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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Why SERVPRO Is The Best Selection for Your Restoration Needs

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

a large downed tree near a small house and fence No matter what kind of damage you face, remember to call SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties for all of your restoration needs.

Every restoration effort has at least one thing in common—time. The longer damage is allowed to fester in your property, the less likely you will get away with a quick and inexpensive restoration and cleanup.

So, what makes time so important when it comes to damage? It’s the things inside your home that aren’t designed to face extended exposure to the elements. Items like flooring, carpet, and any fabric or wooden furniture will suffer immediate damage when exposed to water, with more damage happening as time goes on.

To avoid costly cleanup and an extended restoration process, you can take action before damage arrives to mitigate the potential destruction. Take steps like clearing your property of dead trees before a storm to reduce impact damage or cleaning your kitchen thoroughly to reduce any fire hazards.

In addition, you should have an emergency plan that everyone in your household knows well. Thanks to the Georgia state government, we have Ready Georgia, which compiles some great information about how you can prepare for the disasters we face here.

Unfortunately, many people will suffer home or business damage during their lives, and it’s important for everyone to know why SERVPRO is the right choice for you.

You Can Rely on Us Anytime

Our team has years of experience working with both commercial and residential damage, which gives us great insight into how stressful these events can be. No kind of damage is ever expected or planned for, so it’s important for you to have someone that you can count on day or night.

This is why our experts stay ready 24⁄7. You can call at any time of the day, and we’ll provide a quick response to help you get started on the right path to restoration.

More Than Restoration

Our professionals provide more than just constant service, however; they also become an integral part of the communities we serve. Our location is locally owned and operated, which allows us to connect with the people in our region and be more than simply a restoration provider.

Aside from all this, our team is trained to handle every kind of disaster, using industry-leading technology to get your structure back in preloss condition. With years of experience, you can feel safe trusting us with your beloved property.

No matter what kind of damage you face, remember to call SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties for all of your cleanup and restoration needs. Not only can you rely on us any time of the day, but you can also feel confident that we’ll have you back in your home before you know it.

When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.

What Is Mold Remediation?

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

white wall with black and grey mold If you are trying to handle a mold infestation in your home, call SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties

When you discover a mold infestation in your home, it can be a frightening and overwhelming event—and if you are like most people, your first thought will be, “How do I get this out of my home as soon as possible?”

For this reason, many people will find themselves searching for terms such as “get rid of mold” or “remove mold from home,” because this seems to be the main goal—but when we learn about mold, we will learn why these terms are a bit of a misnomer.

Below, we will look at the characteristics of mold and outline why “remediation” is the preferred term in the mold abatement industry.

The Nature of Mold Growth

Mold growth can be quite a tricky thing. In nature, mold’s function is to aid in the decay of organic material, which means it is always present and ready to do its job. Mold spores are

transmitted entirely through the air and are always present—it is helpful to think of them as agents that are always floating around and trying to do their job.

For this reason, when mold finds an area that is hospitable to growth, it will immediately invade the area and begin reproduction.

How Mold Gets Into Homes

Because mold is airborne, it can feel like a rather insidious spore. Mold can get into homes via open windows, by hitching a ride on shoes or clothing, by coming in through your HVAC system or by attaching itself to the fur of pets.

Essentially, there is no way to keep mold out…but it is possible to stop it from growing within the

home.

How Mold Remediation Addresses Mold Problems

Because mold is present nearly everywhere, it is impossible to fully remove mold from the home. However, mold remediation will address the underlying issues that are encouraging mold

growth and remove the mold-infested materials that are breeding the spores.

While simply removing the mold may take care of the issue temporarily, it is vital to address the reason that the mold has found a hospitable home within your structure so it does not return.

If you are trying to handle a mold infestation in your home, we are the team to call. We practice mold remediation to address the underlying issues—contact us today to learn more.

Common Signs of Mold Growth

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Microscopic Mold Growth SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta is ready 24/7 to help you fight mold in your home or business.

