Flooded Home? Top Tips for Recovery | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

9/15/2024 (Permalink)

It is important to address even minor flood damage immediately; contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg any time for fast and reliable assistance.

Floods can happen anywhere and at any time, and they are among the most devastating natural disasters that can affect homeowners. When floodwater infiltrates your home, it can cause severe damage to your property and put your family at risk.

It is essential to understand the risks associated with flooding and what to do if it happens to you. Our team explains more about flood risks and what to do if the water comes rushing into your home below. 

Understanding Flood Risks
Floods can happen due to a variety of reasons, including heavy rain, overflowing rivers or streams and even manmade issues like burst water lines or broken levees. If you live in a flood zone or near a larger body of water, you should be prepared to take the necessary precautions to protect your home and family.

Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, flooding can still happen unexpectedly and can lead to serious damage in a short amount of time. Watch the forecast carefully and always avoid traveling when there is heavy rain or a strong storm in the forecast.

What to Do if Floodwater Leaks Into Your Home
If floodwater enters your home, the first thing you should do is prioritize your safety and that of your loved ones. Turn off the power and gas supply to your home immediately to avoid electrical hazards or gas leaks. Avoid contact with floodwater as it may contain harmful bacteria, chemicals or other contaminants. 

Next, contact SERVPRO®. We have the expertise and equipment to remove the water, dry and dehumidify your home, and repair any damage caused by the flood. We will also work with your insurance company to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and efficiently.

How SERVPRO of Hattiesburg Can Help
At SERVPRO of Hattiesburg, we understand the urgency of flood damage restoration and the importance of responding quickly to minimize the damage. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency call. 

We will arrive promptly and assess the extent of the damage to your property.
Our flood damage restoration process involves the following steps:

1. Inspection and Assessment: We will inspect your property and assess the extent of the damage caused by floodwater.

2. Water Removal: We will use powerful pumps and vacuums to remove the water from your home. 

3. Drying and Dehumidifying: We will use specialized equipment to dry and dehumidify your home to prevent mold growth and further damage.
   
   4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: We will clean and sanitize your home and belongings to remove any harmful bacteria or contaminants.
   
   5. Restoration: We will repair any damage caused by floodwater and restore your home to its pre-flood condition

Flooding can be a traumatic experience for homeowners, but with the help of a professional flood damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Hattiesburg, you can get back on your feet quickly. Contact us today if you need assistance with flood damage restoration or have any questions about our services.

Even small floods need to be addressed immediately. Call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg and we will take care of you.

What to Do if Rain Infiltrates Your Home | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg for a fast response.

Rainwater can cause significant damage to your home, both inside and out. Even a small leak can lead to mold growth, rotting wood and water damage. If rain infiltrates your home, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage.

We want your home to stay dry no matter what is in store for us this season, so we provide you with some tips below on what to do if your home has rainwater on the inside.

Locate the Source of the Leak

The first step in dealing with rainwater infiltration is to locate the source of the leak. Look for water stains on your ceilings or walls, and check your attic for signs of water damage. If you have access to your roof, inspect it for missing or damaged shingles, or any other signs of damage.

Check your gutters and downspouts for clogs or damage that could be causing the water to overflow. Once you have located the source of the leak, you can take steps to prevent further damage. 

Place buckets or other containers under any leaks to catch the water. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove as much water as possible. If there is standing water in your home, use a mop or towels to soak up the water. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and rubber boots, when dealing with standing water.

Call a Professional
Dealing with rainwater infiltration can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have experience in water damage restoration. If you have significant water damage, it’s best to call a professional. A professional water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO®, has the expertise and equipment to quickly and effectively remove water and dry out your home.

We will arrive quickly to dry up the standing water, and our team will also track down any lingering moisture behind your walls and under your floors. We are as thorough as possible so we can help you avoid serious situations like structural integrity issues and mold infestations. In addition to handling your restoration, we can also help you navigate your insurance claim so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Prevent Future Water Damage
Once you have dealt with the immediate problem of rainwater infiltration, it’s important to take steps to prevent future water damage. Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs, and inspect your roof for damage after any severe weather. Make sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider installing flood barriers or a sump pump to prevent water from entering your home. Keep an eye on the forecast and take action as soon as heavy rain is predicted! The more you do ahead of the rain, the better chance you have of staying dry when it starts pouring down. 

