Back to school, go into the new year with a clean space!

8/19/2024 (Permalink)

Technician, Brett, doing the final touches on this preschool cleaning!

It is that time of year again, summer is coming to a close and it is time to get ready for the school year. We hope everyone's summer has been filled with sunshine, fun actives, family time, and lots of memories! One way to keep the good times going into the school year is to start with a clean and germ free classroom. SERVPRO has got you covered! 

We offer a wide variety of cleaning options from carpet/tile cleanings, HVAC cleanings, disinfecting thermal fog, etc. The scientists over at the SERVPRO headquarters have worked hard to create and provide us with effective yet safe products to help keep your space clean. We have options that are food safe, allow reentry in as little at 30 minutes, environmentally safe, and so much more. 

We can all agree that the worst way to come back to school is to be welcomed by a sickness or unsanitary space. Let SERVPRO get your school year off on the right foot! 

Have or know someone with hoarding issues? Let SERVPRO help!

8/19/2024 (Permalink)

Dressed in PPE and ready to clean!

A hoarder home is more than having a mess or clutter, it can lead to major safety issues and health concerns for the residents of the home. The longer a hoarder waits to address the issue, the more potential it has to become a dangerous situation. While studies tell us that hoarder tendencies stem from mental and emotional health struggles, SERVPRO® is Here to Help® when a person is ready to face them and get their home back. 

As restoration experts, we know how overwhelming and scary a hoarder house can be. The clutter can be a major trip and fall hazard and the build up of moisture and feces can lead to mold and an infestation. Our technicians are trained and equipped with the correct cleaning supplies, knowledge, PPE, and equipment for any size job.

Our mental health and the spaces we live in have a direct connection. It is more than having an excess of things, it is added stress on the mind and dangerous to the body. If you are struggling with where to turn for help, give SERVPRO a call! 

Not only can we mitigate your home, we can rebuild it too!

8/19/2024 (Permalink)

CRS team!

You have suffered from a water, fire, or mold loss and SERVPRO® has come out to mitigate the issue. The water, soot, or mold is thankfully gone but now you are left with the task of replacing your ceiling, kitchen, walls, flooring, etc. No worries, Complete Restoration Services (CRS) can help! 

CRS is a licensed and insured construction and general contracting business under the SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville umbrella. Back in 2016, CRS joined our restoration family, making us a one stop shop to help customers with the entire process. They work with both insurance claims and self pay, perfect for any job. From storm damage, to a kitchen fire, or a busted pipe, our team can handle it! 

The skilled team at CRS specializes in dry wall, flooring, remodels, roofing, board ups/tarping, and so much more. Give our SERVPRO office a call to get connected with the CRS team! (985)-871-5375

Putting a fire out: The PASS Method

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

The PASS Method is easy to remember and affective.

Putting a fire out: The PASS Method

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s Home Structure Fires report more than 26% of reported fires from 2016-2020 occurred in a home and 75% of civilian fire deaths are caused by home fires. Most of these tragic disasters start from cooking, heating equipment, electrical issues, and lighting failures. Being confident and prepared for a home fire can make the difference in life and death. One small but highly effective way to be prepared for a fire is having the proper knowledge of how to put a fire out. The PASS method was created to help simplify the use of a fire extinguisher.

Pull – Maintaining control of the nozzle, pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.

Aim – Stand back from the flames. With one hand, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze – Firmly squeeze the nozzle with your hand.

Sweep – Quickly contain the fire by making a sweeping motion with the nozzle.

Now even though a fire extinguisher can be effective it is important to only use it for smaller fires. NEVER take it upon yourself to put out a large fire. If a fire seems too massive and dangerous it is always best to call your local fire department. It is never worth taking the risk when you are one phone call away from having professional help.

After a fire is extinguished and everyone is safe, our SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead team is ready to help with cleanup and restoration. We have trained and certified technicians that can make the fore “Like it never happened.” Contact our office with more information.

Continuing Education Class

8/11/2023 (Permalink)

Our Mandeville office has a class room designed just for these continuing education classes.

Attention all local insurance agents and adjusters, SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead is pleased to invite you to our upcoming continuing education class, The Restoration of Hoarding.