Dealing with mold growth is something that no home or business owner wants to deal with, but unfortunately, mold can be a persistent thing. Mold spores are always present in the air so there is the threat of them finding a nice spot to land. Thankfully, mold can only grow and expand in conditions that are favorable to its needs.

One of the conditions that mold likes best is areas that are dark without a lot of airflow—and because mold spores are airborne, they can quickly find places that fit the bill. This means that mold often grows in areas that are not readily apparent or accessible, meaning it is important to be aware of the signs of mold growth so you know what to look for.

The Common Indicators That a Building Could Have Mold Growth

Persistent, Dank Odors

One of the most evident (and frustrating) signs of mold is the persistent odor it produces.

Because mold’s main function in nature is to help organic matter decay, the smell it produces is dank and pungent. If you notice a persistent smell in an area that does not go away or worsens with time, it may be an indicator that mold is present somewhere in the area.

Water Damage That Was Improperly Treated

Mold loves areas that are moisture-heavy, which means water damage can often turn into a

mold problem if it is not treated properly. Water damage can soak into drywall, carpet pads and other hidden areas, and if it is not fully and properly addressed, it can lead to hidden mold growth in these unseen areas throughout the home.

Black Spots on Clothing or Fabrics

Mold can often make its home on fabrics, so if you begin noticing that clothes in your closet or upholstery on your furniture begins to attract spots of mold, that might be an indicator that there is a bigger issue elsewhere in the building. Because mold is airborne, it can travel from the main area it has set up for itself and attach to other objects as it tries to spread.

If you have questions about mold or are in need of mold remediation, we are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our services!

Let’s Prepare Your Emergency Ready Plan Together

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee standing in office next to a person reviewing plans If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta will be there

Being a business owner can seem easy—the idea of getting to pick your hours is ideal! But the reality is, you’re always on call, whether you are there or not, and you are responsible for things like employee relations, payables and safety!

Disasters or accidents can disrupt your business in only a matter of minutes. It’s actually scary to see that FEMA states 40% of small businesses will not reopen after a natural disaster, and a quarter of those that do reopen are forced to close their doors within a year.

That’s why it’s imperative to have a safety plan in place for your business. Three-quarters of all small businesses don’t have a plan in place, and now is the perfect time to make the change. We are here and ready to help you become better prepared.

We are always ready and proud to serve our local communities such as Roberta, Fort Valley, Byron and Zenith, along with so many others. Together we will work to get your Emergency Ready Plan started. Being locally owned and operated means we are all neighbors, and we will help our neighbors through the good and bad times.

When we work together, our goal is to help minimize downtime within your company, and help everyone understand what to do. We will carefully review and analyze your business needs to determine what you might need in the face of a disaster. From there, we’ll detail exactly what to do, including alternative locations to work from and data backup, so that you can react with confidence and not chaos.

Business owners have to worry about enough, and disaster planning is one thing that we can help take off your plate. Contact your local SERVPRO experts to help you prepare your Emergency Ready Plan. You can trust us to protect your business and employees!

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

SERVPRO Gives You a Seamless Recovery Process

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee reviewing plans in front of a large SERVPRO trailer truck We’ve got the tools and technology to handle any job. Contact SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta to learn more.

Doesn’t a cake sound delicious? If it didn’t before the beginning of that sentence, it probably does now.

So let’s bake one from scratch. Ready? First, we’ll go to the local poultry farmer to get some eggs, then the dairy farm for milk. Then we’ll head over to the mill for flour (unless you want to mill it at home for authenticity, and…sugar from the cane fields, maybe?

Yeah, you could go to those extreme lengths to get all your ingredients. But it’s the 21st century, and at this point most of us are looking to find one place we can go to get all the things we need for a cake, or whatever other confectionary delight you may have in mind.

Most of our shopping isn’t modular anymore, because part of what makes a great business great is that it offers a level of convenience that makes it easy to use and often decreases the buyer’s cost.

