Maintain Your Appliances to Avoid Expensive Damage | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Even a small leak from your water heater can cause big problems. Don't ignore the signs of water damage and call SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

When you’re short on time or just feeling a bit lazy, household appliances can come in handy. These gadgets can be a huge help around the house, but when they break down unexpectedly, you may find yourself in more trouble than you anticipated.

Water damage caused by excess moisture and leakage is a common consequence of malfunctioning appliances. Appliance problems can go undetected for a long time, leaving you to deal with water damage that has gotten out of control.

Fortunately, you can avoid these problems entirely by keeping your appliances under control and knowing how to avert a potential water emergency in your Atlanta home.

Regular Maintenance

Keeping an eye out for early signs of water damage is the key to avoiding expensive issues in the future. A quick look around is all it takes to find out if you’re dealing with excess moisture.

Leakage can creep under your refrigerator or dishwasher where you can’t see, though, so you’ll need to watch out for sudden puddles or wet spots. Moving large appliances out of the way will give you a better look and allow you to perform a deep-clean while you’re at it.

Your HVAC system should also be a point of emphasis. Besides having it looked at by a professional once a year, you should also search on your own for indicators of excess moisture or mold growth around your vents and unit.

Your water heater will need some love, too! If you don’t check for leaks and other issues, your heater can easily cause a water damage dilemma.

Yearly or Long-Term Maintenance

Regular inspections are a smart way to avoid significant damage, but you must also have your equipment serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s proposed schedule.

Ensure the hoses and tubing attached to your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher are free of punctures, kinks and other signs of damage. Every device has a distinct shelf life, and damaged components need to be replaced to avoid complications.

To avoid facing unexpected malfunctions, you should also ensure every appliance in your home is up to date and consider investing in a replacement every 10 to 15 years.

Treat every sign of appliance water damage with urgency to avoid expensive damage in the future. Catching problems before they worsen will allow you to use your appliances to their fullest for years to come!

Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.

The Vital Basics of Smoke Alarm Maintenance | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Check the batteries in your smoke detectors regularly to better protect the one you love and your property.

Smoke alarms are essential to your Atlanta home, and you may not realize it until the day comes when they save your life. While it is easy to forget about this tool when it isn’t beeping in your ears, you must keep it in order to keep everyone in your home safe.

Smoke alarms shouldn’t be ignored once they’re installed, and they’ll require your ongoing maintenance to stay in good working order. When flames finally appear, the work you put in to keep your alarms in working order could mean the difference between life and death!

Follow our recommendations for maintaining your smoke alarm and keeping your Atlanta home free of fire for years to come:

What’s That Beeping Noise?

When you first hear a smoke alarm beep, it can make you panic and cause you to run around your house looking for a fire. If there is no smoke, that annoying chirping could indicate that your smoke alarm needs to be serviced.

Low batteries are the most common cause of a misbehaving smoke alarm. When the batteries in your alarm begin to fail, you’ll hear a chirping sound every now and then, indicating that it needs to be replaced.

Another common cause of beeping is that your alarm needs to be completely replaced. Replacing the batteries will not suffice in this case, and you will need to have a new model installed.

Keep Everything in Check

To protect your ears from that painful beeping when there’s no fire to be found, you’ll need to perform constant TLC! These actions will ensure your smoke alarms are on the job if flames were to break out.

You shouldn’t just check the batteries in your smoke alarms when the time changes; you should check them at the end of each month! This will ensure all of your alarms are in good working order all year long.

With working batteries, smoke alarms can stay in working order for a long time, but they don’t last forever! Retire all of your alarms after 10 years and replace them with a new model.

Are They in the Correct Location?

Your smoke alarms will work best if you install the appropriate number in the appropriate spots in your Atlanta home. This ensures that your home’s alarms notify you as soon as there is a fire.

The amount you need in your home will vary depending on its size, but it’s a good idea to keep one on each level, inside each bedroom and hallway. Keep them a safe distance away from your cooking appliances, bathrooms and windows to avoid false alarms.

Once your alarms are placed perfectly, remember to test them every month to ensure every alarm inside your home is good to go!

When you have major fire damage, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help. Give us a call, and we’ll rapidly eliminate traces of smoke, soot and flames!

These Things Could Start a Fire in Your Atlanta Home | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

If your Atlanta home suffers fire or smoke damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We make Atlanta fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

There is never just one cause for a fire, and while most fires start in the kitchen, there are numerous other dangers that can lead to disaster. Your Atlanta home contains a few items that, if you are not aware of their impact, could easily spark a fire.

These items may appear to be harmless on the surface, but if not handled carefully, they can quickly ignite. These household components don’t have to be hazardous; there are numerous preventive measures that can assist you in keeping flames at bay.

Read on to learn about a variety of items you might find placed within your Atlanta home that could spark a fire if you aren’t careful.

Candles

Candles are a common household item used to add ambiance or keep the house smelling fresh, but they are also one of the leading causes of house fires. Candles catch fire when they are left unattended, knocked over or come into contact with another flammable object.

One way to avoid flames is to ensure that any candle you light is supervised until you decide to leave the room. You should also light all candles on a sturdy surface to avoid accidentally knocking them over.

Real candles may not be the safest to use in your home if you are clumsy or forgetful, so why not try the alternative? Candle alternatives can provide a pleasant aroma and warm lighting in your home without using an open flame.

Faulty Outlets

Electrical fires are another common reason for household flames, with faulty electrical outlets being the main culprit. You could be plugging your electronics into a faulty outlet without noticing all of the warning signs.

Check the outlets around your home for melted plastic, a burnt odor or a warm covering. If you notice any of these signs, refrain from using the outlet and have the issue repaired as soon as possible.

The Fireplace

Aside from an outdoor fire pit, the only place on your property where you can safely light a fire is a wood-burning fireplace. Because its primary purpose is to contain flames, you may believe it is safe to use as long as it is supervised, but dust, dirt and other debris can pose an unexpected danger.

If you have a fireplace in your Atlanta home, you may not use it much as the warm weather approaches, making it the ideal time to do some spring-cleaning! Regular maintenance will help you avoid the spread of flames when you decide to fire up the fireplace when winter returns.

Contact SERVPRO after flames break out in your home for a rapid response. Our expert team can restore your losses and return you to a flame-free home.

Teach Your Atlanta Employees to Operate Fire Extinguishers | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your local restoration expert.

Every commercial team needs workplace training, and overcoming any challenge doesn’t begin until you’ve received the right instruction. However, training shouldn’t just focus on getting through a typical workday; your team also needs to learn how to handle a crisis!

Fire extinguisher training may not seem like a priority at first because it seems to be a simple task, but your employees may be less knowledgeable than you think! Going over the fundamentals is the best way to ensure your entire team knows how to operate this lifesaving tool when the time comes to use it.

*Work your way to a fire-ready business by helping your Atlanta team master the fire extinguisher basics.

Start With the Fundamentals

OSHA mandates that all businesses that have fire extinguishers on site conduct the necessary training needed to use them. This will involve hands-on training as well as information on where to use them and the various kinds of extinguishers available.

Begin by demonstrating the correct way to hold and aim the extinguisher. After this, instruct employees to pull the pin, grab the handle and brush over the flames. Inform them to keep six to eight feet away from the blaze throughout their training.

If you’re afraid your training won’t stick, go over the PASS acronym to give your team a way to recall what you’ve taught. Going over this information yearly will also help new employees—and even the most experienced ones—retain your instructions.

To avoid confusion if flames were to appear, you’ll need to select a few well-trained members to be in charge of this lifesaving tool. Assigning roles will ensure any controllable fire emergency is handled correctly and as fast as possible.

There’s a Time and a Place

Warn your team about fire hazards that could necessitate the utilization of fire extinguishers to ensure they are used when needed. Go over any particular incidents or distinct dangers in your workplace that could lead to a fire, as well as the category of fire extinguisher that needs to be used.

While knowing when to use an extinguisher is critical, so is knowing when to put it down and walk away. This lifesaving tool can aid in the prevention of a widespread disaster, but there are times when the spread of flames is beyond your control, regardless of how much fire extinguisher training you’ve received.

Let your employees know that when flames become uncontrollable, it’s time to walk away, evacuate the building and contact authorities.

Hands-on fire extinguisher training is a simple task that will prepare your team when flames ignite. Once you’ve made it through the basics, you can work with your employees to create a fire-ready plan to ensure no one is left in the dark during a fire emergency.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.

Enter the Spring Season Damage-Free | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help restore your property to preloss condition, if it has been damaged during a storm or flood event.

Spring is on its way, and we welcome this change in the weather with open arms! Before you dive into your springtime preparations, though, it’s a good idea to give your home a checkup to ensure it’s ready for the new season.

Spring weather like wind, rainstorms and other weather catastrophes could cause serious problems if you aren’t prepared.

Getting a few outdoor maintenance chores out of the way will help you avoid major water damage when spring rolls around. We compiled a guide to help you get started on your spring-cleaning:

Clean It Out

As spring slowly creeps up on us, there might be a few issues left over from winter that you’ll need to check for. Debris buildup from the winter weather can clog your home’s vents, gutters and downspouts.

Excess debris may appear to be insignificant, but the water that cannot flow smoothly through your gutters or downspouts will eventually overflow onto your roof! Check your gutters, downspouts and vents for clogs, and ensure they are cleared before spring arrives.

Since you’re already outside, check your outdoor faucets for any leaks or cracks as a precaution. Like most of the South, we did have one period of deep-freeze this winter, so you might be dealing with a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes can lead to a major water emergency when the spring weather starts to warm up.

Fix Issues Fast

We spend as much time as possible inside our warm homes during the winter. Being inside so much can cause us to ignore vital issues up on the roof or outside the home. These issues will only worsen when spring rolls in, so it’s best to get them repaired as early as possible.

Atlanta might not have been hit by a crazy snowstorm, but winter winds are enough to take a toll on your roof! Ensure intense winds didn’t leave you with any broken shingles, misplaced gutters or any other forms of roof damage.

The smallest leaks can escalate into a severe water emergency when that first spring shower passes over Atlanta. Getting these issues fixed early on will ensure you aren’t dealing with an unexpected disaster come springtime!

Get Ready for the Water

A sump pump is a crucial tool that can save your basement and foundation from expensive water damage. Make sure this vital gadget is working before spring arrives to avoid destruction from equipment failures or blockages.

Spring weather can turn dangerous fast, so it’s crucial to ensure you are ready for anything by updating your emergency kit, running through your storm safety strategy and finding new methods to stay updated on local weather.

When water damage catches you off-guard, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be here around the clock to lend a hand! We can be at your side rapidly to begin the restoration process and return your home to its former glory.

Got water damage? We are here to help ²⁴⁄₇ and can restore your home quickly.

SERVPRO Can Help You Rebuild After a Fire | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

No matter the kind of disaster, the mess it leaves behind and the stress it induces can seem inescapable. House fires are an especially devastating crisis, and the damage that flames create can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare brought to life.

If you’re left to face the aftermath of flames, our SERVPRO of South Atlanta experts can be at your rescue with the support you need to get back on track. When you work with us, we handle the loss so you can focus on recovering. As soon as you get in touch, getting your home back to its pre-fire state becomes our top priority.

Learn more about our effective method for restoring the ruins left over by a house fire:

Our Initial Move

Focusing on the health of you and your loved ones comes first in the fire recovery process. When you’re ready to get started, contact our team, and we’ll be on the way!

Because each fire emergency is unique, it is critical for our team to gain a better understanding of your specific situation to devise the most effective restoration plan. Over the phone, we’ll talk for a bit to make sure our team arrives with the right tools to get the job done.

As soon as we arrive, we’ll start by taking a look around to determine the magnitude of your fire-damaged home.

Time to Work

To save you from any more destruction, our team will board up and place tarps on the vulnerable parts of your home to keep everything running smoothly.

With the help of advanced technologies and certified practices, our team moves even quicker to get your ceilings, walls, floors and any other damaged parts of your home back to normal. After we extract smoke and soot from every surface, we go the extra mile to return your home to its original condition. A deep-clean that includes sanitization and deodorizing help to save you from bacteria and a nasty odor.

The Final Step in Recovery

The final and most vital part of the restoration is the most exciting for homeowners! Additional rebuilding work like replacing flooring or repainting walls is the cherry on top of the SERVPRO fire restoration method.

If flames resulted in major damage and your home is in need of more complex reconstruction efforts, we’ll gear up and get the job done. No matter how far the flames spread, we have the tools, experience and dedication to get your home back in shape after a fire.

For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.

Water Damage Can Strike Up High or Down Low | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help when water damage ruins your day. We make water damage claims disappear "Like they never even happened."

