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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Why Choose SERVPRO For Your Restoration and Remediation Needs?

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO green box truck parked in snowy setting Here to help® 24/7

When a disaster such as fire, water, or mold damage takes control of your life, SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County help you take it back.  We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry, with training, experience, and equipment to quickly make those disasters Like it never even happened.®

Disasters usually do not happen during regular business hours, that is why we provide 24-hour emergency services.  Our highly trained restoration technicians work in sun, rain, and even blizzard conditions to take care of our customers.  With over 2,000 franchises, we are Faster to Any Sized Disaster™, and no job is too big or small for us.

If you walk into a flooded basement in the middle of the night or on Christmas morning, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County, 269-686-0664, we are always Here to help®

Why SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County? Advanced Technology and Techiques

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Infrared Thermal Camera at work Infrared Thermal Camera at work

Over the past few decades we have seen major advancements in technology and techniques used in the restoration industry.  These advancements allow SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively. 

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor moisture levels.

  • Infrared cameras can help detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor making for a more thorough water removal.
  • Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of water from your property.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units efficiently remove water.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors.  Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers prompt moisture to evaporate at a faster rate.
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Fire and water damage often cause strong odors.  The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

  • Air scrubbers remove airborne particles and contaminants.
  • Thermal foggers and deodorization agents control odors.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

  • Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
  • Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

If you've experienced water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County today, 269-686-0664

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup in Fennville

4/3/2022 (Permalink)

Police Line Do Not Cross tape SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County provides cleaning services related to crime scenes and trauma.

Once the police clear a crime or accident scene, the cleanup and restoration process can begin.  Most crime and accident scenes include blood and other biohazard material.  SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County can respond quickly and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean crime and trauma scenes.  Out technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols, focusing on safety, when comin across bloodborne pathogens or harmful chemicals.

Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services:

  • Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals from a crime scene investigation
  • Tear gas and pepper spray residue
  • Fire extinguisher residue
  • Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death

If you or someone you know needs trauma cleaning services, leave it to the professionals, call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County, 269-686-0664, we are Here to help®

Communication Is A Top Priority With Cloverdale Residents

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician communicating with customer SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County makes sure our customers are fully informed throughout the whole process.

At SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County, one of our top priorities is effective communication.  The success of most everything we do can be traced back to our level of communication.  We are always working towards optimizing our communication, whether that is with our customers, insurance professionals, vendors, or team members because clear and consistent communication is key.

SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County makes sure to communicate updates with customers and other appropriate parties daily during the job.  Checking in, making sure they do not have any questions, feel informed, and understand the process.  Daily and weekly meetings are scheduled for our staff to stay on the same page and keep an open line of communication.  We are not perfect but are constantly working on improving all aspects of communication.

If you experience a disaster in your Cloverdale business or home, call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County, 269-686-0664. We are Faster to any size disaster™

Biohazard and Sewage Emergency Tips for Your Hartford Business or Home

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Basement filled with sewage This flooded basement was caused by a sewer backup.

Sewer backups and flood water are the two most common biohazard scenarios for your Hartford home or business.  Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous.  SERVPRO of Van Buren County technicians have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.

After biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your focus should be safety.  Below are some do's and don'ts after calling SERVPRO of Van Buren County for help.

What to Do After a Contamination:

  • Stay out of the affected areas.
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
  • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
  • Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination:

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in the affected areas.  Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use TV or other household appliances in the affected areas.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If your home or business has suffered contamination, SERVPRO of Van Buren County is Here to help® 24/7/365, 269-639-0464

Happy Customers in Lawrence

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Two hands with thumbs up SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County are your local restoration experts.

At SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County we understand the stress and worry the comes with water, fire or mold damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."  The following is a recent customer testimonial:

"Timely response, advised me of the process prior to completing the work and cleaned up after the project completed.  Left my home better than when they arrived like my mom always said to do." - Rocky

If you've experienced fire, water or mold damage in your Lawrence home or business call SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County, 269-686-0664, we are Here to Help® 24/7/365

Rapid Emergency Response Time in Nashville

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Hourglass with green sand Faster to any size disaster.

