Tips for Storm Damage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month!

After Flooding:

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
• Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

www.ready.gov for more information

Repairing a Commercial Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

A perpetually flushing toilet in your commercial building is a real nuisance. Nobody wants to deal with toilet overflow. If it's not addressed, this issue can cause water or mold damage, requiring you to consult a water damage restoration professional in Bolivar, Washington, or Sunflower County to assess any damage and keep your building sanitary and safe. 

If you can’t stop a toilet from flushing, it's time to check the gasket in the flushometer. Fortunately, this task is easy to do. When the gasket becomes dirty or damaged, it will leak, and your toilet won’t stop flushing, causing toilet overflow. Here are four simple steps to deal with a faulty gasket.

1. Gather Your Tools

Before you start working on the plumbing issue, make sure you have the following tools:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
• Soft, absorbent cloth
• Fine piece of wire

2. Turn Off the Water To Curb a Toilet Flood

Facing the toilet, you’ll see a slotted circle or a circular cover located on the short arm opposite the flush lever. If there is a cover, pry it off. Insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn to shut off the water.

3. Remove the Gasket

Use your wrench to loosen the gasket cover, which is the large, flat-sided circle at the very top of the unit. Avoid scratching the chrome by using your cloth between the wrench and the gasket cover. Loosen it just a bit, then turn it by hand. Use your cloth to soak up any water that leaked out.

4. Clean or Replace the Gasket

Clean any buildup or debris from the gasket and use your fine wire to clear the little weep hole. Be careful not to enlarge the hole. If the gasket is damaged, replace it with a new one. Put the gasket in place, replace the cover and tighten. Don't forget to turn the water back on when you're finished.
Don't tolerate a constantly flushing toilet. Clean or replace your flushometer gasket to avoid toilet overflow.

Cleaning Your Gas Range in 5 Easy Steps

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Making a mess is part of cooking. While you’re cleaning up, keep in mind that your gas range requires regular maintenance. Washing your stove prevents grease fires and helps get rid of that smoke smell that comes from burning crusted-on food stains. If you have a natural gas stovetop in your Bolivar, Washington, or Sunflower County, home, follow the range cleaning steps below to get rid of any grime and keep yourself safe.

1. Soak Grates and Caps
Fill your sink with hot, soapy water. Remove the grates and burner caps and soak them in the hot water. If residual grease is stuck to either, scrub it away with dish soap and a scrub brush.

2. Clean With Vinegar
Combine a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and generously spritz your entire stovetop. Spray the temperature knobs and back panel of the stove, as well. Let the cleaner soak to break down the stains and spills. Then wipe away with a rag.

3. Scrub With Dish Soap
For tougher, greasier splashes that can’t be removed easily with your vinegar spray, use dish soap and a small brush to scrub away the spots. A toothbrush or non-scratch scrub brush works well to get off the gunk without damaging your stove.

4. Check the Burner Heads
Remove the stove’s burner heads by lifting them straight up. Wash away any stains underneath. You can use a small, pointy object, such as a pin or needle, to clean out any crumbs lodged into the heads.

5. Vacuum Under the Gas Range
Finally, lift the stovetop, like you would the hood of a car, and suck up any debris with the brush attachment on your vacuum. Close the lid, and you’re all done.

Keeping your gas range mess-free will ensure cleanliness and safety. Prevent the need for restoration experts after a grease fire by taking the proper maintenance steps. With a clean stove comes peace of mind.

Firework Safety

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Every year, there are countless reports of firework-related fires and injuries. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that firework fires cause millions in property damage each year.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland are here to help you celebrate safely this year. However, in the event that fire does occur, we are fire and water damage restoration experts who can help you recover.

If you're planning on setting off fireworks, make sure to follow the five safety tips mentioned in this blog post to avoid firework fire damage.

The five safety tips to avoid firework fire damage

The professionals at SERVPRO know that the leading cause of firework fire damage is when they are poorly handled. Therefore, always handle fireworks with care, and follow these five safety tips:

1) Purchase fireworks from a reputable source.

Make sure you buy your fireworks from a reputable source. Quality fireworks will ensure they will not explode or start a fire. Homemade fireworks are more likely to cause damage than store-bought fireworks.

2) Follow the instructions

When setting off fireworks, follow the instructions on the back of the packaging. Following instructions will help to ensure that the firework is used correctly and will not start a fire.

3) Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water on hand

If a fire starts, it is essential to have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water on hand. After the fireworks show, you want to put water on the fireworks to prevent fire damage.

4) Do not use fireworks near buildings or flammable objects.

When igniting fireworks, you want to ensure that they are lit off in an open area, away from buildings and flammable objects. We suggest only setting off fireworks at a distance of at least 30 yards from any building to avoid fire damage.

5) Dispose of fireworks properly.