This class will cover a wide variety of topics such as the different types of hoarding, behavioral issues, the clean-up process, and much more. Insurance professionals will learn how a cleaning process can be implemented to professionally assess and mitigate the loss of a hoarding situation. They will also learn the proper steps needed to remain safe, how to face coverage concerns, how to best communicate and understand a hoarder, etc.

The class will be held on September 7^th at our Mandeville office. 68424 James St. Mandeville, LA 70471. Registration will begin at 8:30am with the class starting at 9:00am and ending around 11:30am. This class will provide two hours of credit for BOTH Mississippi and Louisiana agents and adjustors.

We will provide coffee, water, and a light breakfast for everyone in attendance. With space being limited please email vhotard@SERVPROofcovington.com to RSVP and save your spot. Come out a learn about the hoarding restoration process, network with other professionals in your field, and have fun!

Emergency Ready Profile

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Emergencies are one of those things that no one plans to have happen to them, however, they are impossible to escape. The best way to think of them is, it is not a matter of if but when an emergency will pop up. When that day comes, how many of you can confidently say there is a well-thought-out plan in place in place for your business? If your answer is no, then let SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis and Diamondhead help you with this overwhelming task.

From a powerful hurricane, accidental kitchen fire, or a busted pipe causing a flood the list of disasters a business can experience is endless. That is why having a strong plan in place is so crucial and can often be the difference in whether your business survives or if it does not. In fact, 95% of disasters that standard businesses suffer from are man-made, for example, an accidental internal fire or flood. Research shows that up to 50% of businesses never reopen after suffering from a disaster and the ones who do almost always have a response plan to thank.

Introducing the benefits of Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).

• This is a no-cost assessment for your business
• Access your ERP from anywhere using the mobile app.
• It takes very little time to create and complete.
• Contains only critical information needed for disaster relief such as shut-off locations, priority contacts, building access, etc. No fluff added.
• Will minimize business interruptions, miscommunication, and lost revenue.
• Establishes SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis and Diamondhead as your disaster and restoration provider.

Call our office at (985) 871-5375 to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile today!

3 Ways to Protect Your Home from Lightning-Related Fires

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning is hotter than the sun and can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning-related fires most often occur during the summer storm season, typically months June through August. However, lightning-related fires do happen all year long and in every state. According to NFPA’s latest report “Lightning Fires and Lightning Strikes”, during 2007-2011, U.S. local fire departments responded to an estimated 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes. While this data includes both structure and non-structure fires, nineteen percent of lightning fires were home fires.

As with other natural disasters, there are ways to protect your home from lightning-related fires and mitigate damages.

1- Prevent Lightning-Related Fires by Installing a Whole-house Lightning Protection System

Lightning protection systems work to intercept lightning strikes, provide a conductive path for the electrical discharge to follow, and safely disperse the energy into the ground.

A whole-home lightning protection system consists of:

• Air terminals (a.k.a. lightning rods) mounted on the roof
• Main conductors made of aluminum or copper wires to redirect electricity
• A proper grounding system
• A bonding system to prevent sparks or side flashes
• Surge protective devices

Lightning protection systems should follow the national standards and requirements of the Lightning Protection Institute, National Fire Protection Association, and Underwriters Laboratories. Only experienced and reputable lightning protection contractors listed by Underwriters Laboratories and certified by Lightning Protection Institute should install these systems.

2- Prevent Lightning-Related Fire by Removing Yard Debris

Dry grass, plants, and leaves are highly flammable and should be regularly removed from your yard to prevent a ground fire from spreading to the home.

3- Prevent Lightning-Related Fires by Updating Wiring in Older Homes

Older homes can often experience electrical problems. Consult with a qualified electrician to inspect your home’s electrical and grounding systems. Without a proper grounding system, a lightning strike could cause a fire and affect your home’s electrical foundation.

How to Respond to a Lightning-Related Home Fire

If a lightning strike causes your home to catch on fire, your family’s safety is the top priority. Everyone must exit the home immediately. Once in a safe location far away from your home, call the fire department for help. Do not reenter your home until you are told it is safe.

