Why Fast Restoration Matters After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a fire and are dealing with damage to your home, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.

Home fires are unfortunately becoming more common, with an average of 350,000 each year. While just about anything can start a damaging fire, cooking, faulty wiring and wildfires are three of the top causes.

Prevention and safety should always be top of your list in order to ensure that your home does not see damage from fire. Smoke detectors, regular inspections of your electrical systems and constant monitoring of a hot stove or grill are great ways that you can protect your home and loved ones.

Even with every safety measure in place, you may still suffer fire damage. Just this past April, Gadsden lost the historical home on South Fourth Street while it stood completely empty.

If you do experience a fire, the faster you are able to respond and start the cleanup, the more of your property you can save. At SERVPRO, it is our goal to restore rather than replace as much of your belongings as possible.

Staying Fire Safe in Your Backyard | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.

Picture it now: Your family is sitting around a crackling fire roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and sharing scary stories. What beautiful memories you are making!

Backyard fires serve a number of purposes for us, including pest control, cooking and debris cleanup, but even what seems like the safest of fires can quickly become dangerous.

Recent research conducted by the National Park Service found that almost 85% of wildfires are started by humans.

In Alabama, a permit is required for outdoor burning in woodland, grassland or new ground cover areas. Permits are free, but they will not be given out when the wind is too strong or there has been a dry spell. With our weather, that can make burning in the summertime tricky and you will need to plan before you start gathering up your leaves and limbs.

You can still safely grill dogs, light up your candles and toast your marshmallows. Take a few simple steps each time you handle any outdoor flames and enjoy your time in your backyard while you minimize the risk of things getting out of hand.

Different Storm Alert Meanings and How to Stay Safe | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall..

When it comes to weather forecasts, there are more than 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That can be an excessive amount of information to try and absorb at once, particularly as the weather is turning scary.

Understanding what an alert means before it is issued in your area means that you can get yourself and your loved ones to safety as needed. It also means you can take preventive steps to protect your home and property.

Having a general knowledge of all weather systems is incredibly helpful, but understanding the most common weather that affects us here in Alabama is absolutely essential.

Smoke and Soot Damage After A Fire | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

This smoke and soot damage was caused by a fire.

After a fire is put out in a home or business, smoke and soot have an effect and should be treated properly. Smoke and soot can actually cause more concern than the actual fire; as they settle into ceilings, walls, furniture and many other surfaces that cause severe tarnishing. You will need immediate professional fire restoration clean up or these effects can become more permanent.

When treating damaging effects due to that of smoke and soot, we highly recommend you work with a restoration company, rather than taking on the job yourself so that items in your home and business are cleaned properly.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.

The Restoration Experts You Can Trust Are at SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

SERVPRO may be known for general cleanup, restoration and construction services, but there is so much more to who we are. We’re ready to take care of you through even the worst disaster, natural or manmade.

We know Alabama weather can be quite unpredictable and bring us a variety of disasters. SERVPRO has services to cover anything that can happen here.

Water Damage Will Only Grow As Time Passes | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is your 24/7 water restoration expert. Call us right away if you need immediate service.

n our busy lives, a leaky faucet or small water spot may seem insignificant, something we can take care of later. However, never underestimate the massive amounts of damage moisture can have on your home.

In a year, the average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water.

Water damage moves quickly, soaking into the floors, walls and soft surfaces of your home or business. The faster you address an issue the better the results you will have in mitigating damage. Here is a basic timeline of how damage progresses:

A Few Easy Steps to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® Of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Since the start of 2022, the American Red Cross has responded to over 20,000 house fires, and that only represents a small portion of the total fires that have occurred this year across the United States.

While you hopefully have several smoke detectors installed in your house already, there are a few other easy ways to protect your home and your loved ones. Even simple acts of cleaning take a step toward a fire-safe house.

<h3the-clutter">Clear the Clutter

If you have been looking around your home and thinking it was time to clean out, this might help motivate you: Clutter can actually fuel a fire. Loose clothing, pillows and blankets in utility spaces or hallways not only have the potential to block an exit in the event of an emergency, but they can also make a fire burn hotter and faster.

Leaving flammable items near a water heater can actually start a fire when the water heater warms up. The more open your spaces are, the faster you can get out if a fire should start and the slower the fire will progress.

Another area in the home you can clean up for safety is wall outlets and extension cords. Overloaded extension cords are a common starting point for fires. Remove any unused appliances, and unplug those that you don’t use often.

Take a quick walk around your home and ensure there is space between furniture and wall outlets. This allows for air to flow properly and avoid overheating.

<h3a-defensible-space-in-your-yard">Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

The area around your home can serve as the first line of defense from fires that originate outside. Landscaping that is laid out intentionally not only works to slow a fire before it gets to your front door but also allows room for firefighters to work.

Intentionally landscaped and maintained spaces create defensible zones. Some states like California have actually imposed zone regulations for homeowners to fight against wildfires, and with our dense areas of forest close to residential spaces, this type of yard work makes a lot of sense for us, too.

In the summer when our temperatures can top well over 90, we need to be especially careful of how we handle any outdoor burning and even where we park our cars. Parking a hot car on dry grass can quickly spark a flame, so stick to pavement as much as you are able.

Last year when the drought set in, this was particularly important. Clearing out the leaves and any dead limbs is also essential in slowing any flames that do start.

<h3it-clean-keep-it-safe">Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

You can be preventive in two other high-risk areas of your home by giving your oven a deep-clean every few months and having your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

Even the simple act of dusting is an act of fire prevention, especially around electronics and power sources.

Our houses give so much to us these days—serving as space for work, play, learning and relaxation. Give back to your home and protect your loved ones by keeping it clean to prevent a devastating fire.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.

Make Sure You Have a Storm Safety Plan | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall right away.

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence that can quickly become frightening. Lightening, intense rain and strong winds that are both dangerous and leave behind damage can quickly spin out of a storm anywhere in the United States.

Annually, the nation sees nearly 100,000 thunderstorms, making them one of the most frequent weather events.

We have seen our share of strong thunderstorms, particularly as spring weather overtakes the winter chill. Our neighborhoods have experienced flash flooding, wind damage and intense tornadoes. Just this past March, Alabama saw tornadoes and straight-line winds that left extreme damage that we felt even into our neighborhoods.

This extreme weather serves as a reminder to us that while we cannot control the weather that comes our way, we can prepare for it. Creating a plan for before, during and after a storm is essential in minimizing the damage and personal losses these storms can cause.

SERVPRO Is Your Silent Business Partner | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

Keeping a business going requires all the help you can get. When you own a business or manage a property, you know you need every hand available in order to keep things running smoothly. A major disruption to your company or a loss can be devastating.

The good news is that your retail space, rental property or manufacturing facility has a silent built-in partner right here in your backyard. SERVPRO is locally owned by Alabama residents, and we are prepared to carry the burden of emergency planning and deep-cleaning for you. It’s like having an ally that is invested in your business and your business success plan.

Large loss recovery. Among the top reasons businesses suffer losses are natural disasters such as fire, storms and flooding. These events have caused crushing financial damages across the United States, something we have certainly felt in Alabama after a tornado has swept through. SERVPRO offers highly trained professionals who are ready to respond ²⁴⁄₇ with proven emergency recovery methods. We can reduce the time you are away from your business and get your company back on track.

Emergency Ready Plan. There is never a wrong time to plan, and when you have a clear emergency plan, your recovery time begins long before a natural disaster or other catastrophe strikes. We can write a plan tailored specifically to your company’s needs that can include everything from alternate work locations to temporary vendors and a detailed chain of command. Our plans are ready when you say go, keeping your company moving forward no matter what you may face.

Cleaning of all kinds. While you may know us as the disaster professionals, SERVPRO has been cleaning for a long time. Our professional cleaning service goes deeper than traditional cleaning services and covers your business from floor to ceiling. Whether you have general cleaning needs like carpets or high traffic areas, or specialty needs like trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal, we can clean it all.

Restoration services. Storms in Alabama can get severe pretty quickly, which can lead to flooding or a burst pipe in an extreme temperature drop. Or maybe your new coworker tried to make a nice warm lunch and caused a fire in the office kitchen. As a business owner or property manager, you will run into a variety of reasons for needing restoration services, and we can cover them all. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can remove water or reconstruct your kitchen better than anyone.

Industry specialization. SERVPRO has been around a long time, and we have studied all the ins and outs of the commercial enterprises around our area. We have learned all the unique needs of our Alabama home, and there isn’t a business we can’t help. In many cases, we can even restore an area while you keep your business moving, and in our small towns, we know how important keeping a company running can be.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Keep Your Business Moving With Our Emergency Ready Plan | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO will be there to help.

Running a business is a full-time job—or really, running a business is an overtime job. In the constantly shifting business environment, you have your staff to care for, payroll to manage and competition to handle, all while you try to present yourself well through media and advertisement.

It can all feel like a delicate balance, and one disruption can spell disaster. To survive a disaster, you have to have a clear plan in place ahead of time. That is why we at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County want to help your business get prepared with an Emergency Ready Plan.

According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses that experience a natural disaster never reopen, while another quarter of those that do close within a year. As a local business serving Gadsden, Anniston and Marshall County, we want to see that statistic changed. We believe local business is the heart of our Alabama communities, and we are ready to create a plan that will keep your business moving no matter what comes our way.

When you create an Emergency Ready Plan, you will know exactly what happens next after your business experiences a disaster. You and your staff will know where your alternate work locations are, vendors you can rely on, the chain of command for handling each step of the way and so much more.

Three-quarters of small businesses do not have a proper plan in place, and that is something that needs to change. Our communities are consistently threatened with bad weather, including the potential for tornadoes, making it more important than ever to have an emergency plan ready to go.

Let our experts work with you to prevent extended time away from your business.

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.

Spring Weather Brings a Variety of Hazards and Storms | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO is a click away if you experience any damage.

The United States is a big territory, and having such a big space under one umbrella means that the spring season looks different depending on where you go. We are second in size only to Russia and Canada, although China is larger if you don’t count all the United States outlying territories.

Our vast space means that no two weather patterns will be the same. As spring nears and cold air begins to collide with warm air, let’s take a look at what different geographical regions can expect, and specifically, what we can expect here in Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast regions don’t always get to experience a warmup in the spring. This area stays colder than any other throughout the season as winter often doesn’t lose its grip until early summer. Residents from Maine to the Dakotas can expect extreme cold and the possibility of snowstorms and blizzards.

Those in the Pacific Northwest region are prone to heavy rain over the spring months, which can cause flooding and water damage issues. Higher elevations often are still dealing with snow like their northeast neighbors, and the melting and runoff from that can cause even more problems for residents in this area.

The flip side of these two areas, the southern West Coast, has to prepare for extreme heat that can create a dangerous situation for safety and quality of life. There is also the threat of tsunamis in areas of the South Pacific, including Hawaii, caused by shifts in the tectonic plates.

Here in the Southeast, we can expect severe storms and tornadoes as our weather experiences extreme shifts in temperature. Coastal states near us also have to contend with rip currents and early season hurricanes as spring takes hold.

The true tornado alley, the middle region of the country likely understands the risk of tornadoes better than we do. From Iowa to down to Texas contends with windstorms, derechos and fire risks made especially dangerous by dry conditions and swinging temperatures.

No matter where you live, you will experience some form of extreme weather as we move out of winter and towards summer. We know well here in Alabama that staying prepared pays, no matter what spring may bring.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

A Peek at Our Water Damage Restoration Process | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall Counties

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

Did you know? An average of 14,000 Americans encounter water damage in their home on any given day. If you become part of that statistic, don’t fret, SERVPRO is on your side.

We know that disasters call for a quick reaction, and that’s exactly what we provide! Let us walk you through the water damage cleanup process:

Emergency Contact. Our technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ because we understand that all damage requires a quick response. When you make the call to your local SERVPRO team, we will ask you questions to get a better understanding of your situation. We then set up a time to come out and assess the damage in person.

Water Damage Inspection and Assessment. When our technicians arrive, they immediately get to work. If water is still flowing, leaking or dripping, they’ll first put an end to that. From there, they’ll walk through your property reviewing the damage and identifying hazards. Once finished, they’ll provide you with a personalized plan for what’s next.

Water Removal. All that water has got to go! Even a small amount of standing water in your house can have disastrous consequences. During this step, we’ll use powerful extraction tools and pumps to remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water.

Damaged Material Removal. While we’d ideally love to restore all items after water damage, some materials are simply rendered unusable. Those items will be removed from the home quickly, which will provide more space and capacity to dry out the structure and items that can be restored.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorizing. When water gets in your home, it soaks into fabrics, sheetrock and many other items. That’s why we bring in advanced technology to help ensure that we are not only getting your home clean, but having it sanitized and deodorized as well.

Drying. Removing water from a home can be extremely difficult, because even a small amount of lingering water or moisture can be dangerous. That’s why we have high-speed air movers brought in to help reduce the risk of mold growth and protect the structure of your house.

Monitoring. Once we have set up our equipment to do the job of drying your home out, all that’s left to do is wait. We will constantly stay in contact with you to answer any questions or concerns you might have, as well as stop by daily to make adjustments to equipment if needed!

Repairs and Construction. Once your home is completely dried out, it is ready for the repair or reconstruction process. When you choose SERVPRO as your restoration provider, you can rest assured knowing that we can renovate both small and major issues. And we don’t stop until we know that you are satisfied with the entire project.

If water damage impacts your property, call SERVPRO for complete cleanup and restoration. We’ll make sure your property is back to normal and “Like It Never Even Happened.”

What Does “Full-Service Restoration” Mean? | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall to get the job done.

At SERVPRO, we are known as a type of cleaning company, and while that is correct, we are also a full-service, top-to-bottom restoration company.

We do restoration and reconstruction on homes and businesses as needed. And if that hasn’t sold you, we will work with your insurance company as well.

Here is what we can offer you:

Water damage recovery. Whether you experience a leaky appliance or you have a major flood, a quick recovery is necessary! We will be there in an instant to help you get it cleaned and restore your home or business in no time.

Fire damage recovery. A fire is reported every 23 seconds in the United States. As you can imagine, a fire can do a lot of damage or leave an awful smell, and that’s why when you call us to help, we bring the best technicians with the best equipment.

Mold removal. Mold can creep up out of nowhere if you have ever experienced a type of water disaster! If it does show up, it can threaten the structure of your home. Because it can easily spread, call in the pros for safe removal.

Storm recovery. When storms do damage to your home or business, even if it’s just a little damage, you have to get it taken care of. We will be with you through every step of the recovery process.

Commercial needs. We help business and homeowners with all the same services, except we offer a few extras for businesses, like specialized cleaning and care so that you can prove to customers and employees that their well-being is your top priority!

General cleaning. Whether your home or business needs cleaning, it can be very time-consuming, and sometimes a little help will go a long way. We will help you clean everything from carpets to curtains. Essentially, we will give you the heavy-duty clean you are looking for while you focus on more important things.

Specialty cleaning. When we say specialty cleaning, we mean anything that can get dirty. Things like air ducts or spaces contaminated by biohazards. We will get your place back to top-notch clean.

Construction. There are times when restoring a home or business is out of the question, and the only option left is to reconstruct it. You can count on our SERVPRO technicians to stay with you every step of the way and not stop until you are satisfied.

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.

The 4 Components of Fire & Why They’re Important | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is ready around the clock to help you recover.

Did you know that a square can also be referred to as a tetrahedron? For those of us who don’t remember what that fancy word means, in short, it’s something that has four faces.

Don’t run off! We aren’t discussing geometry here. But we do want to discuss the fire tetrahedron.

Simply put, there are four components that create a fire—and removing any of them can help put the fire out.

Covering You 24 Hours a Day | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.

“Call me when you get there.” That was a famous saying parents would tell their kids as teenagers in the olden days because there were no cell phones. Now, you can track your children if you need to.

If we had to wait now, we might lose our minds. Instant gratification has become so normal and expected that if we didn’t get it right away, we wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves. And depending on the situation, you shouldn’t have to wait. Especially when it comes to an emergency with your home or business.

When it has to do with your home or job, getting back to normal quickly is a high priority. At SERVPRO, we deal with restoration daily and know that quick service is imperative, which is why we have someone available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

After a fire. Fires, no matter the size, can cause some serious damage. Beyond the inferno itself, there can be soot, which is the sticky powder that can cover surfaces and possessions, causing them to deteriorate over time. Along with soot damage, the smell of fire or smoke will become absorbed into the fabrics or walls of your home or business as well.

After water damage. As you know, water that hasn’t been cleaned within 48 hours can quickly cause mold issues. And 48 hours is if you’re lucky since it doesn’t always take that long.

Mold can negatively affect your health, but it can also cause structural damage to your home if it goes unnoticed or is not dealt with. Not to mention, the longer water, soot or anything else sticks around, the more costly your repairs will become.

And while quick cleanup is essential for the structure of your building, it also helps protect it from any other damage.

So, when you have damage to your home or business, no matter the cause or size, simply give us a call. We make your disaster a priority and work to get you on the road to recovery quickly. No matter what it takes, we can help you during this time of disaster.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Time Is Money | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

We know that a commercial property water damage is stressful and can affect the company’s bottom line. Trust SERVPRO, the industry leaders.

The old saying “time is money” rings true when we get a call from a national hotel chain with water damage covering two floors of hotel rooms! The exasperated hotel facilities manager called our office needing emergency services to extract the water and dry all affected areas. The water damage was caused by a busted toilet supply line and it affected two floors, 2 hallways and a couple of dozen rooms. Responding to a commercial water damage like this is our priority! We know that the quicker we can get the water up and all affected areas dry, the quicker the hotel will be back in business. Having the ability to respond to emergency commercial jobs like this requires a lot more than just fancy drying equipment. Our customers need a team of trained professionals who can assess a water damage of this size and create a scope of work to ensure that all areas affected are taken care of properly. It’s important that no stone is left unturned when it comes to getting our customers back in action! With our IICRC certified Project managers and technicians, our customers can be assured that we are doing exactly what needs to be done to get them back operational! That includes extracting water,  setting up drying equipment and daily monitoring to make sure all areas are dry before we are done.

Is Your Restoration Company Certified? | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is an IICRC certified form.

Did you know that 1 in 55 insured homes has a property damage claim due to water damage or freezing rain each year?

According the American Insurance Association, water damage claims have been growing faster than other categories of Homeowners Insurance. Daily in the US, 14,000 people experience a water damage emergency at home or at work. The most common causes of water damage are busted or leaky pipes, faulty plumbing, build-up in areas prone to collecting water (crawl space, attic, basement), defective household appliances, malfunctioning HVAC systems, and natural disasters or other weather-related events. Broken pipes rank only 2nd to hurricanes in terms of both frequency and severity in regards to annual claims for water damage. Insurance companies are dishing out $2.5 billion per year for water and mold claims.

What does all this mean to you? Home and business owners need to be confident that when water damage does occur they call upon a professional, well-trained Restoration Vendor to take care of their property. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is an IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certificate) Certified Firm. All of our Production Managers and crew chiefs are IICRC certified as individuals as well. The IICRC is the governing body over the restoration industry. They set forth standards we must adhere to during all services we provide. 

In the case of a water damage, SERVPRO will:

- provide immediate service

- perform quality service

- communicate effectively

- minimize extent of loss

- save adjustors time on small losses

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County, as the number one choice in our industry, will work closely with you and your insurance company to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” 

The Facts About Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.

As a homeowner, you make tough decisions in order to keep your home nice and well-maintained. But sometimes, no matter what you try, there’s just no stopping a disaster or accident from happening.

Water damage of some kind at some point is bound to happen. Approximately one in every 50 homes will have a water damage claim in any given year.

That’s why it’s important to ensure that your pipes and appliances are well-equipped and maintained. While doing this doesn’t always prevent damage to your home, it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Here’s a look at the realities of water damage:

24. This is the percentage of all home insurance claims that are related to water damage. When you break it down, that means almost one out of every four insurance claims is regarding water damage.

48. In this instance, we are referring to hours. It only takes 48 hours before water damage can become mold damage and cause more issues. And while 48 hours may seem like enough time, the reality is, sometimes it doesn’t even take that long.

98. Does your home have a basement? If so, this 98 is referring to the percentage of homes that will experience some type of water damage. Check your basement frequently for signs of water, such as ceiling discoloration.

10,234. This is how much money the average insurance claim for water damage costs. Water damage, even minimal, can cause major structural damage along with damage to your possessions. When you start to add up things in your home, this number can actually seem very realistic.

14,000. This is how many water damage situations occur each day. When you do the math, that calculates to every six seconds something is happening to someone’s home.

13,000,000,000. This is the annual cost of water damage and removal is here in the United States. Most of us wouldn’t even know how to picture what $13 billion looks like, but $1 billion would cover 255.5 acres.

Now that we have discussed what water damage can really look like, you can rest assured that most water damage is preventable. Stay up to date with repairs and maintenance on your home. Doing this can at the very least reduce the risk of something happening to your home.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Staying Prepared For Storm | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Ready and able to help anytime anywhere.

Hard Freeze. Polar Vortex. Blizzard. These are not words we hear all that often in the South, but here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we hear them frequently during the winter months. 

Locally, our franchise responds to numerous water damages from frozen pipes each year. Most of these are noticed quickly and mitigation services are performed before long term damage can occur. However, there are instances where a lake house or vacation home has suffered damage from frozen pipes that goes untreated due to the homeowners not knowing it occurred.

Our crews are always up to travel for storm. On a national level SERVPRO is the industry leader in storm respond. These events happen every winter somewhere up North. These events are usually called a polar vortex and cause wide spread damage. Our franchise has participated in several polar vortex events since the Lamey Team took ownership in 2016. It is a powerful and humbling sight to see franchises from across the country come together to help out an area devastated by damage like these events leave behind. 

These storm events keep us on our toes. We keep a trailer of equipment loaded and ready to roll at a moments notice. Our marketing support coordinator keeps an eye on the weather across the country to keep us apprised of any possible events that may be developing. Our corporate office employs a meteorologist who will send out alerts for events to watch as well. 

When it comes to storm events the old saying rings true. It really does take a village to successfully handle the organization, mitigation and documentation of all moving parts. No one job title or function is any more or less important than any other. Here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we love being a part of the SERVPRO family. 

Midnight Flood? We Can Handle That | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

A few months back we got a call from a local government facility. They had standing water affecting a large portion of their building. Our crews rallied and got all of the water extracted before setting up drying equipment. 

That sounds like a quick little story, right? No, that was just the beginning. We not only had to get the building dry, but relocate (their personnel boxed up) sensitive documentation from one secure area to another so the damage caused by the water could be fixed in the file room. We had to coordinate contractors in and out of the building.

We are happy to say that this government building is back to it's preloss condition and looks "Like it never even happened." Now we are working on getting an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) set up for this facility so the entire staff knows what to do and who to contact should they ever have a water loss again. 

Winter Is Coming…But Not so Much in the South | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall for fast, restorative solutions.

This time of year is always a little strange. While Anniston doesn’t receive the snowfall of the northern states, we still get cold temperatures in the winter.

So when the radio starts playing “White Christmas,” we’re able to get into the Christmas spirit. We’ll break out the heavy coats and sweaters and put hot chocolate on the stove! Annistonians will brave the frigid weather to celebrate with their loved ones or make sure somebody has just the right gift.

Winter weather here, while cold, simply doesn’t fit that idyllic holiday narrative that includes snowfall. Occasionally we may get snow, but it’s the exception, not the rule.

Anniston does average the highest rainfall per month during the winter months. So there are a few things residents should do in winter as a matter of routine and prevention. Let’s take a look.

Perform annual maintenance on HVAC unit. Chances are you’ll need heat in your home this winter, so you’ll want to make sure everything is in good working order. Have a professional perform preventive maintenance and replace any parts that could leave you in the cold.

Clean the gutters and perform chimney maintenance. Anniston averages the highest rainfall during the winter months, so it’s a great idea to inspect your roof for any damage. Make any necessary repairs and clean the gutters of obstructions and debris. While you’re at it, clean out your chimney if you do any sort of fireplace use.

Check doors and windows for tight seals. Cool breezes can make you uncomfortable in the winter, so consider adding insulation to your attic and sealing your windows. These areas can have a significant impact on the comfort level in your home, not to mention the effect they can have on your utility bill.

Take good care of the car. Finally, check the condition of your car’s tires and windshield wipers. You might not have to deal with driving on ice, but you’ll likely end up driving in the rain—and you want to be sure you can do it safely.

If winter weather or unexpected flooding causes water to damage your home, we’re always here to help. Contact SERVPRO to see how quick and easy it is to let the pros handle your cleanup and recovery.

Understand the Leading Causes of House Fires | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall are here for you if your home is affected by fire.

The many responsibilities of owning a home are significant. But one of the most important items in the home is fire safety.

The scenario of having a fire is a daunting prospect to most homeowners! Fires are unpredictable, spread quickly and often cause enormous devastation. It’s something homeowners go to great lengths to avoid.

But despite years of ad campaigns and awareness advertising, more than a quarter of all reported fires still occur at home.

Let’s take a look at the top causes and see if we can drive these numbers down through prevention techniques:

Cooking. Cooking is the No.1 cause of house fires. Half of all home fires start in the kitchen, and the leading reason is unattended cooking! It only makes sense that the top priority for avoiding a house fire is never to leave the kitchen while cooking.

Heating equipment. Around 14% of all home fires across the country are started because of heating equipment. A mixture of equipment malfunctions, mishaps and flammable substances placed too close to heaters leads to this particular scenario being among the most common, and portable space heaters are the top culprit.

