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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Why SERVPRO Is The Best Selection for Your Restoration Needs

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

a large downed tree near a small house and fence No matter what kind of damage you face, remember to call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington for all of your restoration needs.

Every restoration effort has at least one thing in common—time. The longer damage is allowed to fester in your property, the less likely you will get away with a quick and inexpensive restoration and cleanup.

So, what makes time so important when it comes to damage? It’s the things inside your home that aren’t designed to face extended exposure to the elements. Items like flooring, carpet, and any fabric or wooden furniture will suffer immediate damage when exposed to water, with more damage happening as time goes on.

To avoid costly cleanup and an extended restoration process, you can take action before damage arrives to mitigate the potential destruction. Take steps like clearing your property of dead trees before a storm to reduce impact damage or cleaning your kitchen thoroughly to reduce any fire hazards.

In addition, you should have an emergency plan that everyone in your household knows well. Thanks to the Georgia state government, we have Ready Georgia, which compiles some great information about how you can prepare for the disasters we face here.

Unfortunately, many people will suffer home or business damage during their lives, and it’s important for everyone to know why SERVPRO is the right choice for you.

You Can Rely on Us Anytime

Our team has years of experience working with both commercial and residential damage, which gives us great insight into how stressful these events can be. No kind of damage is ever expected or planned for, so it’s important for you to have someone that you can count on day or night.

This is why our experts stay ready 24⁄7. You can call at any time of the day, and we’ll provide a quick response to help you get started on the right path to restoration.

More Than Restoration

Our professionals provide more than just constant service, however; they also become an integral part of the communities we serve. Our location is locally owned and operated, which allows us to connect with the people in our region and be more than simply a restoration provider.

Aside from all this, our team is trained to handle every kind of disaster, using industry-leading technology to get your structure back in preloss condition. With years of experience, you can feel safe trusting us with your beloved property.

No matter what kind of damage you face, remember to call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington for all of your cleanup and restoration needs. Not only can you rely on us any time of the day, but you can also feel confident that we’ll have you back in your home before you know it.

When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.

What Is Mold Remediation?

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

white wall with black and grey mold If you are trying to handle a mold infestation in your home, call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington!

When you discover a mold infestation in your home, it can be a frightening and overwhelming event—and if you are like most people, your first thought will be, “How do I get this out of my home as soon as possible?”

For this reason, many people will find themselves searching for terms such as “get rid of mold” or “remove mold from home,” because this seems to be the main goal—but when we learn about mold, we will learn why these terms are a bit of a misnomer.

Below, we will look at the characteristics of mold and outline why “remediation” is the preferred term in the mold abatement industry.

The Nature of Mold Growth

Mold growth can be quite a tricky thing. In nature, mold’s function is to aid in the decay of organic material, which means it is always present and ready to do its job. Mold spores are

transmitted entirely through the air and are always present—it is helpful to think of them as agents that are always floating around and trying to do their job.

For this reason, when mold finds an area that is hospitable to growth, it will immediately invade the area and begin reproduction.

How Mold Gets Into Homes

Because mold is airborne, it can feel like a rather insidious spore. Mold can get into homes via open windows, by hitching a ride on shoes or clothing, by coming in through your HVAC system or by attaching itself to the fur of pets.

Essentially, there is no way to keep mold out…but it is possible to stop it from growing within the

home.

How Mold Remediation Addresses Mold Problems

Because mold is present nearly everywhere, it is impossible to fully remove mold from the home. However, mold remediation will address the underlying issues that are encouraging mold

growth and remove the mold-infested materials that are breeding the spores.

While simply removing the mold may take care of the issue temporarily, it is vital to address the reason that the mold has found a hospitable home within your structure so it does not return.

If you are trying to handle a mold infestation in your home, we are the team to call. We practice mold remediation to address the underlying issues—contact us today to learn more.

Common Signs of Mold Growth

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Microscopic Mold Growth SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington is ready 24 hours a day to help you fight mold in your home.

Dealing with mold growth is something that no home or business owner wants to deal with, but unfortunately, mold can be a persistent thing. Mold spores are always present in the air so there is the threat of them finding a nice spot to land. Thankfully, mold can only grow and expand in conditions that are favorable to its needs.

One of the conditions that mold likes best is areas that are dark without a lot of airflow—and because mold spores are airborne, they can quickly find places that fit the bill. This means that mold often grows in areas that are not readily apparent or accessible, meaning it is important to be aware of the signs of mold growth so you know what to look for.

