Recent Posts

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

Solid green background with "Spring Cleaning Tips" in bold type surrounded by drawn grass, sun and bird. Here's some tips you may not have heard!

OUTSIDE

1. Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to clean.  Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals.  Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.

2. Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business.  Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape.  Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes.  Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business.

3. AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system.  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.  Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside.  Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts.  It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period. 

4. Pest Maintenance

Along with the rebirthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests.  Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem.  It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests.  Keep in mind your locale because different areas attract different pests, this will help inform you what to spray for. If you’re located near a ditch you’ll have more mosquitoes, among other pests, than a more urbanized area. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems year after year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.

INSIDE

1. Dusting

Simple and effective.  Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas. 

2. Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up.  Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.

3. Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access.  Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed.  The second is the reorganization of the office itself.  This is more to keep a clean and presentable workplace.  Ideally this is a continuing process year round.  If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up the office and breathe some fresh air into the workplace. 

Different businesses have different cleaning needs. For example, if you are in a retail business many of these basic cleanings, such as windows and organization, might already be factored into your weekly/monthly workflow. Although it never hurts to go over all areas to make sure everything is getting done properly and efficiently. So some other more industry specific actions that require priority over window cleaning. And if there is any deeper cleaning needs, like rug & carpet, please call today!

(205) 926-6010

DIY Can Get Out of Hand

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

Don’t Do It Yourself

We understand you want to save money, but taking the job upon yourself can cause more damage than it is worth. Don't be a “do-it-yourselfer”.

What Happens?

We had someone call about an extensive water leak in the roof. After they called around different businesses, they then decided to become a “do-it-yourselfer”. After a few hours on "Google" and "YouTube” they thought the job seemed simple enough. They then went to the expense to rent a carpet cleaner and buy a small dehumidifier. Thinking they fixed the problem themselves, they began to smell a musty odor. So they call SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia to come deodorize the home, however our technicians wanted to find the location of the smell.

After pulling the baseboards and the corners of the carpet up, we noticed immediately the water and the mold starting. After the initial inspection was done we provided them with a full estimate to fix the damages. They were shocked at how much lower our estimate was from all the others they had received. Within hours we began our work, returning this family’s home to "like new" condition in only two weeks.

We care for helping our community, and our priority is doing the job right the first time. Check in on our social media to stay updated on water and mold tips. 

Save yourself in the beginning— You call, we help. (205) 926-6010

Business Owners: Are You Aware?

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Water Flooded Office Floor Stay SERVPRO® Safe!

Damage? To My Business? I Think We'll Be Ok

Ok is not always guaranteed, unfortunately. We don’t want your business to have any type of damage, but the reality of it is that any damage that can affect a residential property can also affect your commercial building. It is a topic no one likes to think about, but is necessary to be knowledgeable about.

So What Can Happen?

Storm: Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain which can remove roof tiles, break windows and more. Storm damages can be very devastating and can cause your business to be put on hold until it’s restored.

Water: This damage can be caused by burst pipes, floods, rain or a number of other things. In any case, this can then result in contaminated water affecting surfaces and furniture, in mold growing and in items being eroded. Electricity and water damage are particularly volatile when combined.

Fire: This type damage can come from a gas stove, faulty outlet or a cigarette that isn’t properly put out. In any case, this can then cause severe destruction to your property which requires cleaning and restoration services.

Mold: This is highly unhygienic as well as being unappealing to look at. Mold spreads quickly around properties as air-borne spores and remediation is very important to prevent it from getting out of hand. Mold grows in any kind of moist environment. Even that small leak under your office’s bathroom sink can eventually cause mold growth.

Don’t remain unaware of what can happen to your commercial building. If you have any uncertainties of a problem you may be having, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Centreville, Marion & Selma at (205) 926-6010.

Keeping the Fam Holiday Safe

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

Avoid Fire Damage

House fires are downright traumatic. Our hearts go out to each family we've encountered through such unfortunate events. Our goal is to help you and your family get back to normalcy as quick as possible. But if we can prevent disasters from happening, then we will share what we know. 

Fire Prevention Tips:

1. Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually. The faster someone's alerted, the quicker help is called.
2. Prepare children: Teach fire preparation to children, including the dangers of fire. Make sure they know the proper use of 911 for emergencies. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
3. Plan where to go: Create an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household is aware of it. Choose an outside meeting spot for all family members to gather upon escaping. Conduct practice drills twice a year.
4. Share contact information: Make sure all household members know who to contact in the event that they cannot find each other during a home fire.
5. Educate on proper techniques: Teach everyone in the household to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothes catch on fire.
6. Take action if you smoke: Smokers should take extra precautions, as many residential fire deaths are caused by smoking materials. Avoid smoking in bed, especially while sleepy or medicated. It is better to smoke outside.
7. Handle heaters: Portable heaters should be turned off when not in use. If your heater begins to smell bad, please turn off, investigate and possibley consider a new one. A component could be broken or debris is stuck inside.
8. Take care of candles: Candles should be extinguished when not in use, and never left unattended. Keep away from hanging decor and especially Christmas trees.
9. Store other sources of light: Speaking of candles, consider using flashlights during a power outage instead of candles.
10. Examine the home for other fire hazards: Check the electrical wiring and home heating sources to make sure they are safe

Mold FAQ's

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

What is mold?