Water damage isn’t picky about where it strikes, and you can discover it almost anywhere around your property. Some water emergencies are immediately apparent, saving you from costly repairs, but others can be more difficult to detect.

The parts of your South Atlanta house that you visit the least could be the source of severe water damage.

It’s probably not a debatable assumption to suggest that your basement, attic and roof are among your home’s least-frequented places. While these sections of your home may be the least visited, they are among the most susceptible to water damage.

Continue reading to learn how water damage can invade these lonely spots and what to check for when you finally pay that occasional visit.

Deep Beneath Your Home

Slab leaks around your home’s foundation are very typical, particularly in older homes or homes built on a concrete foundation. If left untreated, these leaks can lead to a variety of serious problems, including foundation fractures, a high water bill, foul odors and even the entire collapse of your home’s foundation.

These issues are also indicators of leakage, along with standing water building up outside your home, low water pressure and wet or damaged flooring.

Another area where hidden water damage can be found is in the basement. Basements are another hotspot for leakage that can quickly worsen if left unnoticed for a long period of time.

Issues like overflowing gutters, a buildup of water along the home’s foundation and plumbing problems can all send water flooding down under your home. Having your home graded or investing in a sump pump can be a beneficial long-term expenditure.

Up High Where You Can’t See

If you notice your ceiling is looking a little rougher than usual, you may be dealing with a hidden roof or attic leak. These two types of water damage are linked because unnoticed roof leaks might eventually spill into your attic.

Keeping your roof in good shape is a smart method for keeping water out of locations up high that you can’t keep an eye on all of the time. Climb up on your roof regularly—or have a professional do so—to check for damaged shingles and clogged gutters. You should also trim any branches that overhang your home.

Inspecting your attic on a regular basis might also help you determine whether you have a roof leak. Check that your attic has adequate ventilation and that nothing is obstructing vents and causing excess dampness. While you’re up there, look for mold growth, which is a common symptom of moisture buildup or leaking.

Unnoticed roof and attic leaks aren’t limited to these areas, and they can quickly begin leaking down into your living space over time. Keeping these vulnerable spaces in check is the easiest way to prevent a water emergency from taking over your entire Atlanta residence.

Our crew at SERVPRO of South Atlanta includes experts in water damage restoration! We can rapidly repair your losses and dry your home to its pre-water state.

How Water Damage Erupts in the Workplace | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of South Atlanta can help you get dried out quickly.

Water loss is a frequent cause of workplace interruption and can be an expensive mess for business owners to clean up. Even an inch of water is enough to shut your business down for weeks until it’s all cleaned up

Water damage can easily go unnoticed in the workplace, and it can be even harder to catch when you don’t know where to look. As you work to prevent water damage, it can be extremely helpful to keep an eye on the areas of your building that are most vulnerable to it.

3 Common Sources

Keep a close eye on these areas inside your workplace to maintain your water damage prevention efforts and to avoid expensive downtime:

1. The roof. Slow-developing leaks or abrupt leakage after a storm can both emerge on your roof. Roof leakage can slowly drip down into your workplace, damaging anything it touches in the process. You can manage this problem by clearing your gutters and inspecting your roof for wear and tear after severe weather hits.
2. Bathrooms. Around 15% of workplace water damage is caused by tiny leaks alone in the sink and toilet pipes. If you have multiple bathrooms in your building, assign several team members to keep an eye on these areas so that if problems erupt, you can respond quickly.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Equipment that’s connected to a water line can easily spring a leak due to clogs or malfunctions. Look out for wet spots near your HVAC unit, and monitor your building’s water pressure. These issues point toward water damage in its earlier stages, so it can be stopped before it worsens.

Take Preventive Steps

Water emergencies can be chaotic, but quick action can protect your business from total destruction. Planning ahead for situations like this can save you from a huge commercial mess.

Prepare a prevention plan to begin your fight against commercial water damage. Our team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta can give you some extra help as you work to safeguard your business by building an Emergency Ready Plan tailored to the needs of your workplace.

A quick and appropriate response is the best way to get commercial water damage under control. After you’ve done all you can to execute a rapid response, be sure to give us a call. We can be on the scene quickly to restore your commercial losses and protect your business.

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

Does Your Atlanta Business Have a Fire Escape Plan? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial facilities that experience fire damage need an immediate response. SERVPRO is here to help 24/7, if smoke or fire damages your workspace.