The Common Indicators That a Building Could Have Mold Growth

Persistent, Dank Odors

One of the most evident (and frustrating) signs of mold is the persistent odor it produces.

Because mold’s main function in nature is to help organic matter decay, the smell it produces is dank and pungent. If you notice a persistent smell in an area that does not go away or worsens with time, it may be an indicator that mold is present somewhere in the area.

Water Damage That Was Improperly Treated

Mold loves areas that are moisture-heavy, which means water damage can often turn into a

mold problem if it is not treated properly. Water damage can soak into drywall, carpet pads and other hidden areas, and if it is not fully and properly addressed, it can lead to hidden mold growth in these unseen areas throughout the home.

Black Spots on Clothing or Fabrics

Mold can often make its home on fabrics, so if you begin noticing that clothes in your closet or upholstery on your furniture begins to attract spots of mold, that might be an indicator that there is a bigger issue elsewhere in the building. Because mold is airborne, it can travel from the main area it has set up for itself and attach to other objects as it tries to spread.

If you have questions about mold or are in need of mold remediation, we are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our services!

Why Choose SERVPRO When Your Home Needs Reconstruction

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

House showing Roof Damage When damage happens at home, we’re ready to jump into action. Contact SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington to get help right away.

Not all emergencies are created equal. Sometimes the extent of a restoration need is to have carpet professionally dried, furniture restored or mild smoke smell removed—all things that are certainly within our capability.

But some emergencies take a bigger chunk out of your life, ruining whole areas of your home—your subfloor, drywall and even your framework. It’s in these times that you’ll be glad to know you’ve got a team on your side who can not only handle the cleanup, but also perform any necessary reconstruction, to restore your home to its original, preloss state.

Our first aim is restoration. We want you to be able to keep your original possessions, and we’ve got both modern and time-tested techniques to get them dried, sanitized and ready for use again.

But when something more is needed—when an electrical fire eats away your walls from the inside, for example—we can take care of everything, start to finish.

When you choose SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington for reconstruction, that means all your needs are cared for by one team, with clear communication, synergy and expertise. You’ll have a faster, easier and more effective recovery time, plus the peace of mind knowing it’s all being handled by the industry leader with over 50 years’ experience in the field. And your insurance company will love you for keeping things simple.

Reconstruction requires expertise, because existing parts of your home have to be properly fitted to match reconstructed areas, which are built in or rebuilt to replace damaged ones. It’s not an easy task to make it look natural and seamless, but your SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington team is up for the challenge.

Considering the widespread damage that can happen to your home because of a few inches of floodwater, it’s easy to see why reconstruction can become necessary. But you can rest easy knowing that should the need arise, your friends at SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington have the expertise, tools and teams available around the clock to get your cleanup and reconstruction handled quickly, safely and completely.

When damage happens at home, we’re ready to jump into action. Contact SERVPRO when reconstruction and recovery are needed after water damage, fire or mold outbreak.

Dangers of Extreme Cold

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

?Thermometer surrounded by snow and ice ?Stay safe and warm! Warmer weather is on the way!

While your place of business can get damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers is also at risk.

Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015.

It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

While your place of business can get damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers is also at risk.

Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015.

It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

Let’s Prepare Your Emergency Ready Plan Together

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee standing in office next to a person reviewing plans If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington will be there

Being a business owner can seem easy—the idea of getting to pick your hours is ideal! But the reality is, you’re always on call, whether you are there or not, and you are responsible for things like employee relations, payables and safety!

Disasters or accidents can disrupt your business in only a matter of minutes. It’s actually scary to see that FEMA states 40% of small businesses will not reopen after a natural disaster, and a quarter of those that do reopen are forced to close their doors within a year.

That’s why it’s imperative to have a safety plan in place for your business. Three-quarters of all small businesses don’t have a plan in place, and now is the perfect time to make the change. We are here and ready to help you become better prepared.

We are always ready and proud to serve our local communities such as Roberta, Fort Valley, Byron and Zenith, along with so many others. Together we will work to get your Emergency Ready Plan started. Being locally owned and operated means we are all neighbors, and we will help our neighbors through the good and bad times.

When we work together, our goal is to help minimize downtime within your company, and help everyone understand what to do. We will carefully review and analyze your business needs to determine what you might need in the face of a disaster. From there, we’ll detail exactly what to do, including alternative locations to work from and data backup, so that you can react with confidence and not chaos.

Business owners have to worry about enough, and disaster planning is one thing that we can help take off your plate. Contact your local SERVPRO experts to help you prepare your Emergency Ready Plan. You can trust us to protect your business and employees!

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

SERVPRO Gives You a Seamless Recovery Process

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee reviewing plans in front of a large SERVPRO trailer truck We’ve got the tools and technology to handle any job. Contact SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington to learn more.

Doesn’t a cake sound delicious? If it didn’t before the beginning of that sentence, it probably does now.

So let’s bake one from scratch. Ready? First, we’ll go to the local poultry farmer to get some eggs, then the dairy farm for milk. Then we’ll head over to the mill for flour (unless you want to mill it at home for authenticity, and…sugar from the cane fields, maybe?

Yeah, you could go to those extreme lengths to get all your ingredients. But it’s the 21st century, and at this point most of us are looking to find one place we can go to get all the things we need for a cake, or whatever other confectionary delight you may have in mind.

Most of our shopping isn’t modular anymore, because part of what makes a great business great is that it offers a level of convenience that makes it easy to use and often decreases the buyer’s cost.

One of the many great things about being your local SERVPRO is that we can provide you with a single place to take care of every element of restoration after a disaster. Whether the nature of your damage is from water, fire, natural disaster or anything in between, we can get your home fully back to tip-top shape from beginning to end.

Need carpet dried and cleaned? We’ve got you. Drywall burned up in a fire? We can replace it, finish it, and even paint it. (You know we started as a painting business, right?)

Everything from reframing and construction to the tiniest finishing touches—we can make it happen, and you don’t have to worry about the process dragging on because multiple companies and sets of contractors have to wait on each other, communicate poorly, undo, redo and haggle with your insurance agent. From step one to done, SERVPRO has it under control.

We’ll even talk to your insurance company to simplify that process, too.

So when a heavy storm rips through the house, an unexpected flood fills your basement with water, or an electrical fire eats up your hallway, don’t call five companies—call one.

Did you hear the oven ding? Cake’s ready.

For an A to Z cleanup, recovery and restoration solution, you don’t have to worry. Your local SERVPRO has all the tools and teams necessary to finish your project, no matter how complex.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Handle Your Cleanup and Recovery

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee looking for signs of damage under crawl space of home When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington has your back.

Have you heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule? It’s an idea popularized by author Malcom Gladwell that says, essentially, it takes 10,000 hours to master one’s craft and become an expert.

Noted achievers like Bill Gates in the tech world and Alex Rodriguez in sports and entrepreneurship subscribe to the idea that it takes concerted effort over a long period to be able to truly call yourself one of the best in a given field.

If the 10,000 hour rule holds true, then you can only imagine the level of expertise you can expect when you call your local SERVPRO to help you after a disaster in your home or business. Think about it—1,800 SERVPRO teams nationwide, doing business over the span of a half-century? We tried to do the actual math, but it just made us go cross-eyed.

The point is that when you call SERVPRO, you can be absolutely certain that you’re calling a reputable team of true experts, highly trained and heavily equipped for any home recovery need you may have.

Every SERVPRO franchise owner goes through complete training at the SERVPRO National Training Center, and every team member sits under them to extend that knowledge. We actually have a training house that we flood, set on fire and otherwise destroy, so that our teams can learn firsthand the latest techniques for restoring and repairing damaged homes, furnishings and more.

Expertise matters. And in an age where anyone can get on social media and crown themselves an expert, having a proven track record is what can set one service apart—and nobody has the track record of SERVPRO. For more than 50 years, we’ve satisfied literal millions of home and business owners with quality service and outstanding care.

When you call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington, you can rest assured you’re getting in touch with teams that know what they’re doing because they’ve been doing it for a lot of people, for a very long time. We’ve put in our 10,000 hours as a company many times over.

When you need thorough, expert home cleaning or restoration, you know who to trust. Contact SERVPRO when disaster strikes, and let the pros handle it.

Trust SERVPRO for Your Remodel

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

a small interior room with light brown wood floor being installed When you call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington, rest assured you’re getting in touch with the best restoration team in the business.

We talk a lot around here about recovery, damage from storms and fires, that sort of thing—and we should. A great deal of what we do revolves around helping families and business owners who are struck by sudden situations and find themselves in need of a trustworthy service company to help them restore their damaged homes and business.

