The Different Types of Fire Damage

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ad with images of different types of damage caused by a fire.

Dealing with fire damage can be a long process. The fire could have been small, but its smoke did most of the damage. Conversely, most of the damage could have been from the fire itself. Lastly, another layer of damage could have been caused when the fire was extinguished. Here are the main types of fire damage that are commonly dealt with.

Flame Damage—This could be from an electrical outlet that caused damage that led to a full-blown kitchen fire.

Smoke Damage—Smoke is literally in the air and can (and will) get into everything. Even after the rebuild is completed, the property can still have a lingering smell of smoke unless it is dealt with correctly.

3rd Party Damage - This type of damage comes from any in-house sprinkler system used to put the fire out or from the Fire Department themselves when they get to the scene.

Heat Damage—Even though a part of the structure might not have actually caught fire, it was probably severely heated. This can cause structural damage and possible swelling that you might overlook right away.

After a fire, you could simultaneously deal with flame, smoke, water, and heat damage.  FEMA has some great information on what to do after the fire.  The best way to ensure this is taken care of promptly and properly is to contact the team at SERVPRO to get on the job!

Preventing Mold in your Home’s Closet

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

A photo of mold growing inside of a damp closet.

Mold can grow anywhere in homes, including closets. Here are some tips to keep your closets dry and mold-free! 

• Make sure that clothes are completely dry before storing them in closets. The moisture in clothing can accelerate mold growth. 
• Store only clean clothing and items in closets as dirt and other organic substances are potential food sources for mold. 
• Don’t pack clothes or other items too tightly in closets. Allow air to circulate between them to reduce moisture. 
• Don’t store items on the closet floor to prevent trapping moisture underneath them. 
• Leave closets open when possible. Replace solid closet doors curtains for better airflow. 
• Avoid opening closets if they are in rooms with high humidity, particularly when producing moisture (e.g., showering or cooking). 
• If you have a humidity problem in your home, use the air conditioning unit or a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. 
• If clothes in a closet smell musty, take them out and fix the moisture problem. 

What to do if your apartment becomes flooded?

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

A photo of SERVPRO drying equipment in the kitchen of an apartment.

What to do if your apartment becomes flooded?

SERVPRO of Southaven/Horn Lake highlights the steps to water removal from an apartment.

Being in a flooded apartment is an awful experience. The water can damage your belongings and put you out of your home for days. The effects of a flooded flat are numerous, ranging from mold growth to wet carpets and broken furnishings.

As a homeowner or renter, you must act fast when faced with water damage to limit the level of damage. The starting point is to get all the water out of the building.

The water restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Southaven/Horn Lake, a leading water removal company in Mississippi, have outlined the following tips for water removal in a flooded apartment.

1. Identify the cause of the flooding

Floods vary greatly from one another. Flooding from ruptured frozen pipes is different from flooding caused by a sewage backup. Identifying the precise cause of the flooding will increase the chances of quickly solving the issue.

Let's say the flooding in your residence results from a blocked and overflowing toilet. You may close the water valve supplying the toilet to prevent the flooding from getting worse.

2. Pump out the water

A pump can be helpful if you have standing water several inches deep. But, it’s important to pump slowly, as pumping water out too quickly could undermine the property’s foundations.

Sump pumps can be rented for approximately $50 per day or bought for $100 and higher. However, it’s always best to engage a water damage restoration expert, as they have the required tools, including industrial water pumps.

3. Use a bucket

Another way to get water from your property if you don’t have a pump is with a bucket. It’s very straightforward; pack the water in the bucket and pour it outside or inside a larger container, which you’ll discharge outside.

While this is economical, removing water with a bucket can be very stressful and time-consuming.

4. Contact your neighbors

Notifying your neighbors of the flood in your apartment is polite, especially if you have downstairs neighbors.

Depending on the extent of the flooding, the water can easily flow into their flat from the ceiling. Giving them advance notice will prevent that unpleasant surprise and allow them time to take preventative measures.

5. Speak with your landlord

The next step is to contact your landlord if you rent rather than own your unit. You should contact your landlord as soon as possible to inform them about the problem because they are in charge of preventing damage to the property, including water damage.

6. Secure your belongings

If your apartment is flooded, you most likely won't be able to shield all of your belongings from water damage. You should relocate anything you can from the flooded area to prevent massive damage. The items can be kept in a room far from the flooded area or placed high enough so that the water won't reach them.

Grab as many belongings as you can if you have to evacuate your house due to flooding.

7. Speak with your insurance provider

Renters' insurance is a must if you rent a place. While the expense of fixing the structure is your landlord's responsibility, the loss of your personal property is probably covered by your renter's insurance policy.

However, keep in mind that damage from some types of flooding is typically not covered by renters' insurance. For instance, unless you have a particular flood rider, your renters' insurance usually won't cover the damage if your apartment floods during a hurricane.

Get professional water removal services in Mississippi

You can rely on SERVPRO of Southaven/Horn Lake to handle water removal in your apartment. Their team of certified water damage technicians is trained to clean up water damage as quickly and effectively as possible. They will arrive at your home with state-of-the-art tools to clean, dry, and restore the apartment and belongings to their preloss state.

