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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

SERVPRO Values Your Time

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Servpro team member carrying equipment away from a job site. We don't stop until our job is done.

Call SERVPRO® of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia when you need it done right and done fast. Did you know when you hire us for your damage restoration needs, we work around your schedule and strive to get your business up & running ASAP? Quality cleaning and quick response - that is the SERVPRO® way. Can't figure out how to get the job done? We're here for you during your emergency restoration needs. When you experience a fire, water or mold damage in your home or facility, you need fast response and the expertise to get the job done right, ensuring you can get back into operation as quickly as possible. Through it all, you expect the most reliable information and the very best service at a fair price. We are here for you.

Thorough Disinfectants and Deep Cleaning

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

One of our products SERVPROXIDETM is our proprietary hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the EPA. It is a stabilized chlorine dioxide-based antimicrobial which carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. The product itself doesn’t carry any fragrances other than a mild cleaning odor which dissipates quickly making it a great product for people with chemical or odor sensitivities. There are many different applications for SERVPROXIDETM. It can eliminate odors through disinfecting and oxidation rather than just covering them up. That can be done by applying the product directly with towels or through misting or spraying which is often used when we clean HVAC systems. It has even been utilized in electrostatic spraying for an even application on surfaces inside buildings. In fact, SERVPROXIDETM is the disinfectant we have used when we have been asked to clean and disinfect COVID-19 in homes and businesses here in Brookhaven, McComb or Columbia areas. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar types of organisms to COVID-19 and SERVPROXIDE has EPA-approved claims against things like Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, staphylococcus, E.coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Swine flu. When you use SERVPRO, you can have rest at ease knowing that our team is using hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the EPA. Our chemists are even able to advise us in unorthodox situations to utilize our suite of cleaning products to clean and deodorize even the strongest and strangest combination of smells and soils.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

This month we wear pink. SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia supports the pink ribbon. We dedicated this blog to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Are you aware?

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. We support making a difference! Spread the word about mammograms, and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this opportunity to spread the word about steps women can take to detect breast cancer early.

Here are just a few ideas:

  • Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.
  • Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms.
  • Organize an event to talk with women ages 50 to 74 in your community about getting mammograms every 2 years.

Why SERVPRO: Heart & Dedication

5/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brookhaven's van in the night responding to a call. We'll be there- day or night. #reliable

We, at SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia, truly care for your situation.

We understand that disasters happen at anytime, and the stress that it brings to you. Our office manager and job file coordinator is dedicated to spending time on the phone with you— writing down every little detail of the situation, scheduling around your time and getting in touch with your adjuster. Sometimes, whether business owner or homeowner, you need some words of encouragement during this emotional time. We are here to help you.

Our whole crew teams up and calculates how we can get the job done the most efficient, fastest and cost-friendly way. We do not encourage disposal of damaged items. SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia will always try to salvage your personal belongings and your business's equipment if we can.

Though our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., that is not always the case with our technicians, and certainly not our owner, Kyle Hutson. Depending on how crucial the damage is, we will stay till dark and on weekends working to get your home or business back to preloss conditions. We are dedicated to what we do, and we want you to feel comfortable in our care. 

If at anytime you have any questions about our services and prices, please do not hesitate to call during our office hours or reach out through email/messenger. 

Office: (601) 823-1100
Emailoffice@SERVPROofbrookhaven.com

Facebook: @SERVPRObrookhavenmccombcolumbia 
Instagram: @SERVPRO.of.bmc

"Like it never even happened."

Why Call a Professional?

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Mold wall background with "Don't do it yourself" quote in front of it. DIY is only ok in certain situations. When it comes to water damage, it's pretty risky.

Don’t Do It Yourself

We understand you want to save money, but taking the job upon yourself can cause more damage than it is worth. Don't be a “do-it-yourselfer”.

What Happens?