Electrical fires. Wiring in older homes can often lead to fires being started by electrical causes. Faulty wiring, the overloading of circuits and a generally higher usage of electricity than older houses can handle are all factors that contribute to electrical fires at home. New technology and updated electrical codes have played a part in reducing this cause. A house is generally considered old when it passes 50 years of existence. Older homes should have frequent electrical inspections to ensure the wiring won’t pose a danger to the house or homeowner.

Intentional fires. It’s hard to believe that arson accounts for more than 28,000 intentional home fires started every year. Intentional means exactly that—the fire was started on purpose with the intent of damaging or destroying the structure.

Smoking materials. We’re all glad smoking has steadily declined over the last 50 years since the Surgeon General published his initial report that smoking is detrimental to your health. But while only being responsible for 5% of home fire occurrences, fires started by smoking materials are the leading cause of civilian fire deaths. Victims are more susceptible because they often fall asleep while cigarettes are still burning.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

Late Night Trips To The Jail | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

A couple months back we seemed to have an influx of large water loss calls. One of those calls came when one of the local jails had a water loss. The details of the cause we will not be discussing however, we will discuss our response.

The instant the jail personnel noticed the water loss, they jumped into action by calling the local SERVPRO representative that markets to their area (We have 3 since we cover 5 counties). The SERVPRO sales representative called the on-call crew and got them in route. After the initial crew was called an all call to all our staff was placed. We knew this size loss (in such a delicate area) would need all hands-on deck.

Our crews, production managers, general manager and the owner spent the night until the wee hours of the morning cleaning up the water and getting the facility dry for the inmates and jail personnel. We could not even begin to guess at the gallons of water extracted from this building (a lot does not come close to being a good term). Hours of hard work were performed on this loss. 

Some companies may complain about the amount of work or the late-night hours, but our crews were in high spirits working side by side all night. A few weeks later one of our office staff members ran into one of the corrections officers while out running errands for the office and his kind words were music to our ears. He said, "I was in awe. I just couldn't believe how fast your company responded. You must have sent the whole fleet. Our parking lot was nothing but green vans for as far as the eye could see. It was an impressive sight."

Our staff love what they do and have servants’ hearts. There is no other reason that they would be out at all hours of the day and night working in less-than-ideal conditions (have you ever seen a moldy crawlspace?). Each member of Team Lamey is a valued and appreciated person. 

Who Do You Call When The Weather Damages Your Home?

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

We can handle whatever the storm brings our way.

Storm damage is a common phrase in many parts of the country. Residence in the Northern United States suffer blizzards and ice storms. Those along the coasts suffer through hurricanes and tropical storms. The mid-west has massive tornadoes. 

Our little area of North Alabama can suffer from all of the above mentioned types of storms. This summer flash flooding has been a common concern. We just entered tornado season and who knows what wintery weather we may or may not get. 

No matter what the event, SERVPRO can help when your home has been damaged by a storm. Floods, roof damage and burst pipes lead to water damages. Those water damages need to be handled (mitigated) by a certified professional before mold has the chance to grow. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp with any storm damage needs. We can help with emergency board ups and roof tarps as well as the mitigation of any internal damage. Our construction division is here to help with any build back that may be needed after mitigation.

Ways To Keep Fire Away | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden & Marshall County

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp.

Businesses typically keep most of their important assets onsite at their business locations. This could be product inventory, computer equipment, warehouse equipment, company vehicles, etc. While we like to think that our company assets are secure, in our business, we know disasters are almost always unexpected. We try to keep our customers informed on how to prevent disasters and also educate them on what to do when disaster does hit your business. We offer a service that is free of charge where our sales rep comes to your place of business to assess your facilities and creates an ERP (Emergency Read Profile). An ERP is specific to your business and will help you identify hazards, as well as instructions and contact points in the event there is an emergency. Here are some fire safety tips that may be identified in your ERP and will help your business avoid a devastating fire this holiday season: 

1. Regular Maintenance on your Business Building.
2. Always store combustible materials in containers.
3. Always use Space heaters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Keeping Items such as lighters, matches etc. out of reach of children.
5. Always use proper extension cords for your holiday lighting.

These simple tips will help you and your business stay safe. We are always here to help!

Commercial Cleaning Solutions for a Variety of Businesses | SERVPRO® Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall for all your cleaning needs.

SERVPRO has been providing disaster recovery solutions for homeowners for over 50 years! But did you know we also provide the same services to commercial properties?

Damage from storms, fire, water and even mold are all covered under the SERVPRO umbrella. We specialize on remediation of these issues for both homeowners and business owners.

Business owners can rest assured if a disaster befalls them, SERVPRO is here to help. We provide a full range of disaster recovery and remediation services, as well as other services specific to the commercial space.

But did you know we also provide routine services? SERVPRO knows the condition of your facilities has an impression on your customers. Let us do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your facilities clean and sanitized for your customers.

Certified Cleaning Solutions for Businesses

You got into business to take care of your customers; we got into business to help our customers recover from disasters and to keep business owners’ facilities in pristine condition. We’ll keep all types of facilities spotless, so let us provide high-grade cleaning and sanitization for your location so you can focus on your customers:

Business with retail locations such as local specialty retailers, national chain stores and malls. From the big-chain stores to the specialty retailers and everything in between, we can give you facilities to be proud of.

Educational facilities from universities to preschools. Studies have shown that regular cleaning by students and faculty only cleans half the bacteria from surfaces. The numbers are worse for items that don’t get cleaned daily.

Blood banks, assisted living facilities, medical clinics and offices. The CDC sets the standard, and we go above and beyond to make sure facilities are cleaned and sanitized.

Movie theaters, health and fitness facilities, hotels, and convention centers. Anywhere people spend a lot of time needs to have a sound cleaning protocol. We can make the lobby feel like the presidential suite and the fitness center shine.

Facilities such as foodservice, restaurants, distribution centers and warehouses. Cleanliness and sanitation at dining and distribution points is critical. Let us take cleaning off your plate and so you can focus on the food.

Office buildings, apartment complexes and multi-level high rises We provide top-notch environmental care and sanitation services that your tenants will appreciate.

Losses in the workplace approach a staggering $260 billion per year due to lost productivity from sickness. Let SERVPRO push back and eliminate those workplace germs to ensure a healthy and clean environment for your customers and employees.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Finding a Trustworthy Restoration Provider | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the line, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

Disasters are rarely planned. However, you can plan a response to a disaster should one occur.

The source of the disaster is irrelevant, all you know is you have to get your house and belongings restored to pre-disaster condition. Decisions will need to be made quickly so you can select the appropriate restoration company.

Consider these points when evaluating a partnership with a service company:

How Long Have They Been in Business?

Company history is important. There are too many fly-by-night companies out there that will descend on a disaster in order to make a quick buck. You need to be able to spot these companies and people quickly.

We’re not a dubious newcomer! We have been part of the national landscape for over 50 years, and we’ve earned our reputation by putting in the necessary work to satisfy millions of customers many times over.

We’re also trusted by national brands like the PGA Tour. Their quality standards are extremely high, and we strive to meet and exceed those standards every day.

Can They Be There Fast?

When your world is turned upside down by a disaster, you need to know you can reach someone immediately and that they can mobilize quickly and start working on your restoration.

There’s no time to waste after a storm tears through town and creates a mess of your home. That’s why we’re on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Are Other Resources Available If Required?

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is locally owned and operated, which means there’s always a team right here in Anniston ready to act. But SERVPRO a offers an added benefit—every local franchisee is backed by other franchisees in our system.

Every local and regional homeowner will get the attention they deserve because we’ll be sending in waves of assistance from our nationwide network of resources. Our system is specifically designed to provide disaster assistance on a large scale.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

We pride ourselves in Commercial Fire Damage

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is devastating for any home or business. But when electrical wiring malfunctions and starts a fire in the dining room of a local nursing home, the absolute fastest response is needed to minimize the disruption to the residents and staff.  We responded to this emergency on a Friday afternoon and upon arrival, we were glad to know that all the residents and staff had evacuated the building safely, many residents wheeled out on hospital beds.  The parking lot resembled a triage unit of sorts with medical personnel and other staff diligently tending to residents' medical and other needs.  Making sure the residents were ok medically and finding a place for these residents to stay in the interim was their number one priority.  Our main priority was to assess the damage from the fire (and the water damage that followed from the fire department putting out the fire) and put together a plan that would have residents and staff safely back in the facility as soon as possible. We consulted our Large Loss division to put together this plan and begin work immediately. Some of the plan included : water extraction and drying, soot and smoke damage cleanup, tear out, asbestos abatement, removal of contents including commercial kitchen appliances, among other things. We started much of this detailed work that day and continued through the weekend and into the following week.  Our job was to make this facility "construction ready" as soon as possible so that these residents and staff could resume their routines that existed before this untimely fire. The construction is in process and the nursing should resume their normal activities very soon. Quick response is key with large commercial losses! We are FASTER to any DISASTER and we come prepared to work to restore your home or business!

We always say that there is no job too big or too small for SERVPRO! In this case, mitigating a large Commercial fire damage is something we pride ourselves on! We are pleased to serve in this way in our local communities or anywhere we are called. We are always Here to Help.

September Ushers in Football & New Fire Risks | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Cooler temperatures might be the last thing on your mind. After all, the temps here will still be toasty for a few more weeks, probably. But we’re beginning to see fall creep in with a slight chill in the early mornings and late evenings.

Each season brings its own potential fire hazards as activities commence. So grab your favorite pumpkin spice latte, and let’s review a few fire safety tips.

Campfire Safety in the Fall

With the fall weather comes an increase in camping, and one of the staples of camping is a campfire. Knowing how to construct a campfire is almost as important as knowing how to put it out.

It’s best to use a match or lighter to set fire to dry leaves or twigs, then add dry wood and bigger sticks. Never use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid.

Build your fire away from structures and out from under tree branches. When it’s time to put the fire out, douse it completely before leaving your campsite.

Slowly pour a bucket of water on the embers and make sure none remain. Anything you leave behind can start up again with enough of a breeze.

The Tailgate Party

The tailgate party is a standard in Alabama, and grills are usually part of the festivities. Pack some safety along with your tailgate goodies!

Most grill fires are caused by an abundance of excess grease. Be sure to clean excess grease and empty the grease trap before starting the grill. A few precautionary steps can help avoid a disaster.

Space Heater Precautions

Many people supplement their heat with portable space heaters. But while handy, these are one of the most frequent causes of home fires in fall and winter.

Keep your heater away from anything flammable on any side. Ensure it has automatic shutoff capability for tip-overs and overheating.

And finally, space heaters are best directly plugged into a wall outlet, so avoid extension cords if possible.

Halloween

Halloween is only a few weeks away! As you begin to decorate, keep fire safety in mind. Candles and Halloween decorations can be fire hazards, so be attentive and responsible as you celebrate.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall Co Always Ready

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO available 24/7

SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall county is Emergency-ready no matter the day or the time! Let’s face it…disaster at a home or business doesn’t always strike 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday. Being available to respond to your call 24/7/365 is something we take great pride in! 

Last month, we were able to respond fully staffed  when a local jail called us at 7:30 p.m on a week night. We had a full crew on site by 9:00 p.m ready to start work extracting water to mitigate further damages from occurring. It was a team effort to get the job done, from our owner, Production managers and  technicians, and even our construction department all onsite and working hard!  As a team, we pushed through the night into the early morning hours

to complete this job as efficiently and effectively as we could. The following days were spent monitoring the drying progress until the job was done. This is who we are as a company and are always here to help! 

When an emergency comes along who ya gonna call? SERVPRO!

Prepare Your Business For Emergencies | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Call today to find out how an ERP can help your business.

September is National Preparedness Month. Is your business ready? Do all of your key personnel know what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency? If your answer is not yes to all of the above it's time to call SERVPRO and ask about our FREE Emergency Ready Profile and what it can do for your business. 

An Emergency Ready Profile, also known as an ERP, is designed to help businesses just like your in the event of an emergency such as water damage, fire damage and more. One of our sales representatives will make an appointment with you (or any authorized representative of your business) to gather information about your business such as:

• Where vehicles need to park in the event of an emergency
• Where the water shut off is, how to access it, and who your water company contact is
• Is there an alarm to the building? If so, what is needed to gain access and who the alarm company contact is
• Where in the building electrical panels are located and who your contact with the power company is
• Who needs to be notified of incidences both within the business and outside the business
• Who your SERVPRO contact is

All of this information is housed in an app that can be shared with all key personnel. If you are interested in taking things a step further to assist in getting your business back to normal faster, ask about a Preferred Service Agreement. 

Acknowledging Summer Storms | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is on the line, ready to make things right.

Summer is in full swing, and it brings with it all those things we love, including warmer temperatures, vacations, pool days and longer days. But summer also brings thunderstorm activity, and that can lead to more serious inclement weather.

If you think we experience more thunderstorms in the summer, you’re right! Conditions are ripe for thunderstorm activity, especially in the Anniston area, since all you need is moisture from the Gulf and warm air. And we have plenty of both.

In fact, our area has plenty of experience with inclement weather.

Be Perceptive

Storms may be more frequent in the summer, but you should always take them seriously. Storm alerts are issued for a reason: to inform the public so they can take precautions in the event of bad weather. If bad weather is coming, consider cancelling outdoor activities.

Heed the local weather reports and consider an NOAA Weather radio so you can stay informed if power is lost.

Flooding is always a threat with thunderstorms. It’s a good plan to avoid travel, if possible, during storms.

High winds can damage trees and send lawn furniture flying. It’s best to store outside furniture inside when a storm is possible, and consider trimming trees of dead branches prior to a storm.

Unfortunately, people die every year during thunderstorm-related incidents. It’s a mistake to take storms for granted.

Be Cautious During Storms

Thunderstorms bring lightning, so stay indoors when it’s thundering outside. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm, so it’s good practice to stay indoors for at least 30 minutes from the last thunderclap.

Don’t shower or bathe, and stay away from windows during a thunderstorm. Also, consider unplugging expensive electronics since lightning can increase the risk of damage.

It’s best to have an emergency kit prepared and know your evacuation routes.

Avoid flood waters if possible, and stay on higher ground. Do not attempt to drive through flood waters as you don’t know if the road underneath the water is damaged or gone.

It only takes a small amount of rushing water to knock you off your feet or move a car. Stay safe and take no chances on flooded roads.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

What Makes SERVPRO Different? | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is your local restoration expert.

When it’s your responsibility to make sure everything is running smoothly at your home or business, the last thing you need is an unexpected disaster.

All normal routines stop when disaster strikes, and life gets a little sideways. All those day to day responsibilities get put on hold, and you feel the pressure to step in and manage this disaster.

We can help take the pressure off of you. Why? Because managing a disaster recovery effort is our job, not yours!

Trusting SERVPRO to take over when disaster strikes is a smart decision.

Organized and Standing By

We’re ready ²⁴⁄₇ when you call. When speed is critical, we get there fast.

After all, who has time to wait when the house has water where it shouldn’t be or the office is burning?

We stay in a state of readiness. It’s what we live for!

We Move at Breakneck Speed to Get to Your Disaster

Since this is what we do, we understand better than anyone that time is critical in a disaster.

Mold doesn’t take a vacation. If you have water damage, every minute that passes means more mold growth, more smoke smell or more water damage. Responding quickly is crucial and with a local office right here, you’ll benefit from our local presence and national resources.

We’re Specifically Trained for Residential or Commercial Disasters

Sometimes we have notice about weather-related disasters that may happen, but the other ones like fire or broken pipes don’t provide advance notice.

We provide a custom solution for any disaster and can have your business or home back to normal in record time. All so you can get back to your normal routine.

Your Home or Business Will Be Restored "Like it never even happened."

We take our job seriously and since recovery and restoration is all we do, we’ll see yours through to the very end. Our customers’ satisfaction with our results has made SERVPRO one of the best in the business when it comes to recovery and restoration.

We Adapt and Overcome With New Processes

Today, disease prevention is highly valued. With that in mind, we offer cleaning and sanitization that go beyond normal janitorial cleaning or commercial services.

If your desire is to make your employees and customers feel safe, we can provide you with a hyper-clean space. This will inspire confidence in your patrons and associates.

Pipes burst, fires rage, storms emerge—it’s a part of life. When it does, your local SERVPRO is ready to help.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

Defensible Space & Why It's Important | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is ready and able to repair any damage.

When you think of house fires, wildfires probably don’t come to mind as a potential cause. But the reality is: They’re more common than you think, even here in our area.

According to the National Park Service, wildfires are started by humans 85% of the time. Some accidentally from carelessness and other time deliberately by arsonists.

We can help control the number of fires caused carelessly by humans simply by being more careful when we’re around fire. But there’s more that you can do when it comes to protecting your property.

Understanding Defensible Space

While defensible space can be thought of as a military term, it is also used to define space around your home where combustible materials have been removed to create a fire break.

By adding flame-resistant hardscape around your home and utilizing responsible planting and pruning practices, you can reduce the risk of house fire posed by the wildfire.

By removing combustibles from around your home, you are creating a barrier between the wildfire and your house. This space also give firefighters a chance to slow or stop the wildfire before it damages your home.

Required by law in some states, it’s simply good practice in Alabama.

The Rising Risk of Wildfires

We often think of wildfires as a Rocky Mountain or Pacific Coast problem, but wildfires happen everywhere. In 2020, there were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020.

California has the distinction of having the most wildfires. They account for over 17% of the wildfires in the United States. But even if we take California fires out of the equation, the average number of wildfires per state in 2020 was still right under 1,000!

Here in Alabama in 2020, we experienced 836 wildfires, burning more than 20,500 acres of land. That’s a lot of destruction.

You can help prevent damage by taking prudent precautions to slow or stop wildfires. Creating defensible space is a great place to start.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

Weather Is Making a Financial Impact Across the Country | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall to start the restoration process.

The COVID-19 Pandemic dominated most of the news coverage in 2020. This left little room for coverage of the ever-increasing weather disasters that occurred.

But financial losses in the year related to inclement weather set new records. 2020 will go down in history as the year that generated the single largest financial loss from adverse weather.

When a storm generates losses that exceed $1 billion, it is classified as a disaster. The United States has 22 of these last year!

Keep in mind, most storms didn’t generate the billion dollar limit to be counted as a disaster. We had so many named tropical storms last year the NWS had to reach into the Greek alphabet to generate more names.

Hurricanes Not the Most Costly Type of Storm

It’s easy to surmise that hurricanes cause most of the property damage in the United States due to their size and the sustained high winds over an extended period of time. However, that’s not the case.

The facts tell us the severe storms are responsible for more property damage, and this directly relates to financial losses as well. Storms and tornadoes were responsible for more damage last year than hurricanes. Severe thunderstorms accounted for 14 out of the 22 declared disasters last year.

Ever hear of a derecho? In 2020, the United States experienced one! A derecho is a global weather phenomena that rarely occurs. But when they do they leave a tremendous amount of destruction in their path.

The United States sees one or two of these storms per year. Primarily occurring in the Great Plains, they can happen anywhere. Compare this to tornadoes, of which we see over a thousand in one year.

Over 10 million acres of corn were damaged during a derecho last year in Nebraska. That’s 11% of the United States production of corn and over half of Nebraska’s crop.

Storms Are on the Rise

Storms have always been with us. Most of the time, they cause little damage and bring much-needed rain showers across the country. But last year was a milestone as it marked the tenth year in a row of having at least eight billion-dollar weather related calamities.

As long as the weather changes, we should prepare for these changes. Everyone benefits from storm prep when storms are in the forecast.

Occasionally, property damage can’t be avoided. We’re here to help you recover when you have storm-related damage. We can help get your property restored to "Like it never even happened."

Do you have storm-related damage? We can help get your property back to its original condition. Reach out today to see how we can help.

Grilling Safety Tips For This Summer | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp.

Every summer hundreds of thousands of grills get fired up in the United States. Each person has a preference for which style they like such as open top, smoker, gas, wood pellet, hibachi, egg and more. And for some it depends on what is being cooked as to what type of grill is used. 

As these grills are used there are a few key safety tips to keep in mind. 

• Never use a grill indoors.
• Keep a safe distance from structures and overhangs to prevent the fire from spreading in the event of a flare up of flames.
• Keep kids and pets a safe distance from grills to prevent burns.
• Inspect propane tanks before use to ensure there are no holes or defects that can cause a hazard.
• Keep loose clothing away from the grill. No one wants their dress or shirt to accidentally catch fire when the wind shifts. 
• Clean your grill before and after use to prevent grease build up that can cause flames to flare up.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) estimates over 10,000 fires are reported from various types of grills each year. Over 4,000 of these fires cause damage to a structure, many of which are homes. Following the above safety tips can reduce the risk of structure fires from grill related incidents. 

Beyond Clean—Experience the SERVPRO Difference | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall team.

Throughout the country, as well as in Alabama, all areas are experiencing decreasing cases of COVID-19. Consumers are returning to outdoor activities, eating out, shopping in person, and kids are getting back to school.

As we begin this return to some sense of normalcy, there are some new considerations for businesses.

Customers have choices when it comes to shopping! They are paying attention to the mitigation strategies of businesses and watching to make sure business are providing a clean environment to shop or eat in.

Your customers deserve a sanitized shopping experience and it’s important to offer them that piece of mind. Is your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

The Process of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

To get that extra level of clean, your business needs to experience our certified cleaning program. After your business achieves this elite designation, customers and employees can rest easy that they are entering a sanitized establishment.

Advanced biohazard cleaning processes are utilized to provide your business with a clean and safe environment, going well beyond a basic clean.

Here’s how the program works:

Consult. We’ll customize a plan that fits your business. Because our business is locally owned and operated, we are familiar with the uniqueness of the area. But we’ll also sit down to talk with you about the things that make your business unique, including the size of the facility, the type of work you do, and the people who are in your building often.

Clean. Now that we have a plan, it’s time for the cleaning to begin. The custom, hospital-grade cleaning solutions we use are unique to SERVPRO. Your business will receive a level of cleanliness that is unparalleled among our competitors. CDC standards are always followed or exceeded, and help protect your employees and customers from many viruses and bacteria, not simply COVID-19.

Certify. Display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your business and on your front door. We will also provide you a digital shield to be used online so when customers visit your website or social media profiles, they know your business has been professionally cleaned.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Fire Safety for the Warmer Months | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall to learn more.

Seasons change and winter leads to spring. It’s a time of renewal as trees start to bud and grass begins to grow after the “cold season.”

Everything feels fresh and new and the warner weather certainly leads to more outdoor activities. Cookouts, family get-togethers, graduation parties and trips to the lake can all lead to an increased risk of fires.

In fact, more daily fires occur in the spring, on average, than any other time of year. But with a little awareness, you can do your part to avoid fires at home this season. Let’s start with these:

These 3 Areas Deserve Special Attention

The grill. Grills get the most blame because they represent the greatest risk. Having a combination of heat, flame, grease and fuel in close proximity creates the right conditions for an unexpected fire. Grills should be properly maintained and cleaned after every use. Keep the grill away three feet away from your house and other flammable items. Pay special attention to cleaning—almost 20% of grill fires are due to inadequate cleaning.

The fire pit. Fire pits on a cool spring evening can attract friends and family. Keep these safety tips in mind regarding fire pit safety. Kids should never be left unattended around a fire pit with a fire. Have a water source handy in case the fire get to big or out of control, preferable a hose but at least a bucket. Don’t add anything else to the fire, except for wood. Tossing on cardboard or paper could cause embers to be picked up and relocated with the wind. Advice: If you roast marshmallows, avoid roasting over the flame, use the embers instead to get that “just right” roast.

The dryer vent and the chimney. While chimneys are not a huge issue in Alabama, dryer vents could be. Seasonally inspect your chimney for obstructions and creosote build-up and if necessary, have them professionally “swept.” There is more than just cleaning the lint filter after every use of the dryer. Over time, lint can build up in the dryer vent pipe. The longer the distance, the more opportunity for clogging. Dryer vents should be checked and cleaned periodically, but always at least once a year.

Our trained experts are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you have smoke, fire or water damage in your home or business, we can be there quick and get it cleaned up fast. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

What Are the Top Signs of Basement Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best

A basement can be a wonderful part of many homes. Not only is it great for storage, but it also provides a safe place for families when storms come, and it can be used as extra living space with some additional finish work.

However, the odds are overwhelming that at some point, because it’s built underground, your basement will experience a water leak.

You could get lucky, but if your home does have a basement, water damage is something you will want to be extra vigilant about just in case it becomes a problem in time.

Below, we will look at some of the signs that water damage is present in your basement—and should you need someone to investigate, our water restoration technicians are always here to take your call.

The Most Common Water Damage Signs

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that gets into the basement isn’t necessarily dirty, but after it settles in, the scent can turn pungent and unpleasant after time. Many people assume that all basements smell musty, but this really should not be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Homeowners often use waterproof paint to mask a burgeoning water issue. Unfortunately, this paint will simply mask the problem for a while and then lead to a compounding issue down the road. Incoming water will eventually work its way through the paint, leading to peeling, cracking or bubbling on its surface.

Foundational cracks. While many homes do shift over time, cracks in the foundation are not normal and can be indicative of water damage. You may notice these telltale cracks in your ceiling, on the floor or on interior walls. These often signal that water is putting pressure on your structure in a way that is liable to cause cracking. Hairline cracks are nothing to fret over, but if they become any larger, call us immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

The Dangerous Elements a Thunderstorm Contains | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall today if you are dealing with any damage.

Though they occur quite often when the weather is warmer, thunderstorms are a serious weather occurrence every single time.

