Up After a Storm

If a pipe bursts in your home in Meridian, MS , you will likely have some flooding to handle. A flood from a storm, however, takes remediation to another level. Not only do you need to dry out your home, but you also will need to disinfect your home, both in areas that are directly affected and those that may be vulnerable to secondary damage.

Extracting Water

The first step to remediating any water damage is to remove the excess water from the area. With a flood with Category 1 water, the process is pretty straightforward:

• Remove standing water
• Dry remaining surfaces
• Repair or replace damaged materials
  

Floodwater from a storm, however, is considered Category 3 water. It is contaminated and may contain all sorts of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. If you have flooding from a storm, flood mitigation experts must clean your home thoroughly after getting rid of the water.

Disinfecting Area

Anything that comes into contact with the floodwater must be disinfected before your home is considered habitable again. Technicians use specific detergents and industrial-strength cleaners to make sure all surfaces are sterilized. Then they test to ensure that the cleaners did the job well.

Cleaning Home

Even if part of your home doesn’t have flood damage, it may still be impacted and need attention. For example, it is a good idea to have technicians clean your HVAC unit. That much floodwater can significantly increase the humidity in your home, making all of it susceptible to mold growth. Cleaning and drying the ducts can discourage fungus from growing in hidden areas.

While there’s no such thing as a good kind of flooding, damage from clean water can be easier to clean up than issues resulting from storm water. Getting rid of the water is not enough; you must also make sure that your home is properly disinfected before technicians are finished with the job.

Category 3 Storm Damage

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Why Flood Water Is Referred To As Black Water

When flooding enters a commercial building in Meridian, MS  restoration professionals identify the incident as Category Three water damage. Learn more about what this categorization means and find out why flood water is referred to as black water.

Contaminants In Water

Category Three water is grossly contaminated. The reason this type of water damage is called black water is that it may contain any of the following substances:

• Heavy metals
• Pathogens
• Solid waste
• Toxic chemicals
  

The presence of solid waste along with these other hazardous materials distinguishes Category Three damage from Category One water damage caused by clean, treated water that gets released from a broken or leaking supply line. Category Two gray water may be contaminated with chemicals or microbes, but does not contain solid waste.

Saturated Porous Materials

Porous building materials and contents that become saturated with flood water may be difficult to disinfect. Even after treating the surfaces of these items, contamination may linger deeper down and lead to ongoing contagion or mold infestation risks. For this reason, restoration professionals often recommend tearing out drywall, insulation and carpeting.

Flooding Causes Mold

Storm damage that involves flooding can introduce all of the elements necessary to support mold growth. Mold requires moisture and organic, carbon-based food sources in order to multiply. Category Three water can provide sources of nourishment and introduce spores into a structure. It is important to extract water, tear out ruined materials, disinfect and dry any areas exposed to flooding within 24 to 48 hours.
The contents of Category Three water can pose contamination risks to building materials, contents and occupants. It is important for property owners and managers to act quickly to remove floodwater, disinfect areas exposed to black water and tear out damaged materials. Mold may start growing in a commercial building within just 48 to 72 hours after flooding in Meridian and surrounding counties.

Wind Damage

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

The Method of Wind Damage Mitigation

If you live in a place prone to windstorms or you know one is coming, then pay close attention to what it takes to prepare. If you currently have a damaged roof or any sign of a roof leak, then your home may not be sound enough to withstand a windstorm. You need to take proper precautions. This may mean repairing any weak areas or covering them so they do not get worse. Here is a list of what you should look out for:

• Broken skylights
• Cracked windows
• Damaged siding
• Missing shingles

Wind Damage

A windstorm may cause a variety of problems to your business. On one hand, it may blow off shingles, throw debris at your home or lead to damaged siding. You need to be prepared for just about anything. Not only can the wind cause damage, but the debris the wind brings with it can also. Hard objects can knock shingles off, and large trees may break through your roofing entirely. All of this can lead to a roof leak and further damage.

Cleanup Process

Once the wind has done its damage, it’s time to pick up the pieces. For any damage done to the roof, tarps can be used to cover gaps created by the missing shingles. These tarps will help keep rain from entering your business while you work on restoration. You want to make sure that you do not have any further water damage. Additionally, you can use plywood to cover the holes on the roof. While repairing the building is one thing, you also want to make sure no other issues arise.

