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Trust The PROs At SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
9/27/2022 (Permalink)
When you experience a large-loss who let SERVPRO be who you call.
A water or fire damage loss at yourcommercial property often have numerous issues that require a knowledgeable response. Whether we’re dealing with a small water or fire loss scenario or a large-loss event, we work quickly to assess each situation and isolate the damaged area. If the affected area is contained, you may still be able to continue operations in a temporary area of your building. Our production technicians are trained and certified and strive to fully restore the damaged area to its pre loss condition. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When an emergency arises, let us be your first call. Our team responds faster to any disaster, so that we may lessen the damage. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire and water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. Our team is IICRC certified and its our standard to make it "Like it never even happened." Contact us todayif you experience a commercial property loss, no job is too large or small!
Why SERVPRO Should Be Your First Call | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County are always here to help, 24/7, 365!
Why Choose SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.
An emergency can happen to anyone at any time, we are prepared and available for emergency services, quickly after receiving the first call. No matter the time or day, we have someone who will answer your call rather than sending you to voicemail or an automated system. SERVPRO is the # 1 leader in the industry for fire, water, and storm restoration as well as mold remediation and biohazard services. We are a one stop shop and able to oversee the reconstruction side as well after mitigation is complete. Our Production technicians are IICRC certified and trained on how to manage an emergency loss. With over 2,000 SERVPRO locations nationwide, there is no job too big. When we step in, our job is to get you back to preloss condition, while being the point contact with your agent and adjuster, making it easier on you. It’s our standard to make it like it never even happened. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.
Prepare Your Home or Business for Sudden Storms | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
8/31/2022 (Permalink)
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall your first call.
We have all heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” and we know it could not be more true for Alabama. Our winters can be freezing one day and mild the next, while our summers can go from bright and sunny to dark and stormy in a matter of minutes.
It can feel like a daunting task trying to prepare for such drastic changes, but there are things you can do to keep your home and your loved ones safe through a variety of weather. The first step in preparation should always be having a good information source for the extremes we could potentially see. While there are a myriad of great weather apps, choose a local station’s app like WBRC or Fox 10 so you can ensure localized coverage.
Once you know you have a solid way of receiving last-minute information, take the time to prep your home with a few safety measures you can practice and update year-round. Storms may come from out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be ready!
Preparation BasicsThe start of each season is a great time to create or review an emergency weather plan with your family.
This should include locating an established safe space in your home and stocking safety supplies somewhere easily accessed from that space. You should also update your contact lists and make sure your whole family knows what the communication plan will be should a disaster strike.
Thunderstorms are quite common throughout the year, so take the time before one approaches to practice how to respond should it become severe. Walk even the youngest folks in your home through your plan so that there is little hesitation on how to get to safety. And throw some comfort items into your emergency supplies, so if a sudden storm does pop up you have a way to keep everyone calm while you ride it out.
Protecting Your HomeOne of the biggest threats that can be hard to predict when a quick storm is moving through is high wind or straight-line winds. Straight-line winds can do as much damage as a tornado when they reach peak speeds, so keeping your trees trimmed and outside furniture secured is always a smart way to protect your home.
Keep a close eye on your roof and make repairs as needed in order to avoid additional damage to this wind prone area of your home. If you are able, consider some permanent reinforcements for your doors and windows, too. Storm doors and shutters are a great investment for protecting your home, particularly when those bright sunny days turn suddenly dark and gray.
While it may not be your favorite weekend chore, cleaning the gutters means you’ll have better water drainage and less possibility of water intruding in your home. This is another great way to keep your home protected, particularly in the summer when storms that pop up suddenly almost always contain large amounts of rain that could overrun leaf filled gutters in just a matter of minutes.
Sudden storms don’t have to mean sudden damage. Take the time year-round to keep your home prepared and mitigate your overall risks.
If you do experience damage, make us your first call. We are available 24⁄7 to respond and get restoration moving quickly. We are also your neighbors, which means we know Alabama weather just as well as you!
When you know you are ready and you have restoration pros in your back pocket, you can watch the rain water the grass and rest easy knowing your home and loved ones will be safe.