It is easy to grow complacent about the threats they cause, but every thunderstorm should always be taken seriously. Between lightning, hail, high winds and flooding risks, there are many serious threats a thunderstorm can pose.

Thunderstorms are classified as such because they contain thunder and lightning every time they occur, even if you do not hear claps or see strikes. When a thunderstorm is considered severe, it will contain winds over 58 miles per hour and hail larger than one inch, making it an even more threatening event.

The Threats That Occur During a Thunderstorm

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Lightning strikes are extremely dangerous, and because they are an element of every single thunderstorm, it is highly likely that one will strike during every storm. Lightning is responsible for at least 300 bodily injuries every year, which does not include the property damage they can cause due to felled trees and fires. Even if it is not visible, any time you can hear thunder, there is lightning in the vicinity.

Property damage due to hail. Hail is an interesting phenomenon, as it can fall even when the surface temperature is quite high. Not only is hail frightening due to the noise that it makes, but it is also extremely dangerous. Large hail can cause injury to anyone that is without shelter when it comes through, and it can also dent cars and cause water damage to homes by impacting roofs and creating vulnerabilities in siding.

Harm from flash flooding. While flooding might be something people are not concerned with if they do not live near a body of water, the frequency with which flash flooding occurs is quite surprising. Flash flooding can occur during periods of heavy rain for many reasons, such as backed up storm drains or overwhelmed drainage ditches. Floodwaters can be extremely hazardous, carrying away cars and sweeping people off of their feet.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Be Sure You’re Choosing a Certified Team of Restoration Experts | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall today. We work with you and your insurance company to get things back to normal quickly.

Let’s be honest. No homeowners like to think about needing the type of services we provide. But when they do, it’s because their homes have been severely damaged by fire, flooding or accidents.

The type of help homeowners needs when we are called home restoration. And its goal is to get the home back to its original state. While sometimes a mop, bucket and elbow grease are enough, in other circumstances, you need a team of experts to ensure your home can be restored.

When that happens, it’s important to understand the home restoration process—and why choosing the right team can be vital to you being happy with your results.

Damage Claims Are Common

According to the Insurance Information Institute, about one in 20 homeowners will need to file a home damage insurance claim every year. The statistic includes all causes of damage and doesn’t separate the claims based on whether they need restoration services.

We also have some statistics about individual types of disasters and issues, though. For example, about one out of every 350 American homeowners will deal with a fire damage claim each year, from causes ranging from storm and lightning damage to furnace fires.

When you think about the United States’ entire population, that statistic translates to millions of families. Some of these people will need to get help from a professional team. That’s when choosing a quality restoration company will make all the difference for you.

Our Training Matters

Beyond the training offered by SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides various certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians can use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Keeping Your Gadsden Home Dry During Heavy Rains | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall today.

You might be surprised by the number of ways water can damage your home. Many people know that flash flooding, strong thunderstorms or interior accidents (like a burst pipe or malfunctioning washing machine) can produce enough water to damage your home.

But there’s another significant threat that is actually much more common to find in your weather forecast—heavy rains. These drenching storms are prevalent during the spring and summer months. And if your home isn’t prepared, it can be damaging.

Water Damage by the Numbers

Did you know that millions of water damage claims are filed every year? Experts in the insurance industry estimate that as many as one out of every 50 homeowners will file a claim over the next year to cover water damage to their home.

Depending on how many people live in your neighborhood, that can mean someone you know will have to deal with water damage this year.

Sometimes water damage is unavoidable. For example, if a flash flood impacts your entire neighborhood, your house might suffer damage. Or if a storm or tornado impacts your community, the storms may leave you with water damage to your home.

But you can do things to ensure your home is ready to withstand some types of water damage.

Getting Ready for Wet Weather

Our technicians are pros at repairing water damage. That means we see many of the issues that cause the damage in the first place.

We’ve put together a few ideas to help you spot ways to make your yard and home safer this spring and summer:

Evaluate your yard. Understanding the way your yard drains and how that impacts your home is vital. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, then you might want to connect with a landscaping expert to look for ways to protect your yard.

Invest in helpful landscaping. Many people don’t realize that the right landscaping at your home can make a big difference when it comes to preventing water damage. Native plants, trees and bushes can be vital in protecting your home from water damage. Talk with landscaping experts in the area or visit a native plant sale for tips and ideas.

Look into sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. It’s definitely worth considering.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

How Gadsden Business Owners Can Navigate Uncertain Times | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall to learn more.

Your SERVPRO is locally owned and operated. That means we’re here to help Gadsden business owners like you, and we’re invested in your (and our community’s) success.

We also get how hard you work to ensure your business is successful. It takes a lot to research and plan your business. And there’s a lot more work that goes into actually operating your business once it’s open. Then, as it grows, you want to be sure you’re prepared to expand, meet your customers’ needs, and operate at your best potential.

Sometimes situations come up that you can’t control. That’s one of the biggest issues business owners face right now, operating and succeeding during a global pandemic. You’ve spent a lot of time lately looking for new ways to reach and service your customers.

Many businesses have already opened their doors again, and others have found new ways to work remotely or offer products and services digitally. Regardless of how you and your employees have decided to move forward, there’s help out there for you.

Tips to Help You Succeed

You can find great tools with more information about business loans and tips, advice, and more from sources you can trust. These can help you operate during uncertain times.

Ensuring that your business is clean and safe for everyone is another important step. That’s where we come in.

Our teams are ready to get your space “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” What does that mean? Let’s take a closer look at the cleaning services we offer.

First, we’ll consult with you. You can use our one-on-one advice and support to ensure that the plan we come up with will work for you.

Then a team of experts will clean your business. They’ll use a high-level system to ensure you’re ready for customers to come back. Our teams work with proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Plus, we use cleaning and decontamination standards directly from the CDC.

Finally, our teams certify your space. That means you can rest assured that you’re ready to be open for business.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Is Your Home Ready to Weather Spring Storms? | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.

If you’re like most Anniston residents, you’re ready for winter to be over. By the time March arrives, many of us are ready to have more time in the sun and less time indoors hiding from cold temperatures.

After all, spring is the season where everything starts to bloom, and we can enjoy outdoor activities like grilling, gardening and hiking with ease.

While the season brings a bounty of good things with it, it can also get the spring thunderstorms we’ve all come to expect in our area.

And these storms can put homeowners in a position to deal with storm damage.

There’s nothing you can do to stop a storm from hitting your area. But there are things you can do that will make your home a safer place. Here’s a closer look at some of those vital steps.

How to Make Your Home Safer

Add these items to your seasonal to-do list this year:

Check for possible issues around your home. Don’t let overhanging tree limbs, unsecured furniture or other similar items become tools for wind damage. Trim back trees that need it and secure everything you can.

Maintain your sump pump (if you have one). These aren’t present or needed in every home. But for those that do need it, having a sump pump that’s functioning properly is key. Be sure yours is before it starts raining.

Keep your gutters clean. This step is vital every season. Clean, clear channels are vital to keeping water around your home flowing the right way, instead of causing water damage.

Check for problems with your roof. You want to be sure your roof is in good shape if a storm starts hitting. Check for things like missing shingles and signs of leaks. Repair them to keep your home safer.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Know the Right Steps to Take if Your Business Is Impacted by Disaster | SERVPRO® of SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County knows the commercial restoration process inside and out. Here are some of our best tips in choosing t

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic? For most of us, it’s the unpredictability that life can throw at us. After all, none of us could’ve seen something like this coming.

This point has hit home especially hard for business owners. Business owners have had to change the way they work during this difficult time.

Though pandemics aren’t usually part of a business owner’s disaster plans, most of them include dealing with disasters like fires or floods. Many business owners already have a disaster plan to deal with these.

Having the plans ready and needing to use them aren’t the same, though.

We work with business owners all the time, so we know what it takes to get your business up and running again. Here’s some of the best advice we can give business owners facing a restoration scenario.

Steps to Prepare Your Business to Open Again

Here’s what you should do if a disaster impacts your business:

Implement your plans. Don’t forget your disaster plans when dealing with a disaster. It sounds simple, but a disaster can be jarring, so it’s a good reminder. For some businesses, that may include moving to a backup location.

Work with your employees. You can take steps to help your employees deal with any work interruptions by taking advantage of resources available through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Work closely with your insurer. Be sure to take photographs of the damage and take inventory of everything that was damaged. If your insurer asks for documents, provide them as quickly as you can. You’ll want to work to keep this process running smoothly.

Communicate regularly. Get in touch with your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your community. Social media or an email list can help you do this effectively. But sometimes a phone call is the best option.

Work with the right partners. Choose competent professionals to work on your restoration process and repair any of the damage. It will make opening up again easier.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Why Minutes Matter When Your Home Needs Restoration | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged due to a disaster, Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. From start to finish, we will be here to help.

Every year, millions of American homeowners file insurance claims to cover repairs and damage. These claims vary.

Some are the result of severe weather issues, like wind, hail and rain. Others are caused by home accidents and appliance malfunctions.

No two of these claims are exactly alike. The extent of damage to the home can be anything from minor water damage restoration to major fire restoration and repair work.

On the surface, it might seem like these don’t have much in common. But in reality, they do have one important similarity: The sooner the repair process gets started, the better your outcome is likely to be.

And that’s on several levels. First, certain problems, like mold, only grow worse as time goes on. Water damage that begins as a nuisance can become a major issue that warps your walls or wood floor if left for a long enough period of time.

Get Help Fast

Your local SERVPRO team understands that time is a vital component of doing quality restoration work. Not only does it lessen the impact of the damage to your home, but it will also allow us to get your home repaired as economically as possible.

When you need restoration services, your team is available to you ²⁴⁄₇. We’re always on call, so we can come out on nights and weekends when you need us. All you have to do is call.

Beyond speed, there are plenty of other reasons so many residents trust us to do their restoration work:

Our technicians are highly trained experts. Our team has the knowledge and certifications needed to do the job well. We’re always available when you have questions or need to know more about the process. We’ll walk you through a personalized plan.

Our teams use the latest technology. Along with extensive knowledge and training certifications, our connection with SERVPRO, a nationally respected brand, allows us access to the latest restoration technology.

We are locally owned and operated. Our teams live and work in the community. We take pride in the work we do and the ways we can help our neighbors.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water, or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Want to Know More About Preventing Winter Fires? | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

House fires tend to peak during the winter. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

House fires do more than damage valuable property and cause the loss of priceless family heirlooms. They can also cause thousands of injuries every year. And experts estimate that as many as 890 people die each year in winter house fires.

No season is free of its distinct fire risks, but winter does include more of them. Think about the nights spent indoors with a heater or a fire roaring, the time spent over the stove making special holiday meals and seasonal décor, like candles.

But even though there are plenty of winter fire hazards to consider, you can take steps to mitigate your risks and keep your home safer.

Steps You Can Take to Lower Your Fire Risk

It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming to make your home a safer place for your family. Instead, you can do a lot to keep your property safer without investing much time or money.

Take steps to make your kitchen a safer place. Grease fires can flare up fast.. Can you put one of these fires out? Water makes grease fires worse, not better. Choose a fire extinguisher for these fires. A metal lid or baking soda will work, too.

Consider how safe your candles are. If you’re not home, don’t leave candles burning. Use them only when you’re at home. Don’t leave them in spots where kids and pets can knock them over. If you have problems with these basics, consider switching to battery-operated candles.

Don’t use extension cords for space heaters. The safest way to use these items is to plug them directly into the wall. Also, make sure your space heater is clear on all sides.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Cold Temps Can Cause Frozen Pipes

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is in full swing for us (most days at least) and when temperatures dip below freezing we start getting calls for water damages from busted pipes. When the water in your pipes freezes it expands. This can cause small cracks to form and worse. The water damage does not happen when the pipes are frozen. It happens when the temperatures climb enough for the frozen water to thaw. 

Leaving water dripping in faucets can help to prevent this. Moving water is less likely to freeze. When temperatures dip extremely low, water needs to be left at more than a small drip. Plumbers suggest a small stream. And don't forget to leave the hot water dripping too. Hot water actually freezes fast that cold water. 

If you have experienced frozen pipes and suspect a possible water damage give us a call. Our highly trained, IICRC certified first responders can help you determine if you have a water damage, where it originated from and if the damage is claim worthy. 

Water Damage & Hardwood Floors

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Most people assume that hardwood floors are ruined the instant a water damage occurs. That is not always the case. Time is the biggest factor here, but other issues have to be considered as well. Water has to be removed as soon as possible from both the surface of the floor and below the hardwood planks.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has the equipment to accomplish this. Our trained and professional crews use a variety of equipment to achieve a dry environment after a water damage. Air movers, dehumidifiers, a mat drying system, and even extraction equipment could be used.

Extraction equipment could be a single roving unit or a mounted (usually to a van or truck) unit. These powerful machines use suction to extract water from the surface of the floor. 

Air mover and dehumidifiers are the most commonly seen items. These pieces of equipment work in tandem to dry the structure. We have multiple styles of air movers and several sizes of dehumidifiers.

One of my favorite pieces of equipment used on hardwood floors is the mat drying system. These large mats are secured to the floor with blue painters tape. Hoses are connected to them the allows for air movement under the floor boards. It has the ability to salvage wet hardwood floors, but again time is the most critical factor here. Once the floor begins to cup and buckle saving the floor becomes hard (sometimes impossible). 

For more information, or if you have a water damage call our office. Our trained professionals are always #HereToHelp.

We Are An IICRC Certified Firm

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration companies have a governing body that has set forth guidelines and standards on how each type of job is to be completed. This body is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, but we just call it the IICRC. These standards are kept in our office. The book for water damage restoration is called the S500 and is in a binder roughly 6 inches thick. Each type of job (water, fire, mold, biohazard, trauma and crime scene, and more) has its own book.

Our staff are trained on these standards and sent to classes for certification. SERVPRO of
Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County collectively hold 24 IICRC certifications with many more to come in the near future. Both owners, all production managers, all crew chiefs, all marketing representatives and some office staff hold IICRC certifications in at least one field. We are an IICRC Certified Firm. 

Hurricane Zeta in Calhoun County

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

When the storms roll out we are #HereToHelp.

Last week we had a situation not common for us up here in the northern part of Alabama. Hurricane Zeta made landfall in marsh lands of the Gulf, but had a huge impact on us here. The speed Zeta was moving at allowed the storm to reach Calhoun County as a storm packing a serious punch. 

That night and the entire two days after our office was flooded with calls. Trees had fallen and damaged roofs leading to water damage. Others had water damage from the high winds. Our crews worked diligently to help as many as we could as fast as we could. Our office was operating with a third of our usual staff. We had staff members with storm damage to their homes. Some had trees down and could not get to work (like many in Calhoun County). 

We are proud to be able to provide emergency services to so many in their time of need. Our hard working and highly trained staff are #HereToHelp.

Protecting Your Business This Cold & Flu Season

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

It’s 2020 and one of the most widely discussed topics is COVID-19. But, it is now November and that means cold and flu season on top of the novel coronavirus. There is a way to protect your employees and business with an added layer of disinfecting, the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. 

One of our production managers would come out to your business and assess the space and speak with you in detail about what services you are wanting. It could be a wipe down of high touch areas, micro-misting or ULV fogging, or a combination of wipe down and fogging. It just depends on what services you are interested in.

All of these services are performed by our trained professionals using EPA registered hospital grade disinfectant products. Our crews also wear PPE to protect themselves as well as provide another layer of protection for you, your staff and customers. This program can be a one time service or regularly repeated. We have several businesses we are providing these services for once or twice a week. The CSC program also provides you with signage to post so that your employees and customers will know you have chosen the higher standard of clean with SERVPRO, the industry leader. 

For more information call our office today at 256-236-8889, 256-547-3778 or 256-891-0177.

Priority Service Agreements With SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County today for more information on Priority Service Agreements.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County offer Priority Service Agreements (PSA) for commercial properties in our service area. A PSA is a contract between SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County and the business who signs up for it. How could a PSA benefit your business?
In the event of a loss or disaster your business will get:
Guaranteed service within 24 hours of the loss.
During a natural disaster your business is moved to the front of the line for services.
Could have a predetermined number of days in which the job is to be completed (depending on what is worked into the contract).
Could receive a discount on the services provided (depending on what is worked into the contract).
Removes the question of who to call to provide emergency services.
For example, we have had several businesses sign up for these PSAs since COVID-19 came into the picture. Fortunately for these businesses they have not needed to call us in for COVID-19 disinfecting. However, in the event of an outbreak they simply call us and the signed PSA moves them to the front of the line.
For water damages, a PSA could have predetermined services lined out that we can perform without further approvals from a corporate office or facilities manager. This allows us to perform emergency services quickly and can prevent further damages.
If you already have a PSA with SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County or are considering one then you may want to add a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) as well. For more information on either of these services provided by us, call our office today at 256-236-8889, 256-547-3778, or 256-891-0177.

Is There A Science To Drying Your Home Or Business?

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever had a water damage in your home or business, or known someone who has? If you have seen our equipment set up drying a structure, have you ever wondered how we determine what equipment to use? There is a science behind all of this. Psychrometry is what this science of drying is called. 

There is a formula that tells you how many pieces of equipment (both air movers and dehumidifiers) are needed to dry a space in a specific amount of time (which is normally 3 days). This formula takes into account how wet the space is, the air temperature, relative humidity and much more. As the air temperature increases the relative humidity decreases. Our air movers heat and assist in drying the surface of the wet materials. The elevated temperatures create evaporation. The dehumidifiers work by extracting the moisture from the air. The water is transported through a hose placed in a sink, tub or toilet. When a structure is in the drying process the air tends to be very warm and very dry. There is a fine balance to keep for optimum drying without added effects (yes it can rain indoors if the balance is way off).

Each day during the drying process readings are taken from inside the affected area as well as outside for temperature and relative humidity. This process is called monitoring and helps us to ensure that drying is being achieved. If not a determination of why has to be made and resolved. These measurements are logged in our system and can be referred back to later. These moisture readings are taken with specialized equipment each manager and crew chief has to carry with them. 

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) has standards we have to follow to achieve the desired drying. The book of standards is about 6 inches thick. Our production, marketing and some office staff attend IICRC Water Restoration classes to be certified in the drying process. We also teach Continuing Education classes to our agents and adjusters about this science of drying. 

How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

As the past couple of days have shown us, it is heater weather. When the heaters come out there is another aspect of our homes we need to be taking into consideration. Your pipes. Each winter we get countless calls from customers who suffer water damages due to frozen pipes that crack. Most people are aware that the best way to prevent freezing pipes is to leave your water dripping in the faucets close to the exterior of the home, but we have a few people new to the area. 

Should you leave hot water and cold water dripping? Well the answers vary on this. Some people say just the cold water since the water in the other lines is already hot. But one thing we have to keep in mind is that hot water freezes faster than cold water. In my home, I leave both hot and cold water dripping in the kitchen sink since it is right against the outside of my home. 

Another way to help prevent frozen pipes is to disconnect the garden hose from the outside of your home and ensure the water has been shut off. During extremely cold bouts a blanket around the water heater (if in a garage or against an exterior wall) and leaving cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach them can help to prevent frozen pipes. Not all frozen pipes lead to water damage, but sometimes the damage caused can take a little time to make itself known.

Should you suffer water damage due to frozen pipes, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County to mitigate that damage for you.

Reconstruction Services

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has offered reconstruction services for over a year now? That’s right, a whole year. It’s been a wonderful year growing our reconstruction division. Clay Massey was hired to be our reconstruction manager shortly before we began offering those build back services. Quickly we realized Clay was going to need some help. That’s where Dennis Anderson comes in. Dennis had already been with SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County for two years as a production manager when he stepped forward saying he wanted to take on the reconstruction superintendent's role. We also had to fill the role of reconstruction job file coordinator. Each of these roles plays an integral role in ensuring this division runs smoothly.

Reconstruction Manager

Clay Massey joined our team as the Reconstruction Manager just over a year ago. Clay has years of construction experience and we knew he would be the right fit for this job, and he has proved to be even more valuable than we anticipated. Being the manager for the reconstruction division provides Clay with the most responsibility. He will begin with meeting a potential reconstruction customer while mitigation services are close to completion. He gets a detailed scope of work as well as a sketch that he uses to create an Xactimate estimate. This estimate will be sent to the customer as well as the insurance adjuster. Once the estimate is approved Clay has to create a budget for the job and assist the customer in selecting finishes such as paint colors, crown molding, cabinets, flooring and more. Clay then schedules a sit down with the customer to go over the estimate and scope of work line by line to ensure the customer understands what will be happening in their home or business.He will also obtain the necessary permits that may be required by each municipality. Clay is also responsible for ensuring the subcontractors understand the scope of services as well. He also keeps up with fluctuating material costs, verifies subcontractor invoices for payment and puts together a final profit and loss at the end of each job.

Superintendent

Dennis Anderson has been with the Lamey Team of SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County for 3 years now. He started as a crew chief and quickly moved to production manager. At the beginning of 2020 Dennis moved from the mitigation side of SERVPRO to join the reconstruction division as the superintendent. Like Clay, Dennis has years of reconstruction experience. As the superintendent, Dennis’ role has many responsibilities. Dennis will help to line up subcontractors for each job, taking into consideration what work is to be performed as well as location (we service 5 counties). He will walk through each job with the subcontractors ensuring they understand the scope of work to be performed. Dennis will order materials needed and if needed deliver those materials to the crew on the job site. One of the biggest responsibilities he has is to visit each job site daily. This allows him to walk through and ensure the subcontractors are keeping to the schedule as well as performing the services accordingly with the scope they are given. It also gives him an update to provide the job file coordinator with, whom in turn updates the customer. Dennis will also schedule the final walk through with each customer. This is his favorite part of his job, being able to turn the house back over to the customer with all damages repaired. If any issues are noted, Dennis will address those issues. Dennis also documents the job progress from start to finish with photographs. 

Job File Coordinator

Currently, the role of job file coordinator in our office is open. Our office manager, Kay is assisting with this role until an individual is hired to fill the role. The job file coordinator, we call them JFCs , has many important responsibilities. A JFC communicates with the production teams to determine whether a mitigation customer will need reconstruction services and if they have a contractor of their own. If the customer wants our services the JFC will enter the lead in the reconstruction manager software and call the customer to set an appointment for Clay to inspect the damages. The JFC keeps up with all documentation for each job (forms, insurance requirements and so forth) and uploads them into the digital job file. The JFC is also the main point of contact a customer has with our office. They call the customers to update them on the status or progress of the job and let them know what subcontractors will be out to their home and when. After each communication, whether it is with a team member, subcontractor or the customer, a note has to be entered in our system logging the communication and the outcome.  When the job is complete, the JFC conducts a self audit of the job file before closing the job out, and when needed uploading the file to corporate for a corporate level audit.

Each of these roles has to work together as a team for the reconstruction division to run smoothly. Each person has to be a problem solver. Many customers can get upset seeing their home torn apart after a fire or water damage. Being able to help the customer understand the process and ensuring them that we are doing everything we can to get them back to preloss condition. Each member has to have excellent communication skills to keep their team, the office, subcontractors and customers updated. This team meets daily to stay updated. They also meet with owner, Chris Lamey each week to keep the division on track and owners apprised of the goings on.

Could You Have Hidden Water Damage???

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Most of us pray we never become victims of water damage in our home. We would all love to think a water damage is noticeable the instant it starts. If it’s a blown water heater or pipe, it may be. But what if that pipe is under your house, or in a wall on an end you may not frequent? One of the most common water damages we see besides storm/flood damage is leaks in the supply line to a toilet or a pinhole leak in the ice maker supply line. These can take some time to notice depending on how severe the leak is.

• Has your water bill started climbing?
• Do your floors feel like they may be weakened in one area of your home or business?
• Have your hardwood floors started to cup, bow, swell, sink or buckle?
• Have you noticed a musty smell in your home?
• Do you have standing water in places you don’t normally? This could be both inside and/or out?
• Has your water pressure suddenly changed?
• Do you have a spot in a ceiling or wall that is discolored or swollen looking?

These could be potential signs of hidden water damage. Should you notice any of these situations listed above, give us a call. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will come out and inspect the suspected damage and provide you with a free estimate. We can help you determine whether or not to file a claim with your home owners insurance. For more information call our office today at 256-236-8889, 256-547-3778, or 256-891-0177.

Are We Really 8 Letters Into The Greek Alphabet?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

2020 has been a year for the record books. Countless new memes pop on social media each day with the numerous different woes of this year. One thing we here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County know (as well as the entire gulf coast) is that this year's hurricane season has held up to the 2020 hype. We still have one month left before the official hurricane season ends on November 30th and have already had 27 named storms, 4 of which have been major hurricanes. The record is held at 28 named storms from 2005 (the year of Katrina, Harvey and Wilma). 

What does an active hurricane season mean for SERVPRO? A lot of franchises traveling for storm events. This year, the gulf coast has been hit time and time again. Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Sally, Hurricane Delta and now we are preparing for Hurricane Zeta. No matter where a storm affects the United States, SERVPRO is here to help. Our franchise will send 1-2 crews, a marketing representative and a production manager for each storm we participate in. This year was a first for us as we had crews working Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Sally at the same time. Work was wrapped up from both of those just in time for Hurricane Delta to make landfall and re-affect half the homes we had just provided services for.

As Hurricane Zeta approaches the gulf coast our crews are loading a trailer and box truck with equipment just in case we are called in to provide assistance to the local franchises again. We are ready to roll whenever we are needed. We are also keeping those along the gulf coast in our thoughts and prayers as they brace for impact again.