Molds are fungi that can be found indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different molds. Molds grow best in humid and warm conditions.

What molds are most common indoors?

  • Cladosporium
  • Penicillium
  • Alternaria
  • Aspergillus

Where can mold be found?

Molds can be found on any environment all year round. Indoors mold can be found where humidity levels are high such as basements or shower. Outdoors they can be found in shady damp areas where vegetation is decomposing.

What are recommendations?

  • Keep  low humidity levels. Moisture levels change throughout the day, so use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the levels low, especially during warmer months.
  • Have high ventilation throughout your home.
  • Apply mold inhibitors to your paints before application.
  • Clean your bathrooms with mold killing products.
  • If possible, avoid having carpet in bathrooms or basements.
  • Always remove or replace previously soaked carpets and clothe materials.

Our team is professionally trained, certified and has years of experience. If you're suspicious or have found evidence of mold, please give us a call so we can remediate safely.  

Like it never even happen.

 

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Cooler Weather is Here

Here in Centreville, AL its a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips from Allstate to remember.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
  • Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
  • Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
  • Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
  • To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
  • Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
  • Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

How to Save More During an Emergency

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Seconds Count

Emergency Ready Program is an immediate plan of action for when your business experiences any damage. As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.

Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don't necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Get Started!

STEP 1: Visit SERVPRO.com/ready. Register for an account using your email address as your username and choose a password.

STEP 2: Choose your preferred SERVPRO Franchise Representative to contact in the event your home or business experiences water, fire, mold or other type of damage.

STEP 3: Begin creating ERPs for all of your properties.

STEP 4: Download the SERVPRO Ready Plan Application on your iPhone, tablet, Android or Blackberry device from the respective App Store.

STEP 5: Launch the Ready Plan App and sign in using the same username and password from STEP 1.

At this point, it may take a few minutes for the data to sync. All of your ERP information will appear on your tablet or mobile device. You can now access and manage ERP information from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Our SERVPRO of Centreville, Marion and Selma family is ready to help you in the most efficient way possible. Call today as our representative will help answer any ERP questions you may have.

(205) 926-6010

Water Damage Prevention Tips

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

1. Adjust your sprinkler timer

Water during the early morning and evening hours to reduce evaporation and find out how much water is required to effectively water your lawn. You'll see a difference in not only your lawn but also that water bill!

2. Check for leaks and building damage

Inspect all interior fixtures, as well as basements and crawlspaces and you may also want to inspect your building’s exterior for damage. With the increase of storms this time of year, water will try to find it's way inside.

3. Insulate water pipes in unheated areas

To reduce the likelihood of future freezing, wrap water pipes in unheated areas with insulation tubes and apply heat-tape prior to wrapping pipes with insulation. Doesn't hurt to get a jump start on this for the cooler weather ahead.

4. Know the location of your property shut-off valve

Knowing the location of your shut-off valve could save you money on water and damage repairs. The faster you can turn off the water, the less goes to waste.

5. Install a smart water flow monitoring system

When excessive water usage is detected, it immediately notifies the property manager that water spike above the preset limit has occurred. The alert can be sent to both a computer and a smartphone for the manager to act upon, and can be customized for business hours, as well as after hours and weekends.

Autumn Damage Prevention

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

Outdoor Cleaning Tips that Could help Prevent Damage this Fall

The chill is in the air and the leaves are piling up. Our team at SERVPRO of Centreville, Marion & Selma is committed to helping our friends, you, by offering little tips and important reminders to help during times of need or to prevent damage altogether. As cooler weather approaches, here are some things you may want to add to your cleaning to-do's:

  • Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.(Repair or replace as needed.)
  • Check and clean the gutters.
    (Do the downspouts, too.)
  • Clean the patio furniture.(Then store away.)
  • Drain and store garden hoses.
  • Check the exterior paint.(Touch up as needed.)
  • Drain the pool, if applicable.(Close it up for the year)

Some of these tips can help prevent future water damage as well, like cleaning your gutters and repair the weather stripping & caulk. So, remember:

Stay ahead. Be prepared.

What to Expect with Fire Restoration

10/11/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Smoke and soot affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Centreville, Marion & Selma understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.

Contents Restoration

Our SERVPRO Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Centreville, Marion & Selma can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out has several benefits, including:

  • A quicker remodeling process
  • Protecting items from potential damage
  • Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. 

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. 

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician

Document/Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, our professionals can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. Learn more about our document restoration services.

Call SERVPRO of Centreville, Selma & Marion for your fire restoration process! (205) 926-6010)