Experienced storm damage in that last sudden storm? Call us and get back to life quickly.
Why Fast Restoration Matters After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
8/24/2022 (Permalink)
If you have a fire and are dealing with damage to your home, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.
Home fires are unfortunately becoming more common, with an average of 350,000 each year. While just about anything can start a damaging fire, cooking, faulty wiring and wildfires are three of the top causes.
Prevention and safety should always be top of your list in order to ensure that your home does not see damage from fire. Smoke detectors, regular inspections of your electrical systems and constant monitoring of a hot stove or grill are great ways that you can protect your home and loved ones.
Even with every safety measure in place, you may still suffer fire damage. Just this past April, Gadsden lost the historical home on South Fourth Street while it stood completely empty.
If you do experience a fire, the faster you are able to respond and start the cleanup, the more of your property you can save. At SERVPRO, it is our goal to restore rather than replace as much of your belongings as possible.
What to Do During & After a FireIf a fire starts in your home, the most important thing to do is get out and stay out. Find the quickest exit route by checking handles and doors for heat, and if an exit is blocked go another way quickly. Once you are out, call 911 and wait for emergency responders.
Check with your family members to ensure all are safe, and establish a meeting place or emergency shelter. Stay in communication with your loved ones, and seek medical help if anyone has sustained an injury.
Once the flames have been put out and your home has been declared safe to re-enter, call SERVPRO. We will work with you and your insurance company to establish a plan that gets you back home fastest.
Fire damage goes deep, and even a small flame in one room can leave the rest of your house with smoke and soot damage. This kind of damage requires special tools and intensive knowledge in order to remove it completely.
How Fire Damage Restoration WorksNo two fires are alike, so an inspection of floors, walls and the roof will be necessary to ensure the structure of your home can be repaired. This is where our 24⁄7 availability comes in handy: We can respond faster so that a plan can be laid out and work can begin. We will even tarp your roof if it is needed.
With fire damage comes water damage, so drying out your home and your goods will likely be the first step once the restoration process starts. As your home is drying out, we will remove items that cannot be salvaged while we work to restore those that can.
We are going to do everything we can to save you the pain and cost of having to replace items in your home.
SERVPRO is equipped to handle odor removal and clean your upholstery and fabric items, so you don’t have to rely on more than one company to get your home back as it should be.
Once water and smoke damage are removed, any minor or major repairs that are required will be tackled by our professionals. This may include carpet removal in one room or a complete rebuild of another. We will also work with you to ensure that your newly restored home has every safety measure in place so your family is better protected from future disasters.
A fire in the home, regardless of the size or the aftermath, is a traumatic experience. As your neighbors, we want to take care of you and not just restore your home, but recover your life. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has been around for years, and with our expertise and 24⁄7 availability, we can get you back to normal faster.
Experienced fire damage in your home? Call us day or night and get restoration started faster.
Staying Fire Safe in Your Backyard | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
7/21/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall.
Picture it now: Your family is sitting around a crackling fire roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and sharing scary stories. What beautiful memories you are making!
Backyard fires serve a number of purposes for us, including pest control, cooking and debris cleanup, but even what seems like the safest of fires can quickly become dangerous.
Recent research conducted by the National Park Service found that almost 85% of wildfires are started by humans.
In Alabama, a permit is required for outdoor burning in woodland, grassland or new ground cover areas. Permits are free, but they will not be given out when the wind is too strong or there has been a dry spell. With our weather, that can make burning in the summertime tricky and you will need to plan before you start gathering up your leaves and limbs.
You can still safely grill dogs, light up your candles and toast your marshmallows. Take a few simple steps each time you handle any outdoor flames and enjoy your time in your backyard while you minimize the risk of things getting out of hand.
Recreational Fire HazardsAn open flame of any kind will always carry a risk, but grills, fire pits, fireworks and campfires are the most common ways that outdoor fires begin. Grills start an average of 8,800 home fires, typically due to improper use. Check gas lines or propane tanks before you start your grill and always keep your eyes on a hot grill during and after use.