A windstorm can cause costly, extensive damage to your Meridian, MS  business. The best course of action is to reduce the risk wind can cause. Whether you have a roof leak or something more dangerous, don’t let any problems sit until they get worse. In some cases, a professional service may be helpful.

Hail Damage

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Why Isn't Hail Something To Play With?

If you’ve never dealt with real hail before, it might be hard to imagine why you should worry about it when it comes to your business. It’s just hard snow, right? Unfortunately, that’s not correct. Hail can sometimes come pouring down from the sky in shapes and sizes comparable to softballs. Even a golf-ball-sized pellet of ice can cause significant roof damage to your business building in Lauderdale county and surrounding areas  such as:

• Cracked or completely missing shingles
• Water leaks
• Water damage to attic spaces and insulation

Every one of these issues has the potential to slow or even stop your business operations, which is why you should prepare your building against hail before it happens. Here are some steps you can take to protect your establishment.

Learn About the Threat

Building your knowledge base of the issue should always be your first step toward remedying a problem. Take time to learn the threat that hail has to offer your business and find out which areas are the most hail-prone and what your options are for protecting your building in the event that a hailstorm occurs.

Invest in the Right Roofing

When the time comes to re-roof your business, consider installing a hail-resistant roofing material rather than going with the same old cheap product. It’s recommended that homes and businesses alike use materials that are rated at UL 2218 Class 4 or FM Global 4473 Class 4 in order to get adequate protection from roof damage in hail storms.

Set Up Hail Barriers

If you have any roof-mounted equipment such as HVAC units or satellite dishes, they are at risk of hail damage as well. Fortunately, there are a wide range of covers available for these products, so you don’t need to run the risk of losing an expensive investment during a storm.

Hail might not come around often, but when it does, the roof damage it can cause is no joke. Keep your business safe and sound by doing the research and taking safety measures that will keep the damage at bay.

Getting Ready for Summer Storms

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

How To Get Your Business Ready for a Major Storm

A heavy rainstorm can occur at any time. Lightning and thunder may arrive outside your East Mississippi building when it is full of employees. Thunderstorms can be particularly dangerous. This type of storm features either 58-mile-per-hour winds or 1-inch hail. It can cause a variety of emergencies, including:

• Power outages
• Flash floods
• Lightning fires
  

It is thus important to prepare your property before the severe weather arrives. This will keep your employees safe and limit your need for storm cleanup services. Here are some tips to get you ready for the heavy rain, lightning and high winds.

Stay Informed
Your community should have an emergency alert system in place. Make sure that you have access to this system. You should also understand exactly what the different alerts mean. A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when harsh weather may occur in a particular area. A severe thunderstorm warning, meanwhile, indicates that radar or storm spotters have seen dangerous conditions nearby.

Secure Your Property
The wind that often accompanies a major rainstorm can blow away any valuable equipment you keep outside your building. Make sure you bring these items inside before the bad weather arrives.
Wind can also knock shrubs and tree branches onto the ground or into windows. Keep the plants strong and healthy by trimming them regularly and removing any damaged sections.

Be Safe
If severe weather occurs during business hours, your employees may be trapped inside during the worst parts of the storm. You should thus keep an emergency kit on the property. The kit should contain supplies the workers can use if they are stuck in the building for hours or days at a time. There should also be a first-aid kit readily available on site.
A rainstorm can cause major wind or flood damage to your property. By being proactive, you can keep employees safe and limit the harm to your premises.

Flooding Tips.

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

We live in a world where mother nature has a mind of her own at times, and natural disaster can strike at anytime and can ruin the "normalcy" of the life we once had. The nice furniture, flooring, and decor that once occupied our home, now washed away by water. Whether the flooding that has occurred in your home was because of a pipe bursting, a sewer backup, faulty appliance, a heavy rain or even rising floodwaters, there are important steps you should take in order to keep you and your family safe. 

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

You and your family may not even be thinking about flooding, but rather tornado damage or hurricane damage. But with any severe storm or rain there is always a chance of flooding. And even appliances can cause flooding. Here at SERVPRO® of Meridian we want you to be as prepared and safe as possible, therefore we put together some do and don'ts to put into practice after you have encountered flooding within your home.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

 Reminders:

1. Do not panic, take a breath and understand that although today feels like the worst day ever. Things WILL get better.
2. Keep safety always at the forefront of your mind (stop the water source, shut all electricity off, etc.)
3. Call SERVPRO in order to get things clean, dry and back to beautiful as quickly as possible.