We had someone call about an extensive water leak in the roof. After they called around different businesses, they then decided to become a “do-it-yourselfer”. After a few hours on "Google" and "YouTube” they thought the job seemed simple enough. They then went to the expense to rent a carpet cleaner and buy a small dehumidifier. Thinking they fixed the problem themselves, they began to smell a musty odor. So they call SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia to come deodorize the home, however our technicians wanted to find the location of the smell.

After pulling the baseboards and the corners of the carpet up, we noticed immediately the water and the mold starting. After the initial inspection was done we provided them with a full estimate to fix the damages. They were shocked at how much lower our estimate was from all the others they had received. Within hours we began our work, returning this family’s home to "like new" condition in only two weeks!

Call us straight away to save yourself the time and money! (601) 823-1100

Easy Odor Removal

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Ew, Get Rid of Foul Odors

Whether you just moved into a home with smelly carpets or discovered a sewer backup, our highly skilled SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia odor removal and deodorizer team can quickly turn an unpleasant smell into a fresh scent. We can quickly and easily neutralize smells inside and outside of your home, corporate building and office space. While some odor neutralizing solutions provide temporary relief, our proven odor removal system gets the smell out for good.

What Causes Odors in Homes?

Various factors cause a foul odor to develop in your residence or business. Many people have moved away from installing carpeting in high traffic areas to avoid buildup of dirt and smells. Sometimes it can be difficult to get rid of odors that develop over time, especially in high traffic areas. Not to mention when storms occur and cause the sewers to back up into your home or office. Other odors might be caused by stains or pet accidents that weren't properly cleaned up.  Cat urine is notorious for being difficult to remove from carpets and even concrete. Food or other household products left unattended can develop smells over time as well. Smoking can also cause a home or office to have a foul odor over time. Many people don't realize how offensive odors develop suddenly in their homes, but the truth is that some of these smells evolve and go undetected for a long time, especially where smoking is concerned.

How Can We Help?

The highly trained SERVPRO team in your area can neutralize and get rid of any foul odors you may be experiencing in your home or office. We’ll inspect the premises to identify the source of the smell, and propose a plan for deodorizing and eliminating the unwanted odors. We use environmentally safe products, and ensure that your home or office is left in better shape than we found it. You’ll be glad you called us to eliminate foul odors in your home. We’ll be able to provide you with some feedback about conditions that could be causing the offensive odors, and if necessary, we can facilitate the removal of surfaces, such as counter tops, carpets, and flooring that might be holding the scent. If left untreated, the cause of the odor could lead to mold, health concerns and more.

Contact Us Today

If you are living with a foul smell in your home or office, don’t delay in calling us at (601) 823-1100 to inspect your premises right away. There could be a problem that is bigger than just a bad smell. For example, you could have damaged sewer lines, water lines, and even eroded structures from issues caused by sewer and water. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with solutions that resolve the odor and leave your home or office feeling and smelling clean. If you are tired of living with foul smells that could be making you sick or destroying your home or office, call us today!

Consequences to DIY Water Cleanup

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

After a water emergency that floods a home or business, the last thing that most people want to deal with is a bill for cleaning up the damage. This is what leads many homeowners to attempt water extraction on their own instead of calling a professional. 
 
If you're in need of water removal in the Brookhaven, McComb or Columbia area, you may be tempted to save money by trying to get rid of the excess water on your own. However, going this route typically has more consequences than benefits and will result in greater losses of time, money, and your possessions in the long run.

Here's why calling SERVPRO for professional water removal is a smart move:
 
Professional Do It the Best.
While some homeowners resort to opening windows and doors, turning on ceiling fans, and blotting towels around the house, SERVPRO has powerful equipment that ensures efficient and thorough water removal. We're also often able to restore documents, books, furnishings, and electronic devices affected by water damage, plus we'll get your home's humidity back to an appropriate level. 
 
