Recent Posts

SERVPRO Is Faster To Any Size Disaster

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

We are the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster. This is about flooding and it can happen anywhere. The most common flood hazards in the United states are flash flooding, river flooding, storm surge & coastal inundation from tropical and non-tropical systems, burn scars/debris flows (caused by wildfires), ice/debris jams, snowmelt, dry wash (caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas) & dam breaks/levee failure. SERVPRO can help you with preparing for a flood. Make sure to have a 3+ day supply of water which is one gallon per person per day, for food make sure to have 3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food, flashlights, battery powered or hand-crank radios, extra batteries, first aid kits, medications and make sure it's a 7 day supply & any other medical items, multi-purpose tool, sanitation/personal hygiene items, copies of personal documents, cell phone chargers, family and emergency contact info, extra cash, emergency blankets, map of your area, baby supplies, pet supplies, tools & supplies for securing your home, extra set of keys or car keys & house keys, extra clothing, rain gear, insect repellent & sunscreen and camera for photos of the damage done. Why choose SERVPRO to help with your flood damage, because we are always here to help make it "Like it never even happened." Do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties @ 256-378-1319!

Summer Fire Prevention

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Summer weather means Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July fireworks, and all sorts of campfire fun as families across the country take advantage of the warm temperatures to get back in touch with nature.

It’s certainly relaxing to enjoy a beach bonfire with friends and loved ones, or roast marshmallows by the lake or in the backyard fire pit, but it’s also important to ensure that everyone stays safe by observing a few simple fire protection guidelines.

1. Keep a bucket of water handy. If an ember floats out of your fire pit, or a log falls down from your bonfire stack and sets nearby foliage, paper, or other flammable materials aflame, you don’t want to be scrambling for a way to put the fire out. Having a bucket of water nearby is a great first response tool to keep a fire under control.

2. Supervise all fireworks. Sparklers and pinwheels might seem “low risk,” but the reality is that there aren’t any fireworks out there that are safe enough for kids to use without adult supervision.

3. Don’t let barbecue grease build up. Whether you’re using a charcoal or a gas grill, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent accidental grease fires caused by all of the gunk that can accumulate on a grill over time.

4. Inspect the area around your BBQ and campfire. You don’t want to grill or light a campfire anywhere near other flammable materials. This includes deck railings, overhanging branches, dry grass or that pile of dry wood and recycling sitting in the back corner of your yard. If you’re camping, clear out the area immediately around your BBQ or campfire spot to be sure that there’s no scrub or brush nearby that could ignite if a spark lands on it.

5. When you’re done with the fun, put out the flames. While it might seem romantic to fall asleep in front of a campfire, you really should dump water and/or sand on those embers before catching some shut-eye. The same goes for BBQs – close your propane valve and the unit’s lid, as well as any vents on a charcoal grill once you’re done. Unsupervised BBQs can easily tip over in the wind. A breeze can pick up and carry coals and embers from that campfire, dropping them where they can ignite dry grass, branches, trees or deck planks.

6. It’s also important to ensure that no one tries to re-light fireworks that don’t work properly the first time. Dump these in a bucket of water and move on to the next package.

And always remember if you do experience a fire in or near your home or business the professional power of SERVPRO is ready to help assist you with any damage that might occur. 

Fire, Smoke & Soot, Oh My!

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire, Smoke & Soot Restoration Services

    • Structural Cleaning- After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Our experienced SERVPRO Franchise Professionals 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 structure. Depending on the amount of soot, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, SERVPRO will clean to "prepare for painting." This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface.
    • Contents Cleaning- All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals 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, bric-a-brac and much more. Finally, SERVPRO can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items if requested. 
    • Deodorization- Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. If you have questions you can ask our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

Emergency Fire Damage Process Overview

ONE HOUR:

Within one hour from notice of loss, one of our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will contact you to arrange service. You'll know help is on the way!