That’s a role we’re proud to fill for millions of customers nationwide, and it’s gained us the industry-leader reputation we’re honored to have earned.

But it doesn’t take a tornado for you to take advantage of SERVPRO’s expertise.

Our highly trained construction teams can help you beautify, add on or remodel your home for no other reason than it being something you want to do. No disaster required.

Recent studies show that as many as 90% of homeowners plan on remodeling their homes at some point, and almost four out of 10 plan on doing it in the next year. If you’re one of these millions of homeowners, call SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington when you’re ready to make it happen, and you can trust the same expert teams who rebuild countless homes after disasters to give your kitchen, basement or whole home the facelift you’ve always dreamed about.

We cover the whole process, top to bottom—from inspection and gathering estimates, to mitigating any hazards or other difficulties that may hinder or interrupt the process, to full-service rebuilding and construction.

We can even go the extra mile and help you with dust control, contaminant protection and more with our premium services and EPA-registered preventive healthcare solutions.

You’ll love your new remodel, and you’ll love how easy the process is when you can trust one team to get your work done, instead of a rotation of multiple repair crews slowing down the job and struggling to communicate with each other.

You don’t have to wait for a flood, fire or natural disaster to take care of the expert construction services SERVPRO offers. We can help you build, rebuild or remodel your home and get the dream look you’ve always wanted.

If a remodel is in your future, you owe it to yourself to check with SERVPRO and get a quote. Call us today and get a local team of experts invested in your project.

Whatever Your Restoration Need, We’ve Got You Covered

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

a green SERVPRO van parked in a warehouse full of equipment When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington to get the job done

If you pass by a home or business that is up in flames, your heart truly goes out to those people. But when you see that green SERVPRO truck pull up, you know they are being well-taken care of.

At SERVPRO, we provide full-service cleaning, restoration and reconstruction services. So we will fix or clean things from top to bottom, and we will do it in a timely and efficient way.

Here’s a breakdown of SERVPRO services you can benefit from:

Water damage recovery. Whether you have encountered a flash flood that made its way into your home or you had a pipe that has busted, you can be certain that we will take care of you. When it comes to water, it doesn’t take much to do damage, and that’s why you should call us.

Fire damage recovery. A fire is reported every 23 seconds here in the United States. Fires, and the things used to put them out, can do a lot of damage, which requires lots of cleanup. That’s why we bring out all the help we can get.

Mold removal. Mold damage can creep up on you without you ever seeing it and can threaten the structure of your home. Once it’s established in your home or business, mold can spread quickly and easily, so call in the pros.

Storm recovery. Storms of any kind can cause damage, and no matter the size of damage it causes, you can count on us to help you restore your home or business.

Commercial needs. If you’re a business owner, have peace of mind in knowing we offer you all the same services we offer homeowners, plus a few extra!

General cleaning. Cleaning can be a headache for some, but for us here at SERVPRO, it’s pretty simple. We will provide your home or business cleaning services, including carpet or curtain cleaning and more.

Specialty cleaning. Sometimes you have cleaning needs that go beyond the basics. If you need specialized services such as document restoration or biohazard cleanup, we’re here to help.

Construction. Sometimes, damage can be severe and restoring your place is out of the question. The good news is you don’t have to find another company to help you—SERVPRO can reconstruct your home or business and get it looking “Like it never even happened.”

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your Top Choice for Water Damage Restoration

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Woman Holding Pot Catching Dripping Water SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington is ready 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency water damage.

Having water damage your home is something that can feel extremely overwhelming. Whether you have a leak, a flood or other type of water-related issue, water damage can be disruptive to your life and your routine. And if you are unsure of how to handle it, it can be more disruptive than you imagine.

No matter where you live, it is important to understand your risk for flooding and other types of water damage—especially because one in 10 properties in the United States are at risk for flooding—so you can plan ahead for it. Water damage can come about suddenly, but having a plan in place for who to call can help you handle it quickly and efficiently.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Water Restoration at Your Home

**We respond quickly to your call.** Water damage is not something that you want to leave unattended for any length of time. Mold and mildew growth can start quite quickly after water damage, but the faster it is addressed, the less likely this is to be an issue. With our 24/7 emergency line, you can be confident that you can get in touch with us whenever you need us.

**We understand the intricacies of water damage.** Water damage is rarely a simple issue, and oftentimes, it is a rather complex one. Water can seep into many places that are not supposed to be wet, and when these areas are hidden, it is impossible to know the scope of the issue. Because we understand the intricacies of water damage, we monitor impacted areas to find any areas with hidden moisture to make sure any water damage is fully addressed.