 Why SERVPRO?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Water Inspection, Extraction, and Drying Equipment

Summer Water Damages

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

With the temperatures quickly rising and the hot summer season headed straight towards us, our
the natural inclination is to turn up the A/C indoors!

However, the risk of water damage still poses
a threat even during the summer months.

The extended use of air conditioning units, if not properly maintained, can cause drainage issues. To avoid this, make sure to change your air filter regularly. Regular inspections and cleanings are also important to prevent and stop any issues in your unit from worsening. One thing to keep an eye on is the drainage pan. Check to make sure water isn’t leaking and accumulating in the pan. Especially in the hotter weather; mold, mildew, and fungus can easily grow and spread.

Another thing that keeps in mind is the potential for pipes to burst. Although burst pipes are more
common during the colder months, hot summer weather can still cause this headache for a home
or property owner. A good rule of thumb is to notice whenever there is a change in your water pressure. While it could be simply just an irritation, it could also be a sign that something bigger is on the verge of happening. This could be a result of corrosion build-up which leads to leaks and eventually, water getting into your home or office.

The risk for pipes bursting doesn’t stop there. If you notice cracks appearing on the walls, especially around the corner, it’d be safe to assume there have been changes in your foundation. An easy solution, however, is to consistently water the soil and even place plants around the perimeter of the foundation. The plants help moderate the temperature of the soil and can also serve to hold the ground together with their roots.

The last thing any home or property owner wants to deal with is water damage, no matter the
weather!

Should You File an Insurance Claim After a Flood or Water damage?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Should You File An Insurance Claim After A Flood

In the event that your Chattanooga, TN, home goes through a flood, one of your initial instincts may be to file a claim with your insurance company. Doing so can potentially alleviate any reparations costs. However, this may not be the best idea. You could be denied a policy renewal or receive a rate hike from your insurance company if you file too many claims. If you're unsure about what to do, here are three tips for determining whether you should file an insurance claim after a flood.

1. Examine the Nature of the Damage
The exact nature of your home flood claim usually plays a part in determining how it will affect your status. If you're the one at fault for the damage, it's highly likely that your rates will be increased. You should also consider the type of harm that occurred. Unfortunately, many kinds of damage claims aren't appreciated by insurance companies. These are some to be wary of:

• Water damage
• Mold
• Animal bites
  
  

If you file too many claims for this type of damage, your policy may not be renewed.

2. Study Your Policy
One of the most essential things to do during this process is studying your policy. Few companies handle claims the same way, so you'll need to do the research yourself. If possible, it may be best to speak with an agent directly. However, you should avoid doing so after a flood occurs. You can be negatively affected if you openly discuss not filing an insurance claim for recent damages.

3. Consider the Damage's Size
While you may be hesitant to pay for restoration efforts by yourself, it might be in your best interest. One too many filed claims could result in you losing insurance before a worse event occurs. After a flood takes place, get a sense of how extensive the damage is. If it's extreme, you'll probably want to file an insurance claim. However, you shouldn't waste your claims on smaller problems.
If you need the help of water damage restoration experts, you'll have to decide whether or not to file a claim. Stay calm and make the most informed choice possible.

Hurricane Sally

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Leaving out

The gulf coast has been hit hard by hurricanes this year.  When Hurricane Sally hit the Gulf Shores in Alabama, SERVPRO of Meridian was ready to go.  Our owner, Lamar went down as soon as the roads were clear and started getting a game plan for the crew to follow.  Our first crew and Sales Manager, Brad soon followed Lamar to Gulf Shores, followed by an additional crew.  It was long days and hot nights for a while until power and water were restored.  It sounds bad, but for our crews and managers it is just another day.  Everyone at SERVPRO of Meridian loves helping people in the worst moments, and if we are a little uncomfortable it just comes with the job--it is what we do. 

If any kind of storm comes our way be sure to call SERVPRO of Meridian 601-693-7300

Protecting Your Home from Flood Damage

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Clean your downspouts and gutters

Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees near your Bradley County home. When water collects in the gutters it can cause damage to your roof and the gutters themselves. Down-spouts that aren’t clean and checked to ensure the water is running off properly and is running away from your house can cause damage to walls and even your foundation. At SERVPRO of Meridian we have seen this issue from many customers. Clean those gutters and spouts!