Are you ready to get started? Call SERVPRO of Southaven/Horn Lake today!

What to do When You Return to your Home After Storm Damage!

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

An image of a home with a list of things that you can do when you return to your home after a significant storm.

When storms send floodwater into your home, you don't always know what to do. When is it safe to return to your house? Can you start the cleanup on your own? How you handle a flood will depend on the severity of the damage. It can be helpful to call about storm damage services right after the storm has left your area. You should also try to avoid doing the following:

1. Walking Into Standing Water

Did you know that 6 inches of moving water can cause you to lose your footing? Because even shallow waters can be dangerous, you should avoid walking into any standing water. Your flooded home may be full of stagnant water, but you should still avoid going into it. If the electricity is on, the water could be charged. Storm water could contain dangerous contaminants, too.

2. Waiting To Schedule a Cleanup

Do you want to try to tackle the water damage on your own? Unless you know how to effectively remove flooding and humidity from your house, you should turn to a professional. The sooner you can schedule your cleanup, the better it will be for your home. If you wait too long, you may have increased mold growth in your space.

3. Returning to Your Home Too Soon

While you want your life to return to normal, you need to make sure the flood water is completely gone before you return. Going home too soon can make it harder for the cleanup crew to properly remove excess humidity. The cleanup may require building materials to be replaced, which can leave your home dusty. If you wait until the entire process is finished, you can return to a more normal life right when you move back in.

Storm flood water may cause you to leave your home until the damage can be fixed. Taking the wrong steps after this type of flood can make the restoration process harder than it has to be, so remember what not to do.  You can find more detailed information from Ready.gov.

Preventing Springtime Water Damage

3/31/2023 (Permalink)

We all know the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers." With springtime comes heavy downpours, which can bring unwanted surprises to light on your property like roof leaks or water that comes through your home's foundation. Soggy carpets and dripping ceilings often lead to water damage. Have no fear! Taking the following steps can help prevent water damage in the spring.

Tips to Prevent Springtime Water Damage

• Groom your gutters. Keep the flow flowing! By cleaning your gutters and keeping them damage-free, water will be directed away from your house with downspout extensions.
• Cover up! Using plastic covers around window wells can keep rain from seeping in.
• Show your roof some love. Give your roof some much-needed TLC by replacing missing singles, any damage from storms or weather, and keep flashing sealed. We promise it's worth the effort!
• Be an Einstein landscaper. When putting decoration or landscaping around your home, make sure to slope the ground away from your foundation. This will help prevent water from pooling and causing future water damage issues.
• It's all about the foundation. By repairing cracks and holes in your home's foundation as soon as they are found, you can keep the water away and minimize your odds of water damage!

Storm Season doesn't end when Hurricane season does.

3/31/2023 (Permalink)

Team unloading vans.

Even though storm season is wrapping up rather quickly, a nearby road overflow can cause significant issues in the ground levels of your property. Heavy rainfall results in sewer systems backing up and overflowing with contaminated Black Water. Due to the potentially harmful effects of Black Water, it is essential to hire a professional, qualified technician to help repair and restore your property safely. Indeed, many of your possessions can be salvaged by using professional cleaning equipment promptly.

Where there is Flood Damage in SERVPRO® of Southaven & Horn Lake homes, the likelihood of contaminants being spread around the home is high. In the circumstances, it is not uncommon for our technicians to wear Hazmat suits to protect themselves from pathogens during the cleanup operation. We may also have to remove sections of drywall to clean in and behind walls, floors, and fittings. Left behind debris is not only odorous but has the potential to be harmful if not dealt with thoroughly.

For owners who find themselves in this position, it is only natural to immediately assume the worst, especially where personal possessions are concerned. Here at SERVPRO®of Southaven & Horn Lake,  we always work with a restore over replace mentality. Unlike other providers, our services are geared toward salvaging as much as possible. We enable our technicians to achieve this by providing them with state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and technology.

We can assess items immediately on-site to decide which possessions are salvageable and which need disposal. Generally speaking, porous materials absorb black water making them exceptionally difficult to clean; this could include your carpets or curtains. However, where they are valuable fabrics, we can send them to a specialized facility for mechanical cleaning using Esporta washing machines. This equipment is expensive because they are advanced. However, SERVPRO Southaven & Horn Lake provides technicians with everything they need to restore items rather than replace them.

Floods are considerable emergencies which is why SERVPRO training involves a rapid-response unit as well as a 24-hour emergency call line. Our skilled specialists are local to the area and can reach you fast to help mitigate loss and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

Why should you hire professionals after fire damages?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Firefighters putting out house fire.

Fires can happen unexpectedly at any time. Some people are unprepared for what to do for the cleanup after the fire occurs, which is why it is vital to hire a fire damage servicing company to help get it done correctly. 

• There are four main reasons why it is vital to hire a fire damage service professional. 
• Unforeseen damages – With the unforeseen damages in the home, it is a possibility that it is no longer safe to live in. 
• Smoke and soot. – Soot can cover a lot of things in the home and it is very difficult to remove. Smoke has a bad tendency to linger for years and many people don’t realize it’s there. There are many places that smoke can get into besides the obvious like the carpet and furniture. It can be in the walls or air ducts. This sometimes makes the air in the home unhealthy to breathe, especially for children and elderly. 
• Right equipment – Many people may try to clean the damages themselves but don’t have the right equipment to do so. Hiring a cleanup service will allow the homeowners to save time and assurance that the home is well taken care of. 
• Structural damage – There can be structural damage from fire or the water used to put out the fire.  It can lead to big problems in the future if it is not taken care of immediately.

Don’t delay the cleanup process, the sooner the cleanup gets started, the less damage repair will need to be done.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the professionals at SERVPRO!

Did You Know That SERVPRO Offers Mold Remediation Services in South Haven and Surrounding Areas?

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Crest with Cleaned

Mold growth in your home can cause cause health effects; here are the effective ways to solve your mold problem.

Finding mold in your shower, basement, or kitchen can be alarming. A small amount of mold may not cause health effects, but knowing to get rid of it on time can keep it from becoming a bigger issue. When left untouched, mold can spread quickly to a larger area and cause health effects.

SERVPRO of Southaven & Horn Lake, a professional mold removal company serving the Southern Memphis and surrounding areas, shares five effective tips for removing mold from homes. 

1. Applying Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial and antifungal solution. It is effective for mold removal. You can use it safely on a wide range of surfaces like kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, hard flooring, and wall surfaces.

Pour the concentration into a spray bottle. You can begin by testing areas or surfaces that are not conspicuous to prevent discoloration or damage. Once you are satisfied with the result, spray the moldy surfaces and leave them for 15 minutes. After that, scrub the area to remove black mold and stains.

2. Using vinegar for mold removal

White vinegar is a nontoxic acidic product used to clean, deodorize and disinfect. Vinegar can kill more than 80 percent of mold species, including black mold. You can use this solution safely on a wide range of surfaces.

Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle, and spray onto the moldy surfaces. Leave it for about an hour. Finally, wipe the area with water and allow the surface to dry.

3. Using baking soda to remove black mold

Baking soda is not only effective for removing odors in the fridge, but it can also help to get rid of black mold. Baking soda not only kills mold but also absorbs and encourages mold growth. The best part is that it is safe for your family and pets.

Pour a tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle filled with water and shake until it dissolves. Spray the moldy area and scrub the surface using a scrub brush. After that, rinse the surface with water to remove any residual mold stains and the baking soda itself.

4. Removing black mold with essential oils

For centuries, millions of people have used essential oils in aromatherapy. But very few people know that some essential oils, such as tea tree oil are effective insect repellents and deodorizers. It is a natural fungicide that removes mold quickly and ensures mold spores do not come back.

Mix tree oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to achieve a fine blend. Spray the moldy area, leave it for 45 minutes, and then wipe away with a dry towel. Essential oils can cause health effects in some people, so ensure you wear protective gloves when applying them.

5. Curbing mold growth with lemons

Lemons are a natural antiseptic, bleach, and stain remover. Additionally, it is one of the most effective ways to remove black mold in the house. The high concentration of acid in lemons helps break down mold spores, leaving you with a clean and disinfected surface.

Juice three to five lemons into a cup and pour over the affected area. Wait for 10 minutes, and then wipe the surface with a damp towel. You can also scrub the surface to get rid of tough mold stains.

Preventative Water Damage Maintenance with your SERVPRO of Southaven & Horn Lake team!

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

Areas prone to water damage.

There are times when we can’t control what happens to our homes or businesses, but there are some things that we can do to help lower the chances.  Water damage is one of the most common causes of damage to your property.  It can be from a weather occurrence or from directly inside the house.  Here are a few things that you can check for to see how well you are doing.

Water Shut Off Valve - Everyone needs to know where this is and how to turn it off.  Most water shut off valves require a special tool to turn it off, while others just require the turning of a lever.

Gutters - Keeping your gutters clean might sound simple, but it is one of the most effective ways to keep water going where it was designed to go.

Pipe Freezing - This one doesn’t happen too often in our area, but wrapping your pipes when the temperature is close to 32 with strong winds can definitely save you a major problem.  All hardware stores sell covers/wraps for your outdoor pipes and faucets.

Roof Inspection - You should check your roof for leaks at least once per year.  You can do this yourself by taking a look inside of your attic after a good rain to see if you notice any leaks.  It would be wise to hire a professional every few years to do a more in-depth inspection.  This small cost every few years could save you a major one down the road.

Check For Leaks - Checking your home for leaks is pretty quick and simple.  All you have to do is crawl beneath the sinks every once in a while to make sure that everything is working properly.  You also can’t forget to check the hot water heater.  You will want to look for any water leakage around the area as well as the condition of the drip pan.  The drip pan is your first defense against a leaky water heater.

If your home or office suffers any damage, the crew at SERVPRO is here to help!