**We have a national backup plan.** If there is a widespread issue that causes water damage, such as flooding, resources in the local area can be spread quite thin. We combat this issue by having the backing of our national brand—because there are SERVPRO locations across the nation, we can scale up resources, equipment and technicians as needed, so you can expect the same level of service even when there is an extreme need.

*If you need assistance with water damage in your household, you can count on us to be there for you. Get in touch with us at any time to learn more about our water restoration process.*

Why SERVPRO Is Your Go-To for Any Restoration Needs

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Man Talking on Phone SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington is ready 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency situation!

Needing restoration on your home is something that can feel rather overwhelming, but eventually, it is likely to happen. From damaging severe weather incidents to leaks or kitchen fires, there are many ways that a home can sustain damage, but fortunately, there are comprehensive solutions that can help ease the complications of restoration.

To better prepare your household to deal with damages that need restoration, it is best to think ahead regarding what company you would like to use. That way, when you discover damage, you can make the call immediately to begin the restoration process.

In most cases, it is vital that restoration happens quickly—so below, we have outlined a few reasons why we are here to be your go-to.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs

**We understand that each scenario is different.** While incidents that require restoration are quite common, every scenario is still different. For example, in spite of the fact that house fires impact more than 350,000 families each year, every fire causes damage that varies in its scope. That is why we make sure that we have the expertise to deal with damages of any type, so you can always feel confident when you call on us.

**We provide a response 24 hours a day.** When it comes to damage restoration, it is important to act fast. This is vital not only for helping your household get back to its usual state, but it is also a must to prevent further issues from arising, such as mold and mildew growth after water damage. For this reason, we are here to respond to your call 24/7, 365 days a year.

**We do more than damage restoration.** In addition to simply restoring the damage an incident has caused in your home, we also help with every aspect of the process. From helping you pack things up to dealing with your insurance agent to get the most for your claim, we aim to provide assistance in any way we can throughout the process.

*If you are in need of a go-to partner for residential restoration, you can count on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our process or to receive a rapid response to your damage.*

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Fire Restoration Needs?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Electrical outlet and cord on fire SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington is ready to help you create an emergency plan to keep your family safe.

A house fire is something no one would like to experience, but unfortunately, they are a more common occurrence than most people realize. Every year, around 358,000 structures will have a fire event in them, causing billions in property damage across the United States.

House fires can lead to significant property damage as well as pose risks for injuries and deaths, so preparing as much as possible is a must for mitigating their impact.

Focusing on fire prevention is the best thing to do to keep your household safe, but it is also important that you have a plan for the aftermath of a fire just in case. Because smoke and soot can permeate rooms in the home that were not even impacted by a fire, it can be quite disruptive to your daily life—which is why we are here to guarantee a rapid response when you call us.

Why to Choose SERVPRO When You Need Home Fire Restoration

**We will get to you quickly.** Experiencing a house fire is a frightening thing, and if you have damage to your home, it is understandable that you will want it taken care of as quickly as possible. That is why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. We always provide a rapid response when you call us, no matter the hour.

**We understand fire damage.** Fire damage is a complex thing. Not only is there the damage from the actual flames, but there is also smoke, soot and often moisture damage to consider. We approach fire damage with this in mind, and have the knowledge to tackle the entire spectrum of fire damage so it is "Like it never even happened."

**We have expert fire restoration technicians.** Because we always want to provide you with the best restoration service possible, we take our training programs very seriously and ensure that our technicians are well-versed in the world of fire restoration. Between third-party certifications and our own SERVPRO training that our technicians complete, you can be confident that the technicians assigned to your job know exactly what to do.

*If you are in need of fire restoration, let us be the team you call. Get in touch with us at any hour to learn more or to report your fire damage.*

Smoke Alarms: Life Savers

12/18/2021 (Permalink)

smoke alarm on ceiling with smoke For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO® of Conyers/Covington.

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO® of Conyers/Covington.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 2

Decorate Safely!

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

hand hanging decorations SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington franchise professionals are available 24/7, even during the holidays.

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season - however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in  your home or business this holiday season:

?Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles. 

?Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

?Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed. 

?Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.  Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.

?Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees. 

?Keep anything that can catch on fire - like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains - away from your stove top. 

?Designate one person to walk around your home or business to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington franchise professionals wish you all a save and happy holiday season!