Many Water Emergencies are Hazardous. 
If your house has been flooded with gray or black water, such as that from a natural disaster, backed up sewer line, or a leaky toilet, an expert's attention is the best. These types of water are risky for untrained persons to handle because it involves disease causing waste and debris. This is the type of material that can't simply be put out with the week's garbage and needs proper and safe disposal.  We're knowledgeable about how to get rid of contaminated waste during water extraction, so there are no lingering health risks to your family or pets. 
 
Did You Even Consider Mold or Mildew.
One reason that so many homeowners who attempt DIY water removal eventually end up calling a pro is unseen damage caused by mold and mildew. While your flooring and possessions may look and feel dry, without proper water extraction and controlling humidity, mold and mildew will thrive, cause foul odors, and ruin your home's structure along with your possessions and furniture. SERVPRO technicians are trained at protecting against the growth of mold and mildew and have effective strategies to combat it. 
 
At SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia, we know how important it is to get your home back in order as quickly as possible. We'll help you mitigate the costs of any water emergency by restoring your possessions and preventing future damage to your home. For more information about our water removal services or to receive a quote, call us at (601) 823-1100.

Coffee Stain Removal Step-by-Step

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Coffee spilling on carpet. It's always best to stay away from harsh chemicals when it comes to removing carpet stains yourself.

We love sharing our tips and tricks, especially for our DIY peeps. Here's one for the books: how to get those stubborn coffee stains out of your carpet. Follow these steps to improve your carpet's appearance before the holidays!

Step One:

Always start with water! If you catch the spill immediately, take a clean towel and blot blot blot. Start at the edges and work your way to middle. Spray with water and repeat until the coffee is all removed. On a still wet stain this may be all you need to do!

Step Two:

Still stained? Try foamy white shaving cream. Gently rub into the carpet without pressing (you don't want to push the stain in further). Allow to stand for a few minutes, then blot.  To rinse, spray with water and blot. Repeat process until completely rinsed. 

Step Three: 

Got an already dry stain? No problem! Make a baking soda and water paste, rub into the carpet, and allow to dry. Once dry, vacuum up the powder. You should be stain free!

Step Four:

Stain a tad more stubborn? Mix one part white vinegar, two parts water and spray directly to the stained area. Blot with a clean dry towel. Rinse by spraying water and thoroughly blotting. Repeat the rinse until all the vinegar is removed. 

Step Five:

Once your stain is gone, take a dry towel and lay over still wet area then stomp your feet over it. Ta Da!

Need any other tips? Just give us a call and we'll try to help you the best we can! (601) 823-1100

Halloween Safety Prep

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Harvest moon with a SERVPRO logo on it. Have a safe & spooktacular night!

Ok parents, it’s that time of year again! We want our customers to have a safe and spooktacular Halloween without any accidents. SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia wants to make sure our community has some tips to follow to be prepared no matter what!

  1. Flame Resistant/Fire Retardant Costumes. 
    Today, ready-made costumes are required to be made from nonflammable materials or treated with flame retardant. However, it is important to recognize that home-made costumes are not treated, and heightened precautions should be taken. Many household items, clothing, hats, wigs, and other accessories for costumes can be highly flammable. Be sure to consider the dangers when designing a costume for your child. Remember that long-flowing costumes are a risk for catching fire on candle-lit Jack O’ Lanterns and other decorations. Safety first! If your little ones will be trick or treating this year in the neighborhood, incorporate reflective strips into the costume, and make sure all trick or treaters have a flashlight so they are visible to traffic.
  2. Street Safety. 
    In addition to having costumes that are visible to traffic, it is imperative that children understand to cross streets only at corners and to obey all traffic signals and crosswalks. It is highly recommended, particularly after dark that all pedestrians make direct eye contact with drivers prior to walking across the street to help ensure a safe crossing.
  3. Stick With Houston Neighborhoods You Know.
    While it may be tempting to trick or treat on the other side of town, it is wise to keep close to home on Halloween. Walk on the streets and paths you and your children know well, and where you recognize your neighbors. 
  4. Follow Neighborhood Protocols.
    Of course, everyone wants to get out there and collect their treats as soon as possible. