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Enjoying the Cozy Glow: Fire Safety Tips for Your Backyard Fire Pit This Fall

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

As the leaves change color and the evenings turn cooler, there's nothing quite like gathering around a backyard fire pit to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of an open flame.

But before you light that first fire of the season, it's essential to prioritize safety. Here are some crucial fire safety tips to keep in mind as you embrace the cozy glow of your fire pit this coming fall:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a suitable location for your fire pit, away from overhanging trees, structures, and flammable materials. Make sure it's on a level, non-combustible surface, such as concrete or gravel.

2. Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance between the fire pit and any structures or other flammable items. It's generally recommended to have at least a 10-foot clearance.

3. Invest in a Spark Screen: A spark screen or mesh cover is an excellent addition to your fire pit. It helps prevent sparks and embers from escaping, reducing the risk of nearby fires.

4. Use the Right Fuel: Stick to using seasoned hardwoods or manufactured fire logs. Avoid burning materials like treated wood, leaves, or paper products, which can release harmful chemicals and sparks.

5. Stay Attentive: Never leave your fire unattended. Ensure that someone is always responsible for supervising the fire, especially if children or pets are present.

6. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand or water nearby. This can quickly control any minor flare-ups.

7. Be Mindful of Wind: Wind can cause sparks to blow in unexpected directions. Check the weather forecast before lighting your fire, and take extra precautions on windy days.

8. Safe Seating Arrangements: Arrange seating around the fire pit at a safe distance to prevent accidental burns. Ensure that seating is stable and not prone to tipping over.

9. Extinguish Thoroughly: When you're done enjoying the fire, extinguish it completely. Use water or sand, and make sure all embers are out before leaving the area.

10. Teach Fire Safety: If you have children, educate them about fire safety around the fire pit. Make sure they understand the potential risks and rules for safe behavior.

By following these fire safety tips, you can savor the warmth and beauty of your backyard fire pit this fall while keeping your loved ones and property safe. With the proper precautions in place, you can create cherished memories by the fire for years to come.

Basement Flooded After a Rainstorm? Why You Should Call a Professional Water Mitigation Team

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

A sudden downpour or an intense rainstorm can lead to various problems, including a flooded basement. Dealing with a waterlogged lower level of your home can be overwhelming and stressful, but taking immediate action to prevent further damage is essential.

In such situations, enlisting the services of a professional water mitigation team is not just recommended; it's crucial. Here's why:

1. Rapid Response to Mitigate Damage:

Professional water mitigation teams are equipped to respond quickly to water emergencies. Time is of the essence when dealing with a flooded basement, as the longer water remains, the greater the damage. Professionals arrive promptly to assess the situation, remove standing water, and initiate drying to prevent structural issues, mold growth, and other secondary damage.

2. Specialized Equipment:

Water mitigation experts use specialized equipment such as industrial-strength pumps, high-powered fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to ensure the thorough extraction and drying of your basement. These tools are often unavailable to homeowners and can significantly expedite restoration.

3. Experience and Expertise:

Water mitigation professionals have extensive experience handling various types of water damage, from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding. They understand the intricacies of moisture control, vital in preventing long-term issues like mold growth and structural decay.

4. Mold Prevention:

One of the most significant concerns with basement flooding is the potential for mold growth. Mold can increase rapidly in damp environments, posing health risks and damaging your property. Water mitigation teams have the knowledge and tools to prevent and mitigate mold infestations.

5. Insurance Assistance:

Dealing with insurance claims can be a complex and time-consuming process. Many water mitigation and restoration companies work directly with insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process more efficiently, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

6. Comprehensive Services:

Professional water mitigation teams don't just remove water; they provide a comprehensive range of services, including drying, disinfection, and restoration. This holistic approach ensures that your basement is returned to a safe, healthy, and functional state.

7. Peace of Mind:

When you hire professionals, you can rest assured that the job is done right. Reputable water mitigation companies often provide warranties, giving you peace of mind that your property is in capable hands.

In conclusion, swift and effective action is essential when your basement floods due to a rainstorm or any other water-related incident.

Entrusting the task to a professional water mitigation team is the best way to safeguard your home, health, and peace of mind. Their expertise, equipment, and efficiency make them an indispensable partner in the challenging process of recovering from water damage.

Green Clean: The Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning Without Harmful Chemicals

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Carpets are not just decorative elements but also vital in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, carpets can become a haven for dust, allergens, and other pollutants over time, so it's essential to have them professionally cleaned.

However, not all carpet cleaning methods are created equal. Here's why it's crucial to choose a professional carpet cleaning company with expert technicians, specialized equipment, and a commitment to chemical-free solutions:

1. Expert Technicians:

Professional carpet cleaning requires knowledge and expertise. Expert technicians are trained to assess the specific needs of your carpets, such as their material and the type of stains or dirt present. They can customize the cleaning process to suit your requirements, ensuring the best possible results.