Dealing with water damage? SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is Here to Help®.

So You Found Mold…Now What? | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Living with mold in your home is toxic and dangerous! Call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg today. We are Here to Help®.

We are all well-versed in the different threats that our homes face on a daily basis. Fire, floods and storms can take us by surprise at any time and leave serious damage in their wake. One threat that is not often talked about is mold, but it can also leave your home damaged, smelly and even hazardous. 

Knowing more about mold and how it spreads in your home can help you avoid a mold infestation in your house, and it can also help you jump into action faster if you do discover it unexpectedly. 

The 411 About Mold 

Did you know that mold is everywhere, both inside and outside your home? Microscopic mold spores float through the air and can easily get into your home through open windows or doors and even through your HVAC system. 

But mold spores don’t always turn into a mold infestation. Mold grows best in environments that are dark and damp, so places like your attic, basement and crawl space are all good candidates for an infestation.

If a few mold spores settle into one of these areas, they can grow into an entire colony 24 to 48 hours. Mold can also be really colorful. It can be any color of the rainbow and it can also have many different textures from slimy to chalky. Even though it can look and feel different, all mold tends to smell earthy or musty. If you notice this smell inside your home, it’s time to track down the source. 

How to Reduce Your Risk of an Infestation  

Controlling moisture levels in your home is the key to controlling mold infestations. Circulate the air often by running a fan or keeping your windows open in high traffic areas like bathrooms or your kitchen.

You should also be sure you are keeping your home’s humidity levels in an appropriate range. Between 30 and 50% humidity is often the recommendation for most homes. 

Another important way to reduce your risk of mold growth is to address any water leaks or water spots quickly. A single drip from a dishwasher may not seem like an emergency, but that drip can continue for a long time and can get under your floors or behind your walls. If that moisture isn’t cleaned up promptly, mold can start to grow within a day. 

Mold Mitigation Strategies 

If you do uncover a mold infestation in your home, avoid touching it and get us on the phone right away. Certain types of mold spores can be dangerous to inhale, so leave the investigation and the cleanup to the professionals. We will quickly contain the area and filter the air while we work on cleaning and sanitizing the area.

Mold can also cause structural damage to your home, especially if the infestation was left to grow for some time. We can replace structural beams and joists and handle any restoration needs that your space requires. 

Mold can grow quickly and quietly. Contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg right away for a fast restoration. 

3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage When It Rains | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

When unexpected water damage creeps into your home, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is here for the rescue. Call us today!

A good soaking rain can be really beneficial for our area from time to time. A little rain can give gardens a boost, give your lawn a drink and can even function as a free car wash! 

While you might appreciate when it rains, though, you certainly don’t want that rain to be leaking into your home. 

Preparing ahead of any severe weather or heavy rainstorms can help you avoid damage or minimize a potential water damage situation. Doing these three things before it starts to rain can keep your home safe and dry: 

Address Your Gutters
The wind and previous storms can easily toss about yard debris and leaves around your property. While the majority of debris will end up on your lawn, there is always the chance that it lands in your gutters and forms a backup. 

A clog in your gutter system or in your downspouts can force water to back up onto your roof, or it can pour over the sides of your home and collect by your foundation, which can lead to a seriously flooded basement. 

One simple way to avoid this is to clean out your gutters regularly! This is ideally done after every large storm, but it should at least be done once a season to ensure your gutters are free and clear to work how they should. Just be sure to do this task with a buddy or a family member nearby if you have to get up on the ladder. 

Tackle Roof Damage

Our roofs protect us from many different kinds of threats and the force of Mother Nature, so it should be no surprise that they are one of the most common areas to experience damage when the weather turns south. Even just a minor gap along your roof line or a missing shingle on the back of your house can invite water into your attic that can leak down your walls. 