When you build a campfire, look for a spot away from structures or vehicles, and only use a lighter or match to start the fire. And be sure to stick to wood only to continue the burning once the fire is going. Watch even the embers once the flames have died down and the chocolate is all gone.
Fire pits can seem like a great alternative to an actual campfire, but they still require a lot of caution when you use them. Following the same regulations as a campfire and never moving a portable fire pit under an overhang or onto a wooden deck will keep your flames where they should be.
Using your fire pit as a way to get rid of household waste or unused construction items may be tempting, but you should only burn approved firewood.
Fireworks are allowed within city limits, and even though the 4th of July has passed, closing out your night with a bang is always a lot of fun. Make sure your fireworks are ignited in an open space and have a clear spot to land. Fireworks are not permitted on public property, so take note of your land and ensure you have plenty of room.
Other Outdoor Fire HazardsThere may be risks, but fires and burn materials still have a purpose in our lives. Every fall as our leaves pile up, burning may be one of your only options if street pickup does not reach your home.
Before you start your fire, ensure there are no fire warnings for that day. In the summer, a permit is required for land clearing burns, and non-agriculture burning is not allowed from May to October.
It is essential to keep your yard clear of debris as an extra layer of wildfire protection along with the intentional landscaping of your yard. Make sure you know what is safe to burn and what isn’t in order to keep things in control.
Other combustible materials such as gas probably live in your shed or garage with your yard tools, but they carry a high risk when they are stored improperly. Only use approved containers that are kept out of reach of any little ones.
Only use gas for its intended purpose—that means even if the campfire is low, don’t reach for the gas can.
Check the weather before any use of fire outdoors. If local regulations do not allow it or the wind is high, skip the fire and save your marshmallows for a better day.
If you do experience fire damage, call SERVPRO. We have the training and equipment to handle every part of fire damage. It is our desire to restore as much of your property as possible as fast as possible.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.
Different Storm Alert Meanings and How to Stay Safe | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
7/18/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall..
When it comes to weather forecasts, there are more than 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That can be an excessive amount of information to try and absorb at once, particularly as the weather is turning scary.
Understanding what an alert means before it is issued in your area means that you can get yourself and your loved ones to safety as needed. It also means you can take preventive steps to protect your home and property.
Having a general knowledge of all weather systems is incredibly helpful, but understanding the most common weather that affects us here in Alabama is absolutely essential.
How Alerts Are IssuedHave you ever wondered how alerts are issued in the first place? If weather forecasts are simply predictions, how is the severity, location and duration of a storm actually monitored? There are actually multiple answers to both of those questions.
The organization responsible for weather forecasts and consequently issuing any needed warnings is the National Weather Service. There are six regional offices, and multiple other forecasting offices, which means alerts you receive are localized. In central Alabama, our warnings are issued from the Birmingham forecasting office.
Out of these offices, meteorologists and other NWS employees use several forms of data to create the forecast, including satellite radar, sensors, seismic activity meters and even solar activity. The type of data used varies according to the weather event, but the end goal is always to be as accurate as possible.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandWhile understanding alerts that are possible in our local area is very important, everyone should know the difference between a watch and a warning. These are both used in almost every weather event, including thunderstorms, flooding and winter storms.
When a watch is issued, it means to begin preparing for a potentially severe weather situation. Watches are typically issued to cover a large area, while a warning is issued in a smaller area such as a county or a city when severe weather activity has been pinpointed.
Warnings mean that a dangerous storm will happen and safety measures need to be implemented immediately to protect your home and your family.
Our weather has always been a mixed bag, with up and down temperatures in the winter and thunderstorms and tornadoes in the spring and summer. Along with understanding the basic difference between a watch and warning, it is essential that we stay aware of flood, tornado and thunderstorm alerts. We also have to watch for the occasional freeze and winter storm warnings.
Protecting Your Home During a StormUnderstanding the weather alerts that can be issued before a storm is the best way to protect your home, but there are some other steps you can take to mitigate damage.