2. Specialized Equipment:

Professional carpet cleaning companies invest in state-of-the-art equipment that homeowners typically don't have access to. These machines use powerful hot water extraction or steam cleaning methods, which can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, effectively extracting dirt, allergens, and contaminants.

3. Healtheir Indoor Air Quality:

Cleaning carpets without harmful chemicals contributes to a healthier indoor environment. Many traditional cleaning solutions contain harsh chemicals that can linger in the air, potentially causing respiratory problems or irritation. Chemical-free cleaning minimizes these risks.

4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable:

Using green, chemical-free solutions is safer for your health and better for the environment. Many professional carpet cleaning companies offer eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning agents, reducing the impact on the planet.

5. Prolongs Carpet Life:

Regular professional cleaning can significantly extend the lifespan of your carpets. Removing dirt and debris prevents premature wear and tear, keeping your carpets looking newer for longer.

6. Effective Stain Removal:

Expert technicians can effectively tackle tough stains and spots. Their experience and specialized equipment ensure that even deep-seated stains can often be removed entirely, reviving the appearance of your carpets.

7. Convenience and Time Savings:

Hiring professionals to clean your carpets saves you time and effort. You don't need to worry about renting or operating heavy equipment or dealing with DIY carpet cleaning.

8. Allergen Reduction:

Chemical-free cleaning, combined with the deep-cleaning capabilities of professional equipment, effectively reduces allergens, dust mites, and pet dander in your carpets, relieving allergy sufferers.

In conclusion, opting for professional carpet cleaning without harmful chemical solutions is a win-win. You get cleaner, healthier carpets, improved indoor air quality, and a safer environment for your family or employees.

The expertise, equipment, and commitment to green cleaning make professional carpet cleaning a wise investment for the present and the future.

Basement Flooding 101

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Basement Flooding 101

Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are usually built partly or entirely below ground level. A basement can flood anytime, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall.

There are several reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Surface water pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

If flood water is not handled quickly and correctly, 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.

It’s worth calling SERVPRO of Franklin County and letting our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. 

We are Water Mitigation Specialists:

  • Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • A preferred vendor to many national insurance companies
  • We'll bill the insurance directly – one less thing for you to worry about
  • Our technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques
  • s500 IICRC restoration standards
  • Advanced inspection and extraction equipment

Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help- 636-583-5200

3 Things That Must Go After a Fire

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are some items you may be able to salvage and restore. However, there are other items that you should throw away. If you’re not sure what is worth keeping and what you should get rid of, check out these three suggestions:

1. Makeup. After spending hundreds of dollars on the best foundations, concealers, and eyeshadow palettes, no one wants to trash some of their most valuable makeup. Unfortunately, the makeup you’d normally wear may no longer be in such good condition due to the high flame heat. Some of these products may have melted and are no longer usable.

2. Medication. If your medicine cabinet was slightly destroyed by the fire and smoke in the home, throw away the medication and talk to your physician about getting refills. Most physicians understand situations like this because it’s not safe to take medication that has been exposed to such heat in the first place.

3. Food. If food smells like smoke and soot is on it, toss it in the trash. You may not like wasting food you’ve purchased, but it’s simply not safe to eat any contaminated food due to the chemicals commonly used to put out fires. You never know if those chemicals are on certain products, such as your bread, crackers, and even your box of cereal, so don’t take any risks.

Here to Help

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

S - Service that exceeds the competition
E - Excellent communication throughout the process
R - Restoring property into its preloss state.
V - Vow our pledge to meet customers’ needs.
P - Professionalism displayed by all team members.
R - Respected and Recognized as the industries leader
O - Outstanding Customer Service

There is a reason that SERVPRO is one of the leaders in the fire and water restoration industry we can assist clients across the country no matter the size of the project or the time of day. Our team is committed to continually learning about new restoration techniques or equipment to help speed up the process. Training is a vital piece of this industry where people’s personal belongings and homes are being taken care of with complete professionalism.

The SERVPRO of Franklin County team maintains several certifications under the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC). These include Water Removal technicians, Odor Control technicians, Fire and Smoke technicians, Carpet Cleaning Technicians, and Health and Safety technicians, among many others. We hope that if you are ever in need of assistance, you will call our team to help you through this challenging time!

3 Categories of Water

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes we will call about a job that isn’t the most desirable, but we will never turn it down. A job site affected by a sewage leak or flooding can carry harmful bacteria that come in contact with or are ingested and can cause severe discomfort. When going into an area affected by a contaminated source, we will have our crew wear the complete PPE to secure their health and safety. 

Categories of Contaminated Water

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This category is when a leak comes from a clean source from a broken water pipe. A toilet containing no urine or feces is considered a category since it has no harmful pathogens. Category one floods will escalate to category 2 or 3 if it doesn’t get mitigated.

Category 2: “Gray Water”

In this category, you are looking for the possibility of contamination from a water source containing some degree of contamination. When gray water gets ingested, it can create some discomfort due to the ingestion of harmful bacteria. 