Fire drills are a must, as you may recall from your elementary school days. The significance of this yearly practice is not limited to grade school; business owners should work toward implementing it in their workplace as well.

Knowing where to go when a crisis arises is something every business can benefit from, especially if flames are involved! Fires spread quickly, making a quick and orderly exit even more critical for the safety of your employees. Creating and practicing an evacuation plan on a regular basis could keep your Atlanta team from wandering the halls of your workplace when a fire breaks out.

Staying Alert Is Vital

Begin by informing your employees about various situations that will necessitate the use of your fire escape strategy. Once your team is aware of these hazards, they will not only know when to evacuate, but they will also be more adept at preventing fires in general.

When problems arise, most businesses have smoke detectors that alert the entire workplace. This should be the first sign that it’s time for your team to evacuate, regardless of where or when a fire starts.

Working smoke alarms can also aid in avoiding the need for a commercial evacuation in the first place! Also, informing your team about the location of your fire extinguishers can help make a fire emergency less damaging and may allow for a safer exit if flames get out of control.

Plan a Swift Evacuation

When you sit down to create your company fire drill, it’s essential to look over the exit routes located in your building. The ideal commercial fire drill should include at least two exit points, but if your building is larger or has multiple stories, it is best to highlight a few more exits.

As stated above, alert systems like fire alarms can be immensely helpful, but sometimes you’ll need other methods for workplace communication. Ensuring your team has a digital notification system will allow your team to receive specific updates in the middle of any crisis.

Assigning roles to trusted employees to assist in an organized evacuation is also beneficial in ensuring that everyone gets out safely.

Practice Makes Perfect

And finally, what good is a fire drill without regular test runs? Once you have successfully created a plan designed for your unique workplace hazards, employees and layout, you can conduct your first practice drill.

Make sure employees are aware of their responsibilities, where to go and what to do next in the event of a real fire emergency. Answer any questions as they pop up, and consider incorporating any employee suggestions into your final plan to make it perfect.

We are here to help Atlanta businesses bounce back after a fire emergency! Contact us, and we can restore your commercial losses and get you back to work ASAP.

Stay a Step Ahead of Atlanta’s Weather Threats | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help restore your property no matter what size disaster caused it damaged. We make property damage "Like it never even happened."

Throughout the year, Atlanta gets hit by severe weather of all sizes and types. Tornadoes, thunderstorms and a variety of other hazards put homes and businesses at risk of damage.
The best way to prepare for these events is to start early so that your home is ready all year long.

While safeguarding your home is essential to preventing damage, staying informed and creating a plan are vital to protecting yourself and the ones you love. Knowing how to react and having
the necessary tools will be extremely beneficial in keeping your family safe when disaster strikes.

Add preparedness to your family’s regimen, and you’ll be ready for whatever the weather brings to Atlanta! We’ve compiled a list of a few easy ways you can get started.

Pack for Preparedness...An emergency pack that includes a first-aid kit should be kept inside your home at all times. You should keep this in a location that everyone in your home can access, preferably in the location where your family will report when a crisis hits.

Basic disaster supplies like food and water are obvious, but you may not realize your kit needs to be customized to meet the needs of your entire household. Your kit should include
medications, emergency phone numbers, copies of essential family documents and accommodations for any pets in the house.

Keep an Eye on Local Forecasts...There are numerous hazards to be aware of when it comes to Atlanta’s typical weather patterns. Tuning in to weather channels and keeping up with local
forecasts will allow you to respond quickly and appropriately.

Understanding what’s to come might sound easy, but it can be confusing to interpret what certain advisories might mean for you and your home. Educate yourself on the numerous weather warnings and watches that could be sent out in the Atlanta area so that you’ll know how to react.

Create an Emergency Plan...Planning for disaster in every way possible will ensure your family knows what to do when severe weather is on the horizon. A stellar emergency preparedness
plan should consist of ways to react, escape and endure a disaster. Be sure to build a plan tailored to your family’s specific needs and location as well!

Speak to your family about ways to communicate before, during and after disaster strikes, as well as ways to keep updated on the situation. Establish a meeting place so you can reunite if you become separated, as well as an evacuation plan so you can escape in a timely manner if necessary.

Partner with SERVPRO when severe Atlanta weather leaves its mark on your home. We’ll work rapidly to get your family back to your pre-disaster home.