Keeping any outdoor furniture properly secured and cleaning your gutters on a regular basis are two highly effective ways to prevent flooding and wind damage.
You should also ensure you have a safe space with emergency supplies in an interior room of your house for sheltering in place and an exit plan for when you need to leave.
Once the storm has passed, take inventory of any damages you have received, and make a call to us at SERVPRO. We are available 24⁄7 to get your restoration started quickly in order to save as much of your home as possible.
The more you learn about our ever changing weather, the safer you and your family can stay. Start by learning the different alerts we often see issued in Alabama and ride out the next storm well.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Smoke and Soot Damage After A Fire | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
This smoke and soot damage was caused by a fire.
After a fire is put out in a home or business, smoke and soot have an effect and should be treated properly. Smoke and soot can actually cause more concern than the actual fire; as they settle into ceilings, walls, furniture and many other surfaces that cause severe tarnishing. You will need immediate professional fire restoration clean up or these effects can become more permanent.
When treating damaging effects due to that of smoke and soot, we highly recommend you work with a restoration company, rather than taking on the job yourself so that items in your home and business are cleaned properly.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.
The Restoration Experts You Can Trust Are at SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
6/17/2022 (Permalink)
No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.
SERVPRO may be known for general cleanup, restoration and construction services, but there is so much more to who we are. We’re ready to take care of you through even the worst disaster, natural or manmade.
We know Alabama weather can be quite unpredictable and bring us a variety of disasters. SERVPRO has services to cover anything that can happen here.
Water DamageWhether an inch or a foot, flooding can cause serious damage at any time. Flooding causes more than $10 billion in damages per year nationwide. We know all too well here in Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County the damage that flooding can do.
Flash flooding has been a frequent occurrence in our area, and SERVPRO has been ready to respond each time. We have the tools and expertise to handle flood damage, including assessing the extent of your damage and coming up with a plan to restore your home or business.
Our team can look for hidden moisture and remove any standing water in order to fully bring you back to preloss condition. We want to ensure your home is fully dry in order to have complete restoration.
Fire DamageThere was roughly $8.1 billion in direct property damage and other losses from fire in 2020. Every 23 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire emergency in the nation.
Our seven-step restoration process starts with inspection and damage assessment then progresses through all the necessary, in-between steps before starting repairs and construction. SERVPRO wants to repair your property to look like no damage was done.
Storm DamageOur Alabama weather has brought us everything from snow to tornadoes, and we are well-versed in severe thunderstorms. SERVPRO can handle any damage our weather may bring and wants to get you back into your home or business faster.
We know when a severe storm hits that the tornadoes or flash flooding that may result can invade even the most interior spots of our home. This can lead to damage not just on the exterior structure but to our personal belongings as well. SERVPRO specializes in restoring your content so that you don’t have to replace it.
We offer dry cleaning, wet cleaning, foam cleansing and abrasive cleaning. If your home requires a more extensive clean, we can also offer move-out services, so we can get you back in your home as soon as possible.
What Sets SERVPRO Apart?We are your neighbors. SERVPRO is locally owned and operated and there when you need us. You can reach us via our 24⁄7 Emergency Line day or night.
SERVPRO is the No. 1 cleanup and restoration team in the nation. Our experts have more than 50 years experience and are backed by a network of more than 1,900 locations around the United States. We’ll have your home or business back to “Like it never even happened” status as quickly as possible.
Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.
Water Damage Will Only Grow As Time Passes | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is your 24/7 water restoration expert. Call us right away if you need immediate service.
n our busy lives, a leaky faucet or small water spot may seem insignificant, something we can take care of later. However, never underestimate the massive amounts of damage moisture can have on your home.
In a year, the average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water.
Water damage moves quickly, soaking into the floors, walls and soft surfaces of your home or business. The faster you address an issue the better the results you will have in mitigating damage. Here is a basic timeline of how damage progresses:
In the First 24 HoursHouseholds have a one in four chance of experiencing flood damage over a 30-year period in a high risk area. Knowing what to do right away after water is spotted is crucial.
Within the first two days, certain items can immediately become victim to water and its disastrous amounts of damage.