After the fireworks show, it is essential to dispose of them properly. Once the firework has been used, douse it with water and place it in a metal trash can. Proper disposal will help to prevent a fire from starting.

What should you do if a fire does occur?

If fire damage occurs, you will want first to prioritize the safety of yourself and your family. Then, once everyone is safe and away from the fire, you will want to contact the local fire department to come and extinguish the fire.

After the fire department leaves, you will want to: 

• Contact your homeowner's insurance
• Contact a reliable fire restoration company
• Document the damages with photos and videos

Let the experts at SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland help with your firework fire damage.

Smoke Damage on Glass

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland understand that smoke damage on glass is common after a fire. Fortunately, smoke damage on glass is a much easier fix than smoke damage on other surfaces like walls or ceilings.

No matter the amount of smoke damage in your home or office, you'll want to clean it up as soon as possible. Smoke damage is an eyesore, but it can also lead to an uncomfortable living environment.

If your home or office has glass with smoke damage, don't worry! You can take several steps to remove the smoke and restore your glass to its original condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland put together this blog post to help property owners remove unwanted smoke stains from glass. There are several ways to remove smoke damage from glass, but we'll focus on the proven method that we know works best to get your property back to normal! 

What is smoke damage, and what are the effects of smoke on glass?

Smoke damage can occur from many different types of fires, but they all have one thing in common- soot. Soot is a black, powdery substance produced when organic materials like wood or paper burn.

When smoke comes into contact with glass, it leaves behind a film of soot. This film can be challenging to remove and often requires special treatment.

Smoke damage on glass is unattractive and can make your property look dirty or abandoned. Not only is smoke damage an eyesore, but it can also lead to other problems like:

• Discoloration of the glass
• Etching of the glass
• Pitting of the glass
• Staining of the glass

If smoke damage is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your glass surfaces. Therefore, to avoid further damage, it is best to clean smoke damage as soon as possible.

How to clean smoke damage from glass

There are several ways to remove smoke damage from glass, but using water and a soot sponge is the most effective way. With the wet soot sponge, you will need to scrub the surface of the glass in a circular motion. You may also need to use a razor blade to remove any stubborn smoke residue, but be sure to use a gentle touch so you don't scratch the glass. Repeat this process as necessary until the smoke damage is no longer visible.

You will want to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on smoke-damaged glass, as this can cause further damage. If the smoke damage is particularly stubborn, you should hire a professional smoke damage restoration company to assist you.

The importance of quick action when smoke damage occurs

Smoke damage can be a severe issue, and it's essential to take quick action to address the problem. If smoke residue is left uncleaned, it can cause permanent damage to the glass surface. The sooner you address the smoke damage, the better your chance of eradicating it!

How SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland can help 

We hope you enjoyed learning about smoke damage on glass and how to remove it. If you find yourself with smoke damage that has severely affected your home or office, don't hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Downtown Atlanta.

SERVPRO of Downtown Atlanta is an IICRC firm specializing in fire damage restoration. We can help you clean up the smoke damage and restore your property to its original condition.

Don't let smoke damage ruin your glass surfaces; contact SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland today!

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Having a way to communicate with your family is incredibly important during severe weather, and you should always have a way to receive communications from the news or city authorities. It is also important to know the difference between watches and warnings so you can know whether to simply be aware of your surroundings or take shelter immediately.

Secondly, you should have multiple ways to receive alerts from officials, like your cellphone and an NOAA weather radio.

Lastly, make sure you have a communication strategy for your household. Locate a specific location in your home that will be your safe area (like a basement or a fully enclosed room) that everyone knows is the place to go to when the weather becomes severe. Additionally, make sure you have a plan in place to communicate with family members who are away from your home during and after the storm so you can reconnect quickly when it is over.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist:

After the severe weather has passed, it is a good idea to review your safety plan and make any necessary changes, as well as assess any damage done to your home. Once it is safe to do so, check your property for damage.

Take a look around at your roof and the seals around your windows and doors, as these areas are the most likely to suffer water damage.

If you do discover damage, calling us at SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland is the necessary first step. We are the trusted team of professionals who will be sure to provide you with a quick response and a reliable timeline to begin the restoration process in your home.

When your household is all together again after the storm has passed, do an audit of your safety plan. Discuss what worked and what needs to be adjusted, repack your emergency kit and edit anything that wasn’t beneficial to your process. Those adjustments will make sure you are better prepared for the next time you encounter severe weather.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup!

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Bolivar, Sunflower, or Washington County basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (662) 846-1700

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (662) 846-1700.

Category 3 Water Damage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

There are three different levels of damage when it comes to water damage. Category 3 damage is by far the worst. Experts have a way to categorize the different levels of water damage that can occur from floodwater. Category 3 isn’t something you want to ignore or even be around. Here are some traits of this type of water:

• Is contaminated with toxic or pathogenic agents
• Occurs due to backup sewers
• Carries feces, pesticides, or heavy metals

Water from this category is often called black water because of the materials found in it. This situation may not be because of a flaw in your building. Blackwater can come in due to sewage problems from the main city line. There are also cases where a toilet overflow could cause category 3 concerns. 