Fire Safety & Slowing The Spread of Fire

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

To sleep with your doors open or to sleep with them closed, that is the question. And that answer changes depending on who you talk to. Some HVAC specialists recommend keeping the interior doors open as much as possible to help with airflow throughout your home (which is good for air flow when you are awake). However, firefighters will tell you that it is never a good idea to sleep with your interior doors open. You may ask why. It’s a simple answer for the firefighters, it slows the spread of fire.

It may sound crazy, but fire has been considered to “get faster” over the last 20-40 years. The materials used in the construction of homes as well as the materials our furnishings are made from are made from more synthetic materials than they were when our parents were our age. These synthetic materials burn much faster. It used to be said that on average a person had 17 minutes to exit their home after a fire started. That number is now down to roughly 3 minutes. That is a huge difference when the life of your loved ones is at stake.

Closing your bedroom door when you sleep can help slow the spread of fire drastically, which in turn increases your escape time. This is where a well planned and practiced fire safety plan comes into play, as well as those smoke detectors that need to be tested regularly and the batteries changed yearly. But just as important as slowing the spread of the flames, closing the interior doors also reduces the toxic carbon monoxide particles in the air by over 8,000 PPM (parts per million). It can also decrease the temperature by nearly 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a room whose door was left open.

Simply put, it’s okay to keep the interior door open during the day or when you are awake, but at bedtime it is best to close those doors. It could make all the difference. 

16 Years Of Service

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Meet Theresa Smith, our Gadsden area sales rep with 16 years of experience.

Theresa Smith is a sales and marketing representative for SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. She covers Etowah and Cherokee counties. Theresa has been with the Lamey Team at SERVPRO of Gadsden for three and a half years, but has 16 years of experience marketing in the restoration industry. She worked under previous owner Jon Jones for 12 years. She holds IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) certifications for water, fire and smoke damage restoration. We love having her on our team.

Theresa was born in Orlando, Florida and moved to Gadsden, Alabama when she was eight years old. She graduated from Southside High School and currently lives in Gadsden, Alabama. 

If you ask Theresa what her favorite part of her job is she’ll tell you it’s helping people through traumatic situations and building relationships with people. 

Floodplains

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding Floodplains

Does your house sit on a floodplain? Do you know what a floodplain is? A floodplain, according to Miriam-Webster is level land that may be submerged by floodwaters. A floodplain actually consisted of two parts, the floodway and the flood fringe. A floodway is also called the water way, where the water normally flows (either consistently or seasonally). The flood fringe is the flat or mostly flat area that extends from the banks of the floodway to the bluff lines or valley walls (the part where the ground begins to rise from the valley) of the river valley (the low area where water has carved a valley over hundreds of years).

Development of Floodplains

Years ago (like hundreds of years ago), floodplains became popular places for the development of homes. The number one reason being that they have easy access to water. Another reason these areas were such hot commodities is that the flatter ground made farming and raising livestock easier. The houses were also easier to build with the ground being generally flat. But this led to some issues. Rainy seasons, severe thunderstorms, or natural disasters can cause these flood plains to flood and homes can suffer severe  and costly water damage.

Floodplains & Flood Insurance

Any property can flood. Even those on mountains can suffer flood damage. But, the fact is houses in floodplains tend to be at a much higher risk for flooding and the flooding to happen more frequently. For this reason you may be required to have a flood insurance policy on your home. Be sure to ask your insurance agent to specify what your homeowners policy covers because there is a difference between flood water entering your home and ground water entering your home. Just because you do not live in a flood zone or your insurance company doesn’t offer it, look into it. Ask your agent for recommendations. It is a common misconception that flood insurance is way too expensive, according to FEMA it averages around $700 for the whole year (but can vary due to the size of your home).

Protecting Your Home

If your home is built on a floodplain there are steps you can take to protect parts of your home and reduce the severity of the water damage to your home. 

• Build your home on risers to make sure it is elevated enough to reduce the possibility of water damage if/when a flood happens.
• Have your electrical panel, water heater, furnace and air conditioning unit raised by a professional to keep water damage from affecting them. 
• Have excellent drainage around your home. Have drainage ways, berms, levees and such built to help divert water and help to stop flood waters from entering the home.
• Have a sump pump installed.
• Use a waterproof sealing compound on basement walls to help prevent leaking.
• Look into personal flood defense systems such as floodgates or even trusty old sandbags.

Flood Damage 

Should your home suffer water damage due to flooding, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. We are an IICRC certified firm in water damage restoration who is #HereToHelp 24/7/365.

Sources:

-https://www.nationalgeographic.org/

-https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1993/ofr93-641/

-https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain

Hurricane Laura

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

The Path & Damages

It's been nearly one month since powerful Category 4 Hurricane Laura made landfall on the Louisiana coastline. According to Wikipedia, Laura was the tenth-strongest hurricane to make landfall on the U.S. by landfall wind speed record. This intense storm has caused over $10 billion in damages in Louisiana, Texas, the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. 

Our Response

The storm was slow moving, but our response was fast. One of the two SERVPRO storm teams activated an all call asking for any franchises willing to travel for this storm event to get ready. Some franchises were able to travel ahead of the storm and stage just outside the projected path. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County sent a sales rep, a production manager and two crews to the Lake Charles area of Louisiana. Our staff in Louisiana had to stay 2 plus hours away from Lake Charles since there was no power or water. These individuals have worked hard and still are, working around curfews and utility workers.

Back here in Alabama, our Marketing Coordinator calls and sets appointments for the sales rep and production manager to provide free estimates to the calls dispatched to our crews traveling for storm. Our sales rep and production manager sign up these customers for services and work is scheduled to begin. For many of these homes a tree service was needed to remove the tree from the structure so we could tarp the roof to prevent further damage.

The  99-100% humidity and heat were an issue for the first few weeks. Crews have been rotating out every 2 weeks to keep them fresh and prevent burnout or injury. It has been a slower progressing storm event that most of the ones our franchise has participated in over the last few years, but helping those in need has been so rewarding. Just when things seemed like they may calm down, Hurricane Sally hit (but that's a whole other story). 

Today one of the crews came home for a break and another will head out tomorrow to take their place. As a franchise that participates in many of the storm events, we love that SERVPRO is one big family committed to helping each other.

How Well Do You Know Disinfectants?

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Not all disinfectants are created equal. Some are not safe to use around food. Some are not safe to use around children. Some require different levels of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves or a respirator. Some have to be applied to surfaces in amounts sufficient to keep the surface wet for 15 minutes or more. Some have harmful chemicals in them. 

When COVID-19 made its way to the US, cleaning products disappeared from the shelves of stores everywhere. People were buying up whatever they could find. The EPA list of approved products to use in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 was long and often confusing to understand. Distilleries and other factories began producing disinfectants and hand sanitizers. 

With school back in session, teachers and daycare facilities are getting donations of disinfectant products to use in their classrooms. This is a thoughtful and generally appreciated gift, but these products should not be used until the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) information has been reviewed thoroughly as well as the directions.

SERVPROXIDE is a product created in the SERVPRO lab (yes, we have our own team of chemists). It is an EPA registered hospital grade disinfectant. SERVPROXIDE carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. This product is safe for everyday use. SERVPROXIDE is a stabilized chlorine dioxide based antimicrobial, which means it fights mold as well as harmful germs and bacteria. 

For more information on SDS sheets, follow the link here.

For more information on the approved list of products used to fight against COVID-19, follow the link here.

iCAT Contents Management

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is proud to announce we are now using the iCAT contents management system on all jobs requiring a pack-out. A pack-out usually happens on fire damage jobs, but can happen on other types.We carefully pack the contents of a home into boxes and move them to our facility. At our facility these items are cleaned by our highly trained and caring staff with our special machines and cleaning products.

The iCAT contents management system has streamlined this process and caught the whole operation up to the technology we use daily (DryBook and Xactimate). With iCAT gone are the days or handwritten lists of salvageable and non salvageable contents. Customers, insurance agents, adjusters and our staff are loving this professional and easy to use system for more detailed contents tracking.

This software program works with an app downloaded onto our production team's iPads and iPhones as well as a small printer. Labels are printed with bar codes on them that are registered to the customers name. As contents are packed up a photograph is taken of all sides to log any damages as well as help identify what content items are in what boxes. The labels are placed on the outside of the boxes. 

With a scanner, the bar code can be read and the list of the contents (with pictures) can be viewed. A paper copy can be printed of both salvageable and non salvageable contents, but we usually copy it to a flash drive for space saving purposes. The lists can also be sent to agents and/or adjusters to be able to view contents damaged in the loss.

For more information on the iCAT contents management system we are using, call our office today at 256-236-8889.

We Can Help You Protect Your Commercial Property

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Do you own a business or commercial property? Do you have a plan for emergencies? Most companies have a plan for what to do if a fire or tornado hits, but what about water damage? What about the aftermath of a fire or storm? Do you have a plan for that part? Does everyone know what to do for each emergency?

This is where SERVPRO of Gadsden can help. We offer a free program called the Emergency Ready Profile or an ERP. A sales representative would schedule time to come to your location. They would walk the property with you, or they could go alone if you wish.

They would capture information such as the following:

-Where the water shut off is and who the contact is for the water board. 

-Does your property have gas lines to it? Natural or propane? Where are the shut offs located?

-Where are the electrical panels? Who is the contact at the power company? 

-Who is the property manager? How can they be reached?

-Does your facility have a sprinkler system? If so, where is the shut off? 

These are just a few examples of the information captured in an ERP. This information is packaged in a nice packet for you to keep. But it is also entered into an app that can be downloaded on your phone or a tablet. This app can be shared with as many people in your company as you wish. This helps prevent further damage when someone doesn't know who to call. 

For more information, call our office today to speak with a sales representative.  

The EAS System

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

The letters EAS have different meanings to different people. For the military it stands for “End of Active Service”. For us it’s the Emergency Alert System. This system is how most people now receive news about watches and warnings for severe weather. Cell phones are equipped to receive these alerts the instant they are issued. 

This was put into place by an Executive Order (13407) signed into action by President Bush in 2006. This system can also be used by state and local authorities to alert the public about AMBER alerts, SILVER alerts and other important events that require action to be taken. 

Alerts are not to be taken lightly. Severe weather can strike at any moment and leave a trail of devastation. These alerts are intended to save lives, and can when they are taken seriously. Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Watches mean that conditions are favorable for the type of severe weather they are talking about. For example, a tornado watch is issued when conditions are conducive to tornadoes forming. A tornado warning means that a suspected tornado is on the ground. 

When severe weather is approaching it is best to keep an eye on these alerts. They will let you know when you should seek shelter, move to your indoor safe space, and when it is safe to exit your safe space. It is also best to have more than one method to receive these alerts. If you are relying on television, but the power goes out, you are now blind to what is going on unless you have an alternative method to receive weather alerts.

One of the most important things to note here is the fact that you should never rely on outdoor warning sirens. These sirens can fail or be down for service and repairs. A weather radio (with batteries) tuned into the correct station for your area is one of the best methods for receiving EAS messages. Many news stations have apps available for download that can also provide you with EAS messages. 

Should severe weather strike and your home be damaged, remember that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp at 256-236-8889.

That's A Lot Of Water

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston is #HereToHelp.

Early in May, our office received a call for an emergency water damage. A local commercial property was flooded and needed our help. Our on call crews responded quickly to discover that a leak from the fire suppression system had severely impacted the facility. 

Without hesitation, our crews jumped in and began extracting what ended up being over 300,000 gallons of water. They used our extraction trucks and vans as well as ride-on commercial grade water extractors (they look like a Zamboni). That's a lot of water! An Olympic size swimming pool holds roughly 605,000 gallons of water, so you can imagine what this commercial property was experiencing.

Once the water was extracted drying equipment was placed (air movers and dehumidifiers), non-salvageable items were cataloged and disposed of, and the floors mopped to ensure no slick spots. For the next few days, a crew member would monitor the drying progress and adjust equipment as needed. This facility was back to business as usual in just a few short days. 

If you own a commercial property, ask about our priority service agreements and emergency ready profiles to get you back to business faster after a water, fire or mold loss. You can also ask about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. Call our office today at 256-236-8889.

We Can Help You Protect Your Commercial Property

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

The information contained in an ERP could make the difference in how your staff respond to different losses on you commercial property.

Do you own a business or commercial property? Do you have a plan for emergencies? Most companies have a plan for what to do if a fire or tornado hits, but what about water damage? What about the aftermath of a fire or storm? Do you have a plan for that part? Does everyone know what to do for each emergency?

This is where SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help. We offer a free program called the Emergency Ready Profile or an ERP. A sales representative would schedule time to come to your location. They would walk the property with you, or they could go alone if you wish.

They would capture information such as the following:

-Where the water shut off is and who the contact is for the water board. 

-Does your property have gas lines to it? Natural or propane? Where are the shut offs located?

-Where are the electrical panels? Who is the contact at the power company? 

-Who is the property manager? How can they be reached?

-Does your facility have a sprinkler system? If so, where is the shut off? 

These are just a few examples of the information captured in an ERP. This information is packaged in a nice packet for you to keep. But it is also entered into an app that can be downloaded on your phone or a tablet. This app can be shared with as many people in your company as you wish. This helps prevent further damage when someone doesn't know who to call. 

For more information, call our office today to speak with a sales representative.  

Fire Damage Care Boxes

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever heard of fire care packages? This is a free service we provide. Our marketing support coordinator packs small boxes with hygiene products that someone may need after experiencing a fire in their home. Items include:

-Shampoo and conditioner

-Toothbrushes and toothpaste

-Brush and comb

-Manicure set

-Tissues

-Body wash and scrubbies

-Shaving cream and razors

Our first responders have these boxes in their vehicles and hand them out to fire damage victims that are displaced from their homes. Our goal is to help these people get through the first few days afterwards.

One customer told us that his wife had been distraught over not even being able to care for her nails. She broke down in tears when she saw the nail file and clippers in the box. It’s small comforts like these we hope that others can garner from these boxes we provide at zero cost. It’s just a small thing we can do to help fire damage victims when they are still in shock over what has happened before the restoration and repair process has begun.

For more information on these fire care packages, please call our office at 256-236-8889 and remember that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp.

Traveling to Columbus, Ohio for Storm

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Back in May Columbus, Ohio had another round of torrential rain which caused widespread flooding throughout the city and its surrounding areas. The local franchises were inundated with calls from customers with flooded basements or houses. What we like to call a storm event was activated throughout the SERVPRO system. Franchises from all over the country answered the call for help and sent crews and equipment to the affected areas. 

Our crew hit the ground running in Columbus. They worked long, hard hours helping people who were frustrated, most were dealing with the second or third water damage this year due to the rain. They saw water damages of every shape and size. Some were small and taken care of quickly, others were much larger and took a little longer. 

During this storm event, another was happening in Michigan. Again, more SERVPRO franchises answered the call and sent crews and equipment to get these damages handled and help the homeowners through the process.When we say we are ready and here to help, we mean it. No loss is too big or too small. And when needed, we can always call on the SERVPRO family to come in and help with large scale events like the ones in Ohio and Michigan this past May. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County today at  256-236-8889 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Grilling Up Goodness Safely

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always #HereToHelp.

It’s warming up outside and we all know what that means….it’s time for all the barbecues to get fired up. May is actually National Barbecue Month, but before we all run out to start up light that charcoal or propane, remember to be safe and take the proper precautions.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration states about 5,700 fires start on residential property each year from grills. The majority of these fires are caused by malfunctioning gas grills. Grill related fires cause an annual average of $37 million in damage, 100 injuries and 10 fatalities.

Remember that grills (both charcoal and propane) should only be used outside away from structures, foliage and other flammable materials. Be aware of what hangs over your grill as well. A grill should never be left unattended once it has been lit, especially if there are children or pets around. A 3-5 foot perimeter should be kept around the grill by all who are not cooking. These precautions can prevent personal injuries and fires. Wildfires and home fires can be caused by coals not being disposed of correctly after they have cooled.

When using propane grills, check that the propane tank and the hoses are in good working condition with no holes or leaks. Check out this video from the NFPA on how to check your gas grill for leaks.  

Follow these safety tips from the NFPA and enjoy the tasty treats your cook on your barbecue grill. SERVPRO is always #HereToHelp should you experience a grilling related fire (or any other fire).

Sources: 

https://www.nfpa.org

Wildfires

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, are you prepared?

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, which focuses on prevention and preparedness. Now let me guess, when we say wildfires your brain automatically thinks of places out West. California, Colorado, Arizona and Montana tend to come to mind. Everyone remembers the wildfires in California last year that seemed like they would never end. 

Most people around here don’t think wildfires are that prevalent in the Southeast, but according to Facts + Statistics: Wildfires, but North Carolina and Georgia rank in the top 10 for wildfires ranked by the number of fires and the number of acres burned for 2019. Alabama had 1,107 wildfires last year with over 22,000 acres were burned. What steps should you take to prevent wildfires? Well, it’s like Smokey the Bear says “Only you can prevent forest fires”. 

According to the National Park Service, 85 percent of wildfires are caused by humans. Unattended campfires, cigarettes, burning debris, and arson are some of the top human-caused situations that lead to wildfires. Natural events such as lightning and volcanic eruptions can also result in wildfires.

Each person can play a part in reducing the number of wildfires by adhering to the following:

• If you see an unattended fire, report it to the proper authorities.
• Ensure campfires and/or fire pits are fully extinguished when you are done using them or leaving the vicinity and can no longer watch the fire.
• Lit cigarettes should never be thrown out on the ground, especially from a moving car.
• Before lighting a fire, call the proper authorities to check if your area is under a burn ban.
• Exercise caution when handling flammable liquids such as gasoline or propane.
• Fireworks should only be used in open areas free from debris and trees and only if there is no ordinance prohibiting their use.

If a wildfire occurs near you, stay alert to safety and evacuation ordinances. Ensure your route to safety is clear and that family and friends know where you are going. If you become trapped, call 9-1-1.

Talk to your insurance agent today to make sure you are covered in the event a wildfire damages your home or business. 

Are You Prepared?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is #HereToHelp.

May is International Building Safety Month and each week there is a different focus for awareness. For 2020, this first week's focus is on disaster preparedness.  While each situation is unique, your family can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are measures you and your family can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your family, home, and the community.

For us, living in the south has its share of disasters:

• Tornado season (peak season) in Alabama ranges from March through May, but they can happen throughout most of the year. Tuscaloosa is considered to have a second season from November to early December. 
• Hurricane season starts June 1st and runs through November 30th. While here in North Alabama we don’t suffer the same damage they do in the Gulf, the feeder bands from large hurricanes can cause flooding for us.
• Winter and Spring seem to be wet seasons for us more often than not lately, and that leads to flooding. Especially with the number of severe thunderstorms that roll through our area during Spring.
• Summer time leads to wildfires. While we may not see the same widespread damage as states like California, they do happen here. 

Be Informed

Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your home or daily life? Do you know what you and your family will do in an emergency situation?

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Practice the Emergency Plan

Have you practiced your plan recently? Does your family know where to go in the event of a natural disaster? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Home or Business

Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what safety measures can be taken?

Improve Cyber Security

Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your family and home for an emergency or natural disaster. 

Precautions During the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Extra precautions are being taken by our staff to help reduce the curve and keep you safe.

SERVPRO is a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry. We strive to provide the best customer experiences we can. With the COVID-19 pandemic we are taking even more precautions to ensure the safety of our customers and our staff.

We are offering proactive cleaning to reduce the spread of germs, which reduces the chance one may become ill with COVID-19. We are also offering cleaning services for buildings (residential and commercial) for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

Just because a majority of the world is being affected by this pandemic does not mean that water damage, fire damage and mold remediation issues cease. We are taking extra precautions in this area as well.

• When a customer calls in a loss of any kind, we are asking if they have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as asking they have had any symptoms.
• We are letting our customers know that the production members coming to their homes or businesses will be in a minimum of a face mask and gloves. 
• Our production technicians are performing our offered line of services in full protective personal equipment (PPE) when needed or requested. 
• At the present moment our office doors are locked as our office staff work inside. We ask that all who need to meet with someone please call ahead so that the needed person can meet you in the lobby.
• Any member of our staff that is not feeling well is encouraged to stay at home.

All of these steps are being taken to ensure that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County does our part to help reduce the curve and ultimately the impact this virus has in our local area.

Scared Of The Coronavirus? We Can Help.

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp.

Right now, if you were to pull up any form of social media, turn on the television, or even turn on the radio in your car someone is talking about COVID-19 or Coronavirus. Face masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap, and even toilet paper have disappeared. Some people are in a panic and others couldn’t care less. 

Do you know the best ways to prevent Coronavirus (or any virus for that matter) is the following:

-Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

-Avoid touching your face.

-Clean and sanitize your home.

-Clean and sanitize your office/workplace.

If you become sick, it is best to stay home and keep to yourself to prevent spreading it to anyone else.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp and can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning! At SERVPRO of Anniston, we’re trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards, making us the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration. Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889 to see how we can help clean your home or business. 

We Are More Than Fire And Water

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp.

Most people think of SERVPRO and their minds automatically jump to water or fire damage, but we are so much more than that. We can handle pretty much any job thrown at us from cleaning a chair to a fully flooded large commercial building and everything in between. 

Our list of services include:

-Water Damage Restoration (Water Removal and Dehumidification)

-Fire Damage Restoration (Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration)

-Mold Mitigation & Remediation 

-Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning

-Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning

-Upholstery & Drapes Cleaning

-Post Construction Cleaning

-Crime Scene, Biohazard, & Vandalism Cleanup

-Deodorization

-Contents Claim Inventory Service

-Reconstruction Services

-Storm Damage Cleanup

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp. For more information about our services or to schedule a free assessment and estimate call our office today at 256-236-8889. 

The Fire Damage Process

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Our trained technicians work hard to get your fire damage cleaned up so you can get back to normal.

Have you ever wondered what the process for handling a fire damage is? We have a detailed process, but here we will share a broad overview. 

-First thing (if needed), we provide board up services. This ensures that critters and people can not walk up and remove your belongings.

-We work closely with the fire departments and fire inspector as we wait for the origin of the fire to be determined. 

-Once we are given the all clear to enter the structure, we begin to pack out the contents so they can be moved to our warehouse for cleaning. 

-If any demolition is needed, we work to get it removed before cleaning.

-A crew will then begin to clean each surface in the home. We start a the top (ceilings) and work down. We have special sponges that remove the soot. 

-Once the clean/wipe down is completed,  encapsulation begins.

This process leaves the home ready for the reconstruction team to come in and make it #LikeItNeverEvenHappened.

Water Damage At The Library

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp 24/7/365.

When a local public library had a water damage, they called SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. A water pipe in the ceiling of their main floor bathroom had ruptured. Water had infiltrated three rooms on the main floor as well as run down the elevator shaft to the basement.

One of the first things we had to do was lock out the elevator so that we could extract the water in the shaft. This is done by ensuring no one is in the elevator and flipping the main switch to off. A lock is placed on the switch to prevent it from being turned back on before it is safe to do so.

Water was extracted from all affected areas. Debris was cleaned up. Floors were mopped and drying equipment was set. Due to the quick action of our crews, the library only opened 40 minutes late. We are also happy to announce that no books received any water damage, though we could have handled that as well.

Oh This Rain

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

A moisture meter is just one of the tools we use when assessing water damages.

Lately, it seems like the rain is never going to end. Once summer comes and the droughts start, we will probably feel different, but for now most of us are wishing for an end to the rain.

When these storms pop up, we receive an influx of calls for water damages. Do you have water damage? Are you struggling with whether to file a claim with your home owners insurance? Call us at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we are #HereToHelp. 

We will be more than happy to come out and provide a free assessment and estimate. We work closely with insurance companies all across our service areas. We can help you determine whether to file a claim. If a claim needs to be filed, we can walk you through the process. 

Did you know SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can also provide emergency board up situations? Did a tree fall on your home or some other form of disaster? We can provide tarping and board up services to keep your valuables safe.

Commercial Mold

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

These guys are getting suited back up in their PPE after a break.

Two months ago SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County received a call from a large commercial space to assess what the customer called a small mold issue. This "small" job has been one of the largest mold jobs we have ever worked. 

After assessing the space and seeing the severity of the mold we called in an industrial hygienist. The hygienist came in to do mold and air quality testing. These tests tell what type of mold is present and how many parts per million are in the air. With this information they create a mold protocol, which lists in detail how the mold is to be treated and removed.

Our crews are working diligently to remediate this mold problem. They use the protocol and follow the steps laid out for treating this issue. By the end of the week the space will be tested again by the hygienist to ensure the microbial growth has reached the proper reduction percentage. 

If you feel like your business needs mold remediation, give us a call. We will come out and assess the problem for free. 

Planning for 2020

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our owners and management staff planning out our goals for 2020.

Two of the things we strive for are growth and excellent customer service. This last week our owners and management staff sat down for our Strategic Planning meeting. This is where we talk about our strengths and weaknesses. We talk about opportunities that could help us grow. As a group we did a deep dive into what has worked for us and what hasn’t. There was a lot of brainstorming ways to improve the customer experience and help the communities we serve. We outlined our vision and mission for 2020. 

This is a common practice in larger businesses, but it is not often heard of in smaller companies. We may be a part of SERVPRO Industries, but our franchises are all locally owned and operated. Every year we schedule out time for this meeting. Preparation takes several days and sometimes a week or more. This meeting is designed to help us better help you, the customer. 

Being Storm Ready

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready and #HereToHelp anywhere we are needed.