Switch off the mains

If you are going on vacation or you are going to be away for a length of time, switch the water off at the main. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. You wouldn’t want to come home to water rushing out your front door to greet you! If you have a drip system or sprinkler system, it may make sense to ask a neighbor, house sitter or your landscaper to turn these on and off manually. There are some systems you can control from your phone to water your landscaping too!

Keep your garden in check

While we’re on the topic of landscaping, trees and shrubs can cause damage to your pipes from the roots wrapping around the pipes. Keep your garden maintained and avoid planting large plants near piping if at all possible.

Take care of those small leaks immediately

Found a little leak? It may seem like a harmless drip, but a small leak can become a big water damage problem if not dealt with as soon as possible. Even tiny drips can cause mildew and mold in your home and even lead to structural damage and dry rot over an extended period of time. If you fix the leaks as they occur, you have less likelihood of the small issue becoming a huge problem later. If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, make sure you investigate for underground water leaks as well.

Check the appliances

Most people think toilets are the cause of most home floods but don’t forget about your appliances! Monitor appliances for leaks and replace any cracked and brittle piping. Things like a dishwasher or washing machine can flood your house out quickly if the appliance is not maintained adequately.

Flood damage in our homes is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. It could be caused by something as simple as an overflowing bathtub or something more serious such as a burst pipe or sewerage pipe rupture.

Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be overwhelming. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over. If you experience flooding in your home, call the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Meridian immediately at 601-693-7300 to get the help you need.

What is a Flood Cut?

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home our technicians may perform a technique called a "flood cut".

This specific technique requires cutting out sections of drywall about a foot above the flood line to inspect the wall behind it. While this process is not always necessary, there are a few circumstances that may require it after a flood occurs.

1. Black Water Floods

When outdoor flooding invades your home from overflowing streams or rivers, it may contain sewage, chemicals or dead animal carcasses. This water can be considered contaminated and is known as black water. A flood cut is usually necessary when this type of flooding occurs because your home’s drywall and any insulation behind it may be affected by the dirty water and may need replacing.

2. Wet Insulation

Flood technicians may perform a flood cut and tear out sections of drywall if they believe any insulation behind your home’s walls has water damage. Because insulation cannot be properly dried, a flood cut may be needed to remove any wet material. Once the interior wall is cleaned and dried, new insulation can be installed.

3. Mold Growth

After flooding, mold can begin to grow behind interior walls and spread quickly if it is not addressed. Flood technicians may perform a flood cut to check for mold and treat the area if any is found. Because mold does not need sunlight to grow, it can spread from interior walls to other areas and cause an unpleasant odor in your home. A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.

Protecting Your Business from a Thunderstorm or High Wind

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Have you taken steps to protect your business and employees?

When we experience a thunderstorm in East Mississippi they can potentially cause extensive damage to your business. Power outages downed tree limbs, and flooding from rainstorms are all possibilities. SERVPRO of Meridian  has a few preventative steps you can take to ensure you are able to protect your business when these storms happen.

1. Keep Your Lightning Rod Maintained

A 

lightning rod is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. If lightning hits the structure, it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire, instead of passing through the structure, where it could start a fire or cause electrocution. If your business is located in a tall building that may attract lightning, then maintaining the lightning rod can be essential. Have the rod checked annually for damage and ask your certification professionals to verify that it is up to code. If your business is located in an area where lightning is common, it is wise to have the unit cleaned and inspected at least twice a year. 

2. Maintain All Trees on the Property High winds can turn tree limbs into projectiles that may shatter your building’s windows and cause serious injury to your customers or employees. Make sure you are maintaining your landscaping so dead branches do not detach and strike people entering your business below. Trimming trees away from your building’s power lines can protect its power source during a thunderstorm
3. Have a Flood Plan in Place Having a flood plan in place can possibly prevent flooding in your business, especially in the case of mitigation services. Contacting SERVPRO of Meridian before the wet season can be a wise choice because if your building should experience flooding, our team can have help on hand right away.

Storm Season fast approaching

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

During storm season in Meridian, and surrounding counties, we see a wide range of storm types. We see heavy rains, flooding, tornadoes and then wrapping all of those into one hurricane! Any one of these storm types could easily cause damage to your home or business. These damages can keep us from feeling like our home is complete or keeping us from running a business that contributes to our livelihood. No matter what your scenario, it is important to know the different damages that a storm can cause.