One of the many great things about being your local SERVPRO is that we can provide you with a single place to take care of every element of restoration after a disaster. Whether the nature of your damage is from water, fire, natural disaster or anything in between, we can get your home fully back to tip-top shape from beginning to end.

Need carpet dried and cleaned? We’ve got you. Drywall burned up in a fire? We can replace it, finish it, and even paint it. (You know we started as a painting business, right?)

Everything from reframing and construction to the tiniest finishing touches—we can make it happen, and you don’t have to worry about the process dragging on because multiple companies and sets of contractors have to wait on each other, communicate poorly, undo, redo and haggle with your insurance agent. From step one to done, SERVPRO has it under control.

We’ll even talk to your insurance company to simplify that process, too.

So when a heavy storm rips through the house, an unexpected flood fills your basement with water, or an electrical fire eats up your hallway, don’t call five companies—call one.

Did you hear the oven ding? Cake’s ready.

For an A to Z cleanup, recovery and restoration solution, you don’t have to worry. Your local SERVPRO has all the tools and teams necessary to finish your project, no matter how complex.

Trust SERVPRO for Your Remodel

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

a small interior room with light brown wood floor being installed When you call SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta, rest assured you’re getting in touch with the best restoration team in the business.

We talk a lot around here about recovery, damage from storms and fires, that sort of thing—and we should. A great deal of what we do revolves around helping families and business owners who are struck by sudden situations and find themselves in need of a trustworthy service company to help them restore their damaged homes and business.

That’s a role we’re proud to fill for millions of customers nationwide, and it’s gained us the industry-leader reputation we’re honored to have earned.

But it doesn’t take a tornado for you to take advantage of SERVPRO’s expertise.

Our highly trained construction teams can help you beautify, add on or remodel your home for no other reason than it being something you want to do. No disaster required.

Recent studies show that as many as 90% of homeowners plan on remodeling their homes at some point, and almost four out of 10 plan on doing it in the next year. If you’re one of these millions of homeowners, call SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta when you’re ready to make it happen, and you can trust the same expert teams who rebuild countless homes after disasters to give your kitchen, basement or whole home the facelift you’ve always dreamed about.

We cover the whole process, top to bottom—from inspection and gathering estimates, to mitigating any hazards or other difficulties that may hinder or interrupt the process, to full-service rebuilding and construction.

We can even go the extra mile and help you with dust control, contaminant protection and more with our premium services and EPA-registered preventive healthcare solutions.

You’ll love your new remodel, and you’ll love how easy the process is when you can trust one team to get your work done, instead of a rotation of multiple repair crews slowing down the job and struggling to communicate with each other.

You don’t have to wait for a flood, fire or natural disaster to take care of the expert construction services SERVPRO offers. We can help you build, rebuild or remodel your home and get the dream look you’ve always wanted.

If a remodel is in your future, you owe it to yourself to check with SERVPRO and get a quote. Call us today and get a local team of experts invested in your project.

Whatever Your Restoration Need, We’ve Got You Covered

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

a green SERVPRO van parked in a warehouse full of equipment When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta to get the job done.

If you pass by a home or business that is up in flames, your heart truly goes out to those people. But when you see that green SERVPRO truck pull up, you know they are being well-taken care of.

At SERVPRO, we provide full-service cleaning, restoration and reconstruction services. So we will fix or clean things from top to bottom, and we will do it in a timely and efficient way.

Here’s a breakdown of SERVPRO services you can benefit from:

Water damage recovery. Whether you have encountered a flash flood that made its way into your home or you had a pipe that has busted, you can be certain that we will take care of you. When it comes to water, it doesn’t take much to do damage, and that’s why you should call us.

Fire damage recovery. A fire is reported every 23 seconds here in the United States. Fires, and the things used to put them out, can do a lot of damage, which requires lots of cleanup. That’s why we bring out all the help we can get.

Mold removal. Mold damage can creep up on you without you ever seeing it and can threaten the structure of your home. Once it’s established in your home or business, mold can spread quickly and easily, so call in the pros.