Items such as upholstery and soft furnishings pull water in and quickly become soaked through. Wooden items can swell, and books and photos can warp or even ruin completely. Mold can begin to set up in this time frame as well. The faster a response is the more that can be saved.
SERVPRO has the expertise and mentality to “restore vs. replace” in order to preserve your keepsakes that cannot be replaced and save you money. If we find materials or items that cannot be salvaged in the restoration process, we will communicate with you directly and handle the removal in order to continue the drying process.
Within the First WeekWater damage will continue to become more widespread after the first 24 hours as mold begins to set in. With excessive moisture, mold spreads like a wildfire and can even damage your property’s structure.
Wood surfaces and walls become more susceptible over time to moisture absorption as metal surfaces start corroding.
After One WeekAllowing moisture to sit for any extended amount of time should be avoided at all costs as the effects may be irreversible or even catastrophic. The more time that passes creates greater structural damage and higher risk, making restoration costly and less effective.
How SERVPRO Will HelpOur process at SERVPRO starts as soon as you make the call, hopefully within the first 24 hours. The first step of the service process begins with water extraction, aiding in spread prevention and structural damage, as well as reducing drying time.
Floors, furniture and other belongings will likely need cleaning, deodorizing and sanitation. Once the majority of water is removed, our highly trained team will use industry-leading equipment to remove water you may have never even seen.
Once these steps are complete, your property will be assessed for construction needs in order to fully restore your home to preloss condition. This could mean a minor repair or an entire area of your home that requires rebuilding.
SERVPRO makes your restoration process simple by handling every step along the way, from mitigation to reconstruction. We will update you throughout the recovery, and you will be back in your home or business in no time.
Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us 24⁄7 when you need a dependable team to help you recover.
A Few Easy Steps to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® Of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.
Since the start of 2022, the American Red Cross has responded to over 20,000 house fires, and that only represents a small portion of the total fires that have occurred this year across the United States.
While you hopefully have several smoke detectors installed in your house already, there are a few other easy ways to protect your home and your loved ones. Even simple acts of cleaning take a step toward a fire-safe house.
<h3the-clutter">Clear the Clutter
If you have been looking around your home and thinking it was time to clean out, this might help motivate you: Clutter can actually fuel a fire. Loose clothing, pillows and blankets in utility spaces or hallways not only have the potential to block an exit in the event of an emergency, but they can also make a fire burn hotter and faster.
Leaving flammable items near a water heater can actually start a fire when the water heater warms up. The more open your spaces are, the faster you can get out if a fire should start and the slower the fire will progress.
Another area in the home you can clean up for safety is wall outlets and extension cords. Overloaded extension cords are a common starting point for fires. Remove any unused appliances, and unplug those that you don’t use often.
Take a quick walk around your home and ensure there is space between furniture and wall outlets. This allows for air to flow properly and avoid overheating.
<h3a-defensible-space-in-your-yard">Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard
The area around your home can serve as the first line of defense from fires that originate outside. Landscaping that is laid out intentionally not only works to slow a fire before it gets to your front door but also allows room for firefighters to work.
Intentionally landscaped and maintained spaces create defensible zones. Some states like California have actually imposed zone regulations for homeowners to fight against wildfires, and with our dense areas of forest close to residential spaces, this type of yard work makes a lot of sense for us, too.
In the summer when our temperatures can top well over 90, we need to be especially careful of how we handle any outdoor burning and even where we park our cars. Parking a hot car on dry grass can quickly spark a flame, so stick to pavement as much as you are able.
Last year when the drought set in, this was particularly important. Clearing out the leaves and any dead limbs is also essential in slowing any flames that do start.
<h3it-clean-keep-it-safe">Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe
You can be preventive in two other high-risk areas of your home by giving your oven a deep-clean every few months and having your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
Even the simple act of dusting is an act of fire prevention, especially around electronics and power sources.
Our houses give so much to us these days—serving as space for work, play, learning and relaxation. Give back to your home and protect your loved ones by keeping it clean to prevent a devastating fire.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.
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