If you notice black water at any time in your office, make sure you evacuate immediately. Identify where the water is located and how much area is affected. You should contact emergency services and your insurance company as well. Don’t go near the water, and don’t try to clean it up yourself. Instead, get in touch with a reputable commercial water damage restoration specialist. A professional crew will extract all the water with high-powered wet vacuums. Once all the water is gone, the team will dry the floor, walls, ceiling, and any other items. A technician will then, sanitize the space to ensure mold doesn’t grow and that there is no presence of harmful materials. 

Category 3 water is nothing to take lightly. Follow these guidelines and let a seasoned professional take control. If you experience a water damage at your property, call SERVPRO of Greenville/Cleveland at (662)846-1700.

Dangers of Thunderstorms

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm is one in which there are winds 58 mph or greater and ¾ inch hail or larger, and at times there may be tornadoes.  There are nearly 1,800 thunderstorms occurring at any one moment around the world, 100,000 of those happen in the United States. An estimated 10% of those 100,000 storms are considered to be severe.

Facts and Myths About Lightning

• MYTH: “Heat lightning” occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.
• FACT: “Heat lightning” is lightning that is occurring in a distant thunderstorm that is too far away to hear its associated thunder.
• MYTH: If it is not raining, there is no threat from lightning
• FACT: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as ten miles away from rainfall.
• MYTH: Rubber soles of shoes and tires on a car will protect your from being stuck by lightning.
• FACT: This is false; these items proved NO protection from lightning. However, you are much safer in a vehicle than outside during a thunderstorm if you are not touch the metal.
• MYTH: In a pinch, it is safe to seek shelter under a tree.
• FACT: Contrary to common belief, it is not safe or advised to be under a tree during a storm, it is the second leading cause of injury. It is best to get indoors or crouch low to the ground.

How to Keep Safe:

• At the very first sign of a thunder or a storm, take action. Go indoors or seek shelter. 
• Stay away from windows and doors. Do not use a landline and unplug appliances, computers and other electronics. 
• Avoid showering, doing laundry or dishes. 
• Monitor and obey instructions of public safety officials. 
• If you are outside, shelter in a vehicle. Stay put and avoid touching metal. 
• If you are in an open area, go to a low place and stay away from trees.
• If you are on the water, get to land immediately. 
• Stay indoors at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.

What to do After a Thunderstorm:

• Continue to monitor emergency information.
• Call 911 to report downed power lines or gas leaks. If you suspect leaks in your home, go outdoors immediately. 
• Check your home for damage. Document any damage and contact your insurance company immediately.
• If you suspect water damage, call SERVPRO® of Greenville/Cleveland immediately.

If your home has received storm damage, give SERVPRO® of Greenville/Cleveland a call!  You can contact us at 662-846-1700.

Categories of Water

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is not an experience that most people truly anticipate occurring in their home, but as long as there is water running in pipes, it will be a risk. In the event of a water loss happening at your property, it is important to respond quickly to ensure your home is properly cleaned and restored. SERVPRO® of Greenville/Cleveland follows the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard guidelines when handling a water loss. To make the process a little easier to understand, below we have described the categories of water we often work with.

Category 1

The least severe water category on the IICRC scale, is category 1, also known as “clean water”.  Water damage in this category often originates from broken pipes or supply lines, the overflow from a sink or bathtub, and various appliance problems. Due to this water being sewage and toxin-free, it is recognized as less severe. However, if left to stagnate or if it comes into contact with other services or materials, the category could change. Typically, most damage that occurs because of a category 1 loss can easily be dried by a team of SERVPRO® professionals.

Category 2

“Grey water,” also known as category 2 water come from appliances like toilets bowls, discharge from washing machines or dishwashers, seepage from hydrostatic failure, and sump pump backups. There is a chance that this water contains microorganisms, in addition to organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological). It is important to remove any affected items and materials, then immediately disinfect and sanitize the home, as the waste and chemicals of the category 2 water.  

Category 3

The final category is known as “black water”. This water is grossly contaminated and likely to contain toxigenic or pathogenic agents that can be harmful. Category 3 water may contain organic material (sewage), pesticides, carry silt, heavy metals, and/or toxic organic substances.  These types of losses occur when it comes from the following: soiled toilet bow water, sewer backup, rising water from rivers or streams, ground or service water, and seawater. Black water damage is the most extreme and extensive kind of water damage that requires swift action to mitigate, as well as significant disinfecting.

SERVPRO® of Greenville/Cleveland is “Faster to any size disaster®” and features skilled IICRC-certified technicians ready to help. If you have experience and need guidance on the next steps to take, give us a call at 662-846-1700!