When a disaster hits, every minute counts.  SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County have been restoring homes and commercial buildings for years in the Nashville area.  Our fast emergency response time is critical to minimizing the potential for further damage.  The following is a water damage timeline that describes the damage that water can do in a short period of time.

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 papers 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.

When your Nashville home or business needs emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Allegan / Barry County and SERVPRO of Van Buren County are Here to Help® 24/7/365, 269-686-0664

Prepare to Protect

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Ready.gov National Preparedness Month graphic Prepare to Protect this September.

Every September is National Preparedness Month. Ready.gov comes up with a different theme each year to help prepare families and businesses.  This year's theme is "Prepare to Protect.  Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love."  The following are weekly themes for your family to focus on:

Week 1: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster.

Week 2: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don't forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly.

Week 3: Low-Cost Prep

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area.  Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards.  Check your insurance coverage to make sure it is up-to-date.

Week 4: Teach The Youth

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated.  Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

If a disaster strikes your home in Martin, call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties, 269-686-0664, we are Here to Help®

Specially Formulated Cleaning Products

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO products A higher standard of clean.

As your local mitigation, remediation, and restoration company, SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties carries a variety of professional cleaning products.  We do not use the same cleaners that you can purchase in a store.  SERVPRO® Industries have scientists on staff that formulate products that are designed exclusively for our franchise.  You can be assured that the most effective products are being used to take care of your loss.

Our products are used to decontaminate, deodorize, clean leather and wood, general cleaning, and much more.  Each of our products are labeled and specify proper cleaning use.  For our customers comfort and knowledge, our technicians carry a Safety Data Sheet per product.

We ensure thorough cleaning is maintained throughout each job because we think of your property as our own.

SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties is available 24/7/365.  We are a highly trained water, fire, mold, and biohazard restoration company with many services not typically covered by other restoration companies and our Professionals are trained in property mitigation, remediation, and restoration.  From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility, to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties today for your cleaning, mitigation, and remediation needs, 269-686-0664

Mold Remediation vs. "Mold Removal"

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Mushroom and mold growing out of flooring Leave mold remediation to the experts.

Some restoration companies advertise "mold removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a misconception. Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a business or home is impossible. 

A qualified restoration company like SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties understands the science behind mold and mold growth. Our technicians have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your Paw Paw, MI business, or home. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels to normal, natural levels. 

No mold damage scenario is the same and they require solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. 

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact: 269-686-0664
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Step 3: Mold Containment
  • Step 4: Air Filtration 
  • Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-infested Materials
  • Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Step 7: Restoration 

Learn more about our mold remediation process

Signs of mold in your home or business? Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Countries today, 269-686-0664

Helping You Be Ready When Disaster Strikes

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Logo SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties makes it easy to plan ahead and to be "Ready for whatever happens."

No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it ahead of time.  Now is the time to ask yourself, "Are you ready for whatever could happen?"  The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile gives you peace of mind, providing critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services, serving as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

  • A no cost assessment of your facility.
  • A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  • A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  • Establishes SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  • Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  • Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties to get started and be "Ready for whatever happens." 269-686-0664

Removing Nicotine Damage from your Home

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Cigarette in ash tray Call SERVPRO to take care of nicotine or smoke odor in your home or business.

In order to successfully remove any odor, you must first remove and/or clean the source of the smell.  Once the source has been permanently neutralized, our trained technicians will clean all surfaces with HEPA vacuums and SERVPRO professional cleaning products, paying special attention to horizontal surfaces as dust sized particles can carry smoke and nicotine smells.  

The following are some typical steps or procedures SERVPRO professionals use to clean smoke and nicotine from homes and businesses:

  • Clean using the top-down method.  It is best to clean smoke or nicotine residue starting with the ceiling, working your way down the walls, and ending with the floors.  This minimizes the potential of resoiling cleaned areas and insures that no spots are missed during the cleaning process.
  • Clean all color safe or glossy finished walls, cabinets, light fixtures, windows and trim surfaces with a light detergent.
  • Special attention is given to horizontal surfaces such as door jams, window seals, window treatments/blinds, cabinet tops and crown molding.
  • Only soft white cloths are used to do this type of cleaning.  They prevent damaging of surfaces and also verify that the nicotine is being removed.  Because the cloth is white, our technicians are able to see yellow residue developing on the cloth as they clean.  This indicates that the process is working and that the nicotine particles are successfully being removed.  The technicians will repeat this cleaning process until no yellow residue appears on the surface or cleaning cloth.
  • Smoke and nicotine odor particles are typically airborne, so it is likely that they have contaminated your HVAC system.  We recommend a good duct cleaning and replacing filters.
  • Thermal fog the entire affected area.  Thermal fogging is a process where heat is applied to our professional deodorizing products using a thermal fogging machine.  The machine releases a fog that smoke and nicotine odor particles are drawn to and are absorbed by, thus neutralizing the odor.