Category 3: “Black Water”

Water contaminated by an unclean source will be considered category three because it has been affected by a source that has harmful pathogens. The difference between category 2 is that when category three gets ingested, it can create severe pain with the possibility of death due to these harmful pathogens. We will never suggest that our clients should put themselves in contact with this category for that reason. Flood water is an excellent example of this category because you cannot know where the source came from, such as a pipe, river, or sewage from an unclean source. 

Quick Action Needed

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Servpro trailer in front to commercial building If you business experiences fire or water damage, give SERVPRO of Franklin County a call.

Within four hours of a loss notification, SERVPRO of Franklin County will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled properly by utilizing our services.

The faster SERVPRO of Franklin County arrived on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results, including lower claim costs.

Fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration services;

  • Structural Cleaning-After a smoke or fire damage, ceiling, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning.  SERVPRO  will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found within the structure.
  • Contents Cleaning-All the restorable contents in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized.  This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery.  SERVPRO of Franklin County can provide wet or dry-cleaning services.  Additionally, all other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition.  This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more.  Finally, SERVPRO of Franklin County can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items.
  • Deodorization-  SERVPRO of Franklin County provides specialized services that rid your insured's home or place of business of offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage.  We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove  them.

If your business experiences fire or water damage, give SERVPRO of Franklin County a call.

We are here to help 24/7: (636)583-5200

Need To Winterize Your Home? Here Are Five Ways To Help You Be Better Prepared

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is coming. 

As you prepare to put up the tree and hang the lights this holiday season, it’s important to remember to prepare your house for the winter, too. 

Don’t forget to take these steps to get your home ready for the cold.

  • Clean the Gutters

Clear the leaves and debris that have accumulated to ensure water can flow freely. This will help prevent icicles from forming in the winter. It’s vital to clean the gutters to avoid them getting damaged, which can lead to expensive repairs. To top it off, when gutters pile up with leaves, twigs and other debris, it can cause contaminants like mold and mildew to spread throughout your home. 

  • Protect Your Pipes

Water expands when it freezes, causing pipes to burst and water to spew throughout your home. To protect your pipes, make sure to shut off all outside faucets and drain water out of valves. For particularly vulnerable pipes, heat cables are a smart solution, as they have built-in-thermostats that turn the heat on and off as needed to prevent freezing. If you’re leaving town for an extended period of time, turn your water off at the main shutoff so you don’t come home to frozen pipes. 

  • Flush Your Hot Water Heater

This is an often overlooked, yet simple way to make your water heater run more efficiently. Gunk and other mineral deposits build up in the heater over time, so it’s important to flush it through the drain valve every 1-3 years. This will not only make the heater run more efficiently, it will improve your water quality as well.

  • Keep the Cold Out

Cold air coming into the house can lead to higher gas bills. To keep the cold weather outside, caulk around your windows and use foam outlet protectors. You can also use thermal lined curtains or drapes to prevent cold air from slipping through window cracks. 

  • Bring In/Protect Outdoor Items

Outdoor equipment and furniture can be damaged by cold weather or snow. Protect your grill with a cover and move your furniture into the garage or basement, if possible. Plants and flowering trees should also be brought inside before temperatures drop below 45 degrees. 

5 Prevention Tips For Fall Fires

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping your family and home safe is important no matter the season. But fall brings more chances for safety to be compromised.

While autumn is a great time to light candles or build fires, there’s also an increased likelihood of a fire getting out of hand.

But, if you follow these tips, you can ensure both an enjoyable and safe fall for yourself and your loved ones.

  • Check Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
    • The easiest way to stop a house fire is to make sure your house has preventative measures in place. Check to see if your smoke detector batteries are still working, and change them out if necessary. Also, make sure that your fire extinguishers still have liquid in them and are located in easily accessible places.
  • Caution With Candles
    • There’s nothing like candles to put you in an autumn mood. But it’s important to be mindful when you are using them. Don’t leave candles unattended and keep them away from children, pets and flammable objects.
  • Fireplace/Pit Safety
    • Similar to lit candles, you should never leave a fire alone. If you’re making a fire in a fireplace, use a screen to keep sparks and debris from getting out. When building an outdoor fire, be sure that the pit is on level ground. Keep the fire away from overhanging trees and close houses or buildings, and use wood that has been split and stored in a safe and dry environment for at least six months.
  • Safety With Space Heaters
    • Space heaters should be surrounded by at least three feet of empty space. If your space heater requires venting, make sure you have vented it to the outdoors. Remember to turn space heaters off when you leave the house/building or go to bed. Review Your Safety Plan Look over your safety plan and remind your family (or co-workers in the case of an office safety plan) of the procedures to take in the event of a fire. Locate all possible exits and establish safe meeting places to head to after getting out of the house/building. To ensure greater success, practice a fire drill so that everyone is on the same page.