Electrical Fire at Middle School

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Multiple SERVPRO team members working I hallway at the middle school.

On average, 24000 electrical fires occur in the U.S. per year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Electrical issues caused this certain fire at a  middle school here in Kosciusko.
SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands and SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville were happy to be of assistance!

SERVPRO Tip:
Remember especially this time of year space heaters are a top cause of electrical fires. Heaters are often left on in front of/on combustible surfaces like curtains and rugs. Coil heaters are the most dangerous.

What to Do if Your Flight is Cancelled!

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can cause a variety of issues. It can leave businesses in need of storm damage repair, and it can interfere with people's flight plans. Dealing with a canceled flight is something no one wants to deal with. It isn't uncommon for flights to be delayed or canceled due to a snow storm, thunderstorm, or even high winds. It's inconvenient, but there are several things you can do to help get to your desired location sooner rather than later. If you are stuck for a while, there are some storm tips that can at least make your wait a little more comfortable.

Looking for Alternatives

There may be an alternative that can help you get where you need to be sooner.

• You can call the airline to see if there is anything they can do.
• You should also speak with the gate attendant to see if there is a flight they can get you on.
• You can do your own research as well.

These options may help you find a seat on another flight so you can get to your destination sooner. Consider looking for a connecting flight, even if you were originally on a flight that gets you straight from A to B.

Ask to Be Put Up in a Hotel

If you are stuck in the city due to a canceled flight, with no hope for a same day switch, you can ask the airline if they are willing to put you up in a hotel. This can at least make you a little more comfortable before you decide what your best option is. They may or may not accommodate you, but it's something to consider. They may be willing to provide you with food vouchers or a discount. 

It can be really frustrating to deal with a canceled flight, and sometimes, there is nothing you can do. See if there are alternatives that can get you to your destination sooner, by either making a few phone calls or checking with the airline attendants. If all else fails, make yourself comfortable for a while until you can figure out an alternative to get home.

Home Fire Pit Tips

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Starkville, MS its a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips from Allstate to remember.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

• Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
• Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
• Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
• Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Experience is our Name

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Gary Kern receiving certificate and gift for 20 years of service from owner Gary Rigby.

SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville celebrated with Gary Kern for 20 years of service.  Gary is one of our Crew Chiefs and started with SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville only 2 years after the company began.  Gary started as a technician and has worked his way into a lead crew chief.  We want to thank Gary for his many years of service to our company and our clients.  

The service we provide our clients shows in employees like Gary and the experience they bring to the table.  We have numerous employees with well over 10 years experience in the fire and water mitigation field and hope they all get to celebrate just like Gary with 20 years. With over twenty years experience in this industry SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville is here to help you.

What is in your water?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that the water either coming into your home or from your home due to busted pipes or leaks has what we call a “category”? When it comes to handling mitigation in your home it is better to allow the professionals at SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville to deal with the emergency because you have to treat the water correctly to be safe. You never know what is either in your water or what the water has passed through to create contamination.

The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.

Category One: Clear Water

This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer for you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sinks overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category Two: Gray Water 

Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a speedier removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Cat 2 water include, but are not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure and broken aquariums.
If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into category 3.

Category Three: Black Water

Cat 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Cat 3 water can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows from beyond the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water, or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.

The team at SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville is skilled in the safe handling of the different categories through training and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness.

Circumstances for a Flood Cut

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home our technicians may perform a technique called a "flood cut".

This specific technique requires cutting out sections of drywall about a foot above the flood line to inspect the wall behind it. While this process is not always necessary, there are a few circumstances that may require it after a flood occurs.

1. Black Water Floods

When outdoor flooding invades your home from overflowing streams or rivers, it may contain sewage, chemicals or dead animal carcasses. This water can be considered contaminated and is known as black water. A flood cut is usually necessary when this type of flooding occurs because your home’s drywall and any insulation behind it may be affected by the dirty water and may need replacing.

2. Wet Insulation

Flood technicians may perform a flood cut and tear out sections of drywall if they believe any insulation behind your home’s walls has water damage. Because insulation cannot be properly dried, a flood cut may be needed to remove any wet material. Once the interior wall is cleaned and dried, new insulation can be installed.

3. Mold Growth

After flooding, mold can begin to grow behind interior walls and spread quickly if it is not addressed. Flood technicians may perform a flood cut to check for mold and treat the area if any is found. Because mold does not need sunlight to grow, it can spread from interior walls to other areas and cause an unpleasant odor in your home. A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.

Can My Carpet Be Saved After a Flood?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood, many homeowners and property managers wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved.  The answer is, it depends.  Factors such as the age and quality of the carpet and pad, as well as the type of installation used, have to be taken into consideration. However, the type of floodwater that caused the damage is most important when determining whether or not carpet and padding can be salvaged.

SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville is an IICRC Certified Firm

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville

SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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

Have You Checked on Your Toilet Lately?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always here to help for your water damage needs, no matter the time of day or day of year! Callus today at 662-324-3003

Many times the toilet in your home can be the last thing you think about causing water damage. As they age, however, the components that allow it to function properly can jam or malfunction, causing several potential problems. While some of these might be a drawn-out refilling process that can affect your monthly water bill, more severe consequences might include overflowing of the reservoir when the float mechanism does not engage.

Overflowing reservoirs might not affect your  home but it does often require professional water removal and recovery. Even with noticing the problem shortly after it begins, an instance like this can quickly cover the bathroom floor and affect cabinetry and the vanity as well. Our SERVPRO® professionals can understand the importance of reacting quickly to this situation.

The tile or laminate flooring likely installed in your bathroom can resist penetration from the pooling water, but saturation can still occur with these materials if the problem does not get addressed quickly enough. While each plank or tile itself works to resist absorbing the moisture, seams and grout joints are more penetrable. To protect your flooring from extensive damage, extraction must begin shortly after the situation gets discovered.

Our SERVPRO® professionals can arrive with high-powered extraction equipment for severe damages like our gas-powered units. For smaller pools, we can also bring in our portable sump pumps and extraction wands. Once the excess has gotten removed from the flooring, we can set up our advanced drying equipment to protect and preserve exposed cabinetry, fixtures, and flooring. We can double check our drying efforts with our thermal imagery cameras to detect lingering moisture pockets that require added attention.

As traumatic as an overflowing reservoir might seem, the right professional assistance can make this water damage “Like it never even happened.”

How Extreme Cold Can Affect Your Business

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

This year we've seen colder than normal temps in our area and while we might enjoy a break from the heat, you always want to be prepared for those days of extreme cold temperatures. Did you know that your place of business can become damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers are also at risk. Based on a report done by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), they estimated that in recent years, U.S. death rates in winter months have been 8 to 12 percent higher than in non-winter months. Much of this increase relates to seasonal changes in behavior and the human body, as well as increased exposure to respiratory diseases. Cold temperatures can also worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For example, death rates from heart attacks increase as temperatures drop, likely due to the way cold affects blood circulation, blood vessels, and other factors With information like this, you must be aware of what could happen in your business should water damage or fire damage cut off your heat source. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused by long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. We understand that a loss of heat from an emergency can affect your business. If you experience an emergency, know our team is ready to help you get your business back up and running.