Being storm ready is an important part of owning a SERVPRO franchise. We know that disaster can strike anytime and anywhere without any notice. We have survived disastrous storms in our own service area and with the help of SERVPRO Large Loss and Disaster Recovery teams, no job is too big or too small for us to handle. Our franchise has been honored to work alongside other franchises in storm relief response in the following states this past year: Illinios, North Carolina and Florida Our entire staff stands ready at anytime to respond to these types of disasters. And whether an employee is boots on the ground in the disaster recovery area or still here back at home, we all support each other and our neighbors in helping put communities back together. When we do respond to storm jobs across state lines, we do so representing the SERVPRO brand proudly with trained, IICRC certified technicians, experience, and big hearts to do what needs to be done quickly, efficiently, and compassionately. We hope that you never experience this type of loss but we know just what to do if it happens to you.

It's Getting Cold, Are Your Pipes Protected?

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can lead to costly water damages.

It's that wonderful time of year again, fall. Halloween is over and people are getting into the Thanksgiving midset. Our office has had many conversations about turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and all the other yummy foods we gorge ourselves on. 

With all of the festivities, have you thought about your pipes? Temperatures have already dipped below freezing several nights. Are your pipes protected or are you at risk for them freezing? Those frozen pipes can cause erious water damages. 

Here are a few tips to prevent frozen pipes:

1. Stay weather and temperature aware.

2. If the temperature will be below freezing, leave water dripping in all faucets on exterior walls.

3. Ensure your water heater does not freeze with the aid of a special blanket used to insulate water heaters.

If you experience a water damage, call our office at 256-236-8889. 

Preparing Your Business For Disaster

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call today to schedule your ERP appointment.

No one wants to think about water damage, fire damage, mold, or any of the other things that could go wrong in a business, but they happen. Is your business ready for a disaster? Does everyone who works in your business know what to do if/when disaster strikes? 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help you prepare with an Emergency Ready Profile we lovingly call an ERP. This is a free service we provide to our customers. The information contained within this profile will list who to contact for water, power and more. Pictures are included for the location of the water shut off, electrical boxes, and the building itself. This information can be placed in a file to be kept on your property, but it is also available in a convenient app. The app can be shared with the people within your business who you wish to have access to it. 

All of this information can save time and money in the event of an emergency. The faster we can respond to your damage the less secondary damage happens, which saves you. For more information on the ERP program you can call our office at 256-236-8889 or ask your marketing representative the next time you see them. 

Water Damage? Here's What To Expect

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage needs quick attention before microbial growth and further damage can occur.

So you have a water damage. Maybe your water heater leaked or a pipe burst. Maybe the bathtub or dishwasher overflowed. The possibilities seem to be endless. Home owners try not to worry about these things and pray they never need us, but they’re happy we’re here when the time comes. Here is a list of questions you may be asked if you call for our services:

-Type of loss (water, fire, etc.)

-What is the source of the loss? 

-Has the cause of loss been fixed? 

-Is there standing water?

-How many rooms/floors are affected?

-Is thre power and water available?

-Contact information: name, address, telephone number, etc.

-Have you contacted your insurance company? If so, what is the policy and claim number? We usually ask who your agent is as well.

These questions can seem like a waste of time when you call to report your loss, but these actually can speed up the process. The information gathered helps us route crews to you with the proper amount of equipment quickly. It also gives us what we need to be able to call your insurance agent and get the approvals to provide these emergency services. 

We show up to your house and get a few forms signed. The crews will assess the damage and begin extracting the water. Before you know it drying equipment will be set up. A crew member will set a time with you to come back and check/monitor the status of the drying process each day until it is dry, which is usually three days. If there are any items that need to be removed, we check with the insurance adjuster before removing. Non-salvageable items are photographed and logged so it can be turned into your insurance. Once the drying is done any reconstruction needed can be scheduled with our reconstruction division. 

22 Years Of SERVPRO Service

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

We are so proud to have Wade as a part of the Lamey team.

Wade Childers is a sales and marketing representative for SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. He covers Cleburne and Calhoun counties. Wade has been with the Lamey Team at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County for 4 years now, but has been with SERVPRO for 22 ½ years. He’s worked with previous owners Kerry Welch, Jon Jones and Glenn Fry. He even did a small run with the franchise in Birmingham. Wade holds IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) certifications in water, fire, odor, biohazard and subrogation. Everyone in our office will tell you Wade Childers bleeds SERVPRO orange and green. He is a true team player. 

Wade is a Calhoun county native. He grew up in Weaver, Alabama, graduated from Weaver High School and currently lives in White Plains. He is an ambassador for the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and an active member of both Rotary and the Exchange Club. He is the Sergeant at Arms for Rotary. 

If you ask Wade what the best part of his job is he will say “It’s the trust that all the agents and adjusters in both counties have put in me to handle what is sometimes someone’s worst case scenario.”

Water Damage At Tenth Street Elementary

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Fast action saved this school from being closed for more than fall break.

A couple weeks ago we received a call on a Thursday from the facilities manager for Anniston city schools. They had water damage. A small hole in a pipe on the second floor of the school had leaked and damaged both upstairs and down. Fortunately, the school was on fall break so students weren’t on the premises. Just think what could have happened if no one had been to the school for all of fall break. However, with it being fall break that meant we had to have the water extracted and the school dry for the kids to return on Monday morning. Most people would panic and scream “oh no”, but not us. That’s not a problem for SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. It’s what we specialize in. We quickly jumped in our trucks and crews headed their way. We used extraction machines and rovers (like a Segway extraction unit) to remove the water before setting up drying equipment. We cataloged the non-salvageable items and removed the debris from the fallen ceiling tiles. Sunday we sent a crew to mop and ensured everything was ship shape for the kids to return.

It’s Fall Y'all & That Means Falling Leaves

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

These beautiful leaves could cause water damage. SERVPRO is #HereToHelp with any and all water damages you my experience.

I don’t know about you, but watching the leaves change color in the fall is one of my favorite pastimes as the weather begins to cool. Such bright and wonderful colors. Before we know it, the leaves are falling from the trees and kids are taking them into piles to ride their bikes through. It all paints a lovely picture. 

Did you know that there can be an ugly side to those beautiful falling leaves? They could lead to water damage in your home.

How?

They can clog up your gutters. If your gutters are not cleaned out the leaves can pile up and prevent water from being properly diverted away from your home when it rains. We have seen several houses with water build up in the crawl space due to clogged gutter systems. That water can cause damage to the sub-floor and more.

Should you experience any water damage give us a call at 256-236-8889. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is IICRC trained and certified to mitigate any water damage for you.

Fire Damage and Precious Contents

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

This cow cookie jar meant so much to the customer.

Two months ago we were called out to a fire damage in one of our territories. Unfortunately there wasn’t much we could do for the customers. Firefighters had worked hard to extinguish the flames, but the words “total loss” were being used. They were devastated. 

We discussed what options they had and signed them up for services. With great care we packed up what items could be salvaged. All non-salvageable items were cataloged so it could be turned into their insurance company. The items we could work with were brought to our shop and cleaned. Our ladies in the warehouse worked diligently to remove the black soot from the sentimental items this family had left. 

One of the precious items we cleaned for them was a cow cookie jar that had been a gift from a loved one. Another was a beautiful glass angel. The homeowners were so happy to have even these few items left after their tragic fire. 

Here To Help In Any Way

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

This inferno burned for a week in Attalla, AL.

September 30, 2019 is a day most people will not think of as different from any other day, but in our area it was different. We watched emergency personnel come together from all over to fight one fire.

Shortly after 12:00 PM on the 30th firefighters in Attalla were called out to a fire at a warehouse off Alabama Highway 77. Little did they know what exactly they were responding to, but it didn't take long for them to realize the beast they would be fighting. An "all call" was issued, in which all fire departments in a designated distance sent trucks, firefighters, and supplies to help in the efforts.

I personally got to see countless firefighters from 10 counties fight the blaze and recovering from fighting the blaze. Departments from all over sent trucks and firefighters to help. These men and women fought long and hard. I was in awe watching their efforts.

The police and sheriff departments worked long and hard as well detouring traffic away from the fire. They had to make sure the fire trucks running to get more water could get where they needed and back to the fire. These civil servants worked hard to keep not just the roads clear but keep the scene under control and free from congestion. 

Etowah County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) and the American Red Cross were coordinating the volunteers and support. Our marketing representative for this area, Theresa Smith, went and asked where she could help like many others in community did. Bottles of water and food were delivered in spades. Local companies were donating EZ-Up canopies, tables, chairs, and their time to assist in any manner they could. Cooling stations were set up to reduce the number of firefighters hurt from the heat. With temperatures nearing triple digits the concern for dehydration and overheating was a concern. 

A full 10 days later, the smoke can still be seen if you drive by the scene of the fire, however, in much smaller size to the raging inferno it was.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County was happy to help as most of the community was. We want to extend a HUGE thank you to the 300+ firefighters who came out to fight the flames. We also want to extend a HUGE thank you to the police officers and sheriff deputies who worked to help as well. The community came together to help in a time of need in a way that makes us proud to be in the area. 

Severe Weather

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Always stay weather aware and pay attention to watches and warnings.

It's fall in Alabama and that means storms, and many of these storms come with severe storm warnings. These storms can pack powerful winds over 50 miles per hour (straight line winds), hail, and even flash flooding.

To stay safe during these storms you should move indoors (or into a vehicle if it is the only shelter available). Also, keep a weather radio handy as well as any other alert system you have and pay attention to these alerts.

According to ready.gov/thunderstorms and lightning, it is best to stay away from running water and landline telephones as electricity can run through these from a lightning strike. And if you run into a flooded area, never walk through the water and its best not to drive through it, Remember "turn around, don't drown". Water does not have to be very deep to sweep you off your feet or wash your car away with it. It may not appear to be moving very fast,but looks can be deceiving. 

After the storm has passed it is best to assess your home for damage. However, avoid downed trees and power lines as they can cause safety issues. If your home has suffered damage call your insurance agent and SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County to get your home put back together. Should you have any water damage, remember not to use ceiling fans or electrical outlets that are wet. 

Commercial Water Damage

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today at 256-236-8889.

A few weeks ago we got a call for a commercial water damage. The caller said they needed water extracted in a 250,000 square foot warehouse and they wanted emergency services. 

In the blink of an eye we were routing crews to this warehouse. A supply line to the fire sprinkler system had burst and water had flooded the warehouse. The burst supply line was cut off and repaired quickly before we arrived.

Our crews set up extraction equipment. In just a few hours there was no standing water in the 250,000 square foot building. The warehouse did not need drying equipment set up on it and we were able to get them back operating in just a few hours. 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County helps commercial properties get back to business faster.

If you own, operate, or manage a commercial property call us and ask about our FREE ERP (emergency ready profile) and how it could help your business.

House Fires

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

We are here to help.

House fires are caused by a number of things, such as lightning, brush fires, electrical shorts, candles, fireplaces, heaters and more. Fire damage is often doubled with water damage due to the firefighters' efforts to extinguish the flames. 

Home fires are dangerous. The best precautions to take are having a plan in case of emergencies and having working smoke detectors in the home. A plan needs to be in place of how each person will get out of the house and where to meet in the event of a fire.

Fire is fast and deadly. The smoke is just as dangerous as the flames. Once you are outside of your home during a fire, NEVER re-enter the home. The smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. Wait for the fire department to do what they are there to do. 

Should you experience a fire damage, give us a call. We are #HereToHelp.

Tornadoes

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

In our area it seems the word tornado is said all too often. These natural disasters have sparked fear in so many people over the last few years. We watch the weather on live streams and set our phones to alert us should emergency management agencies put out warnings. After the tornado outbreak April 2011 and the tornado in April 2018 that devastated Jacksonville, Alabama it's easy to see why. 

Here is some information about tornadoes from ready.gov:

-They can happen at anytime anywhere the conditions are right.

-Winds produced by a tornado can reach over 200 miles per hour.

-If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a safe place (on the interior room on the ground floor of a sturdy building away from windows and doors if you do not have a tornado shelter or basement).

-Flying debris can cause serious injuries and even death. It is always a good idea to cover your head with your arms, or as local weatherman James Spann says "get your helmet". 

Should a tornado strike our area, SERVPRO of Anniston is #HereToHelp. We offer emergency board up and tarping services. If our call volume gets large enough we can pull in teams from SERVPRO's all across the country to get you and your loved ones taken care of. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889 if you experience damage from a tornado.

For more information on tornadoes follow this link to ready.gov. 

https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Commercial Fire Damage

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage.

Recently we received a call from a local commercial property. They had suffered a fire damage in their office area. We routed crew to their location. 

The damage from the fire itself was not very severe. But the soot. Oh, the soot. It was everywhere. The walls and floor were black with it. The filing cabinets were black and the contents of those cabinets were covered in soot as well. 

Rooms that had not been affected by the fire because the door had been closed were in fact affected. The air conditioner had been left running and that allowed the soot from the main room to be dispersed throughout the offices. 

We set up equipment to clean the air and set to work cleaning. We cleaned each surface in each office (walls, floors, ceiling, desks, shelves, etc.). the files in the filing cabinets were packed up and moved to an offsite facility where we cleaned each file to remove the soot. 

Causes of Water Damage In The Home

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp with any and all water damage needs.

Here is a list of the top water damages in the home and how to prevent them:

1. Broken Pipes and/or hoses are the most common cause of water damage. The supply line to the toilet and the line to the ice maker cause more water damages than you think they do. 

Broken hoses or pipes can be prevented with routine maintenance and replacing outdated ones. Metal braided lines are the best for washing machine supply lines. Copper pipes are the best choice for ice maker supply lines. A plumber can come to your home and inspect pipes to see if any old pipes need to be replaced with PVC piping. And in the winter time remember to leave water dripping to prevent freezing.

2. Accidents are the second most common cause of water damages in the home. A heavy picture could fall and break a supply line to a toilet, we've seen it happen. Has your child ever overflowed the bathtub? Mine has! The water over flowing the tub can cause water damage.

Accidents can sometimes be prevented. Watch your children. Supervise bath time. Rethink the weight of a picture or object or make sure it is secured properly.

3. Those gross sewage back ups are the third most common cause of water damages in the home. No one likes to talk about them. It's nasty and we get it, but it happens. 

Trees should not be planted near septic tanks or sewer lines. Keep in mind how far a trees root can spread as well. Another way to help prevent these back up is to have septic tanks serviced regularly (a plumber or septic company can advise you on how often this needs to be done based on how many people live in your home). Also, check with your home improvement stores for products that can be flushed that can help.

4. Flash flooding is the fourth most common cause of water damages in the home. In our area rain storms can often come with flash flood warnings. These flash floods can cause water damage to homes not in a traditional flood zone. 

We can't help you prevent flash floods, no one can. However, we can advise that you speak with your insurance agent to see if you are covered in the event of a flash flood.

Commercial Water Damage & Common Causes

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Anniston for all of you commercial water damage needs.

Water damages happen every day all over the world. Here in the Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County area the numbers are smaller, but they still happen. With all of the factories and manufacturing and processing plants we decided to write a blog on commercial water damages and the causes of these water damages. 

One of the causes is damaged plumbing and broken pipes. Whether it is accidents, age of the plumbing, freezing temperatures, or some other cause these things happen. 

Sprinkler systems in large commercial buildings can pose serious problems when they malfunction. A pipe could leak. A sensor could break or malfunction causing the system come come on when it is not needed. 

Equipment and appliances that break can cause serious water damage as well. Imagine if the water heater leaks or the air conditioner. What about the washing machines or dishwashers. 

Sewage back ups are another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings. How many toilets are in a high rise office building? 

How would you handle a water damage in a commercial building? SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp.

Hurricanes

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston is #HereToHelp.

Hurricanes. They seem like they happen so far from us that they can't possibly affect us, but that thinking is incorrect. While we may not get hit head-on by the front side of a hurricane like people who live along the coast or in the Gulf, we can still get hit by one.

Most of the time any effects of a hurricane that we may get will be rain, lots of rain and maybe some winds. It is not common for Central and North Alabama to get hurricane force winds, but it can happen. Especially if a large category 4 or 5 were to hit the coast moving at a higher than average rate of speed. 

Hurricane season is said to be the most active in the month of September, but hurricane season ranges from June 1st through November 30th. These storms are given names. Each hurricane season names are listed one from each letter of the alphabet alternating between male and female names. 

The highest treats to our area from these storms are heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and winds. These storms can pack a punch and produce widespread water damages. Most often in our area these storms would cause shingles to be blown off roofs and trees and power lines to fall, which can cause serious water damage. 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help with not just the water damage restoration, but roof tarping and emergency board ups once it has been deemed safe to get out by the local authorities. 

Causes of Water Damage In The Home

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston is always #HereToHelp with any water damage, no matter the size.

Here is a list of the top water damages in the home and how to prevent them:

1. Broken Pipes and/or hoses are the most common cause of water damage. The supply line to the toilet and the line to the ice maker cause more water damages than you think they do. 

Broken hoses or pipes can be prevented with routine maintenance and replacing outdated ones. Metal braided lines are the best for washing machine supply lines. Copper pipes are the best choice for ice maker supply lines. A plumber can come to your home and inspect pipes to see if any old pipes need to be replaced with PVC piping. And in the winter time remeber to leave water dripping to prevent freezing.

2. Accidents are the second most common cause of water damages in the home. A heavy picture could fall and break a supply line to a toilet, we've seen it happen. Has your child ever overflowed the bathtub? Mine has! The water over flowing the tub can cause water damage.

Accidents can sometimes be prevented. Watch your children. Supervise bath time. Rethink the weight of a picture or object or make sure it is secured properly.

3. Those gross sewage back ups are the third most common cause of water damages in the home. No one likes to talk about them. It's nasty and we get it, but it happens. 

Trees should not be planted near septic tanks or sewer lines. Keep in mind how far a trees root can spread as well. Another way to help prevent these back up is to have septic tanks serviced regularly (a plumber or septic compnay can advise you on how often this needs to be done based on how many people live in your home). Also, check with your home improvment stores for products that can be flushed that can help.

4. Flash flooding is the fourth most common cause of water damages in the home. In our area rain storms can often come with flash flood warnings. These flash floods can cause water damage to homes not in a traditional flood zone. 

We can't help you prevent flash floods, no one can. However, we can advise that you speak with your insurance agent to see if you are covered in the event of a flash flood.

Preparing For Wildfires

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your home safe during a wildfire and call us if your home is damaged. We are always #HereToHelp.

Did you know that there are ways to prepare your home for a wildfire? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) there are ways to reduce the risk that your home would suffer from a wildfire.

Landscaping has a bit to do woth this. Your grass should be kept cut. Trees should not have low hanging branches, especially near the house. Hardscaping areas can create barriers tht make it hard for fire to cross, such as rock beds, driveways, and more).

There are 3 zones that are considered when talking about wildfires nears homes. The extended zone is 30 to 100 feet away from the home. The intermediate zone is 5 to 30 feet from the home. The immediate zone is 0 to 5 feet from the home. Limiting the flammable substances in these areas will increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire. These items should also never be stored under a porch or deck. 

Ensure that signage throughout your neighborhood is visible and legible. This will help first responders as they try to locate your residence. 

Should your home suffer damage from a wildfire, call the fire restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

Emergency Readiness Profile

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County offers a free service that can help commercial properties get back to business faster after a fire or water damage? It's true. We offer a free service called an ERP (emergency ready profile). 

Do you know where the water shut off is in your building? Do you know who to contact at the water company or the power company? Do your employees know all of this in case you are unavailable?

That's where we can step in with an ERP. One of our representatives can schedule an appointment to sit down with you. They can help you get all the information together. The representative would then input all of this into an app that gets shared to you. Any employee who you wish to have this can download the app and have the information as well. 

At a previous place of employment we had the supply line to the sprinkler system rupture and it was dumping water out all over the floor. Merchadise was getting soaked. It was a holiday and the supervisor on duty had no idea who to contact for help. By the time she got the manager on the phone (who did not know how or where to shut the water off) she was in a panic. The water damage took twice as long to get cleaned up and dry because of how long it took for someone to shut the water off. 

We are #HereToHelp and would love to help prevent a situation like this from happening to you. Call us today for more information on ERPs and how they can help your business. 

Pet Preparedness

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans.

As pet owners we love our animals like family, but is your pet treated like family regarding emergency preparedness? Our pets should be included in our emergency preparedness plans. Here are a few on how to include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans:

-Research and compile a list of places in your area that allow pets in the event of an emergency. Notate any requirements (pet needs to be in a carrier or pet needs to be on a leash). Shelters often don’t allow animals, but there many be one in your community that does. Some hotels allow pets should you become unable to stay in your home after a disaster.

-Take photographs of your pets and keep digital records. This can help others locate and reunite you with your pet should you be separated for any reason. Microchipping can help with this as well, but photographs are always useful. Make sure to keep your contact information current and keep the microchip registration information with you to help locate them faster after a disaster.

-Make sure you put together an emergency kit for your pets just like you would for yourself. Pets needs food, water, medications, and other supplies that need to be packed for them. A favorite toy could help keep a pet calm during storms and stressful situations.

-Large animals and livestock may require special arrangements for a disaster (when there is advanced warning).

-It is not recommended to leave animals behind if you are told to evacuate before a storm. Pets left behind could be injured or lost easily.

-After a disaster, animals should not be allowed to roam freely. Landmarks could have changed causing disorientation or injuries. Debris can be just as hazardous to our pets as it is to us.

-Place signs in the windows of your home so that in he event of a home fire the fire fighters will know that there is a pet that needs to be rescued inside.

Preparing For Workplace Emergencies

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Workplace emergency preparedness.

Emergencies happen every day all over the world and we all hope that we are never the victim of an emergency. Business owners must plan for emergencies and how to keep their employees safe in the event of one. When preparing it is smart to think worst case scenario and as the saying goes “plan for the worst and hope for the best”.

Does your place of employment have a policy for how to handle each type of disaster that could occur? Do you know how to respond in the event of a disaster? Preparedness saves lives. Find out if your workplace has any policies and procedures for emergencies.

Preparedness plans should include an evacuation policy and procedure, a list of people who need to be contacted in the event of an emergency (shareholders, board members, owners, etc.), procedures to follow to shut down equipment, ways to alert employees of emergencies, a way to account for personnel after an emergency, and more. Each plan would look different from the next based on the type of business and what has happened.

In some cases, it may be necessary to shut off water or power to the workplace. There needs to be someone(s) who is designated to do so and knows where these controls are.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help with a part of this planning. We can provide a free service called an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) that comes with an app that can be downloaded and the file shared with any employee you choose. We can cover who to contact for power, who to contact for water and where the shut off locations are for these items. We are always here to help 24/7/365.

Smoke Alarms & Public Awareness

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. Test your smoke alarms monthly.

We have all been there. You are cooking in the kitchen and whatever you are cooking (usually bacon in my house) makes a little smoke and suddenly you are cooking to the annoying and incessant beeping of the smoke alarm. You or another member of your house is trying to fan the alarm and open windows to allow the smoke to escape. Some people even take the batteries out of the smoke alarms, but this is not advised.  

Smoke alarms save lives and that is a fact. Here are a few other facts about smoke alarms that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) use for educating the public on fire safety and smoke alarms.

-Keep the doors to bedrooms closed when you are sleeping. It could slow the progress of the flames during a fire as well as the smoke. But this means that each bedroom inside of each bedroom in your home as well as outside these rooms.

-Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When on sounds the others should sound as well.

-Smoke alarms need to be tested monthly to ensure the batteries and smoke alarm are still working properly.

-Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

For more information visit NFPA.org.

In the event of a fire, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County once the fire trucks are gone.

Escape Plan & Fire Safety

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have a plan in the event of a fire?

As a kid I remember Smokey the Bear coming to my school and talking about “Only you can prevent forest fires” and fire safety. The fire drills at school where everyone lined up and went outside away from the building. The fire department would come and talk to us. They taught us to stop, drop and roll. And now my kids are learning fire safety at school with Sparky the Fire Dog.

Fire safety is an important subject to remember as adults and to pass on to the younger ones. One of the most important things you can do for fire safety at home (after installing and checking for working smoke detectors) is to create a fire escape plan. How will each person in your home get out in the event of a fire? What if you planned path is blocked by fire, does each person know an alternate route? Do you have a place to meet outside the home? Each person should know these things and the fire drill should be practiced (just like at school).

At work, you should have a picture of the building with emergency exits and evacuation routes indicated. Why not do this for your home? A visual reminder could be helpful to everyone.

Christmas Poem 2018

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Merry Christmas from our SERVPRO family to yours.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

it’s the best time of the year

I don’t know if they’ll be snow

but your SERVPRO team is here

We’ve weathered the storms together

and tornadoes that hit us hard

But our hope is that you have peace and joy when you receive this Christmas card

You have welcomed us into your homes

and your businesses too

We’ve worked hard to help you through it all And as for friends we’ve made a few

We’ve seen communities come together

In our own backyard and out of town

Witnessing the beauty of humanity

Helping each other in the ups and downs

So if you’re home for Christmas

or instead traveling far and wide

May you feel blessed and merry

whether you shout War eagle or Roll Tide

Whether you celebrate with family

or if a friend has asked you stop in

And you celebrate with traditions

And tell stories of way back when

Whether you sing Christmas carols

While you Decorate the tree

Bake Christmas cookies

Or deck the halls with holly

May you feel Christmas blessings

Of the Christ Child who is the reason

That we celebrate this time of year

This beautiful Christmas season.