FOUR HOURS:

Within four hours of loss notification, one of our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

DETAILED EXPLANATION:

One of our trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

PRETESTING:

Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

EIGHT HOURS:

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

CLEANING, RESTORATION & DEODORIZATION:

Our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH:

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT FIRE, SMOKE OR SOOT RESTORATION SERVICES CALL 256-378-1319 AND WE WILL BE GLAD TO HELP!

Fire & Smoke Do's & Don'ts

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire & Smoke Damage

                        Do:

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
  • Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
  • Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 
  • If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
  • Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
  • Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or of the HVAC system.

                          DON'T:

  • Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
  • Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
  • Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
  • Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electric shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
  • Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Preparation Is Key!!

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (256) 378-1319!

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

We are proud to be a part of our community and strive to provide the residents and business owners in our area the fastest response times and our best work each and every day.

Back Up Of Sewage In Commercial Properties

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups and toilet overflows are some of the most common issues home and business owners can experience. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.

Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. That’s why it is important to call the professionals who have experience cleaning up these types of issues. SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay and Randolph Counties understand that there are three major types of contaminated water and the necessary steps to handle each scenario. SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay and Randolph Counties will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The Three Types of Water

Category 1: Clean Water

  • Water from a clean source like a broken water line
  • If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: Gray Water

  • May contain bacteria and viruses - may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
  • Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: Black Water

  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

If your home or business experiences a sewage issue, it should be treated as quickly as possible. Call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay and Randolph Counties at (256)-378-1319 and our professionals will respond 24 hours a day for emergency services.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Commercial Property

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

We know that you value the way your commercial property’s appearance looks. We know that it can speak volumes to your clients and customers. Over time, a commercial property becomes dirty from every day wear and tear, or even to an emergency restoration. Here at SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties, we have the training and expertise to tackle these types of situations and we can make it “Like it never even happened." We can handle services such as removing an odor, or deep cleaning the flooring or carpets. You can always depend on us to make your work space look its very best. There is not a commercial property that is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties. We service all types of properties ranging from hotels, small office building, schools, retail stores, apartments, and many more! Don’t hesitate to call us if you see that your commercial property is not shining quite as bright as you would like it to!

Fire Restoration For Commercial Properties

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.

  • 24 Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
  • Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

This is why SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties is the best to call to help with fire restoration. Do not hesitate to call us @ 256-378-1319.

SERVPRO Tornado Facts

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Every household should have an emergency plan in place before a disaster happens.  And part of that plan should include a stocked, ready to go, emergency preparedness kit.

An emergency preparedness kit is usually needed for you to survive for at least 72 hours. Make sure to keep an emergency kit at home and in your vehicle. Most items are easy to find and inexpensive:

Water – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days

Food – Non-perishable food for at least 3 days

Manual can opener for food

Flashlight

Batteries

Hand crank radio or battery powered radio

First aid kit

Whistle

Matches

Dust Mask

Local Maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Prescription medications

Infant formula, diapers, wipes, bottles

 The most powerful Tornadoes occur in the United States.

A typical tornado only lasts for a few minutes.

Every tornado has its own color, sound and shape.

You need to step on the pedal of a car pass 70 miles per hour to outrun the fastest tornadoes.

The chances that a tornado is a F5, the highest classification for a tornado on the F-scale, is less than 0.1%

Tornadoes have been reported in every state in the US and also in every season.

A Tornado can occur at any time, but most often between 3pm and 9pm.

The direction in which a tornado twists depends a lot upon which hemisphere you're in. In general, most tornadoes in the northern hemisphere rotate cyclonically, or counter-clockwise. Only around five percent of tornadoes in the northern hemisphere rotate clockwise, or anti-cyclonically.

 Remember to call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay and Randolph Counties @ 256-378-1319 for all of your needs.

SERVPRO Emergency Kit Facts

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Be Prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit. Ready. gov suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to include in your kit: 

  • 3 day supply of non-perishable foods
  • Water (one+ gallon per person per day) 
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medication 
  • Sleeping bag or blankets
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hygiene products
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • Cell phone charger
  • Change of clothes
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Pet supplies
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container
  • You can also keep a condensed emergency kit in your vehicle as well.