Storm recovery. Storms of any kind can cause damage, and no matter the size of damage it causes, you can count on us to help you restore your home or business.

Commercial needs. If you’re a business owner, have peace of mind in knowing we offer you all the same services we offer homeowners, plus a few extra!

General cleaning. Cleaning can be a headache for some, but for us here at SERVPRO, it’s pretty simple. We will provide your home or business cleaning services, including carpet or curtain cleaning and more.

Specialty cleaning. Sometimes you have cleaning needs that go beyond the basics. If you need specialized services such as document restoration or biohazard cleanup, we’re here to help.

Construction. Sometimes, damage can be severe and restoring your place is out of the question. The good news is you don’t have to find another company to help you—SERVPRO can reconstruct your home or business and get it looking “Like It Never Even Happened.”

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Handle Your Cleanup and Recovery

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee looking for signs of damage under crawl space of home When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta has your back.

Have you heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule? It’s an idea popularized by author Malcom Gladwell that says, essentially, it takes 10,000 hours to master one’s craft and become an expert.

Noted achievers like Bill Gates in the tech world and Alex Rodriguez in sports and entrepreneurship subscribe to the idea that it takes concerted effort over a long period to be able to truly call yourself one of the best in a given field.

If the 10,000 hour rule holds true, then you can only imagine the level of expertise you can expect when you call your local SERVPRO to help you after a disaster in your home or business. Think about it—1,800 SERVPRO teams nationwide, doing business over the span of a half-century? We tried to do the actual math, but it just made us go cross-eyed.

The point is that when you call SERVPRO, you can be absolutely certain that you’re calling a reputable team of true experts, highly trained and heavily equipped for any home recovery need you may have.

Every SERVPRO franchise owner goes through complete training at the SERVPRO National Training Center, and every team member sits under them to extend that knowledge. We actually have a training house that we flood, set on fire and otherwise destroy, so that our teams can learn firsthand the latest techniques for restoring and repairing damaged homes, furnishings and more.

Expertise matters. And in an age where anyone can get on social media and crown themselves an expert, having a proven track record is what can set one service apart—and nobody has the track record of SERVPRO. For more than 50 years, we’ve satisfied literal millions of home and business owners with quality service and outstanding care.

When you call SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta, you can rest assured you’re getting in touch with teams that know what they’re doing because they’ve been doing it for a lot of people, for a very long time. We’ve put in our 10,000 hours as a company many times over.

When you need thorough, expert home cleaning or restoration, you know who to trust. Contact SERVPRO when disaster strikes, and let the pros handle it.

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your Top Choice for Water Damage Restoration

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Woman Holding Pot Catching Dripping Water Water damage is never expected, but SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta is ready to jump into action. Contact us Today!

Having water damage your home is something that can feel extremely overwhelming. Whether you have a leak, a flood or other type of water-related issue, water damage can be disruptive to your life and your routine. And if you are unsure of how to handle it, it can be more disruptive than you imagine.

No matter where you live, it is important to understand your risk for flooding and other types of water damage—especially because one in 10 properties in the United States are at risk for flooding—so you can plan ahead for it. Water damage can come about suddenly, but having a plan in place for who to call can help you handle it quickly and efficiently.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Water Restoration at Your Home

**We respond quickly to your call.** Water damage is not something that you want to leave unattended for any length of time. Mold and mildew growth can start quite quickly after water damage, but the faster it is addressed, the less likely this is to be an issue. With our 24/7 emergency line, you can be confident that you can get in touch with us whenever you need us.

**We understand the intricacies of water damage.** Water damage is rarely a simple issue, and oftentimes, it is a rather complex one. Water can seep into many places that are not supposed to be wet, and when these areas are hidden, it is impossible to know the scope of the issue. Because we understand the intricacies of water damage, we monitor impacted areas to find any areas with hidden moisture to make sure any water damage is fully addressed.