After the fire is extinguished, limit movement in your home to prevent further damage. Do not try to clean soot or fire damage yourself without proper personal protective equipment. Fire damage cleaning and restoration are best left to trained professionals.

SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead’s certified and experienced fire restoration professionals are here to help 24-7-365. To learn more about our fire damage restoration services or to schedule an inspection, call our office by dialing 228-467-4450.

3 Tips to Prevent Mold Growth During the Summer

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

As we head into the summer months, cases of mold growth will become more common. So much so, in the restoration industry, we refer to summer as "mold season", especially in the Gulf Coast region. Hot temperatures and high humidity levels are two of the typical contributing factors to microbial growth problems found inside homes and businesses. During summertime, even the smallest water leak can lead to significant mold growth if not addressed promptly and correctly. SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead is here to help you prevent mold growth and to remediate any microbial growth issues you discover.

1. Keep indoor humidity low- below 60 degrees relative humidity. If you notice your space is more humid than normal, then contact an HVAC professional to inspect and service your unit. 
2. Make sure areas prone to mold growth like bathrooms are ventilated well. Always turn on the vent when taking a hot shower or bath to reduce moisture accumulation. Leave doors open to circulate air in rooms without proper ventilation or air conditioning.
3. Mitigate water damage quickly. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours following a water damage event. To prevent secondary damages and mold growth, contact our team of professionals for immediate water damage mitigation services. 

If you notice mold growing in your home or business, our remediation experts are here to help. Our team will first assess the issue and identify the source responsible. Then, we will provide solutions for remediation. This will include removing affected materials like moldy drywall and insulation, utilizing air scrubbers to remove microscopic spores from the environment, and oftentimes cleaning and sealing air ducts.

Contact our office today if you have questions regarding mold growth or to schedule an inspection. Our phone number is 228-467-4450

6 Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Season

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

June 1st marked the beginning of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. This year, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season with at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes - four of which will be category three or higher. Now is the time to ready your home and business. Follow our tips below to prepare. 

1. Create an evacuation plan. We all know hurricane paths can change rapidly. Choose multiple evacuation locations to account for various storm routes- safe areas East and West of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Be sure to account for special needs such as pet-friendly hotels.

2. Assemble disaster supplies. Build an emergency kit to sustain each member of your household for at least 72 hours. Test your generator to ensure it is functioning properly if you plan to shelter at home.

3. Review your company's disaster plan. If your business does not have a thorough disaster plan, then SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead will be happy to assist with our free disaster planning services for local businesses. Send an email to our business development manager Brian Sharp to learn more about our Emergency Ready Program. His email is bsharp@SERVPRO11525.com. 

4. Get an insurance checkup. Mississippi's insurance market has changed quite a bit. After multiple storms, Risk Rating 2.0, and various carriers leaving the market, you should review your policies with your insurance agent. Ask about your risks, named storm deductible, and flood insurance opportunities. 

5. Save our phone number for emergency services - 228-467-4450. We offer emergency board-up, roof tarping, water damage mitigation, mold remediation, and more storm damage restoration services. 

6. Stay weather aware. Sign up for local weather alerts and follow government emergency orders. Visit your county's website to learn more about local alert systems. 

Follow us on Facebook and read our blog for emergency alerts and more disaster planning tips. 

4 Tips to Protect Your Home While You're Away on Vacation

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead is here to help 24-7-365.

Are you going out of town this Memorial Day weekend? If so, then your pre-vacation checklist should include a few tasks to protect your home from property damage disasters while away. Follow our tips below to avoid property damages and save our number for emergency restoration services - 228-467-4450. 

1. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if necessary.  

2. Switch your water heater to vacation mode or turn it off. This will help reduce your energy bill. This will also lower the chance of your water heater corroding or having a buildup of minerals which could lead to your water heater exploding. 

3. Shut off your main water supply valve. Then, run water from a sink to drain your pipes. In the case of a water supply pipe breaking, this will prohibit water from flooding your home. 

4. Have a friend or family member check on your home every couple of days or consider having someone stay at your home. Property accidents happen, but timely mitigation will prevent serious damages. 

As always, our team is here to help 24-7-365. We will have emergency mitigation crews available all weekend.