May your moments shared with loved ones

Be filled with sharing and giving

And that peace fills up your heart

That’s really Christmas living!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From The Lamey Team

Chris and Jenny Lamey

And all the SERVPRO of Anniston / SERVPRO of Gadsden/ SERVPRO of Marshall County Team

Not All Restoration Campanies Are Created Equal

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is licensed, insured, and certified.

Have you ever wondered what makes each restoration company unique? What sets them apart? What makes you want to use them? Some companies are nationally known franchise operations, like ours. Some may offer more services than others, but not all are qualified to perform those services.

We as an office and a company in gerneral, are governed by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They set the rules and guidelines for how we take on and produce each job. Our owners, production managers, crew chiefs, and many of the office personnel have sat through hours upon hours of classes. They have taken tests to be certified by the IICRC, which renews annually.

Have you asked if your service professionals are certified to do the work they offer? SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has trained and qualified professionals coming to your home or business. Not all restoration companies are created equal. Ask if your service professionals are licensed, insured, and certified (which we are). 

We Help Each Other

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchises are independently owned and operated, by we are all still a part of the SERVPRO family. We help each other out, just like family. If a neighboring franchise has an overload of calls (we call it double occupancy), they can call another SERVPRO to help. 

We also help each other out when large events happen. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, freezes, and wildfires happen every year. We call these Storm events and multiple franchises outside the affected area will send crews to the area to help. 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County participated in one last month. The polar vortex in the Mid-West had temperatures dipping to -52 in some places. Pipes froze. A few days later the temps rose enough to allow those pipes to begin thawing. The local franchises were inundated with calls and our crews were able to help. 

We are here for you when you need us, just like we are when another SERVPRO needs us. Call us at 256-236-8889, we are #HereToHelp.

No Job Too Big Or Too Small

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

One of the benefits of calling SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is that no matter the size of the cleaning and restoration job, we can handle it! You've got that sofa that needs to be cleaned? Call us. You've got 100 sofas that need to be cleaned? Call us too! We have been called upon to clean up a small kitchen fire in a motorhome and have also been called to clean up after a huge commercial kitchen caught fire.  And if our office can't handle the job on our own, we have access to over 1700 franchises across the country that can be called upon to offer assistance.  When last year's tornadoes hit our area, we were inundated with calls from home and business owners as well as Facilities Managers from large commercial properties and college campuses.  The call load was too heavy for our staff but we knew that help was just a call away.  SERVPRO franchises as well as a SERVPRO Large Loss team from neighboring cities and states came to the rescue and were here within hours to help our customers get their lives back in order.  SO let us know what need you have and we will find a way! We are always here to help! 

One Brand, One Team

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

These green vans stand out everywhere.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is a franchise independently owned and operated, like the other 1700 SERVPRO franchises.  Being part of the SERVPRO system means that while each owner owns and runs his or her own franchise, we are also a part of a SERVPRO network that stretches across North American.  All of our trucks are painted the same familiar SERVPRO green, our staff is uniformed in the same SERVPRO swag, and we are all subject to the same SERVPRO corporate standards and requirements.  What this means for our customers is that you can rely on SERVPRO no matter where you are to provide a thorough and consistent service for whatever restoration job you give us.  This is much different than using any old restoration vendor .  Being the industry leader in cleaning and restoration means that SERVPRO franchises are called upon more often than any other company.  Let us be the ONE Brand, ONE Team you call! 

Grease Fires

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Never use water to try to extinguish a grease fire.

Grease fires happen quickly. You may be frying some bacon or chicken and all of a sudden your kitchen is on fire. Do you know how to put out a grease fire?

There are several things that can and should be done, as long as it is safe to do them:

1. Turn off the heat source.

2. Cover the flames with a metal lid. This works for small grease fires. Fire has to have oxygen to survive and placing a lid over the flames will cut off the oxygen supply causing the flames to extinguish themselves. 

3. Pour baking soda on the flames. This only works for small fires. But a word of caution, it will take a large amount to extinguish small flames. 

4. As a last resort, or if the flames are too large for the previously mentioned methods, use a Class B Dry Chemical fire extinguisher. Use of a fire extinguisher will result in much more clean up needed, but it's better than letting a grease fire destroy your entire home. 

5. Call 9-1-1. 

NEVER, use water to try and put out a grease fire. This will cause the grease to splatter and the fire to spread. Also, do not move the pot/skillet around, as this could cause the fire to spread as well. 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp at 256-236-8889.

Why SERVPRO? Because We Care!

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

One of our crews members getting to know our customers!

At SERVPRO, our number one priority is to make our customers happy. It may sound like the impossible task; after all, we are arriving on the scene when circumstances for our customers are devastating. A fire in their home, a busted pipe which has caused water damage in their kitchen, mold in their office building. These are difficult situations emotionally which is all the more reason for our employees to be sensitive to what our customers are dealing with. Many times, depending upon the damage we are mitigating, we could spend days, weeks, or even months in customer’s home or office. We get to know our clients one on one. We get to meet their children. We get to hear about their families. We know their pets’ names. We know where they leave the key in case they are not there. We get to know them by carefully handling all of their cherished possessions, sometimes cleaning them and packing them away until their homes are restored. At the end of the day, we are just people helping people.  That’s what it’s all about. Sometimes that means stopping what we are doing and having a cup of coffee or dinner with our customers if they ask. Sometimes it means taking out the family pet. Our salesperson recently captured a beautiful picture of one of our employees enjoying a meal with our customers in their home after she had spent hours helping them recover from a fire loss.

What a beautiful thing to see! Why SERVPRO?? Because we care about our customers...And they know it! Let us be the one you call when your life gets flipped upside down.

Traveling With Storm

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

For more information on the services we provide, call our office at 256-236-8889.

When we travel for storm events, we generally know what type of jobs we are looking at- water, water, and more water. Flooding, hurricanes, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms usually mean water remediation (and maybe a little mold remediation). That was not the case with one particualr job when our crews were working clean up from hurricane Florence in North and South Carolina. 

A well visited breakfast joint had a sewage backup issue one morning. Not the type of situation anyone wants to deal with, especially one that serves food. Yuck! However, in no time at all our highly trained crews were on the job and had the place cleaned, sanitized, and back up and running. The owner of this establishment was beyond grateful for the quick and thorough work our crews provided. 

Many people may not know that this is a service that SERVPRO provides. We are Faster to Any size disaster.

Space Heater Safety

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Always use caution when operating space heaters.

As the weather getting cooler space heaters get cranked up. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is HERE TO HELP with some safety tips to help prevent fires due to space heaters.

1. Keep all sides of the heater away from curatins, blankets, furniture, or any other items that could possibly catch fire. Three feet is the general recommended distance.

2. Space heaters should never be plugged into power strips or extension cords. They are not designed to handle the electrical load of a space heater.

3. Space heater cords should not be under rugs, carpeting, blankets, or other flammable items. The cord may get hot if covered. If the cord or plug ever feels hot, discontinue use of the heater until it can be inspected by a repair person. 

4. Ensure the space heater is on a solid and sturdy surface that can not tip over.

5. Turn the heater off when you go the bed or leave the home. Space heaters should not be left running unattended.

6. Make sure there are no liquids around the space heater. Water and electricity never mix. 

7. Heaters should be placed where small children can not knock them over, cover them, or burn themselves on them. 

How Does Mold Remediation & Mitigation Happen?

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Mold that grew in 72 hours.

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call Your Local SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO’s Call Center or your local Franchise Professional. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Funny Smells???? Where Is That Coming From????

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

A crew member soda blasting some mold in a crawlspace.

Here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we get calls of all sorts. This year it seems more calls each week are about mold. When a call comes in we always like to inquire if the mold is visible. Some say yes. Others, however say that they noticed a musty or strange smell. 

Odor is generally the first thing people will notice when it come to microbial growth. We had a call recently about mold in a crawlspace. The homeowner had noticed a strange smell. After some investigting, the homeowner found a large area of mold in the crawlspace from a pipe leaking under the house. 

What does mold need to grow? Mold needs moisture. A water damage can quickly turn into a mold job if the water is left for even a few days. The high humidity this past summer was a large contributor to the larger number of calls we received about mold. 

Do you think you have a mold problem? Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889. We can provide you with a free estimate for mold remediation in your home or business. 

Let's Talk Dryer Vents...

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Lint clogging a dryer hose.

Did you know that the pesky lint that collects in the lint filter, vent, and dryer hose are a fire hazard? Well they can be. If the lint isn't cleaned out regularly it can heat up and easily catch fire. 

Nearly 5,000 home fires are caused annually by the build up and accumilation of dryer lint. The lint filter or screen should be cleaned with every load of laudry dried in the machine. The vent should be cleaned once a year (At minimum). 

The hose for your dryer to vent outside should be cleaned out annually as well. If you notice that your vent hose is an accordian style, it may be a good idea to change it out to a smooth hose. The ridges in an accordian style hose can actually trap and hold lint.

Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/clothes-dryer/how-to-prevent-dryer-fires/

Commercial Damage in Kansas City Storm Event

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Owner, Chris Lamey, ready to help wherever we are needed.

In July 2017, our franchise was asked to participate in the Kansas City storm event.  Kansas City flooded and because we participate on the SERVPRO Storm Team, we were asked to join efforts in Kansas so we did.

Once we committed to participate in this storm event, we started to get our crews ready to go. Vehicles were serviced, supplies were purchased, hotels rooms booked and debriefing conference calls with the Storm Team began, all the while calls from hundreds of homeowners and commercial property owners in the Kansas City area were "flooding" our call center. We joined forces with dozens of other franchises around the country to respond to the needs that Kansas City had. Once our Sales Rep, Theresa Smith, was in route, we were given dozens of homeowner and business owner's names and numbers to call. These were home and business owners who had called our 1-800-SERVPRO number asking for help. One by one, we called each person on the list, telling them we were on our way, setting appointments for Theresa to see each person individually and assess the damage. Our crew was in route at this point and was ready for work once Theresa signed up people in Kansas City. This process continued for a couple of weeks. We would call the customers setting up appointments, Theresa would provide on site estimates and the crew would do the work.

As you can imagine, being part of a Storm team is an emotional experience.  Home and business owners were tired and frustrated but always so glad to know that help was on the way. They expressed how thankful they were that we were "here to help".  

So after all the jobs were finished and we were about to send our crew home, we were notified that Kansas City had flooded again. The storm had been reactivated. We sent Theresa back up to Kansas City to start this process again.. So we found ourselves starting over this process with new homeowners. These poor people having to endure this again!!  We just tried to be a voice of comfort and hope as we made phone calls. Two more weeks...we were finished and sent our crew home! And lo and behold, a week later Kansas City flooded again! This time, our owner Chris Lamey, traveled up ahead of our crew, to meet the homeowners that we had been calling. We were becoming pros at this process and we found customers really relying on us for info about how the process would work once we arrived. It was a pleasure serving homeowners and commercial property owners in their time of need.

We spent another 2 weeks on this time in Kansas City. Just as we were finishing up, Harvey hit Houston. But that's another story....

Battling Allergies In Alabama? Indoor Air Quality Could Give You The Upper Hand!

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

"Achoo!" Cough. Cough. "Pass the tissues please."

Allergy season in Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can be debilitating, especially with the mild winter we've experienced this year.

You can't control the increase of allergens in the Spring air, but did you know you can improve the air quality in your home, bolstering your fight against allergy symptoms? Central heating and air conditioning systems need periodic professional cleaning to assure the proper air quality in your home.

Our trained professionals at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County using our commercial, duct-cleaning equipment, brushes, and air whips, will remove dust and debris trapped inside your duct system and therefore providing optimum indoor air quality.

Before reaching for the tissues, reach for the phone. Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889 to request HVAC duct cleaning.

You and your family can breathe easier with SERVPRO by your side.

If You Tent It, It Will Dry

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

The tent system was used to dry a gym floor at the local college.

Special challenges are presented to us when we get the opportunity to serve a commercial customer in a unique situation. Such is the case when a local college called us and they had sustained substantial water damage to their gym floor. This required us to think outside the box. Of course, immediate response required us to extract all the water from the top of the floor's surface. But with a gym floor made of thousands of thin boards connected together, much of the water had already seeped through the cracks underneath the floor surface. How do we get the water out from underneath this beautiful floor? Is it a lost cause? Will the floor have to be removed and a new floor put in?

These are the questions that our customer and the insurance companies asked us. Thanks to years of experience and technical know-how using the SERVPRO Production System, our Production Manager, Kyle Hamby proposed a "tenting system" using our equipment along with creating a tent-like environment to pull that water from under the floor. Water that stays trapped under wood floors can cause the floor to "cup" or buckle usually meaning the floor would need to be replaced. Time was critical to getting the "tent" set up and getting the equipment going before this situation could get any worse.

After several days under the tent, and days monitoring the situation, the floor was dry. Equipment was removed and the tent taken down. The floor was back to its original state, no water, no cupping, no buckling. Both the insurance company and the customer were pleased. Gym activities were resumed and we made it "Like it never even happened."

Restoring as opposed to replacing is one of the main reasons that customers and insurance companies depend on us when a water loss occurs. Smart decisions early on in a situation like this saves a bunch of money down the line!!

We appreciate the opportunity to serve commercial properties like this and finding ways to please our customers even when disaster hits.

The tent system was used to dry a gym floor at the local college.

Industrial Hygenist

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)- Keeps us safe on the job.

In some cases, our mold jobs need to be referred to an industrial hygienist. If you are like me then you're asking "what exactly is that and what do they do?" 

According to www.aiha.org, "Industrial Hygiene is a science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace which may cause health effects, impaired health and well being, or significant discomfort among workers or among citizens of the community."

They describe Industrial hygienists as "scientists and engineers committed to protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community."

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County does not do inspections but we can give you a quote on the visible substance you can SEE. 

The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

1. Emergency Contact -
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

What Is Water Damage Restoration

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for all your damage restoartion needs.

Water damage restoration is the act of responding immediately and using advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. SERVPRO professionals use innovative equipment to monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. SERVPRO professionals have the tools and resources for faster and reliable service.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business. At SERVPRO, no job is too big and no question is too small.  So when fire or water damage strikes your home or business, call on SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

When A Doctor Needs Help, He Called SERVPRO

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Damage in a doctor's office.

A doctor's office. A fire. Two things that don't mix. Fortunately no one was injured. But we needed to help this practice set up a temporary office so that the doctors could continue to see patients. We know that in a situation like this time is of the essence. We got the call and responded with plenty of crew to get the damaged contents out and assess what could be cleaned and salvaged and what needed to be discarded. Contents that sustained only light soot damage were quickly and thoroughly cleaned and moved to their temporary office space so that their business could resume somewhat normal activities. Closely working with the client and the insurance company, we packed contents and began the cleaning process both at our warehouse and on site in order to get their business back up and running as soon as possible. As boxes of contents were cleaned and ready to put back into use, we transported finished items to their temporary office space. Contents ranged from waiting room furniture and files to high end instruments and tools needed needing fine intricate cleaning. Meanwhile, our crew was busy doing necessary demo in areas of the building that had to be removed due to the fire damage. Debris hauling and cleaning of the entire structure to remove soot that had travelled through the entire building we ongoing until that portion of the job was complete. Ducts of the HVAC system also needed cleaning as the smoke and soot traveled through these systems as a means of escape. We readied the building after demo and cleaning for a contractor to come in and build-back the structure to make the offices operational again.

In a fire of this magnitude, the project manager needs to oversee all of these activities in order to fully complete the job. And as you can imagine this process takes months to complete. We know that situations like these require constant communication with our client throughout the process. It is always satisfying to see a job of this magnitude come to completion. Our goal throughout this process is to minimize the stress for our customers and get them back to normal business as smoothly and quickly as possible.

When unfortunate circumstances require our services, we do our best to exceed customer expectations. We are always here to help.

Your Time & Money

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for all of your fire, water, and mold restoration needs.

When you need it done right and done fast, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Did you know when you hire us for maintenance cleaning, you get around-the-clock restoration services built with you in mind? Quality cleaning and quick response - that is the SERVPRO way.

Can't figure out how to get the job done? Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County for all your emergency restoration needs. When you experience a fire, water or mold damage in your home or facility, you need fast response and the expertise to get the job done right, ensuring you can get back into operation as quickly as possible. Through it all, you expect the most reliable information and the very best service at a fair price. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889. We are always here to help. 

The SERVPRO Way

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

We are ready for any call.

SERVPRO has something to offer for everyone! Many people know the basics that SERVPRO offers. Yes, we proudly do water and fire restoration, but did you know that SERVPRO has a WIDE range of services to offer? From commercial jobs to residential, we are ALWAYS here to help. That’s right! SERVPRO can handle ANY size job. We also are guaranteed to be the faster to any size disaster.

Did you know that we also do carpet cleanings for residential and commercial businesses? We pride ourselves on the many different approaches that we can take to make your carpet look great again. What about general cleaning? YES! We can do any type of general cleaning that you may need.

How about HVAC and duct cleaning? I bet you didn’t know that we could handle ANY size cleaning. We can make your air quality improve and save money on energy costs in the long run.

We take care of biohazards jobs as well. It’s not pretty to have to deal with a biohazard on your own. It is also NOT safe without the proper precaution taken. We will come take care of the mess for you. 

It is important to also know that we can take care of any mold issues that you may have. Do NOT try to handle mold on your own!

The list goes on and on. We offer SO many services to make your life cleaner, easier, and more affordable. Don’t settle for anything less than the SERVPRO way! 

Safety Tips for Anniston

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

TORNADOES Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.
2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.
5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.
3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.
4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

FLOODING Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
2. Stay away from floodwaters.
3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
4. Keep children out of the water.
5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

ERP or Emergency Ready Profile

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Call us today to set up your FREE Emergency Ready Profile. 256-236-8889

As a homeowner you always want to make sure you have emergency contacts close by in case anything unexpected happens. What if you are a homeowner but also a business owner? I know personally I couldn't imagine the amount of stress! SERVPRO realizes that you might not think about the unexpected things that might happen to your business; flooding, tornado damage, etc. 

That's why we have our Emergency Ready Program available to you! Our ERP, Emergency Ready Profile is the best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster, plan for it now! As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
 The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage A no cost assessment of your facility. – This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Establishes your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money. Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. – Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”  Give us a call today and set up your ERP!

Did You Know?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

A picture showing webs created during a fire.

Residues (such as burning plastics or the soot from furnace disorders) form long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble in corners or at junctions of walls and ceilings which are called smoke webs!

Does your business have a plan? Check out these tips:

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plans: Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan: In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid: In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Continued Education Classes

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Owner Jenny Lamey teaching a water damage CE class.

We offer classes (continued education classes, also known as CE classes) for insurance agents and adjusters. We can hold large classes at an offsite location or we can hold smaller classes in our office or even an insurance agents office. The classes vary in topic and are very informative. The science behind what we do here at SERVPRO is explained in these classes. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can offer classes in the following topics:

-Ethics

-Fire Damage Restoration

-Water Damage Restoration

-Biohazard Cleanup

-Mold Remediation

Recently, we held a small CE class in a local agents office on water damage restoration and how to understand the drying process. 

Did you know there are classes of water?

Did you know that we are IICRC certified and have strict guidleines to follow to complete the water damage restoration process?

These are a few of the items you could learn during a CE class. For more information on our CE classes, give us a call 256-236-8889.

Tornado Safety- Myth or Fact?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Myth: Opening windows in a home or building during a tornado will help equalize the pressure.

Fact: Opening windows will have no effect. Stay away from windows and exterior walls. Take shelter in the basement, storm cellar, or an interior room without windows on the lowest floor.

Myth: If you are caught driving during a tornado, you should always get out of your car and get in a ditch.

Fact: Try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If there is flying debris, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on and the engine running. Put your head below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket.

Myth: Cities are protected from tornadoes because of the tall buildings.

Fact: Tall buildings do not protect from tornadoes. Cities cover a small geographical area so chances of being directly hit are small. However, tornadoes can strike anywhere.

Myth: Taking shelter in the southwest corner of your home will protect you.

Fact: This is based on an outdated theory that all tornadoes come from the northeast. Tornadoes can move from any direction and no one corner of your home is always safe.

For more information on tornado safety visit www.redcross.com

Water Damage Clean Up 24/7

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

This Commercial Water Damage reared it's ugly head in the middle of the night.

A water damage can happen at any time. This Commercial Water Damage decided to rear it’s ugly head in the middle of the night. Our crews responded immediately and helped this business get back to running order. With SERVPRO’s 24 hour a day, 365 day a year emergency response, we were right there to take care of business for our customer! We are always HERE TO HELP! 

What would your business do if a water damage occurred? Do you know where the water shut off is for your business? Do all of your employees know where it is? SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help answer these questions with our FREE Emergency Ready Profile. All of the information needed in the event of a fire or water damage can be found on an app that each employee could have access to. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County today for more information 256-236-8889.

American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here and ready to help with any fire damage restoration.

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. So we set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25%.

On average:

• 7 people die every day from a home fire, most impacting children and the elderly
• 36 peoplesuffer injuries as a result of home fires every day
• Over $7 billionin property damage occurs every year

Every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save lives- that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014.

A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers:

• Canvass at-risk neighborhoods
• Install free smoke alarms
• Replace batteries in existing alarms
• Provide fire prevention and safety education

In just three years, our home visits have accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1 million smoke alarms and preparing more than 1 million people against home fires.

Join us on a Sound the Alarm home visit in your community, where teams of volunteers will be installing 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 cities across the U.S. Together, we can save lives!

Check out www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm for more information and how to help in YOUR community!!

Here No Matter What

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

For more information on our services call our office at 256-236-8889.

There are many services that SERVPRO has that many people do not know about. SERVPRO offers biohazard clean-up services. It is not easy dealing with a situation involving crime scene clean-up. It can be very emotional and difficult to think about having to deal with certain situations.

There is no need to put yourself through trying to clean-up something traumatic. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can take care of any blood borne pathogens. We know how difficult it can be to deal with issues like this. Let us be the ones to take care of these situations.

“We are always here to help.” We are here for you for the good and the bad. Call us today for more information on these services. We hope you never have to deal with something like this, but we are here for you if you need us.

256-236-8889

Fire Prevention This Holiday Season

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has tips to help you prevent fires in your home or business this holiday season.

- Make sure to water your Christmas tree daily to prevent it from drying out.

-Turn off Christmas lights when you leave your home or go the bed for the night.

-Inspect Christmas lights and the wires before putting them up and replace any that have frayed or damaged areas.

-NEVER leave a lit candle unattended. 

-When using candles, make sure they are on a firm flat surface away from curtains and other flammable materials. This prevents them from tipping over. 

-Keep candle flames away from children and pets, they can burn themselves or accidentally knock the candle over. 

-Make sure deep fried turkeys are properly thawed before frying. 

-Have the fireplace flue cleaned yearly.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County wishes you a happy and safe holiday season. For more holiday safety tips keep and eye out for our 12 Safety Days of Christmas on our Facebook page.

Keep Those Pipes From Bursting

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let frozen pipes "freeze you out", call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County for you water damage needs 256-236-8889.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County hopes to help you prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.Here are a few tips:

Outdoors:

-Wrap outside faucets.

-Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.

-Disconnect garden hoses.

-Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

Indoors:

-Let a stream of water run in faucets when the temperature dips below freezing.

-Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathroom to allow the homes heat into those spaces.

-Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for several days.

If you do end up having a pipe burst, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is here to help with any water damage needs. Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889. We are a leading company in water damage restoration and are always here to help. 

Managing Mold

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere as long as the environment allows it to.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters.

2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. 

3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. 

4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. 

5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. 

6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.

7. Clean or repair roof gutters.  Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

8. Improve air flow in your home. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house.

[All information is from mnn.com]

Selling A Home?? Don't Let Mold Stop That Sale!

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let mold ruin the sale of a house.

You’ve held the open house. Your list of prospects has developed into an interested buyer. The paperwork all leads to an impending sale when the home inspector suddenly reveals the unexpected and leaves your prospective buyer with a sour taste for your house.

No one wants to be in this position, but calling SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County could help.

Home inspections performed for prospective buyers can reveal issues in your home that you were unaware of — water damage, high moisture, mold, or odors for example.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can perform specialty deodorization, water damage mitigation, and mold remediation to help make your house feel like a new home again. We are always here to help quickly, responding to your needs like it were our own home. We will carefully and efficiently address any issues that are keeping you from reaching closing and losing prospective buyers.

Before the home selling experience feels like sour lemons, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889. We are always here to help.

Fire Prevention

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe by being prepared.

As they say, knowledge is power.  And in this case SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County wants to make sure you are in the know!

Take a look at these facts/ tips in Fire Prevention and make your home or business a safer place!

• AFCI Breakers and Outlets can prevent 50% of residential home fires.
• Each year 2400 children are treated for injuries caused by outlets. One-third of parents do not have outlets childproofed.  Install tamper-resistant outlet covers.
• 470,000 counterfeit smartphone batteries were recalled in 2010 due to burn and fire hazards. Purchase electronics at approved retailers.
• 3300 home fires originate from extension cords each year. Heavy reliance on extension cords is a sign to have more outlets installed.
• The CPSC found 47% of electrocutions can be prevented with GFCI protection in homes.
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses and crackling, sizzling, or buzzing from outlets can be signs of an overloaded circuit. 47,700 home fires in the US are caused by electrical failure or malfunction each year.

Fire Detection

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Place your smoke detectors in the corect places for the best results.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County wants to make sure you know the keys to detection when it comes to fire.  Take a look at these Fire detection tips and make your home a safer place for you and your family to live.