Get on your roof and check it thoroughly after each storm passes to look for signs of damage. Fixing any minor issues on your own or calling a professional company out to do it for you can ensure your roof is once again sealed up tight and ready to keep you dry.

Check Your Equipment

If you have a sump pump in your home, you will want to check it every so often to ensure it is in good working condition. The time when you find out that it is malfunctioning should not be when your basement is being flooded with water and your sump pump is not working the way it should. Have it serviced regularly, and address issues with it right away. 

We know that Mother Nature is unpredictable and can cause all kinds of watery chaos in your home, which is why we are here 24/7 to respond to your call for help. We will expertly dry out your home and address any necessary repairs to help you recover faster and more efficiently. 

Our team is here to ensure your home is dried out and repaired quickly. Contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg right away. 

Important Steps to Take After a Flood | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

When an unexpected flash flood strikes, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is here to respond by restoring your home. Call us now!

Flood situations are always serious, no matter how they start. They can also cause some serious damage to your home and property! 

Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can help minimize damage and keep your family safe.

Preparation Strategies 

Start getting your home and family ready the moment a flash flood watch or warning is issued, even if it is not actively raining. Once the storm arrives, rain can fall fast and heavy and conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Head for home if you aren’t there yet, and be sure to avoid low-lying areas or roads that are known to flood during storms. 

Tidy up your yard and move any household objects or toys inside for safekeeping. Secure any heavy objects like patio furniture and grills so they can’t be swept away by any fast-moving water. 

Then head inside and start preparing your lowest level and your safe shelter location. Pull any important documents or possessions out of your basement and move anything fragile to a safe location. Grab your emergency kit and head to the highest part of your home to wait out the weather.

What to Do if Water Starts Flowing Inside 

While we know it can be scary or really frustrating to watch water start to leak down your walls or rush in under your doorways, do your best to stay calm. Stay above the water line and be patient. Eventually the water will stop flowing into your home and the storm will pass. 

When it does, use extreme caution when walking around your house. Flooded rooms may have suffered extensive damage and even the structural supports of your home could be compromised. If you must walk through the water, wear waterproof boots to help protect your feet from any hazards lurking beneath the water.

Take photos of any damage that you see, as these images will help us create a more robust recovery plan for you and will also help your insurance company understand the damage to ensure a more accurate claim. After that is all taken care of, get us on the phone.

How We Can Help After a Flood 

Lingering water will continue to cause damage over time and can travel all over your  home, so quick action is key when it comes to recovery. 

Our team will arrive right away, and we will get to work to extract the standing water. We will detect and dry up any hidden moisture behind your walls or under your floors. We can also dry and clean your possessions if they were impacted by the floodwater. We are a trusted leader in document drying, and we can also dry out and restore soft materials like couches and cushions. 

Once the water is gone and your home is dry, our team can then turn our attention to any repairs that need to be done. Standing water can easily warp walls, ruin floors and soak carpet, so we will ensure that any damage incurred by the flood will be repaired efficiently and thoroughly. When we are through, we will sanitize your space to prevent mold growth from occurring. 

Even though suffering flood damage can feel overwhelming, our flood restoration team will always have your back.  Contact us right away for a fast restoration!  

Your Kids and the Realities of Fire Safety | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Make sure you have a plan to keep your family safe if a house fire occurs. Then, call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg to help get you back to normal.

Having children is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do, but it certainly is hard work! In addition to taking care of them every day, you have the important responsibility of teaching them about the world around them. Sometimes the realities of the world can be scary, especially for young children.

In order to teach your children about certain scary things, like house fires, you have to approach it carefully to avoid introducing anxieties while also preparing them for the possibilities.

Our SERVPRO of Hattiesburg team explains some easy ways to incorporate fire safety in a fun and engaging way for your child below, so read on to learn more.

Explain Where Fire Starts

We all know that fires can start in many different areas of your home, but the more common spaces are the ones where fire is already present or used often. Walk around your house with your child and discuss the spaces like your stove, bonfire pit, grill and the candles throughout the house. Talk about what fire is, how it starts and how it spreads from one surface to another.

