How does SERVPRO’s duct cleaning process work?

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

Dirty vent in need of a Duct Cleaning

How does SERVPRO’s duct cleaning process work?

• We run our brush up each duct to break away any dirt, dust, or debris, then the vacuum collects all of the loosened dirt and debris. 
• We elephant fog with a wintergreen deodorizer and an EPA registered disinfectant called “Sporicidin” that is commonly used in health care facilities. 
• All vent covers are taken down and cleaned.
• Filtration includes 1st stage 18" x 24" x 2" disposable pleated filter, 2nd stage 18" x 24" flexible permanent electrostatic air filter and 3rd stage 18" x 24" x 6" certified HEPA filter, providing efficient filtration with maximum air flow even when dirty. 
• SERVPRO guarantees that this is the most detailed and top of the line duct cleaning you will find. 

Clean your ducts, vents, and air unit to ensure better air quality and to prevent fires at your home or business. Call SERVPRO of Monroe, Madison and Monticello for a free estimate at (706) 267-0023.

Ways to prevent and prepare for fires or other disasters.

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

Ways to prevent and prepare for fires or other disasters.

 “I never thought it could happen to me,” people often say after they are in a fire, hurricane, or other emergency or disaster. While you may take comfort thinking that an emergency will never happen, this thinking really is not very helpful. Instead, take control now by planning how you will prevent or manage in an emergency.  

Here are some ways that all people, including those with disabilities, can help prevent and prepare for fires and other disasters or emergencies. 

Fires at home
Thousands of Americans die or are injured in home fires each year. Many of these fires could have been prevented. Here are ways to do just that:

• Smoke detectors. Put smoke detectors on each level of your house and also outside each bedroom. It is best to have two types of detectors (ionization and photoelectric) as each works in a different way. Test all smoke detectors once a month and change batteries twice a year. Many people do this when they reset clocks in the spring and fall. Replace smoke detectors when they are more than 10 years old.
• Fire extinguisher. Keep fire extinguishers in both your kitchen and garage. The best kind to get for home is labeled “ABC” or “BC.” These extinguishers are useful for small fires as they work just a short while. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and make sure the pressure is at the right level.
• Fire blanket. These are blankets made to smother (put out) fires. They are useful for most types of kitchen fires. When you use the blanket, fold part of it over your hands to prevent getting burned.
• Rope/chain-link ladder. People use these types of ladders to safely exit from an upper story window. Plan how to use this type of ladder and make sure your children know what to do as well.
• Fire safe box. Put important and valuable items in a “fire safe” box that will not burn in a fire. Items may include family photos, financial records, identification cards, and other important papers.
• Nonflammable material. Use nonflammable materials (that cannot burn) outside and inside your house. These include nonflammable roof tiles, gutters, siding materials, insulation, furniture, and home decorations. 
• Sprinkler system. If you are building a new home or fixing an old one, think about adding a sprinkler system (water sprinkles from the ceiling in a fire). Find out whether you can include the cost of a sprinkler in your mortgage.

Common fire hazards and ways to prevent them
Some parts of your home are more prone to fire than others. Here are ways to prevent some common types of fire hazards.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen at all times when you are cooking.
• Point the handles of pots and pans toward the back of the stove.
• Keep sleeves and towels away from heat and flames.
• Smother a grease fire with a pan lid, baking soda or fire blanket. Do not put water on a grease fire. Call 911 and leave right away if the fire is out of control.

Space heaters

• Make sure all your space heaters have a UL mark (meaning they have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories).
• Place heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (such as papers).
• Turn off a space heater when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Choose space heaters that have automatic shut-off valves, heating guards, and other safety features.
• Put the correct fuel in a liquid heater. Never fill the heater with gasoline or other substitute fuel.

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves

• Once each year have a service person inspect and clean your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Always use a metal mesh screen and leave the glass doors open.
• Put hot ashes in a metal container when the fire is done. Soak these ashes with water and put the container outside your home.
• Do not leave fires unattended (without someone nearby). Make sure the fire is out before you leave or go to bed.

Electrical outlets, appliances and wiring

• Put electrical cords over (not under) rugs and carpets.
• Make sure that cords to your appliances are intact, not frayed.
• Use a heating pad or electric blanket, but not both at the same time. Replace these items when they are more than 10 years old.
• Do not overload (use too many) wall sockets, power strips or extension cords.
• If you live in a house that is more than 30 years old, have an electrician check the inside wiring to see that it is up to code.

Trees, leaves, bushes, and other landscaping

• Clear away all dead wood and dry leaves within 30 feet of your home.
• Compost fallen leaves rather than burn them.
• Trim all tree branches so they are at least 20 feet away from chimneys.

