Recent Posts

SERVPRO Provides Fire Protocol Tips For Albany and Americus Businesses.

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Albany Georiga SERVPRO fire damage restoration experts are brought in to begin cleanup post fire.

11 Tips for What to do During and After a Business Fire

Americus commercial fire damage can have a devastating impact on the daily activities of your business. In order to survive Americus commercial fire damage, your company needs to have a plan of action. At SERVPRO, we know how disorienting and frightening a fire can be. We have compiled a list of things you can do in the event of a business fire.


1. Check your doors. Before opening any door, you should check the opening of the door to see if there is the presence of smoke. The saying 'where there is smoke there is fire' is an accurate statement. If you see any smoke, do not open the door. You can also touch the door to gauge its temperature. Exit through windows if the doors are unavailable.


2. Get out of the building - FAST. It is important not to waste time gathering personal items. Find the nearest route to get you and your staff to safety. When you are safely outside of the building, move as far away from it as possible.


3. Be aware of the dangers of smoke inhalation. As you exit the building, stay as far away from smoke as possible. Instead of walking, crawl on the floor until you are safely out of the building. Inhaling smoke can cause you to feel weak and lead to death. Stay clear of any smoke.


4. Take a head count. When your staff has moved to a safe place, count the number of people that have made it out of the building safely. If you find that a person is missing, do not go back into the building to find them. Allow the first responders to conduct the search. Only return to the building when it is safe to do so.


5. Contact the American Red Cross.


6. Call your insurance company. They can help you fix the commercial damage.


7. Do not re-enter the building without permission from the fire department under any circumstances.


8. Gather your records and important documents to present to the insurance company.


9. Keep track of any expenses related to the commercial damage.


10. Contact the police. If your property is abandoned and open to the public, request police to monitor the building during your absence.


11. Contact SERVPRO for disaster restoration services.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

How to Evaluate the Subfloor After a Water Damage Disaster in Albany and Americus Georiga.

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Evaluate the Subfloor After a Water Damage Disaster in Albany and Americus Georgia.

Imagine coming home to water all over your kitchen floor! It has seeped from behind the fridge, spread across the kitchen and into the family room. Some of the water has begun to find its way into the carpet, the under pad, and the subfloor. The owners were only gone for a week and never turned off the main water valve. The plastic pipe connecting the water line to the fridge for cold water and ice was over ten years old. This pipe had developed a pinhole-sized leak, which over a week caused a great deal of water to spread across the floors of the home.

SERVPRO responds to water damage events in Albany and Americus of all kinds. A water leak from older plastic pipes is becoming quite common. These flexible quarter-inch pipes are aging and can spring a leak at any time. Many unsuspecting homeowners come home from work to find a puddle around their fridge. A great deal of water can leak all over your home over a week or more while the homeowner is on vacation.

Evaluate the Subfloor

One of the first steps a SERVPRO crew chief does is evaluate the condition of the floor and the extent of the water damage. He or she makes sure that it is safe. How far has the water spread? Has the carpet delaminated? Has the water penetrated and been absorbed by the subfloor?

Evaluate the subfloor when the carpet and under pad are soaked in water. Can the subfloor be dried sufficiently, or does it need to be replaced? The subfloor is made up of wood particles glued together and pressed into a four foot by eight-foot sheets in various thicknesses. This type of subfloor expands and loses strength when exposed to water over time. Mold may also develop.

Remove Water and Moisture

Water and moisture are removed using water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers. It helps to also turn on the homes AC. If the carpet has not delaminated, pull it away from the floor, and air movers blow air over the subfloor to draw moisture from the floor. Replace several sections if the floor has absorbed water and began to expand.

Call SERVPRO of Albany/Americus for you water damage needs.

Fire Odors in a Home Can Come From Many Sources Like Unforeseen Kitchen Fires.

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Albany home with residential kitchen and dining room fire damage SERVPRO technicians get called in to assess large home fire affecting kitchen and dining areas.

Kitchen fires often begin on the stove, causing the hood of the stove and the cabinetry to be charred by the fire.

One of the most common complaints we get from local homeowners about fire odors in their residences is that the odors may have remained in their homes for many years, sometimes since before they ever purchased their homes. Smoke odors can, depending on the volume and type of smoke in the building, take decades to fall to unnoticeable levels. Given that smoke odors can bother those in and around your home and potentially decrease property values, investing in a permanent deodorization treatment may be worth your time.