 Wind Damage Storm damage sometimes includes severe wind damage. Roof damage in this situation may range from a missing roof due to strong winds that may loosen flashing. This can cause your roof shingles to be removed from your home or business causing leaks. Even a subtle roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions. A SERVPRO of Meridian restoration expert can help property owners address storm damage and roof damage more effectively.

 Flooding Damage Heavy rains in the Meridian, and surrounding counties, area can cause river flooding all around the local waterways. Flooding may disrupt municipal water systems which call for experts to assess groundwater and evaluate the condition of pipes following flood damage. Our SERVPRO of Meridian team can assist in your cleanup process after flood damage has occurred.  

Lighting Damage When a storm occurs, many times it brings the loud sounds of thunder which mean lighting is striking. Your home or business may have objects attached to the building that can attract a lightning strike that can cause a fire. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of roughly 30,000 kelvins (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightning strikes, or discharges of massive charges of static electricity, cause about 2% of all fires. If this occurs in your home or business, SERVPRO of Meridian has the team to help handle the restoration of both the fire and smoke damage.

Call SERVPRO of Meridian (601)693-7300 if any storm damage affects your property

Winter Storms in the South

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Winter storms in the south can be especially tricky, considering southerners are not used to snow, ice or sleet.   Here are a few things that we all can do to make it a little less scary and even fun if the snow word is mentioned.

1. Listen to your local meteorologist. (NOT Uncle Jim Bob’s cousin who predicts weather on Facebook)
2. Protect the P’s- people, pets, pipes and plants. Cover the pipes and bring the pets, plants and people in.
3. If you have children, snow can be a wonderful experience if your prepared. Have ingredients ready for chili or gumbo and make a big pot for lunch.
4. Have gloves, hats and boots (hunting clothes for most of the south) ready for the kids to go play.
5. If you don’t have to drive, please don’t.
6. Remember all the snow, ice or sleet will be melted in a few hours, usually.

If you or your business have any issues due to a winter storm call SERVPRO of Meridian at 601-693-7300 24/7!

September Hurricanes

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

In Mississippi, September usually means a small break from the summer heat, but it also means an uptick in hurricanes.  Living along the gulf coast, Mississippi has weathered many hurricanes and will continue too.  While Mississippi hasn’t had a direct hit in a few years, it is important to remember a few details about hurricanes.  Hurricanes can be hundreds of miles out and still cause dangerous rip currants in the gulf.  It is important to stay aware of all hurricanes, they can turn quickly and leave the unprepared not enough time to evacuate or get needed supplies.  If a hurricane is heading toward your home or business it important to follow directions from government agencies and be ready to either evacuate or shelter at your home or business.   If you choose to shelter make sure you have enough water and food for every person, and don’t forget about food and water for you animals.  Also, if your able make sure outdoor furniture is brought inside or tied down.   

For more information about what to have supplied and things to do visit, www.fema.gov

Hurricane Preparedness

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Its hurricane season again and if the last couple of years are anything to go on, we all should be prepared.  While Mississippi has not had a direct hit in many years, we should all still be prepared.   If in the event of a hurricane headed toward Meridian and the surrounding counties here is a list of a few things everyone should do according to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/supplies.html

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your power and water supply. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.

That’s why it’s best to be prepared — stock up on everything you might need now. Be sure to:

• Prepare an emergency water supply
• Prepare an emergency food and medicine supply
• Gather safety items
• Gather personal items

Prepare an emergency water supply

• Have at least 5 gallons of water per person (which should be enough to last 3 to 5 days)
• Gather clean containers for water.
• Get supplies to make your drinking water safe (like iodine tablets or chlorine bleach).
• Learn how to safely store your water supply.
• Learn how to make your drinking water safefor use.

Prepare an emergency food and medicine supply

• Put together a 3 to 5 day supply of food that doesn’t go bad (like canned food)
• Make sure to have enough baby food or formula (if needed).
• Gather any prescription medicines.
• Learn tips for preparing your emergency food supply.

Gather safety items, including:

• First aid kit and instructions
• Fire extinguisher
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets

Gather personal care products, including:

• Hand sanitizer
• Wet cleaning cloths (like baby wipes) in case you don’t have clean water
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Tampons and pads
• Diapers

Tip: Make sure your supplies are stored together in a place that’s easy to reach.

Remember in the event of a hurricane SERVPRO of Meridian will be ready to help as soon as its safe. 

Summer Storms

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

This week Lauderdale and Clarke counties experienced a very strong summer storm, with extremely strong winds associated with it.   Storms can be frightening when your local weather channel is broadcasting multiple alerts.  There are a few things property owners and managers can do to prevent damage. 