**We have a national backup plan.** If there is a widespread issue that causes water damage, such as flooding, resources in the local area can be spread quite thin. We combat this issue by having the backing of our national brand—because there are SERVPRO locations across the nation, we can scale up resources, equipment and technicians as needed, so you can expect the same level of service even when there is an extreme need.

*If you need assistance with water damage in your household, you can count on us to be there for you. Get in touch with us at any time to learn more about our water restoration process.

Why SERVPRO Is Your Go-To for Any Restoration Needs

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Man Talking on Phone SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta is ready 24 hours a day for all of your restoration needs.

Needing restoration on your home is something that can feel rather overwhelming, but eventually, it is likely to happen. From damaging severe weather incidents to leaks or kitchen fires, there are many ways that a home can sustain damage, but fortunately, there are comprehensive solutions that can help ease the complications of restoration.

To better prepare your household to deal with damages that need restoration, it is best to think ahead regarding what company you would like to use. That way, when you discover damage, you can make the call immediately to begin the restoration process.

In most cases, it is vital that restoration happens quickly—so below, we have outlined a few reasons why we are here to be your go-to.

Why to Choose SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs

**We understand that each scenario is different.** While incidents that require restoration are quite common, every scenario is still different. For example, in spite of the fact that house fires impact more than 350,000 families each year, every fire causes damage that varies in its scope. That is why we make sure that we have the expertise to deal with damages of any type, so you can always feel confident when you call on us.

**We provide a response 24 hours a day.** When it comes to damage restoration, it is important to act fast. This is vital not only for helping your household get back to its usual state, but it is also a must to prevent further issues from arising, such as mold and mildew growth after water damage. For this reason, we are here to respond to your call 24/7, 365 days a year.

**We do more than damage restoration.** In addition to simply restoring the damage an incident has caused in your home, we also help with every aspect of the process. From helping you pack things up to dealing with your insurance agent to get the most for your claim, we aim to provide assistance in any way we can throughout the process.

*If you are in need of a go-to partner for residential restoration, you can count on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our process or to receive a rapid response to your damage.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Fire Restoration Needs?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Electrical outlet and cord on fire SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta is ready to help you create an emergency plan to keep your family safe.

A house fire is something no one would like to experience, but unfortunately, they are a more common occurrence than most people realize. Every year, around 358,000 structures will have a fire event in them, causing billions in property damage across the United States.

House fires can lead to significant property damage as well as pose risks for injuries and deaths, so preparing as much as possible is a must for mitigating their impact.

Focusing on fire prevention is the best thing to do to keep your household safe, but it is also important that you have a plan for the aftermath of a fire just in case. Because smoke and soot can permeate rooms in the home that were not even impacted by a fire, it can be quite disruptive to your daily life—which is why we are here to guarantee a rapid response when you call us.

Why to Choose SERVPRO When You Need Home Fire Restoration

**We will get to you quickly.** Experiencing a house fire is a frightening thing, and if you have damage to your home, it is understandable that you will want it taken care of as quickly as possible. That is why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. We always provide a rapid response when you call us, no matter the hour.

**We understand fire damage.** Fire damage is a complex thing. Not only is there the damage from the actual flames, but there is also smoke, soot and often moisture damage to consider. We approach fire damage with this in mind, and have the knowledge to tackle the entire spectrum of fire damage so it is like it never even happened.

**We have expert fire restoration technicians.** Because we always want to provide you with the best restoration service possible, we take our training programs very seriously and ensure that our technicians are well-versed in the world of fire restoration. Between third-party certifications and our own SERVPRO training that our technicians complete, you can be confident that the technicians assigned to your job know exactly what to do.

*If you are in need of fire restoration, let us be the team you call. Get in touch with us at any hour to learn more or to report your fire damage.*

Creating Your Home’s Fire Safety Blueprint

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarm in Cafe Having a solid fire safety plan for your home could make all the difference in an emergency. Let SERVPRO of Troup/Coweta Counties help get you ready.