This is also a good opportunity to introduce match and lighter safety. These tools are helpful in the right hands, but can lead to disastrous consequences in the hands of a child. Teach them that these items are never toys and should always be brought to a parent if found around the house.

Introduce the Concept of Firefighters

Many kids have the dream of growing up to become a firefighter or police officer, but many of those same kids can easily become shy around authority. This is especially true if the men and women are in uniform! Expose your children to pictures, books and videos of these friendly heroes. If you can, take them to local meet-and-greet opportunities so they can meet these people in person.

Teach them that in the event of a true fire emergency, these people will show up to your home and are only looking to help. In order to help your children, they need to not be afraid to yell for help! Practice this by having your kids yell their names as loudly as they can while in their rooms or running through the house, and end with an army crawling competition through the halls.

Creating Your Family’s Game Plan

Every family needs to have a detailed emergency exit plan that highlights how to get out of your home and where your fire extinguishers are located.

Let your kids lead the charge for this! Make it a game where your kids have to find all of the exits for each room as fast as they can and take the time to write down their findings. Once finished, make a map of your home and hang it up so it is easy to see.

Don’t let your children overlook the windows in your home. While it may seem irresponsible or scary to teach your kids how to open your windows, it could save their lives in an emergency. Explain how they work, and take the time to ensure they understand that the windows are only for emergencies and are never to be used for play.

Once you have everything finalized, put it into action! Practice your exit plan at least twice a year and end by gathering at your pre-determined meeting location.

Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.

Prepare Your Staff For Weather Emergencies | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Storm damage can bring your business to a halt. Call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg to get your business back in action.

It’s your job as a business owner to ensure that your staff are ready to respond to a variety of scenarios. If they are properly trained, they can react appropriately and quickly to keep themselves and your customers safe in an emergency.

Extreme weather is a type of situation that can appear quickly and cause destruction in a short amount of time, so having your staff ready is vital! Use our tips below to ensure that your staff is prepared to weather any storm safely and efficiently.

Controlling Fire Risk Around Your Property | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Experience a fire in your home? Call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg to help you recover.

Summer has arrived, and we are certainly excited about another beautiful season under the summer sun! While you are mapping out your family fun and planning to make some memories this year, it is also important for you to understand the importance of reducing your risk of a house or property fire. 

Summer activities often carry a moderate level of fire risk, so taking the steps to be responsible around flame can help protect your home. Read on as we explain some key areas to pay attention to this season. 

Be Mindful of Your Grill

Are you the self-proclaimed grill master? If so, you have a unique responsibility of ensuring your equipment is ready to use before firing anything up. 

Be sure that you are checking your gas lines and propane tanks for cracks or dents before lighting your grill, and if you smell something like rotten eggs, do not turn anything on. That smell is a classic sign of a propane leak and needs to be investigated right away. 

If you have a charcoal grill, keep your bag of briquettes far away from your grill to avoid a wandering spark from starting the whole bag on fire. Light it carefully and be sure to collect any ash that falls out of the bottom. 

When you are done grilling, your job is not over! Ensure that your grill is either off or the flames are gone and the charcoal is cold. A fire can easily start back up with smoldering charcoal and the right breeze. 

Your Bonfire Pit 

We can smell the s’mores already! If you like to have bonfires in your backyard, make sure you are choosing an area that is far away from any structures like your house, shed or wood pile. Understand the local burn laws and if the conditions are right for a fire. If it is particularly windy or has been dry for a while, consider waiting until a different day. 

Portable fire pits are also becoming a more common way to enjoy a fire. If you own one of these, don’t ever light yours in a garage, under an overhang, or on flammable or uneven ground. 

Choose a concrete or solid surface, and always stay close by while the flames are going. No matter how you enjoy your bonfire, you need to float your logs and embers when you are done. This ensures that your fire is completely out and won’t start back up once you have gone inside. 