1. Make sure all grills, furniture, lawn mowers, pool items are in a garage so secured in a safe place, so they can’t be thrown around by the wind.
2. Prevent roof leaks by cleaning out your gutters.
3. Cut or hire a service to cut any trees that could hit your house.

If you have any storm damage to your home call SERVPRO of Meridian and our team of certified technicians can make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Call SERVPRO of Meridian at 601-693-7300 for any storm or mitigation emergency!

What Happens Next

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

When Water Rises

Storms can cause severe damage to your home—potentially even making them unsafe! 

What You Should Do After a Flood

Even if you were properly prepared for the flood and weathered the storm until it passed, your home could still have sustained heavy damage. Now that the sky is blue once more, how do you proceed? Here’s a look at what to do after a flood:

Be Cautious

Just because the sun is shining, and the flood waters have receded, that doesn’t mean all danger has passed. Exercise caution by doing the following:

• Tune into local alerts and warning systems to stay up-to-date with current information and receive expert, informed advice about the flood. After all, additional flooding could still occur.
• Stay away from rushing water. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Avoid walking through large areas of standing water, which may be electrically charged by downed power lines. The water could also be hiding broken glass or dangerous animals.
• Unless you are specifically asked for help by the police, fire department, or relief workers, keep out of damaged areas.
• Help emergency workers by staying off the roads in and out of the damaged neighborhood or region.
• If you’re caught in a stalled car during a flash flood, abandon the car and get to higher ground immediately.
• Heed barricades and find an alternate route if you encounter one blocking your way. Crossing bridges even after the water has receded could be dangerous if the structural integrity has been jeopardized.
• Return home only when the authorities permit it. Even then, stay out of the building if it’s surrounded by flood waters and exercise extreme caution when you do enter.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Take care of you and your family as cleanup efforts begin. To stay safe and healthy, remember the following:

• Turn off the home’s electricity at the main breaker box, even if the power is out. Only turn the power on when your home is dry.
• Avoid floodwater, which may be contaminated with sewage, gasoline, or oil.
• Fix damaged sewer systems as soon as possible.
• Don’t drink water from the tap. Listen to news reports to learn when the community’s water is safe to drink again.

Clean and Repair Your Home

• Use the information in the Repairing Your Flooded Home PDF from the Red Cross to learn how to enter your home safely, protect your belongings from future damage, record damage for insurance claims, check for gas leaks, and begin the cleanup process.
• Contact your insurance agent to discuss your claim.
• Hire a professional water damage mitigation company as soon as possible. It’s important that the company is qualified for the services you need. SERPVRO of Meridian is available 24/7 to help when you need it most. Not only are we a local command center, but we also have the resources of 1,600 franchises nationwide—meaning no disaster is too big.

Get Help After a Flood

SERVPRO of Meridian is prepared and ready to help you when you and your family need it the most. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and make it look like it never happened.  Call us @ 601-693-7300.

Storms Are Innevitable

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

If your business suffers a serious damage after a storm contact SERVPRO of Meridian and we are able to provide emergency services to reduce business interruption allowing you to focus on day to day operations. Our teams are available always to inspect and service your property reducing interruptions.

When your business is damaged by severe storms contact us immediately SERVPRO of Meridian @ 601-693-7300.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER!

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can. September is National Preparedness Month.

National Preparedness Month(NPM), recognized each September, is designed to raise awareness and encourage everyone to prepare themselves for emergencies that could impact their homes, jobs, schools, and communities. Tropical Storm Gordon is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast tonight as a strong tropical storm or low end hurricane. For our area that means, flash flooding is possible, along with strong winds that could possibly down trees, and maybe even isolated tornadoes. Although Gordon isn't expected to be a major threat to our area, it's a good time be sure your business is "Ready for whatever happens." Did you know SERVPRO of Meridian offers a FREE emergency ready profile that anyone can set up using a smartphone or tablet?  SERVPRO has ensured making your emergency ready plan is available at the touch of your fingertips through our FREE app available in your app store. The SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. 

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:

The no-cost assessment ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority locations.
The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download the SERVPRO free Ready Plan APP  to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.
Establishes SERVPRO of Meridian as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Knowing who to call in advance is key to a quick response and timely mitigation, helping to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive.
Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. No one plans on a disaster, but now you can have a plan in place when it happens. 