Fire damage in homes can come from many different sources and may pose unique challenges even to SERVPRO technicians certified in fire damage treatments by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Different types of smoke produce significantly different particles that may require variable mixtures of absorption agents, adsorption agents, and other odor-neutralizing chemicals to treat. Over the years, however, we have learned to treat fire odors from sources ranging from long-term tobacco use to large-scale house fires that can affect the entire building. Telling us over the phone what type of situation caused the odors can help us to prepare adequately for the work to come.

Some projects may pose additional difficulties due to the volume and spread of smoke particles throughout the home. Significant fires or long-term tobacco use can cause smoke odors to spread throughout the air vents in your home and lead to a more prolonged and extensive odor removal process. SERVPRO technicians also receiveIICRC certifications related to the cleaning of your home HVAC systems and can use this training to eliminate odors that might otherwise circulate around your home. We provide full and total coverage for your home when eliminating odors of any kind, leaving the place looking and smelling "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus specializes in reversing the effects fire and smoke damage can have on your home. 

Contact our team with your fire and smoke services today!

Flooding Can Happen in a Flash

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

No Flood Job too Big, No Flood Job Too Small Flooding Happens. We Can Help. Call SERVPRO of Albany & Americus (229) 439-2048.

With all of the devastating floods currently affecting multiple parts of the country, we want our customers to be prepared. The rain last week has caused flooding to a number of area homes and businesses. We've received many calls from home and business owners who need help drying out their water damages. SERVPRO of Albany & Americus is considered an essential business and has never stopped working through any crisis. 

The reality is that flooding still happens and needs to be cleaned up quickly to prevent secondary damage. Quick action is the key to limiting damage if you have flooding. Here are some actions that can prevent mold from growing in your  home. 

  • Protect your belongings – remove light furniture and upholstered items as well as other items that are susceptible (cardboard boxes, carpets and other porous items) from the affected area. 
  • Remove as much water as possible using a wet/dry vacuum. 
  • Use fans to circulate the air and speed up the drying process. A good rule of thumb is to run the fans for an additional week after the area appears dry. 
  • A dehumidifier can be used as well to remove excess moisture and dry out the room. 

Water damage can easily be hidden underneath rugs or carpet, so be sure to give your home a thorough inspection if you suspect water damage. Although carpets can be steam cleaned, they are tough to treat and padding typically cannot be saved. 

If you have flood damage in your home or business, give us a call. We are an IICRC trained mold and water mitigation company and have the tools and expertise to treat your  South Georgia  home for damage.

 

Let’s Talk Tornadoes…

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Tornado on Open Land Tornadoes in the forecast? Have a PLAN to keep yourself safe!

Residents and business owners throughout Southwest Georgia are, unfortunately, all too familiar with the “BEEP, BEEP, BEEP” of a severe weather alert, having their home or business fall under a thunderstorm watch or warning, and having to prepare for a variety of possible issues from Mother Nature all throughout the year. When talking about severe weather, one of the most dangerous, and damaging, types of systems to be prepared for is a TORNADO.  Understanding the what, how, and why of tornadoes can help you to plan, prepare, and keep yourself SAFE during severe weather!

So, let’s start with the basics…

What (exactly) is a tornado?

Weather.gov defines a tornado as “a violently column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm.”  These winds from a tornado can reach up to 300 miles per hour, and the path of damage created can be more than one mile wide and fifty miles long. 

Tornadoes in Georgia

Tornadoes are most likely to occur in Georgia between the months of March-May but can take place any time of year depending on atmospheric conditions.  According to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, tornadoes are Georgia’s number one weather related killer, so it is imperative to have an emergency plan in place prior to a storm’s arrival.

Tornado Preparation

Although tornadoes can spawn and travel very quickly, it is important to always have a way to receive weather alerts and follow the guidance provided by local authorities.  Have a designated safe room: an area centrally located within your home and away from windows.  Shelter on the lowest level of the structure you are within if you are in the forecasted impact area.

After a Tornado

If a tornado has impacted your local area, think safety first!  Avoid downed power lines, stay out of damaged buildings, and watch for hazards such as broken glass.  Continue to follow the direction of local authorities in the area.