Increasing the fire safety of your home is a great goal. House fires can be traumatic and dangerous events, causing extensive property damage as well as injury or loss of life. However, if you have not previously considered your options for fire safety, getting into the habit of fire prevention around the house may seem like a daunting task.

The good news is that improving your home’s fire safety is ultimately quite a simple task. Once you assess where your gaps in fire prevention efforts are, you can implement simple new habits to better protect your home. Below, we will help you identify where you could improve fire safety so you can figure out exactly what you can do to help keep your household safer from fires.

### Determining Where to Improve Your Fire Safety at Home

**Consider personal safety first.** While fire prevention is quite important, the first thing you should do from a safety perspective is to consider how to protect your family if a fire does start. One of the best things you can do is install smoke alarms throughout the home and test them monthly to ensure they are operational. That way, anyone in the home will be alerted right away if a fire starts and can quickly get to safety. Additionally, you should draft a fire evacuation plan for your household and practice it regularly, so everyone is aware of what to do if the alarms do sound.

**Next, consider your daily habits.** Because many fires are started due to seemingly innocuous errors around the home, it is important to consider how your daily habits could have a role in your fire safety efforts. On average, how careful are you when cooking, lighting candles and utilizing flammable objects? Being aware of little things, like keeping flammable objects away from heat sources, can go a long way toward safety.

**Know the fire risks to watch for.** In addition to building good habits, knowing when to identify a fire risk is an important part of the puzzle. Things such as overloaded extension cords, frayed wires or space heaters being used improperly are red flags regarding fire safety—and quickly addressing them can go a long way towards prevention.

*If you have damage due to a fire in your home, you can count on us for restoration. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.

Dangers of Extreme Cold

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

thermometer covered in ice It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you.

While your place of business can get damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers is also at risk.

Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015.

It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

Do You Have a Proper Plan for Severe Weather?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

items found in an emergency kit If your home is damaged in a storm, you can count on SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties for assistance.

While severe weather such as thunderstorms and heavy rains is inevitable, you may be surprised by how many people have not adequately prepared for it. Storms are possible in any area of the country and at any time of year—so having a plan in place in case one threatens your area is a must for your safety. Though it is impossible to know when a storm will strike, it is possible to plan ahead and ensure you are able to keep your family as safe as possible.

While thinking of such a frightening scenario can be overwhelming, we are here to help with all
the information you need to cover your emergency planning bases. If you would like to be more prepared for severe weather, use the checklist below to ensure you have everything taken care of to keep your household safe.

A Checklist for Emergency Preparation in Advance of Severe Weather

The most important thing you can do in advance of severe weather is to prepare so that it does
not take you by surprise. Here are some things to make sure of to minimize a severe storm’s impact:

? Pack an emergency kit for your household with food, water, flashlights, batteries and any
other essentials.
? Pack a “go bag” for family members with essentials in case you must evacuate.
? Purchase an NOAA weather radio (battery- or hand-powered) so you can receive
reliable weather updates.
? Be sure your house’s street number is clearly visible in case you need emergency
assistance.
? Know where your local storm shelters are located and multiple routes to get there in
case roadways become flooded.
? Practice your evacuation plan with each member of the household so you can get out
quickly if needed.
? Do not attempt to cross areas with downed power lines or drive over flooded roadways.
? Have a designated safety area in your house where everyone knows to head in the
event of a storm—a basement works best, but hallways, bathrooms or anywhere else
away from windows can be sufficient.
? Keep up with your weather forecast and have a way to get alerts in case watches or
warnings are issued.

If your home is damaged in a storm, you can count on us for assistance. Contact us at any time
for more information on our severe storm restoration or to report damage to your home.

How to Get Permits and Safely Burn Leaves in Georgia

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

a person safely burning a pile of leaves in an open field If fire should damage your property, SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta is here to help. Contact us to learn more.

It’s the time of year where you’re likely accumulating a yard full of brown and red leaves as they fall from the trees in their annual cycle. So what’s to be done with them after the kids have piled them up and run through them?