Not sure where to begin? Call our office today!

Knowing our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days each year is a great way for your home or business to stay prepared.  Add our number to your plan: 601-693-7300 and make sure you download our ready app to create your emergency ready profile today! Like Us on Facebook, or Follow us on Twitter, or Instagram and follow the tips, tricks and advice we share with our community.  

Hurricane Season 2018 is Upon us!

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane season officially starts on June 1st and will end on November 30th, 2018.  Many are predicting the 2018 hurricane season to be especially bad.  SERVPRO o of Meridian wants to makes sure you are prepared this hurricane season. Follow the tips below this hurricane season:

1. Stock-up on Necessities

Water, canned food, charcoal, necessary medications, toiletries and anything else you may need if you cannot get to the store for several days. 

2. Make a Disaster Kit

Many stores run out of necessities like water, batteries, and other supplies when a storm is going to make landfall. Buy supplies before a storm is on the way, so you have everything you need. Make a disaster readiness kit and include the items below:

• Flashlight 
• Batteries
• Copies of important documents
• Cash
• Fully charged backup cell batteries or a portable charger
• Battery operated radio
• Candles
• Medications
• First aid kit
• Water (several cases)
• Canned food
• Pet food

3. Make a Plan

Create a disaster readiness plan with your family. Figure out where you will go if you need to evacuate. Create a list of important phone numbers. Make sure each member of the family is accounted for in the plan and knows what to do. Plan for pets too, as pets are often forgotten in storm preparations and many pets are lost each hurricane season. 

If you experience flooding or storm related damage call the professionals at SERVPRO of Meridian at 601-693-7300.

Tornado's can Happen Any Time!

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes Explained
Tornadoes are a destructive weather occurrence that is measured by the Enhanced Fujita Scale. While they vary in strength, tornadoes can destroy buildings, lift railroad cars and create other damage to surrounding areas.  Tornadoes are columns of air that begin to rotate slowly and pick up speed until they are violently spinning funnels though it may not be visible until it reaches the ground and picks up debris.

Tornado Formation
No one knows exactly how tornadoes form, but a supercell thunderstorm is required. Supercell thunderstorms differ from traditional thunderstorms in that they have strong updrafts of rotating air. Other necessary factors for tornado formation may include strong wind changes, moisture in the air or temperature differences between downdrafts and the surrounding air.

Funnel Cloud or Tornado?
Many people confuse funnel clouds with tornadoes, but they are different. Tornadoes start as funnel-shaped clouds that extend down from a thunderstorm’s cloud base. A funnel cloud is comprised of tiny moisture droplets that are visible as it rotates. However, some funnel clouds lack moisture and are invisible. Once funnel clouds reach the ground, they become tornadoes.

Tornado Facts
The path of destruction created by tornadoes ranges from 100 yards to more than 2.6 miles. They typically travel from southwest to northeast with speeds between 30 and 70 mph. Tornadoes can last for a few seconds or more than an hour, but typically don’t last more than 10 minutes.

Tornado Locations
Tornadoes can form anywhere in the U.S. but are most common in the deep south and between the Appalachian and the Rocky Mountains. They occur most in April, May, and June, but can occur at any time of the year.  Did you know that the deep south generally has more tornadoes than the plains do?  The key difference is the deep south tornadoes are short lived and not very strong, the plains tornadoes are long lived and often the huge monster tornadoes of nightmares.

Tornado Causes
Tornado formation requires the convergence of three air layers. The ground layer consists of warm, moist air with strong winds from the South. Another layer is in the upper atmosphere and consists of cold air with winds coming from the west or southwest. The third layer is in the middle and consists of hot, dry air, which allows the lower layer to heat up. This creates instability that is exacerbated when the upper layer begins to move east. The result is that all the layers begin to lift, which creates thunderstorms and strong updrafts. The interaction between the updrafts and surrounding winds can cause the rotation to develop, which is a tornado.

If a tornado has affected your home or business give SERVPRO of Meridian a call at 601-693-7300.  Our team of trained technicians are ready at a moments notice to assist you in putting your life back to normal. 

Types of Storm Damage That Can Drastically Affect Your Home

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Severe weather can take a toll on your home. It's not unusual for storm damage to affect your home, leading to serious problems in the aftermath of the weather. SERVPRO of Meridian provides 24-hour restoration services for weather-related damage to homes.