• SMOKE ALARMS : Replace every 10 years.
• BATTERIES : Test monthly, replace yearly
• Two-thirds of all fire deaths occur in home with no or nonfunctioning smoke alarms.
• Have at least one smoke alarm on every floor, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom.
• Be sure that you create a fire evacuation plan in your home and ensure that all members of your family are familiar with it. This means practicing it too!

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County cares about you and your family.  Fire detection is key in saving lives! 

Tips To Prevent Water Damage

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is #HereToHelp you prevent a water damage and make it "Like it never even happened," should you have one.

Water damage is the number one reason customers call us to help. At SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we want to share with you some tips on how you can prevent Water from damaging your home.

Tip 1: Clean your gutters: Make sure gutters are free from debris that can clog and cause water damage. Calling a Professional gutter cleaning companies is a quick and easy way to take care of this problem.

Tip 2: Check your downspouts regularly: Your downspouts should be directed 5 to 10 feet away from the house. Allowing water to collect close to your home is asking for trouble.

Tip 3: Slope your yard: Make sure water is flowing away from your house, not into it. Ensuring that the landscaping flows water away from the house is essential.

Tip 4: Check your sump pump: make sure that it is working properly, testing it at least once a year. You may even consider having a backup sump pump on standby (in case the first one fails).

Tip 5: Be on the lookout for leaky pipes: Finding leaks early and making repairs before a small leak turns into a big one is critical.

Tip 6: Watch where you plant trees and bushes. Invasive root systems of some plants and trees can compromise your drainage system, water lines, septic tank, pipes or foundation.

Tip 7: Ceiling and attic check: Be on the lookout for any wet spots above. They will eventually spread below.

Tip 8: Repair old, cracked caulking: Doors and windows, along with bathtub and sink fixtures have caulking that needs to be checked and repaired once cracking is visible.  

Tip 9: Sudden Water bill increases: Check your water bill. A spike in your bill may be indicative of a leak.

Tip 10: Inspect the roof: Missing or damaged shingles can often be the culprit to water damage in your home. 

Tip 11: Chemicals should not be used to unclog a drain/ use a drain snake instead.  Harsh chemicals can eat away at your pipes.

Tip 12: Do not pour grease or fat down your sink: Pour old bacon fat and grease into an empty can and throw it away. Your pipes will thank you.

Tip 13: Have washing machine lines inspected annually and hoses replaced every 5 years.  Check out the cold and hot water supply hoses and look for cracks and other wear and tear.

Tip 14: Check the floor around your toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks. Look for any soft spots or moisture. You might need a plumber to fix any leaks.

Tip 15: Check your water heater: Have a plumber inspect and  look for signs of corrosion,

Tip 16: Measure the humidity levels: Do you regularly have condensation on your windows? The relative humidity should in your home should range between 30- and 50-percent. A humidifier may correct sporadic humidity fluctuations but ongoing high-humidity levels may be a sign of a more serious issue that could lead to mold and mildew that may require a professional.

If you have any questions about water damage or even humidity in your home, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. We are her to help.

Soure:

https://www.insuramatch.com/learning-center/16-ways-prevent-water-damage-your-home

Behind The Smile, TyDy4Tyler Color Run

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Some of our staff and their families after the color run.

On Saturday, September 15, 2018, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County sponsored the Behind the Smile Color Run at Rainbow Middle School in Rainbow City, Alabama. This event was the second annual to honor the life of Tyler Martin who, sadly took his own life at the young age of 14. Tyler was known for his love of sports and was well-loved by his family and friends. In order to increase the awareness of teen suicide, the family decided to host this event annually in his memory. Dozens of companies, including SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County sponsored this event in which all proceeds will be used to spread awareness of the risk of suicide. SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County showed up not only as a sponsor but in person with 12 of our staff and family members wearing Behind the Smile t-shirts and SMILES to run and/or walk in memory of Tyler. We are proud to support local events and causes in our communities. May our interactions and connections with our customers and community members turn despair into hope for all those we meet.  

For more on Behind the Smile click here, https://www.facebook.com/behindthesmileinc/

If you or someone you know is feeling despaired, please reach out to someone for help.

SERVPRO Storm Team

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Storm Team

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has had the opportunity to participate on SERVPRO Storm Teams since we first bought the business two years ago. To be invited to participate on a Storm Team, a franchise has to be in compliance of all corporate STORM TEAM requirements and then accept the invitation when a storm event requires our services.

Right after we bought our franchise, we participated in the Baton Rouge, LA storm event. Baton Rouge was faced with devastating flood waters that damaged thousands of homes and business. We kept a crew in that area for one month, serving about 15 home and business owners. Most of the work we provide on these storm events has been water extraction, demolition, debris removal and setting up and monitoring drying equipment. Since the storm event in Baton Rouge, we participated in storm events in Kansas City also serving customers there after a flood event. We were called to that city twice when the city flooded twice within a month of each other. Houston was our next storm event. Flooding water and damaging rain as a result of Hurricane Harvey in late summer of 2017 created a massive storm event. Hundreds of franchises from all over the country joined us in Houston in late summer of 2017. We sent 3 crews there over the course of 6 weeks to assist customers. South Bend, IN storm event was initiated due to a wintry mix of ice and rain. We sent a crew to that city in late January 2018 to brave the cold temps and help customers there.

Recently our own area sustained devastating damage due to tornadoes that hit Jacksonville, AL damaging hundreds of structures - homes and businesses. We took hundreds of calls over the course of several weeks. Our Large Loss team came in and took over large commercial jobs including much of Jacksonville State University. Because of our training and preparation of our staff and our experience at out of town SERVPRO Storm Events we were more than prepared and ready to help our neighbors when the storm was in our own backyard! We are proud to here to help by keeping it GREEN in all of these storm events.

Etowah County Expo

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Lorin Sauls, Casey Griep and Theresa Smith at the Gadsden/Etowah Business Expo 2018

Our marketing team loves to participate in events like the Gadsden/ Etowah County Business Expo. It’s a great opportunity to interact with the local community and meet many other businesses who also attend. This time around we rented booth space and set up our SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County tent at the Expo. A little cornhole competition, some excellent SERVPRO swag, and a Callaway Rogue Driver raffle and we were in business! An event like this is always a great way to get our name out and tell both current and future customers about our services like fire, water and mold clean-up as well as general cleaning and duct cleaning. We will let you know on our Facebook page when we have a booth at upcoming events like this. So be sure to check out our Facebook page for what we have scheduled so that you can stop by and say hello! We are always HERE TO HELP!

Spring 2018 Tornado Damage

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Our crews working to clean up the damage left after a tornado.

During the recent spring storms where tornadoes devastated parts of our franchise area of SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we were inundated with all kinds of jobs. Over 200 calls came in during a 2 week span that ranged from homes where trees had fallen on roofs to commercial buildings that had flooded. We were in full blown Storm mode.  One call in particular had to be handled with kid gloves was the call we received from a local funeral home. As you can imagine, flooding and storm damage on this type of business has to be handled delicately. Our crew worked around the clock using a generator for a power source because there was no power in the area due to down power lines. Portable lamps were used to light the way so our crew could extract water, do the demo required and set up drying equipment so that the funeral home would be ready for the contractors to come in and do the finish work to make them fully operational again. The owners of the funeral home appreciated the speed and professionalism with which we handled the job. Being reliable and doing our job is why our customers look to us. And handling a special job like this with the extra care and sensitivity is what sets us apart

Hot Pursuit 2018

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

This group had lots of fun at the Hot Pursuit 2018 Glow Run.

Recently SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County had the pleasure of participating in the Hot Pursuit 5K GlowRun and 1 Mile Fun Run at the Gadsden Mall. The Hot Pursuit GlowRun benefits The James M Barrie Center for Children which is a local child advocacy center. We had a great time with some of our SERVPRO team and their family members “glowing” in our SERVPRO green shirts for this event, benefiting a great cause and getting a little exercise too! At SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County, we love our community and always jump at the opportunity to participate in local events like this! Giving back is important to us, so look for us soon at upcoming local events benefiting various charities! And if you ever want to participate with us, let us know! We’ve got lots of SERVPRO green shirts available!

Large Commercial Mold Removal

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage at a large commercial job.

A recent call from a restaurateur to check out an old restaurant he purchased in hopes of giving it a new life resulted in quite a large mold job for SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Upon entering this abandoned space, it became clear immediately this was a mold remediation job for the experts! So we went to work! With mold covering the walls, the bar area, baseboards and crown “mold”ing (pun intended), our crew had to suit up with PPE including respirators and Tyvec suits to be sure they were protected! Mold remediation is a very tedious job for a home but when it is a commercial property like a restaurant, it is even more so.  Containment must be set up so as to not contaminated unaffected areas. All items with mold exposure had to be disposed of properly. And then at the end of the demo and clean up, an industrial hygienist was brought in to ensure that the commercial property checked out!

Mold remediation in a commercial property is a tedious yet rewarding job, especially when we get to see a building be brought back to life!

We Are Ready & Here To Help

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Owner, Chris Lamey, heading out for his first storm event in August 2016.

At SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we are always storm ready. As we enter into the height of storm season, particularly hurricane season in the southeast, we stand ready to join store in teams and other franchises across the country to help when disaster strikes. We have been honored to have participated in many storm events since we opened up our franchise two years ago. It is important to always be prepared with equipment and supplies and properly trained crews because we have to be ready to respond in a moments notice when we get the call. Currently, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is signed up with all five SERVPRO storm teams across the country meeting that we have met all criteria to be a participant. Whether it be storms that come in the shape of hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, ice, or fire, we stand ready to respond to the call when it comes.

Sharing and Caring at Christmas

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

A big box of presents lovingly selected and wrapped for a family in need.

Christmas is a time of giving.  A time to help those in need. We were so honored at Christmas 2017 to provide for a local family in need. Through our normal work schedule and interaction with clients, we became aware of a this family and reached out to see if there was a way we could help them by providing food and presents at Christmas.  SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County was given the list of children in the family, their shoe and clothing sizes, and wish list from each child.  Our staff went to town with the shopping list and had fun picking out new clothes, shoes, toys, and stocking stuffers for this family! We even got them a gift card to the local supermarket to help them with all the fixings for their Christmas meal.  We wrapped all the presents and loaded them in SERVPRO boxes so that each child had his/her own box of Christmas presents and Christmas stockings.  It really brings the spirit of Christmas alive when you can give in this way.  At SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County, we love helping out in our community and we look forward to many more opportunities to make a difference.

When Disaster Strikes in your Own Backyard

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Debris is piled high after devastating tornadoes hit Jacksonville, Alabama.

On  March 19,  2018, one of the largest severe weather outbreaks of the year unfolded in Central Alabama from Monday night until Tuesday morning, as damaging thunderstorms spawned tornadoes, hail the size of tennis balls, and damaging winds across the Southeast.  Several of those tornadoes ripped through the town of Jacksonville, Alabama, which is in the franchise area of SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Considerable damage was sustained at Jacksonville State University and surrounding neighborhoods.  Full neighborhoods were inaccessible due to fallen trees blocking roads.  Trees had fallen on homes and buildings and debris prevented travel in and out of much of the area.  Miraculously, there were no injuries from this devastating storm system, however, the damage was severe and there was much work to be done to put this community back together.  While the Alabama Governor called for a State of Emergency, we at SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County and Gadsden were in emergency response mode.  Taking dozens of calls that evening and hundreds of calls over the following days and weeks, it became apparent that our franchise needed the help of the SERVPRO Large Loss Team.  Within hours, SERVPRO Birmingham’s Large Loss team was on site working hand-in-hand with us assessing the damage and formulating an action plan to cover all the calls we had received.  Our services during this storm event ranged from tree and debris removal, to water extraction, to contents packouts and moving items to storage facilities, to roof tarping and board up.  We got to partner with local subcontractors for some of these services and of course, worked closely with the SERVPRO Large Loss Team.  This community is already rebuilding and putting things back together.  We are so honored to be a part of that! 

Leave the Cleaning to the Pros

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

This crew of all women are suited up for a home where a hoarding situation was going on.

Outside of our emergency jobs where a customer sustains a water or fire damage in their home or business, many of our calls are for regular cleaning.  We have customers that call us for cleaning of their carpets and upholstered furniture, full homes cleaning prior to a move-in, move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and regularly scheduled office cleaning.  We have a variety of cleaning products to suit any cleaning need.  We have products that tackle pet odors, smoke odors, products for cleaning wood and glass, products for cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture, and even a product that will remove graffiti from most surfaces. .  We can clean any textiles from clothing to rugs to leather goods.  We also have specialty cleaning services including ozoning, smoke removal, soot cleanup, biohazard cleanup, homes where hoarding has been found, debris removal, graffiti removal, and mold removal and clean up.  If it’s dirty, we can clean it! Just ask us for an estimate! We will send our highly trained crew to assess and start the cleaning process.  If protective equipment is needed, we have that available for our crew! Just leave the cleaning to us…we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

A Happy Customer

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Look at this carpet before and after cleaning!

Our motto at SERVPRO is “Like it never even happened.”  That’s always our goal: to make things look like they did before the loss occurred.  In reality, though, it is difficult to make that happen every time.  But at the very minimum, we want to please our customer and make it look better than it did when we when we got there.  We extract the water, remove the drywall, clean off the soot, scrub the carpet stain, tarp the roof, board up the door, tear out the ceiling, haul debris, pack the boxes, move items to storage, mop the floor, and so on.  We do our best to make the situation better for our customers and exceed their expectations.  Today, our crew was out doing a carpet cleaning.  The homeowner walked into the room where we were cleaning the carpets and gasped at the difference between the before and after.  She gave the crew the biggest smile and commented that she didn’t even remember the carpets being that color, referring to the original color that was revealed at the “cleaned” section! That is what we strive for! A happy customer!

The Worries of Winter Weather

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams, which can create a major disaster at your home or property.

FROZEN PIPES

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas

such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the
ice blockage inside the pipe is located,
but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses.
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing.
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.

ICE DAMS

Ice dams can be a little-known, but major problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.

Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside, “check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.”

Removing an ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melter.

If winter weather causes water damage to your property, we are only a call away, 24/7, ready to restore to preloss condition.

Tips for Fireplace Safety

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Chimney fires burn hot! A chimney fire can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

This time of year fireplaces are roaring, even in Alabama. We’ve had a snowstorm in December and plenty of frigid weather causing us to run our heaters and our fireplaces on a regular basis. Nothing is better than sitting in front of a hot fire with a hot cup of coffee and a good book or a football game (we are in Alabama after all!!). While you are enjoying the warmth and ambiance that the fire delivers, it’s important to follow some safety tips before, during and after you enjoy that fire.

1. Burn only dry, split firewood. Avoid chemically treated wood.
2. Install a chimney cap.
3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
4. Close damper when fireplace is not in use.
5. Schedule a yearly fireplace and chimney inspection.

It’s important to be safe while enjoying all the pleasures of this season!  Take precautions to keep your home safe and sound!

Giving Back

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Gift wrapping was so much fun!

Giving Back

Christmas is the time of giving. It was such a blessing for us to be able to give back by sponsoring a local family in need at Christmas. We found out about a family in our service area that had no means of providing Christmas presents to their children due to financial difficulties related to escalated medical bills. We jumped at the chance to help out and Christmas shop for the children, providing them with items on their wish list, filled stockings, as well as each of them new clothes, tennis shoes, and personal toiletry items.

“It was a great opportunity for SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County to give back to our community. Shopping for one family, knowing their names and ages, made it personal”, said owner Jenny Lamey. Not only did we provide gifts for the children but also money toward a Christmas meal. We continue to pray for this family that they are able to get back on their feet in this new year.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

24/7...365

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County arrives on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results—including lower claim costs. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled by utilizing the following services.

Structural Cleaning

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County 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 in your insured’s structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the 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 Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.

Deodorization

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County provides specialized services that rid your insured’s home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County does not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

Take Action to Prepare

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Are You Prepared?

The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency or disaster. While each situation is unique, your family can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are measures you and your family can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your family, home, and the community. Review the following questions to learn if your family and home is prepared.

Be Informed

Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your home or daily life? Do you know what you and your family will do in an emergency situation?

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Practice the Emergency Plan

Have you practiced your plan recently? Does your family know where to go in the event of a natural disaster? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Home

Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what safety measures can be taken?

Improve Cyber Security

Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your family and home for an emergency or natural disaster. 

The Mold Mitigation and Remediation Process

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Be In the Know About Mold

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call Your Local SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO’s Call Center or your local Franchise Professional. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Smoke Alarms: LIFE SAVERS

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives.

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, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

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). 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 has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact us today!

Removing Odor

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Let us clean your commercial business today!

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.

Life happens.

Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

We want to make things easier on you this year. Put your feet up and give us a call.

Need Commercial Cleaning Services?

Call us today! 256-236-8889

Commercial Duct Cleaning

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Are your ducts in a row?

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity. If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system.

You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days. Check any connections for damage. If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning.

You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system. If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork.

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well. If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and duct system. We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County 256-236-8889 for a free estimate.

Signs That You Need Mold Remediation

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Signs of Mold

Mold thrives in a warm, humid and damp environment. Most types of mold are harmful to human and animal health. Some of the health issues they can cause on the people within the house include throat irritation, eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, skin irritation, and coughing or wheezing. Mold or mildew is not harmful in small quantities; it only becomes harmful when its growth spirals out of control and increases in quantity. Your home is likely to have mold if there are leaking pipes, leaks in the roof, poor ventilation, condensation, flooding and wet clothes. Dealing with these problems early enough can prevent mold from setting in and causing havoc on the property.

There are ways in which you can prevent this menace from happening. Always ensure that you clean up water as soon as it spills in large amounts because this will reduce the chances of mold growing there. Also, ensure there is ample ventilation in the house after you finish cooking showering or washing utensils. Insulate your house to quell condensation. Also, keep the basement dry always. If all these fail, you should seek the help of professionals to remove mold from your home. These are the telltale signs that you should look out for if you want to know whether you need mold services;

• If your home has experienced flooding recently due to excessive rain, broken appliance or pipe there is the likelihood that mold will grow. This can happen especially if you did not enlist the services of professionals to clean it.
• When you see mold growth, it is also a red flag that you should do something about it.
• The presence of an unpleasant and wet odor it can be emanating from the mold.
• If you or anyone else living in the house start experiencing allergies that you did not have before
• The presence of moisture should also alert you to the imminent growth of mold and hence the need to call in professionals.

If you reside in Anniston and you have noticed some of these signs, you should visit our website and allow us to address your problem promptly.

Water Damage Clean Up Services

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Professionals...CALL US TODAY! 256-236-8889

Water damage in your Anniston, Gadsden or Marshall County home or business can happen at any time. From a small leak in your roof to a bathtub or toilet overflow to a broken water heater to major flooding from a storm, water can damage your home or business quickly when you least expect it.

When water damage occurs, there are many factors that you must consider to tackle the issue including how much water you are dealing with, the potential for deterioration, and the rate the materials affected will soak up the water.

If water and moisture are left in items such as furniture, carpet, or building materials such as dry wall or plaster, mold will begin to develop within a day or so. While metals will rust and corrode, drywall will begin to crumble and wood will begin to swell, split, and eventually rot. The main objective is to get the area affected by the water dry as soon as possible.

For minor water damage, you may be able to take care of the issue yourself. An example of a minor issue would be if your kids decide to get water all over the bathroom floor and you immediately mop it up. Since the potential for mold and structural damage is minimal, you can handle it yourself.

When there is major flooding in your home or business and walls, flooring, and even insulation is saturated, it is time to call upon a professional water damage restoration company. The technicians are experienced at water eradication and will be able to dry out the affected areas much quicker, decreasing the chance for dangerous mold to form and the possibility of damage occurring. The technicians are also aware of electrical hazards, health risks, and other safety hazards so they can remove the water in a safe manner. They also have the specialized equipment such as HEPA air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture and odor in the air, leaving your home or business fresh, clean, and dry.

What To Look For After A Hail Storm

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Hail Damage?

Do you have hail damage?  It is not that easy a question to answer. If your building has asphalt shingles or a metal roof, you may see dents. But, on a built-up (tar & gravel) roof, you might see few to no visible signs of damage. 

When do you need professional help? Three Helpful Indicators:

Hail comes in many sizes and densities, so it can be difficult to know when you actually need to be concerned about damage. Whether you’re staring at pea-sized hail on the ground or golf-ball size hail, here are some signs that indicate it would be a good idea to at least talk to a professional:

• Damaged vehicles—If the roofs of nearby cars were dented, then there’s a good chance your building also sustained hail damage.
• Damaged siding, downspouts or windows—If you are unable to safely inspect your roof, hail damage to other parts of your building, such as dented downspouts or siding, can be a good indicator you may need to take action.
• Work on neighboring properties—If a neighboring building sustained hail damage and is being repaired, it’s a sign you should more closely inspect your roof and building. 

Faster to Your Disaster

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water damages can be significant to your home or business.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (256) 236-8889

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Winter Storms

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Snowy weather

Here in Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County Alabama, we get excited when we have even the slightest "threat" of snow. What we usually experience is some flurries, then heavy freezing. So many homeowners are unaware how to handle a situation in which their pipes freeze in these winter storms. 

A heavy winter freeze when your home is unprepared can lead to pipes freezing, cracking and then severe water damage in your home. As bipolar as mother nature is in Alabama, within a few days of this water damage to your home, microbial growth can begin if the right conditions are in place. 

Homeowners also sometimes forget safety precautions when it comes to indoor wood fires, space heaters, and gas logs. One in six home fires during the winter months (December, January, February) are caused by home heating elements. Be sure to check your smoke alarms regularly. Be sure to treat space heaters and fires with EXTRA caution. 

Know that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always here to help. 

What Is Water Damage Restoration

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Act fast to mitigate your flood loss.

Water damage restoration is the act of responding immediately and using advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. SERVPRO professionals use innovative equipment to monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. SERVPRO professionals have the tools and resources for faster and reliable service.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business. At SERVPRO, no job is too big and no question is too small.  So when fire or water damage strikes your home or business, call on SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at (256) 236-8889. 

Commercial Cleaning Services

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County offers specialty cleaning services ranging from cleaning office upholstery to making storefront windows crystal clear. We have the specialized training and products to get your commercial or residential property clean, safe, and healthy again.

A Clean Business Keeps Customers Coming Back
Your business represents you.  A clean and attractive business keeps customers coming and leaves a positive impression. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County wants every inch of your facility to sparkle and shine. 

Our commercial specialty cleaning services include:
•    Air Ducts and HVAC
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
•    Biohazard and Sewage
SERVPRO is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
•    Trauma and Crime Scene
Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
•    Carpet and Upholstery
Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.
•    Drapes and Blinds
We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of SERVPRO’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. 
•    Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property.
•    Odor Removal and Deodorization
SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.
•    Vandalism
Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

We’re Here Whenever You Need Us 
The team at SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889 anytime.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prepare Your Business for Potential Disaster

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research.

You can’t plan when an emergency will arise, but you can prepare for it before it does. This is especially important if you are a business owner. When a disaster occurs in your business, everything screeches to a halt. You are no longer able to help your customers and clients. You are no longer able to offer your services. You are no longer bringing in an income. Business has been interrupted and, depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at a long road to recovery – not just for remediation, but also to get your business back to where it was before the disaster happened.

So, what can you do to prevent an emergency situation from shutting down your business? While you can’t necessarily prevent disaster from occurring, you can prepare for what to do when it does. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how fire and water affect your business.

That is where SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help.  We can establish a plan for your business using our ERP, or Emergency READY Profile.

• A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A Profile Document containing only the crucial information you will need in case of an emergency. It doesn’t take very long to complete, but it will save you a lot of time if you ever need it.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can help minimize downtime.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so that we can begin the work of mitigating the damage immediately, which can save you both time and money.
• Provides important facility details such as priority contact information, priority areas, and shut-off valves. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

Ready to set up an Emergency READY Profile for your business? Give SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County a call today! (256) 236-8889 

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/

Who Can Restore Important Documents?

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

We can save your records and paperwork after a disaster.

SERVPRO can!

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County uses a process called Sublimation when saving your important documents. What we do is first stabilize your records by freezing them and then inventory or cataloging takes place.

The actual process of sublimation is a freeze drying procedure that causes the ice in the frozen documents to convert directly to vapor using a combination of temperature control and pressure. The vapor is then immediately extracted which allows the vapor to bypass the liquid state and ensures your document will be dry.

Most documents will never look brand new again, but the document restoration service SERVPRO provides does produce a usable document that can then be restored or filed and reused in its original capacity. 

SERVPRO offers the resources to each of  the clients in all stages of their needs. We will walk you through each step of the process.

We will make it, "Like it never even happened." Just call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889

Mold in Your Crawlspace

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in the crawlspace of an Anniston, AL home

Do you have problems with moisture in your crawlspace? Has a water leak caused mold, mildew or wood rot?

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County and we can handle that for you. Our trained and certified mold remediation technicians can diagnose your crawlspace moisture problem and get your crawlspace dried out in no time. Our technicians will remove any wet insulation in your crawlspace, treat the mold and mildew with an anti microbial solution, dry the wet floor joists or subfloor, and remove and reset the vapor barrier so that you have no more problems of moisture damaging your home environment.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Anniston for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Don’t forget to call your local SERVPRO franchise at (256) 236-8889 to get a free estimate!

Controlling a Mold Problem

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Be in the know about mold.

Mold is often a problem after a water damage, especially one that wasn't handled professionally. Many homeowners try to handle water damage cleanup themselves and unseen damage leaves moisture that later causes mold to grow.