Many homeowners choose to gather leaves and yard trimmings and burn them, because it’s efficient, natural and doesn’t incur the cost associated with removal services.

Anytime there’s an open flame, however, there’s a risk of fire danger—in fact, the burning of debris is the top cause of wildfires in Georgia, causing more than half of the state’s annual fires.

Let’s talk about how to safely and legally burn those leaves and lawn trimmings.

Permits and Legalities

To everything there is a season, and the season for leaf burning begins Oct. 1. From October through the end of April, it’s legal in Georgia for you to get rid of leaves, fallen branches and other trimmings by burning. Summertime burns are not allowed due to considerations regarding air quality.

Even in burning seasons, you need a permit. This part is required, but simple enough. Contact the Georgia Forestry Commission to obtain a permit before you burn your leaves.

Note that there may be particular rules about what you can and can’t burn (such as household garbage) that apply not only to the county in which you live, but particular cities and townships as well. You may also want to notify the local fire department before you burn.

How to Burn Your Leaves

Choose a safe place 50 feet from any structures, and not underneath low tree limbs or power lines. Use a burn barrel if you have one, or choose a dirt area. Have a water hose ready and use it to soak the ground around the fire, and use a metal rake to manage the edges of your leaf pile.

Burn in small piles. You might have to do more burns this way, but it’s much safer than setting a big pile ablaze and having it get out of hand.

Don’t burn on windy days, as leaves and embers are prone to being caught up and carried off in ways you can’t control. Keep your unburnt leaves upwind from your burning pile to prevent them from catching fire due to traveling embers. And make sure there’s plenty of space between the two piles so your fire doesn’t get frisky and spread.

Knowing when and how to burn yard waste is crucial in preventing wildfires and backyard blazes that could threaten your home. Follow these guidelines to keep yourself in the clear.

If fire should damage your home or property, SERVPRO is here to help. Contact us to see how we can recover and restore damaged homes and businesses.

Why Should You Trust SERVPRO for Mold Remediation?

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

moisture on window showing signs of water and mold damage Whether it’s mold or natural disaster, SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta has the technicians to make quick work of your restoration project.

Summer vacation was great. You went to that magical place for the kids, or maybe you had an island getaway for the adults.

You did the ecologically responsible thing and turned off your automated air conditioning, raising the temperature in the home while it was unoccupied. That’ll save you some money on electricity, and it’s good for the planet.

There’s one problem, though: When you got back, you noticed something that wasn’t there when you left, black mold. In the bathrooms, in the basement, the walls and corners are covered in the yucky stuff, because the combination of humidity and higher average temperatures allowed it to grow quickly.

You’ve now got a problem, and you need help getting rid of the mold. Here’s why you can trust SERVPRO to take care of it.

Speed Matters. It takes 24 hours for mold to start growing, and how much more will it grow every additional day you wait? Every second counts, and nobody is better at a speedy response than SERVPRO. With an elite team on call 24 hours a day, we’ll be on site right away to get your dangerous mold problem alleviated.

Expertise Matters. When black mold is the issue, you can’t just swipe it and forget it. Your SERVPRO technicians are skilled and highly trained to remediate or remove the mold safely and completely, and get to the root cause of the excess moisture that allowed it to grow in the first place. Mold isn’t safe for you to work with, but we’ve got more than 50 years’ experience dealing with it.

Location Matters. SERVPRO is both a national entity and a small business, and we have a locally owned franchise right here in Troup County, which means you’re benefitting from the knowledge and flexibility that comes when you work with a local provider, and supporting your community at the same time.

When you entrust SERVPRO with your mold remediation, you can trust us to do it quickly, safely, and thoroughly. And with our promise to restore things "Like it never even happened," you know it’ll be done with utmost care and without ruining your home interior.

Whether it’s mold, water, fire or natural disaster, SERVPRO has the techs and the technicians to make quick work of your recovery or restoration project. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.