Other ways to protect your home in a disaster

• Make a disaster plan. This includes knowing who to contact and where to meet in an emergency. 
• Create a kit with emergency supplies and first aid kit. This includes food, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, and medications. 
• Make a list of important phone numbers and put this list where you can quickly find it (such as on the refrigerator). This list should have emergency phone numbers including 911 and numbers for your local fire department, volunteer or rescue squad, and poison control center. Call 911 if there is an emergency and you are unsure what to do.
• Organize a “personal support network” of people who can provide extra emergency help. This may include family members, friends, and neighbors who can assist you before or during an emergency.
• Tell your local emergency agency and fire department if you have a disability.
• Check your home insurance policy. Make sure it is current and find out what disaster costs insurance will cover (pay for).
• Plan more than one way to escape from your house. Make sure all these ways are free of clutter.
• Know how to shut off valves for gas, oil, water and the home’s main electrical supply. Put tags on these valves so you can quickly find them.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector or one that detects both carbon monoxide and smoke. Also install a radon detector (radon is a type of gas that may cause lung cancer).

Plan now how to manage in any disaster. These plans may someday help you reduce the risk of injury, death, and property damage. Call SERVPRO of Monroe, Madison and Monticello 770-267-0023 if we can be of any assistance.

Residential and Commercial Services

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monroe, Madison and Monticello provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.  We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 –770-267-0023

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services.

•  Commercial Water Damage Restoration
•  Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

What is in your gutters?

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

What is in your gutters?

Perhaps the most common ailment to both cleaned and uncleaned gutters is a leak. Easily found and repaired during routine inspection of the gutter, a leak that goes unfixed can cause major damage to the exterior of your home and even the gutter itself. A leak can cause mold and rotting, leading to the gutter giving away and falling from your roof. Below is also a list of other reasons your gutters should be cleaned.

Leaking roofs

A leaking roof occurs when your gutter cannot maintain the water drainage from your roof. The spillage that does not fall to the ground can accumulate on the roof, causing damage. During cold weather, gutters may fill with ice, causing snow buildup on the roof. The sitting snow and later melting cause added weight and eventual harm to the roof.

Leaking basements

Most gutters drain toward the bottom exterior of the home. If they are not working properly or aren't cleaned, the excess water will collect around your basement and eventually leak in. A leaking basement is one of the most hazardous possibilities, because it can result in a gas leak, electrical shock and pollutants in your home.

Rotted wood

Some homes have foundations made from wood. Without a gutter for the water to drain properly into, the water will accumulate and saturate into the house. Over time the wood will rot, causing possible foundation damage and issues with your home's structure.

Foundation cracks

Like rotting wood, foundation cracks occur when water is absorbed into the home. More likely to occur during colder months due to freezing temperatures and possible "frost heave," water buildup will cause wall cracks and cracks in the foundation itself. Not as easy to see, this damage occurs in between walls and can eventually lead to mold in your home.

Insect infestation

Where there is moisture, bugs will go. Without a properly maintained gutter, bugs will grow to love your wet and moisture-filled gutters. Nasty critters like carpenter ants, roaches, earwigs, mosquitoes and even termites are likely to cause an infestation in a non-maintained gutter.

Sidewalk/driveway damage

Not only can water cause your sidewalks and driveway to become slippery from excess water and ice, but it can also cause damage. The extra water can cause a sagging and cracked foundation. To avoid this, direct your drain spout in another direction.

Drowning landscape

When a gutter is damaged or unable to retain water, the water then leaks out to the landscape, including your exterior plants. Overwatered plants can turn dull and die, causing an ugly and drowning landscape.

At SERVPRO of Monroe, Madison and Monticello, our team will work quickly to get your home or business  back in great shape after any water emergency. For a quote or to get more information about our water damage restoration services, call us 24/7 at (770) 267-0023.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

10/29/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Athens and SERVPRO of Madison, Monticello & Madison are each a Certified Firm with The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. We are proud to meet all of the IICRC standards for certification, including employing Individually Certified Technicians.

To gain IICRC status as a Certified Firm, SERVPRO of Athens and SERVPRO of Madison, Monticello & Madison must demonstrate Proof of Insurance, maintain a written Customer Complaint Policy with documented follow-up, provide on-going Education and Training leading to Certification for all Technicians and must abide by the IICRC Code of Ethics.


SERVPRO of Athens and SERVPRO of Madison, Monticello & Madison are committed to:

Presenting accurate information to Consumers and conducting business with honesty and integrity.

Having a Technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

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

Maintaining liability insurance for protection in the event of an accident.

Maintaining a written complaint policy inclusive of post-complaint correspondence.

SERVPRO Corporate is an approved school with
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
for the following IICRC Certification courses:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Carpet Cleaning Technician
  
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
  
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
  
• Upholstery and Fabric Technician