In the unfortunate event that a tornado causes damage to your home or business, know that SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is Here to Help.  Serving communities throughout Southwest Georgia, our team of highly trained professionals will work diligently to provide the highest possible level of customer service while repairing your property.  To learn more about the services we offer, request assistance, or for any other questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call: 229-439-2048.

Trust Your Local SERVPRO Storm Experts

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

After The Storm. A field with storm clouds in the background. Trust your local SERVPRO of Albany & Americus experts for your storm damage today at (229) 439-2048

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety-filled situation. SERVPRO of Albany & Americus delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread, as we are able to call upon a network of over 2,000 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 
 
Storm Damage in Southwest Georgia can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition just “Like it never even happened.” 
 
Placing your trust in SERVPRO for your storm damage needs will bring you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore you and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the safe and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling. 
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Albany & Americus at (229)439-2048 anytime 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

Storm Response – The SERVPRO of Albany and Americus Way

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Trailer in front of a large commercial building Storm Damages? CALL SERVPRO of Albany and Americus!

Restoring storm and flood-damaged properties is a cornerstone of our business. The highly trained team at SERVPRO of Albany and Americus uses specialized equipment and advanced technology to help restore your residential or commercial property to its pre-storm condition. Whether damages have been caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe weather events, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is prepared to respond as quickly as possible after a storm or flooding event, helping to minimize the damage sustained to your structure.  With the backing of 2,000 SERVPRO franchises nationwide, disaster recovery teams for large scale events, AND our regional sister franchises, we have the knowledge, resources, and equipment to mitigate flood and storm damages of all sizes.  So, how does our storm response work?

24 Hour Emergency Service

Our teams are on standby 24/7/365 to respond and begin the mitigation process.  From boarding up damaged windows, to extracting standing water, we truly are Here to Help when disaster strikes.

Strategically Located Manpower

The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams should a large-scale disaster strike nearby.  These teams have numerous years of experience in cleanup and restoration, along with a variety of IICRC certifications, giving them the highest level of expertise when it comes to mitigating storm damage.

Vendor Partnerships and Relationships

Often, one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome in areas affected by large scale storm damage is the availability of resources, including equipment, fuel, and building supplies.  With our extended network of vendor relationships, both on national and local levels, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus can access scarce resources much more efficiently to repair and restore your property more quickly.

A Brand You Know and Trust

When it comes to restoring your home or business, you want a vendor that you can trust.  Unfortunately, many people fall victim to deceiving business practices from untrustworthy contractors during storm situations; don’t join that statistic!  The SERVPRO brand is a trusted leader in cleanup and restoration throughout the United States and Canada.

When storm damages affect homes and businesses throughout Southwest Georgia, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is faster to any size disaster!  Need Help?  CALL US! 229-439-2048.

We’re Ready For, and Faster, to ANY SIZE Disaster!

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

Large Drying Machinery outside of a commercial building Commercial Property Damage? Trust SERVPRO of Albany and Americus to Help!

When disaster threatens to derail your business, whether from a heavy storm or electrical fire, you want a local cleanup and restoration leader that you can TRUST to help get your business back to business faster.  Choosing the right vendor, with the necessary training, experience, equipment, and expertise, is imperative to reducing the amount of damage your property sustains.  So, what sets SERVPRO of Albany and Americus apart from the other options available in Southwest Georgia?

Extensive Network of Resources

The larger the damage, the more resources will be required for remediation.  SERVPRO of Albany and Americus has the backing of over 2,000 nationwide franchises, providing a substantial amount of labor, equipment, consumables, and partner vendors to respond to any size disaster.  Along with this extensive network, SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is proud to have the direct support of our sister franchises nearby: SERVPRO of Bay County, SERVPRO of North Pensacola, and SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County.  These relationships give SERVPRO of Albany and Americus the ability to respond faster to your commercial disaster and begin the mitigation process.

Industry Leading Equipment, Training, and Technologies

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus’ team holds numerous certifications from the IICRC, allowing us to appropriately analyze a damage after it occurs, and formulate the most efficient plan for remediation.  Along with this knowledge, our team utilizes industry leading equipment, including machinery for drying, dehumidification, and air purification, to begin the process of mitigating your damage safely and quickly.  Finally, we employ proprietary documenting software to provide you, the customer, with information detailing all work done, including photos, for your records.