Increased Wildfire Risk in Tornado-Affected Areas

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

a large forest fire engulfed in flames If your home has been damaged by storms or fires, SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties is here to help restore your property to its original state.

If you’re local to the area, you’re likely well aware of the events of March 26, and that date will probably hold significance to you for quite some time, if not forever.

That week, a group of at least seven destructive tornadoes ripped through the American South, and on that particular date the most destructive and violent of the storms, an F-4 on the Fujita scale, tore a path through the Newnan area.

Lives were lost, and homes and properties all over were destroyed or damaged to incredible degrees.

The area will be in several phases of recovery for months, and in some cases years—houses, schools and businesses will be rebuilt and restored from damage, much of which we at SERVPRO will be assisting with.

In times of disaster recovery, our focus is typically restoring our “normal” processes and places, aka the things we do and places we go most. This is only natural, and it makes good sense.

But one thing that doesn’t often receive focus after a tornado event is the increased risk of wildfires in areas that have been damaged by tornadoes.

While scientists are still researching and learning new things about fires in tornado areas, including the synergistic behavior of fire and wind, one thing is clear: Areas in which trees have broken, been pulled up and been otherwise damaged in tornadoes are more susceptible to wildfires, and there is more fuel available for wildfires because of broken bits of debris from homes and buildings in places they wouldn’t normally be.

These bits of debris, as well as fine, flammable fuels like small branches, tend to gather together and create bundles ready to burn hotter and consume even more fuel.

With this in mind, it’s even more important to think about fire safety if you live in an area that’s been affected by tornadoes. Whether it’s cooking outdoors, camping, gathering around a fire pit or even disposing of smoking materials, it’s imperative to treat fire with the respect it requires and use utmost caution anytime flammable materials are involved. With an increased risk of wildfire in our area, we must exercise an increased concern for fire safety.

If your home has been damaged by storms or fires of any cause, SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties is here to help restore your property to its original state or better. Click or call today so we can get started.

Lightning Safety for Outdoor Workers

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

multiple lighting strikes coming out of dark stormy clouds SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties is here to help with any damage done by thunderstorms, whether it be from water, fire or lightning.

Lightning as an occupational hazard is often an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. An average of 47 of all occupations require outdoor work at some point in the day.

That means almost half the American workforce is outside for some period of time every day, and many fields require a much higher percentage of outdoor time. When thunderstorms arise, those workers are at elevated risk of lightning strikes and other dangers.

Safety Best Practices for Outdoor Work

OSHA and NOAA recommend several broad safety practices for business who have workers outdoors. These include:

Being informed by NOAA weather reports. Employers and supervisors should be aware of reported and upcoming weather events before sending workers outside. Weather.gov and local outlets will make weather updates as inclement weather comes toward the area. Employers should consider rescheduling events, jobs or activities outdoors if thunderstorms are headed in. Darkening clouds and increased wind speeds can also be indicators of dangers weather afoot.

Seeking shelter in buildings. Workers should be informed before heading to outdoor jobs what nearby buildings they should seek out for shelter if they hear thunder or see lightning. These buildings should be fully enclosed and outfitted with plumbing and electricity. Once inside, workers should remain indoors at least a half hour after the last peal of thunder before returning to work. Remember, the fact that you’re not getting rained on doesn’t mean you’re not in danger—lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the nearest rainfall.

Using vehicles as a second option. If safe buildings aren’t accessible, workers should be guided to hard-top vehicles with all windows rolled up, where they should remain for the duration of the storm and 30 minutes after thunder stops.

Practicing phone safety. Corded phones are still used in many buildings, but they shouldn’t be used in a building during a thunderstorm except in emergency situations. Cell phones are safe to use.

Business owners and supervisors should also have an emergency action plan for storms in place, with written protocols for lightning safety outlining company storm procedures. Lightning and storm safety training should also be implemented, so that workers know where to go in emergencies and what to expect regarding communication when storms approach.

We’re here to help with any damage done by thunderstorms, whether it be from water, fire or lightning. Call or click today to experience the SERVPRO difference.