You’ve Got Water Damage. Now What?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

flooded colorful laundry room with items floating in the water When water damage hits, we hit back. Contact the SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington team to get your recovery underway.

Well, it’s happened. A pipe burst in the night, and you’ve got a house soaked with water and a bunch of soaked items all over. Or maybe a heavy rain has revealed your roof isn’t in the top-top shape you thought it was. Whatever the cause, you’ve now got to figure out your next steps.

Let’s walk through the three essential first steps when you’ve discovered water damage at home:

Call Your Insurance Company

Not all types of water damage are covered by insurance, but many are. Your specific policy will determine your coverage, but it’s likely to cover anything from damage to your home’s structure and your personal belongings, and it may also reimburse you for time and living expenses if you have to temporarily move out.

Part of the insurance process is documentation, so don’t forget to immediately photograph and outline all visible damage, and make value assessments of any items that need repair or replacement. This can help your insurance company determine what you need and get you the most out of your claim.

Safely Move What You Can

First things first: If your house is full of flood water, avoid contact if at all possible. Flood water can be full of contaminants, so if you must come in contact, be sure to wear protective gear. Turning off your power is a good idea for safety’s sake as well, so shut off your main breaker if you can do it safely. (Call an electrician to help if there’s standing water around your breakers.)

If items on the floor are wet, move them to higher, dryer spaces if possible. Save everything, even if it’s damaged, because they may be salvageable during the restoration and recovery process. Move undamaged items out of harm’s way as well, so you don’t end up with more damaged possessions to claim.

Call SERVPRO

Don’t waste time—we’re ready right now to get your recovery and restoration underway. Water damage turns to mold damage quickly, but when we get onsite we can rapidly reverse the effects of flooding, burst pipes or sewer backup.

We’re “Faster to Any Size Disaster” because it matters, not simply so we can brag. We can restore many of your possessions as well, from carpet to furniture and documents, so don’t hesitate—get us on your side right away.

When water damage hits, we hit back. Contact our local team now to get your recovery underway.

Do You Know Where to Check for Water Leaks in Your Home?

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

hand holding a hose dripping water If you have damage due to a water leak, you can count on SERVPRO of Conyers/Covington for restoration!

While water damage can occur unexpectedly and with seemingly no rhyme or reason, there are
fortunately some ways that homeowners can prevent certain kinds from becoming severe. In
fact, hidden water leaks are a major source of household water damage and are known to
waste over 10,000 gallons of water every year—but by being vigilant about checking for leaks
regularly, you can significantly reduce the chances that this will happen to you.

While many leaks show up in evident areas, others will be in far more sneaky spots that
homeowners may not think to check. If you are worried a hidden leak could be costing you, be
sure to read the list below for places you can keep an eye on throughout your home.

Where to Keep an Eye Out for Hidden Water Leaks

In your home’s bathrooms. Because of how much water is used in a bathroom on a daily
basis, they are often culprits of hidden water leaks for ages before homeowners realize
something is amiss. Splash leaks—the types of leaks that occur when water is splashed out of
the tub or shower—are the most common kind of bathroom leak to watch out for. Additionally,
leaks under the sinks, around the toilet base and in the walls surrounding the shower are all
common and should be checked for regularly.

Behind your home’s appliances. Any appliance that uses water, such as your dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerator, is susceptible to developing a hidden leak. Because these appliances are rarely moved, leaks can happen for years without becoming noticeable—and by that time, the water damage will be severe. Make it a habit to check under and behind your appliances at least once every few months so you can be sure there is nothing hiding right
under your nose.

Around your home’s spigots. While outdoor spigots are convenient, they can cause issues if
they are not properly maintained. As they are exposed to the elements every season, they can
begin to wear and have their seals break down in time—which can lead to a serious leak in the
exterior walls of your home.

*If you have damage due to a water leak, you can count on us for restoration! Contact us at any
time to learn more about how we handle water damage for homeowners.*

Summer Safety

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

tent and campfire overlooking woods and mountains Whatever your adventure, follow all safety guidelines to ensure a good time is had by all.

SERVPRO® hopes you stay safe and have an awesome summer. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to keep you and your family safe.

  • When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
  • When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
  • When camping, always use a flame-retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
  • Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
  • Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen an existing campfire.

Summer is full of fun and new adventures. Whatever your adventure, follow all safety guidelines to ensure a good time is had by all.

*Source Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 6