24/7/365 Emergency Response

Day or night, rain, or shine, the SERVPRO of Albany and Americus team is ready to respond when disaster strikes.  The key to reducing business interruption is a timely response coupled with the appropriate techniques for restoration.  The faster we arrive on site and assess the damage, the faster we can get your business “back to business.”  We’re proud to be of service to the communities throughout Southwest Georgia and will work diligently to provide the best possible customer service experience during your cleanup and restoration process.

Commercial Property Damage? CALL 229-439-2048

Interested in Learning More? CALL 229-439-2048

In Need of Emergency Response? CALL 229-439-2048

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is Here to Help!

Continuing Education Credits for the Southwest Georgia Insurance Community!

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Chalkboard with the Words "Continuing Education" written on it Are you an insurance professional in need of continuing education credits? Give us a call!

Are you looking for a new, interactive way to earn your Continuing Education credits?  Ready to get ahead of your credit requirements instead of packing in numerous hours at the last minute? Are you ready to advance your knowledge of cleanup and restoration?  Look no further!  SERVPRO of Albany and Americus offers a variety of for-credit Continuing Education courses, FREE OF CHARGE! That’s right!  Our team is proud to be of service to our local insurance community, helping you to fulfill your credit obligations, while presenting relevant, real-world information that can help you to assist your clients when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Albany and Americus understands how busy and hectic your day-to-day schedule can be, so to accommodate more attendees, we are offering our courses BOTH virtually via webinar, and in person at a local business, at the same time.  By choosing the style of attendance that fits YOU and your schedule best, we hope to make the learning experience much more fun, memorable, and easily accessible along with all your other responsibilities.  We offer a variety of 2 credit hour courses throughout the year, including:

  • Biohazard Cleanup
  • Deodorization of Malodors
  • Mitigation Awareness & Response Seminar
  • Restorative Drying for Water Damage
  • Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry

and, coming up on August 10th, 2022, we will be offering two courses in a dual in person/virtual presentation: Ethics and Cleaning and Restoring Smoke Damaged Contents.  We invite you to attend!

To learn more about SERVPRO of Albany and Americus’ Continuing Education offerings, register for one or both of our upcoming courses, or for any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by calling 229-439-2048 and asking for Alina, or emailing alina@SERVPROalbany.com.  Serving the communities of Camilla, Leesburg, and surrounding areas, our team is Here to Help when disaster strikes, and with helping to educate our local insurance community!

Did You Know? The Fire Extinguisher Edition

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher hanging on the wall of a building Keep yourself and your property safe by having the proper type of fire extinguisher available AND knowing how to use it!

We have all been taught since a very early age the importance of having a working fire extinguisher nearby inside of every building, especially where cooking is taking place.  But do you know HOW to properly use a fire extinguisher? Did you know that there are DIFFERENT TYPES of fire extinguishers, specified for different uses?  Finally, are you aware that fire extinguisher should be regularly inspected?  These “fire extinguisher specifics” are very important to keeping yourself, loved ones, and property protected, so let’s learn more!

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

The U.S. Fire Administration suggests the acronym “PASS” as a means of properly discharging a fire extinguisher:

P - Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

            S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

            S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers/Uses for Each Type

The U.S. Fire Administration defines five primary types of fire extinguishers used to put out different kinds of fires:

  1. A – used for ordinary material fires, such as wood, cloth, or paper.
  2. B – for use with combustible or flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, or oil.
  3. C – for use with electrical equipment like appliances and tools.
  4. D – for use with flammable metals.
  5. K – for use with animal oils, vegetable oils, and fats in cooking appliances.

Inspection & Maintenance

The U.S. Fire Administration provides the following information about fire extinguisher inspection.  At a minimum, inspection needs to consist of the following steps:

  • Make sure the extinguisher is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located
  • Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher
  • Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position
  • Make sure it is full, this can be done by just lifting the extinguisher or you can weigh it
  • Make sure the extinguisher is not expired

In the unfortunate event that you home or business suffers fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Albany and Americus for help.  Available 24/7/365 for emergencies, our highly trained team is “Faster to any size disaster.”  Call now to learn more or request assistance: 229-439-2048

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Fire-extinguishers