Nicotine and smoke odors are one of the more common odor related issues and can be cleaned up quickly and effectively by well trained and equipped professionals.  SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties has a team of trained professionals that have the knowledge base and experience to take on even the most challenging odors.

Do you have a rental property or a deceased family members home that needs a thorough cleaning because they smoked in the home?  Call us today to schedule an inspection for a quote - (269) 686-0664

Here to Help

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

Technician explaining to customer Our IICRC Certified technicians are Here to Help

If you have ever experienced a loss to your home or business, you know how worrisome it can be.  More often then not, one of the first things you want to know is how the situation is going to get resolved.  One of our main priorities at SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties is that our customers know and understand exactly what we are going to do to restore their home or business.  Our IICRC Certified technicians are trained to keep customers updated and answer any questions they may have.  Since restoration can be a complex process, we want to ensure that our customers know exactly what we are going and why we are doing it.  We will be with you every step of the way.

If you experience a loss to your home or business, we are Here to Help.  Your property will be in good hands; call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties so we can make it "Like it never even happened." (269) 686-0664

Winter Weather Worries

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

Burst pipe Burst pipe from freezing temperatures

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a driveway to shovel.  Living in Michigan we are at risk for frozen pipes, which can create a major disaster to your home or business.

Frozen pipes occur when exposed to cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in 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 from the backflow of pressure between the water source and the blockage.

If winter weather causes water damage to your business or home, SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties is only a call away, (269) 686-0664! Our IICRC Certified technicians have the knowledge, experience and equipment to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Emergency READY Profile at No-Cost

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever heard of a restoration company that wants to help you MINIMIZE your loss? That's SERVPRO and the Emergency READY Profile. This is a no-cost assessment of your facility where we document critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It's a plan of action to help guide you back into your building should a loss occur. 

SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren County professionals are your disaster mitigation and restoration specialists. 

The Emergency READY Profile is a comprehensive document that contains critical information about your business, emergency contact information, approved vendor list, shut-off valve locations and access point information. The ERP can be accessed online using your computer, laptop, tablet or download the free Ready Plan app on your Apple or Android device. What this means for a business owner is that they carry their buildings with them everywhere they go. 

Being prepared is the key to making it through any size disaster. Could be a simple plugged toilet to a large sewer back up or fire that fills your business with layer of soot. Plan ahead before a disaster happens. 

Call SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren County to schedule your No-Cost assessment. (269)686-0664

We are Cleaning Experts

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home and business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-tough surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today - SERVPRO of Allegan/Barry/Van Buren Counties, 269-686-0664

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

Coronavirus Safety

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

The World Health Organization has officially declared the Coronavirus a pandemic. In light of this situation, we have developed specific steps to assist with managing the illness. Our crew can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. 

The CDC has put together steps that can be taken to help protect yourself and those around you from illness:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community
  • Clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces

Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can help in any way!

Call Us Today – (269) 686-0664

Here are additional links regarding COVID-19:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Safely Celebrating the Holidays

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

A festive Christmas tree

The holiday season is here once again. Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright. If you don’t use caution when roasting your chestnuts on an open fire, your holidays will quickly go from holly jolly to horrid. From Christmas to Kwanzaa we have helpful tips to help you and your family.

  • Always unplug holiday lights and trees before leaving you home or business
  • Keep flammable material at least 3 ft away from your Christmas candles, Menorah or Kinara
  • Don’t plug more than 3 strings of lights into each other or opt for a power strip instead
  • Use a sturdy tree stand when setting up your tree
  • Supervise children and pets near your Christmas tree

We hope you have a happy holiday season filled happiness. May the joys of the season shed light, hope and fill our hearts with peace.