When a storm strikes, it's important to be aware of the potential problems that can develop. You can't control the weather, but you can control how you respond in the immediate aftermath. Here are three of the issues that could afflict your home after a storm hits:

• Roof Damage: Roofs are susceptible to damage during any major storm, from heavy winds and torrential rains to snowstorms. Moisture can weaken already vulnerable areas of the roof, and strong winds can knock down loose shingles or cause visible damage to them. You may notice a leak in your attic or ceiling if a storm damages your roof.
• Windows Are Vulnerable: A thoroughly sealed and weather-stripped window is unlikely to suffer severe storm damage, but old windows that haven't been catered to recently could develop problems if it rains. For example, the moisture can seep into openings around the window, causing a leak inside the house. Rain can also cause wood to rot and mold to develop in the window's vicinity. Rugs and carpets in the area could also be susceptible to water damage. Windows in the basement are extremely vulnerable if they aren't protected, which leads to flooded basements and potentially damaged property.
• Gutters Can Become Clogged: Gutters aren't immediately obvious problems because you have to inspect them to see if they've become clogged after the storm. Rain can wash all kinds of debris into them, and once they become congested, they no longer filter water away from your home. The result could be water damage to your property, and the gutters could also suffer damage later since the excess weight of debris can cause them to sag.

Storm damage affects more than just the trees around the house. It can also have an impact on your home's foundation. After a major storm, take a close look at your home and investigate for problematic signs. If you discover anything, call the restoration service team at SERVPRO of Meridian at (601) 693-7300. 

Call SERVPRO of Meridian for Storm Damage

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Has your home sustained damage from a recent storm? Whether it be water intrusion from heavy rains or damaged or broken windows from strong winds, it's best to leave the cleanup to the professionals, such as those at SERVPRO of Meridian.

Serving both residential and commercial customers in the Meridian and surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Meridian knows the process of cleaning up storm damage can be an intensive process, requiring help from the experts who have the experience in restoring homes to their original condition.

Check out these reasons why you should always hire a professional storm damage restoration company to clean up after disaster strikes:

• To Avoid Mold: If your home has sustained water damage, be it a flood from a broken pipe or a heavy rain storm, mold can grow quickly if the water is not removed completely or in a timely manner. Mold spores can grow in your home's carpet, behind the walls, and even on your personal belongings, so call in the pros to handle the mess.
• To Identify Structural Damage: While you may think the storm damage to your home or business is solely cosmetic, there could be underlying structural damage, which could pose serious problems if not tended to. Storm restoration specialists can help to identify any structural damage that may be lingering behind your walls or in your flooring that could jeopardize the integrity of your home.
• Timely Cleanup: When disaster, such as a large flood strikes, you'll want the mess cleaned up quickly to avoid further damage. SERVPRO of Meridian can respond in a timely manner to start the remediation process and even offers 24-hour emergency services.

If you'd like to learn more about professional storm damage restoration services and how they can help to restore your home after water, fire, and mold damage, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Meridian by calling (601) 693-7300. 

When Storms or Floods hit Lauderdale County, SERVPRO is ready!

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

When storms hit Meridian, or the surrounding areas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster.

SERVPRO of Meridian specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Meridian or the surrounding areas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 601-693-7300

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Storm Repsonse

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

 When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, such as those produced by Hurricane Irma, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. The damage is more than overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear with the response of our team of professionals. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system. Our team may have traveled to help, but you'll be treated as though you're from our local area. Which means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition just “like it never even happened.” Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Meridian for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, restoring your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling.
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO (601) 693-7300 to begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

Flood Damage in Meridian

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

This was just one office that received water damage due to excessive flooding in Meridian that SERVPRO of Meridian was called on.

When EF-2 Tornado hit Lauderdale County, SERVPRO was ready!

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly-trained crews were ready to respond to damages caused by tornado in the Lockhart area of Lauderdale County.

NWS Jackson storm survey found EF2 tornado occurred on January 21, 2017 in Lauderdale County, MS. Maximum sustained winds were 120mph.

SERVPRO of Meridian specializes in storm and water damage restoration that can be caused by tornadoes.  Damages caused by tornado damage in the Lockhart area of Lauderdale County, MS was no exception. Despite the significate damage, our highly trained crews were ready to help restore salvageable property back to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When the tornado hit Lauderdale, we were able to use our resources locally to handle the disaster. But in the event where disaster is much larger, we are able to access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Water Damage? Call Us Today 601-693-7300