The Benefits of Defensible Spaces 

Taking care of your property is something that you should be doing during every season, but especially during the spring and summer when wildfires are more common. Consider landscaping using defensible space strategies, which means creating a buffer between your property and a potential incoming wildfire.

This can include removing dead or dry yard debris from your property regularly, planting your trees and shrubs in a strategic way, and keeping your gutters and spaces around your home clean and tidy. If you practice proper fire safety as often as you can, your risk of experiencing a devastating house or property fire greatly decreases. 

Are you in the process of recovering after a fire? Contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg for a full recovery.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Fire Damage | SERVPRO® of Hattiesburg

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Reduce your home's risk for fire by following these steps. If disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is here to help you recover.

The unfortunate thing about house fires is that they can happen to anyone at any time. Even if you do your best to prepare and prevent one, accidents and the unexpected can occur and can leave you with a large mess and a lot of questions.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire. Most of the steps we have laid out below just require a little extra forethought and planning during your everyday activities, but can pay off in a big way if your home stays fire-free and your family stays safe.

Be Cautious With Your Electronics

Your electronics have the ability to malfunction at any point. Don’t give them the tools they need to spark a fire! Unplug things like your toaster, computers and gaming systems when they are not in use.

Even if they are turned off, there is still electricity coursing through them. That heat can build up, overheat your electronics and start a fire.

You should also consider getting a surge protector. If you have a part of your home that has a lot of electrical outlets in use, you should ensure that if there is any sort of energy surge for any reason, your electronics will be safe. It only takes a small amount of voltage to damage an electronic enough to malfunction, overheat or just catch on fire.

Stay Present Around Any Flame

All it takes is a responsible adult looking away for one moment for a fire to catch and spread. This can happen anywhere there is open flame or heat occurring. You should always be present in the kitchen while you are cooking.

Grease fires can erupt without much warning, or a flammable kitchen utensil or towel can easily get bumped into the flame, causing widespread damage in mere minutes. You should also never leave a candle unattended and certainly never leave one burning while you are asleep.

This also includes being present around any bonfires or while you are grilling your next dinner. Your bonfire should be completely out and cold before you head in for the night, and be sure your grill has cooled down and the coals are extinguished as well.

Keep a Clean Home

Having a tidy home can actually help you avoid a house fire, so you really should keep up with those routine cleanings and organizational tasks. Excess clutter is only fuel to a growing house fire, and it can actually make it harder and more dangerous to get out of your home in an emergency situation if you are tripping over things or can’t get out of your home because an exit is blocked.

Lastly, keep your lint trap clean and clear of lint buildup and swap out your furnace filter with the change in season. These easy tasks can be overlooked, but play a major role in preventing house fires all across the country.

If you experience fire damage, call us at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg right away for a fast recovery.

Prepare for Rain Damage

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

It has been a rainy week here in Hattiesburg, MS! Our team has been busy responding to calls due to roof leaks, groundwater intrusions, and an unfortunate part of excessive rain, sewage backups. 

Water Damage is Serious.

It's important to identify any potential openings for water intrusion before it happens. Although, identifying potential causes can be difficult until a damage actually occurs, there are some ways that you can be proactive that can have a serious impact on preventing damages.

1. Roof Inspection: having your roof inspected (especially if it is an older roof and has weathered many storms!) is an important item in your toolkit for preventing water damage. Our area is not a stranger to bad weather including tornadoes, tropical storms, or hurricanes. Even if you may not experience water damage, regular roof maintenance can be especially helpful in reducing risk for future damage.
2. Identify potential causes for other water intrusion. Water can enter the home in a variety of ways whether that be due sealant failure around doors and windows, sump-pump failure, or drainage issues related to landscaping. If you notice any of these issues following decent raining, it is important to get these issues repaired before another storm. And, especially so as we enter hurricane season!

We're Here to Help.

SERVPRO of Hattiesburg can help you identify and repair these issues if you experience damage. We have the knowledge and resources to complete all of the necessary interior and exterior repairs - as well as drying if necessary - to make your water damage "Like it never even happened." If you suffer water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg. We're available 24/7/365: 601-544-0512.