Have Questions about Fire, Water, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today 269-686-0664

Get Your Business Back to Business

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Our mobile ERP can be emailed to anyone you please. Have your Emergency plan at your finger tips.

Why SERVPRO? We have what you need.

Does your business have an emergency plan in place? There are many benefits to having an emergency plan. At SERVPRO we offer the ERP. The Emergency Ready Plan or ERP is a service our company offers to help your business in its time of need. In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. This is a comprehensive document that contains critical information about your business. This includes Emergency contact information, shut off valve locations, and priority areas. With our many technological advances you are now able to access your ERP on your mobile device from almost any location. 

The ERP is a no-cost assessment! It’s only requires time. If you are interested in acquiring these valuable assets contact SERVPRO of Allegan and Barry County 269-686-0664.

advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

  • No-cost to your business 
  • Easy access to critical information 
  • Quick access to contacts
  • Easy to understand and organized
  • Peace of Mind

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, mold remediation from an ongoing problem or a fire. SERVPRO of Allegan and Barry County is here to help. When fire or water damage puts your business at risk. Let us make it “ "Like it never even happened." “. It all starts with a phone call and one of our helpful representatives will assist you with your needs.

Have Questions about ERP, Fire, Water, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today 269-686-0664

Cooking Safely for the Holiday Seasons

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Holiday dining room ready to host friends and family.

The Holidays are upon us! Soon family and friends will be gathering to create new memories. People will be congregating in the kitchen around the fire place and everywhere in between. To help keep your holiday season merry and bright it is important to keep fire safety tip in mind. In this blog we will be listing a few quick cooking tips.

  • Check food on a regular basis. Be sure to use a time to help as a reminder.
  • Don’t wear anything with loose sleeves while cooking
  • Keep Flammable items (paper towels, oven mitts, pot holders etc.) away from cook tops or any other appliances that generate heat
  • Purchase a fire extinguisher for your kitchen. Make sure it’s the proper type of extinguisher!

I hope these tips are helpful. From our SERVPRO family to yours Happy Holidays!

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 
269-686-0664

Fungus Among Us

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mold. Just the word makes many people cringe. I hope with this blog I will be able to inform you the reader the basics on understanding mold. Making mold a little less scary.

Mold is a term that is used to describe fungi that grows in the form of a multi cellular thread like structure. Mold and fungi spores are naturally occurring. When an out of the ordinary event occurs such as water intrusion mold can become more present. This can happen in many ways. For example flooding, leaking pipes, roof leaks and more. When these events occur it creates the ideal environment for mold. In order to thrive molds need moisture, humidity, and organic material (wood, paper, drywall, insulation) to provide a food source. Live mold spores act like seeds and are able to form new colonies under the right conditions. This is why it is important to have a professionals on the job.

"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." -Kofi Annan

If you have a visible mold problem remember

SERVPRO of Allegan & Barry County (269-686-0664) is always here to help 24/7.

Training Day for SERVPRO

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allegan & Barry County 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 Allegan & Barry County

SERVPRO of Allegan & Barry 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 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.

http://www.SERVPROalleganbarrycounty.com/employee-photos

Hoarding Hazards

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with items because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences feelings or sometimes physical distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Do to this  accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.

Hoarding often creates such cramped living conditions that homes may be filled to capacity, with only narrow pathways winding through stacks of clutter. Countertops, sinks, stoves, desks, stairways and virtually all other surfaces are usually piled with stuff. And when there's no more room inside, the clutter may spread to the garage, vehicles, yard and other storage facilities.

In some cases people hoard not only items but animals.People who hoard animals may collect dozens or even hundreds of pets. Animals may be confined inside or outside. Because of the large numbers, these animals often aren't cared for properly. The health and safety of the person and the animals are at risk because of unsanitary conditions.

SERVPRO Franchises encounter hoarding situation most often during water losses and fire losses. Each hoarding situation is unique. Often hoarding is a sensitive situation. Our SERVPRO team has the professionalism and compassion to help.

Can you use SERVPRO of Allegan & Barry Counties help?

Call our Office at 269-686-0664

Information found at www.mayoclinic.org