If you had a water damage recently and you now smell a musty odor or have visible mold, here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help control mold problems:

• The source of mold is moisture; therefore fix all leaks in pipes and in any damp area around tubs and sinks.
• Rebuild, or retrofit, with water-resistant building materials such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, galvanized or stainless steel hardware, indoor/outdoor carpeting, waterproof wallboard and water-resistant glues.
• Prevent seepage of water from outdoors into your house. It is important to have rainwater from gutters or roof drains away from the structure. Ground around the house should slope away to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
• Cover dirt in crawl spaces with plastic to prevent moisture from coming up from the ground. Ventilate the area as much as possible.
• Clean fabrics such as curtains and upholstery often to keep them dry, because soil promotes mold growth.
• Consider having ductwork cleaned and inspected professionally or replaced if you suspect mold exists on the inside surface of the duct or if duct insulation has been wet.
• Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners.
• Do not use fans or vacuum cleaners if mold already exists, especially in hot weather. A fan or vacuum cleaner will spread the mold spores.
• In moisture-prone areas, choose carpets of man-made fibers.
• Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.
• Routinely check potential problem spots.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov/removing-mold-your-home.

Keeping Our Clients Informed on Water Damages

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Do you have a water damage? Call SERVPRO! 256-236-8889

In October, we hosted a 4 hour CE course titled Restorative Drying for Water Damage at Silver Lakes Country Club. It was our pleasure to host 15 agents and adjustors to educate them on this important topic that home and business owners may be faced with.

The main points covered during the course are Understanding water damage, the water damage Restorative process, the theory of Drying, mold in the indoor environment, and managing a water damage.

Course objectives are:

- Purpose and Theory of Restorative Drying

- Actions and Services provided by Restoration Vendors

- Improve communications with a Restoration Vendor

- Ability to determine when to restore vs. when to replace

- Understand the need for fast response to water losses

- Understanding how Restorative Drying saves time and money

Keeping our clients informed and equipped to educate their customers on water damage is an important part of what we do. We truly approach this as a partnership with agents and adjustors in best meeting the needs of those we all serve.  

Keep an eye on our calendar for the next upcoming CE class!!

Do You Have Mold in Your Home?

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread throughout a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Choosing a Restoration Vendor

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Call us today! 256-236-8889

Did you know that 1 in 55 insured homes has a property damage claim due to water damage or freezing rain each year?

According the American Insurance Association, water damage claims have been growing faster than other categories of Homeowners Insurance. Daily in the US, 14,000 people experience a water damage emergency at home or at work. The most common causes of water damage are busted or leaky pipes, faulty plumbing, build-up in areas prone to collecting water (crawl space, attic, basement), defective household appliances, malfunctioning HVAC systems, and natural disasters or other weather-related events. Broken pipes rank only 2nd to hurricanes in terms of both frequency and severity in regards to annual claims for water damage. Insurance companies are dishing out $2.5 billion per year for water and mold claims.

What does all this mean to you? Home and business owners need to be confident that when water damage does occur they call upon a professional, well-trained Restoration Vendor to take care of their property.

In the case of a water damage, SERVPRO will:

- provide immediate service

- perform quality service

- communicate effectively

- minimize extent of loss

- save adjustors time on small losses

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County, as the number one choice in our industry, will work closely with you and your insurance company to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”

Trust the Experts With Mold

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let mold ruin your home! Call us today!

Did you know it takes less than 24 hours for mold growth to begin after a water damage?  Many factors can influence the rate at which the growth begins.  Here along the Gulf Coast, we have an environment that is the perfect storm when it comes to mold.  High heat, along with high humidity and extended periods of wet weather make the perfect breeding ground.  Anniston is basically a real-world version of a Petri dish.  So when you find mold, what should you do? Your first step should be to call us!  At SERVPRO we have experts that are certified by the IICRC in Mold Remediation.  We follow all IICRC and OSHA guidelines to protect your home from further damage and to ensure the safety of your family once the process is complete.  Proper containment is critical when remediation a mold issue. Air scrubbers may also be used within the treatment area to eliminate any spores that might be released in to the air during the cleaning process.  Depending on the amount of mold present an Industrial Hygienist (IH) may be called in to test the area and evaluate the situation.  The IH will establish a written protocol that will be followed by SERVPRO employees.  Upon completion of the remediation project the Hygeniest will test the air to ensure that all mold spores have been eliminated and that your home is mold-free. 

The Behaviors of Smoke

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

The Behavior of Smoke

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on saving your precious items.

We know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our knowledge of building systems helps our crews investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Five Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving Turkey Frying Fail

A deep-fried turkey: delicious, but worth it? If you’ve seen any of the numerous videos of turkey fryer explosions and fires online, you may have asked yourself this question before. Running the risk of bodily injury or property damage is something to consider when menu planning this holiday season.

• Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.
• An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and a partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the pot.
• Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.
• Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

Kitchen Cautions

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire in Oxford, AL

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County wishes you a safe and happy holidays!

When a Doctor Needs Help

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

A local doctors office had a fire and we were there to help and restore their building. This is one of the initial photos taken upon arrival.

A doctor's office. A fire. Two things that don't mix.  Fortunately no one was injured. But we needed to help this practice set up a temporary office so that the doctors could continue to see patients. We know that in a situation like this time is of the essence. We got the call and responded with plenty of crew to get the damaged contents out and assess what could be cleaned and salvaged and what needed to be discarded. Contents that sustained only light soot damage were quickly and thoroughly cleaned and moved to their temporary office space so that their business could resume somewhat normal activities.  Closely working with the client and the insurance company, we packed contents and began the cleaning process both at our warehouse and on site in order to get their business back up and running as soon as possible. As boxes of contents were cleaned and ready to put back into use, we transported finished items to their temporary office space. Contents ranged from waiting room furniture and files to high end instruments and tools needed needing fine intricate cleaning. Meanwhile, our crew was busy doing necessary demo in areas of the building that had to be removed due to the fire damage. Debris hauling and cleaning of the entire structure to remove soot that had travelled through the entire building we ongoing until that portion of the job was complete. Ducts of the HVAC system also needed cleaning as the smoke and soot traveled through these systems as a means of escape. We readied the building after demo and cleaning for a contractor to come in and build-back the structure to make the offices operational again.

In a fire of this magnitude, the project manager needs to oversee all of these activities in order to fully complete the job. And as you can imagine this process takes months to complete.  We know that situations like these require constant communication with our client throughout the process. It is always satisfying to see a job of this magnitude come to completion. Our goal throughout this process is to minimize the stress for our customers and get them back to normal business as smoothly and quickly as possible.

When unfortunate circumstances require our services, we do our best to exceed customer expectations. We are always here to help.

Houston Called...We answered

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Pray for Houston!

As we were just finishing up a storm event in Kansas City, Hurricane Harvey pounded the coast of Texas wreaking havoc particularly in Houston in surrounding areas.  Harvey brought rain and lots of it and the already saturated ground couldn't absorb anymore rain water and the city found its neighborhoods and industrial areas flooding...and badly. Rivers created, homes were underwater, roads impassable. People needed to be rescued from flooded areas, so volunteers came from near and far to do just that. They brought boats and jet skis and kayaks and life preservers and food supplies and water and baby items and they just came. Neighbors helped neighbors.

And then more help came. In our case it was a sea of green trucks that within hours of the SERVPRO Storm Team activation, franchises from all over the country loaded trucks with demo tools and drying equipment and cleaning products and they headed to Houston to do their part.

We were one of those many franchises that answered the call to come. Our crew in Kansas City finished up work there and headed to Houston. Our owner Chris Lamey and Production Manager Kyle Hamby left a day ahead of the crew and then another crew left the following day. We diligently started calling homeowners who had asked for our help and scheduled appointments with them. They were tired and worried and frustrated and homeless and hungry and they continued to say "I'm so thankful that help is on the way".

The logistics of getting around in Houston was difficult to put it lightly. Roads still closed due to flooding. Neighborhoods still under water. Supplies were limited. Gas stations ran out of gas. But somehow by the grace of God, we saw every homeowner on our list and offered help. Sometimes that meant full demo of a house and setting up drying equipment. Other times it might mean walking a homeowner through the process so that they can do it themselves.. We saw communities come together - churches, schools, football teams- and help each other.

Our crews worked until wee hours in the morning and get up and do it again until all the work is done.

With Kansas City and Houston SERVPRO Storm events, we have had crews out of our normal service area for a solid 2 months, yet still maintaining crews in the Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County markets to assist our customers locally. It's definitely a balancing act but we wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

May God Bless all those who have experienced destruction in the form of storms, flooding and any damage to their homes as a result of something out of their control. May we be able to rise to the challenge each time we are called and ease the burden of each person we meet when we arrive. Proud to be part of this hardworking team.

Everyday is Gameday

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Our owners Chris and Jenny Lamey at the 2017 National Convention

In June, our owners Chris and Jenny Lamey attended their first SERVPRO National Convention in Seattle. This annual meeting attended by over 1700 franchise owners is a great opportunity for SERVPRO corporate to communicate the plans, strategies and opportunities for this next year. It was a great time to come together with other franchise owners and share best practices in business operations.  Chris and Jenny attended over 20 workshops combined during their time at convention that ranged from training on internal systems used for enhanced workflow like DryBook and Workcenter to marketing workshops that focused on brand image and presenting a consistent brand to our marketplace. Being with franchise veterans of 50 years and with new franchise owners alike was an experience that excited them even more going into this next year of business.

The theme of the convention EVERYDAY IS GAMEDAY couldn't be more appropriate for our business. To use the sports reference, we know that sports teams must train and strategize and condition and plan to be effective on the field or court during game time. Showing up to a game without the proper preparation can and will be a disaster. So too with what we do everyday. We must train our staff to properly execute the processes and procedures needed to meet our customers' expectations. We must strategize constantly on what we can do to improve the way we conduct our business. We must plan ahead in order to be most effective.  If we do this, during "game time", we will be at our best!

Down...set....hike!! Let's do this!!!

Our MSC'S Storm Point of View

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Flood waters were extremely high and dangerous in Kansas City and Houston.

Hi, my name is Lauren. I am the Marketing Support Coordinator for SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Basically I support the Sales and Marketing Reps in a variety of ways. I maintain our website and social media pages. I attend Business Expos to raise our brand awareness. I assist with CE classes and lunch and learns. I maintain our Workcenter Marketing Database. I work directly with the customers for questions they have on their jobs.

But in July 2017, I helped with the first storm since I started with the company. Kansas City flooded and because we participate on the SERVPRO Storm Team, we were asked to join efforts in Kansas so we did. I got my first look at how SERVPRO Storm Teams work.

Once we committed to participate in this storm event, we started to get our crews ready to go. Vehicles were serviced, supplies were purchased, hotels rooms booked and debriefing conference calls with the Storm Team began, all the while calls from hundreds of homeowners in the Kansas City area were "flooding" our call center. We joined forces with dozens of other franchises around the country to respond to the needs that Kansas City had. I was pleased to be the Storm Team Coordinator for our franchise. Once our Sales Rep, Theresa Smith, was en route, I was given dozens of homeowners' names and numbers to call. These were home and business owners who had called our 1-800-SERVPRO number asking for help. One by one, I called each person on the list, telling them we were on our way, setting appointments for Theresa to see each homeowner individually and assess the damage. Our crew was en route at this point and was ready for work once Theresa signed up people in Kansas City. This process continued for a couple of weeks. I would call the customers setting up an appointment, Theresa would provide onsite estimates. and the crew would do the work.

I enjoyed this new adventure very much. I enjoyed talking with these homeowners. They were tired and frustrated but always so glad to know that help was on the way. They expressed how thankful they were that we were "here to help". I felt that I even bonded with some of these homeowners over the course of these two weeks, sometime just being an ear to listen for them.

So after all the jobs were finished and we were about to send our crew home, we were notified that Kansas City had flooded again. The storm had been reactivated. We sent Theresa back up to Kansas City to start this process again.. So I found myself starting over this process with new homeowners. These poor people, I was thinking! I hated that they were dealing with the same issue again. I just tried to be a voice of comfort and hope as I made my phone calls. Two more weeks...we were finished and sent our crew home! And lo and behold, a week later Kansas City flooded again! This time, our owner Chris Lamey, traveled up ahead of our crew, to meet the homeowners that I had been calling. I was becoming a pro at this process and I found customers really relying on me for info about how the process would work once we arrived. I was learning so much about not only Storm but also about the water mitigation process and I wasn't even there!! It was a pleasure serving in this capacity and doing something new and mostly, helping these homeowners.

We spent another 2 weeks on this time in Kansas City. Just as we were finishing up, Harvey hit Houston. But that's another story....

What's Lurking In Your Ducts?

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

This is what could be lying dormant in your ducts.

We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Faster to Any Disaster

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In August of 2016, Baton Rouge, Louisiana got hit with one of the worst floods in US history. In just a few hours, the flood waters were rising and homes and business fell victim to the flooding rain. Residents fled their homes and business owners had no choice but to evacuate as quickly as possible.

The area was completely devastated in a very short time.   Communities of beautiful homes and neighborhoods were left with utter devastation in the wake of this storm.  When home and business owners were finally able to enter back into their properties, the work that needed to be done to clean up what was left was truly overwhelming.

In the meantime, SERVPRO Storm Teams were already making plans to send production crews to the area to help these home and business owners with getting their lives back together. SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County was honored to participate with the SERVPRO Storm Teams in the cleanup efforts for the Baton Rouge area.  Within hours, we were packed, fully loaded with equipment and crew, and in route to Baton Rouge. Thousands and thousands of phone calls were flooding our SERVPRO call center from residents of the Baton Rouge area needing our help. As a crew representing our SERVPRO Storm Team, it was our responsibility to contact the customers, schedule on site visits to their home or business, provide a thorough job scope and estimate of required work, and if given the go ahead from the customer, start the cleanup and drying process. We talked to dozens and dozens of home and business owners who needed an expert to help them with the mitigation process. Our franchise worked around the clock for two weeks helping as many customers as we could. Our production crews provided demo or tear-out service removing carpet, drywall, etc., tested areas for moisture and set up air movers and dehumidifiers, hauled out damaged items, among other services. We monitored equipment daily to make sure the drying process was complete. Sometimes our help meant offering a shoulder to cry on or a hug as we walked through a customer's living room which had been completely destroyed by the floodwaters.  To see large mountains of saturated carpet, damaged appliances, drywall, furniture, vehicles and toys lining the streets of these once beautiful neighborhoods was overwhelming to say the least.  It was hard work both physically and emotionally to walk alongside the people we met and work hand-in-hand making a dent in the work that needed to be done.  Our SERVPRO green trucks were everywhere. It was humbling in so many ways to be called upon to help in a time of need.

What struck us as particularly poignant, was how often, even in the circumstances, we heard the same home and business owners talk about how blessed they were. It says so much about the resiliency of the human spirit.  Neighbors and communities are bonded together to move forward and rebuild. They will be stronger than before.

As we enter into the upcoming storm season, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County stands ready to help when disaster hits. FASTER TO ANY DISASTER and ready to work hand-in-hand with our fellow man.

Mold...Be Informed!

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

In this photo our CE instructor, Daniel, is teaching some of our agents and adjusters on Mold.

One of our favorite ways to connect with our clients is to host CE classes. It gives us a chance to educate our customers on topics important to them and it allows our clients to complete required CE credits for their businesses. Throughout the year we hold various CE classes on the following topics: Fire, Water, Mold, and Ethics. We at SERVPRO have been approved by the insurance industry to host these classes for agents and adjusters. We follow strict guidelines on course content, course facilitators, and attendee certification procedures in order to meet all the requirements to host these classes for our clients.

The most recent CE class we held was in June at Silver Lakes Golf Course in Gadsden, Alabama, which is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. On a stormy rainy day in Alabama, what better topic to discuss than MOLD. We were pleased that despite the weather we had 20 agents and adjusters from all over the Anniston and Gadsden area attend the class.

Mold is a hot topic in our area because the weather conditions in Alabama are ideal for mold growth. It is something home and business owners are calling us about frequently. And certainly something that our agents and adjusters have to field questions about often.  The class objectives are:

- Understand the evolution of mold awareness

- Acknowledge mold as part of our environment

- Understand the basics of mold remediation

- Understand the effect of mold on buildings

- Recognize how mold is affecting Insurance Professionals and the Insurance Industry

Mold is a reality in our area and being informed on how to handle it is the first line of defense! "Find and remove the source" is an important tip that was repeatedly emphasized in the class.

We are pleased to be a trusted partner with our insurance clients and look forward to more opportunities to host these classes. The upcoming classes are as follows:

August 8th, 2017 - Fire

October 10th, 2017 - Water 

For more info on mold, go to www.SERVPROanniston.com 

As featured in PrimePay's Blog

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Our owner, Chris Lamey, was featured in PrimePay's blog

"What started out as a typical trip to the gym for Chris Lamey, ended in a life-changing encounter. Boasting a 20-plus year career in the golf industry, Lamey took a leap of faith and bought a struggling franchise location after this conversation with a peer:

“Hey I know this is totally out of the blue, we've never even talked business, but there might be a couple of franchises that may be coming for sale. Would you and your wife be interested in talking to us?"

And according to his wife and co-owner Jenny, they’ve never looked back.

If you’ve ever experienced any kind of water damage in your home after a storm, you’ve probably heard of SERVPRO.  Whether it’s fire or water damage, mold or a simple carpet cleaning, this cleanup and restoration company tackles the mess. And from what I learned in talking to Mrs. Lamey, it’s a really good franchise to be a part of.

So how do two people without true experience in owning and operating a business: “I mean I won't lie, that first couple weeks I'd get in my car and I'd drive back home, thinking about how overwhelming it all was…”

…Turn a failing location into one that’s about to outgrow its current space and surpass corporate standard sales goals?

Creativity, trust, and support.

Creativity

Though I mentioned the lack of true business ownership experience, Mr. Lamey was a sales rep for a number of years and through that, perfected the craft of establishing relationships.

“For 23 years of his career he never went into an office, so he was running his territory. You're very much a part of your own success in that situation,” explained Mrs. Lamey.

She went on to explain their approach to business is that they are a marketing company that happens to provide cleaning and restoration services. For them, it’s all about the relationships they establish with the local Alabama adjusters and insurance agents.

They’re able to creatively combine their marketing and customer service skills to really exceed in this new life adventure.

How can you leverage your variety of skills to help run your franchise as smooth as possible? Look beyond what you think might be a practical business skill and tap into those other experiences to really make your business shine.   

Trust

After undergoing six months’ worth of training that set them up with a great foundation to run the business, the Lameys were made aware of a hard-hitting reality.

“It was very overwhelming at first as each call and each job was a new experience for us. But it was a great way to hit the ground running and learn the business by doing it and not just learning about it,” Mrs. Lamey explained. 

The SERVPRO franchise bases their training on a ‘stages model.’ It's been proven time and time and time again, that if you follow the stages, you will be successful. So the Lameys trusted the corporate franchise methodology and haven’t had any need to stray the course.

There’s a good chance whatever franchise you own is in business because of the solid processes in place on the corporate level. While there is some freedom in your particular location, don’t forget this idea of placing trust in your franchisor.

Support

“Another great thing about being a part of the franchise system is the support of franchises all over,” said Mrs. Lamey.

When disaster struck in Louisiana, surrounding ‘storm teams’ (as SERVPRO calls it) packed up equipment and headed to work on helping those people out in a time of crisis. As you can imagine, that’s extremely rewarding to be able to help people get their lives back together.

With support from the community, staff members and even mentoring from I would say the late owner of SERVPRO Birmingham  and the Wilson Trainership, David Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Lamey never have to tackle any challenge alone.

Not only that, but they get support from partnering with other companies… like PrimePay. Since they cover jobs in multiple municipalities around Anniston, occupational tax filing is tricky. But by leaning on the support from their representatives here at PrimePay, the Lameys can be confident in continued success with their franchise.

“Working with PrimePay has given me the peace of mind and confidence that you care about our business and will work with us as a partner to meet our needs,” Mrs. Lamey said."

Honored to Serve

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

I'm of the sappy sort. I cry at commercials. I normally can't get through church without my eyes welling up. It's just how I am. But when it comes to business, I am able to check my emotions at the door. Usually. That is, until SERVPRO happened. I wasn't quite prepared for the emotion that owning this business would stir in me. I wasn't prepared for the deep human connections we would make with our employees and with our clients. It's just that human element that makes what we do so very important. We come to do a job, to help in a time of need, quite possibly in a situation that is devastating to the person or family or business we are serving. We have been called in for fires in a home a family has lived in for decades where they see their memories going up in flames. We've been called in for water damage to a brand new home that a family was just about to move into, a home they have designed and spent over a year planning and building. We have been called into another state to help homeowners clean up after a flood that devastated an entire city in just hours of flooding rain. We have been called in after a death of a family member where family members are experiencing enormous grief and pain. We have been called to serve our fellow man and that's what this business is all about.  We have been called and so we come.

It made me think that in our daily lives (not just in business) that each of us has a wonderful opportunity to serve those around us. Those in our families. Those whom we call friends. And those who live and work and raise their families in our communities. It's pretty amazing that at the end of the day we are just people helping people.

Because we get to do this everyday in the Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County markets and other areas we serve, we are humbled and grateful that our communities depend on us, call on us to help in a time of need.  So, while our crews may not be emotional when they show up to help (after all, they are there to get the job done), we hope that they stand out in the way they provide fast and  professional service with your best interests at heart.   I get a little emotional when I think of the people we are honored to serve! What a blessing it is for us!  

How Did This Happen?

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

"How did this happen?" That's a question we often get asked when we show up to do clean up work at a home or business. Most often we are the first one the scene after the home or business owner and are in the best position to assess the cause of the loss.  This is one of the first questions we ask also when we get the call at our office to provide emergency services. It's important that we ask it so that we arrive prepared with the proper equipment and tools to provide clean up services that exceed your expectations. It's equally important too, though, when our customer doesn't know the cause of the loss to ask us "How did this happen?"  That lets us know that we need to wear our investigative hat and not only provide the clean up services needed but also determine the cause of the damage. Was the water leak due to an old water heater line that cracked? Was a new dishwasher installed properly? Is there water coming into the home from the foundation? We want to clean up the mess today but we also do not want you to call us back in 2 days because it happened again. Finding the source of the problem is as important as restorative your home or business to the way it was before. You can be assured that we will provide you as much information as possible to prevent further damage and be in communication with your insurance agent/adjuster keeping them in the loop for a covered loss. Regardless of how the loss occurred, we will help you put everything back "like it never even happened" so you can resume life as normal. Thanks for trusting us.

It's Time to Spring Clean!

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Use newspaper to clean your windows instead of paper towels that leave behind residue.

Spring is in the air! With the warmer weather comes he tradition of spring cleaning, a time to organize and clean the environments- home, business, office- we encounter on a daily basis. 

Perhaps you are selling a home and want to vanquish years of cigarette smoke odor that won't go away, or want to see if your ducts or HVAC system needs to be cleaned. Detailed articles on dryer vents, deodorization, and ducts are featured this month, but we always offer the following cleaning services:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Upholstery and Drapery Cleaning
• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning
• Hard Floor Cleaning
• HVAC/Duct Cleaning 

Whatever your spring cleaning needs, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always here to help! 

Faster to your Anniston Water Damage Event

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

This water damage was caused by a water heater leak.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 256-236-8889 

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Anniston 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Box It Up

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Boxes, Boxes Everywhere!

Boxes upon boxes upon boxes. We didn't expect how many boxes of customer possessions we would be packing when we opened up our business in June 2016. But before we knew it, our warehouse was full of them.  After all, when our customer has a water or fire event in his/her home or business, before we can start the clean up, we have to get everything else out of the way. This could mean moving couches or beds or bookshelves full of collectibles; either way, smaller items have to be boxed up and stored away safely by our packing experts. If items have to be cleaned due to damage done to them in a water or fire event, customer contents will have to be boxed initially on site, brought back to our warehouse, unboxed in order to be cleaned, and then boxed again once they have been meticulously detailed. Most days our warehouse is completely full of these boxes. Sometimes they stay stored in our warehouse for weeks and months if construction is necessary at the site of the damage after we do the initial mitigation work. My heart is happy though when we get a call from a customer saying he is ready for his boxes, furniture and other contents to be moved back in. That means that the mitigation and construction work has been completed and our customers are ready to resume life in their home as they knew it before. We are grateful to help our customers in many ways, and helping preserve, clean and store their prize possessions is something we take very seriously. So let us do the heavy lifting and the packing for you. It's what we do!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Look at our desiccant going to work!

There is never a good time for it to be raining inside a building. But when it's July in Alabama, AND the building is an elementary school, AND over half the building is saturated, AND a new school year starts in just 7 days...we are really in a pickle! That's just what happened in July 2016 just weeks after we opened SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. But with the help of our Large Loss team and other neighboring franchises, we got to work and were on the scene within an hour of getting the call needing help. An in-depth job scope and work plan was developed quickly to get the water out and dry the interior. Industrial water extractors, a desiccant dehumidifier the size of a tractor trailer, plenty of staff, and SERVPRO know-how got the job started quickly and correctly. Working around the clock for days, our employees and hundreds of pieces of equipment labored to get this elementary school cleaned up and ready for the first day of school.  What a sense of satisfaction it was to see this school opening right on time due to the hard work of our SERVPRO employees along with the faculty and staff of the school and the community!! It just goes to show that no job is too big or to small for our SERVPRO team. With over 50 years in the industry, we know just what to do in the case of a water event that causes damage to a school, business or home! We make it "Like it ever even happened"!! 

Anniston Smoke and Soot Clean Up

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

This damage was caused by a fire, along with smoke and soot.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 256-236-8889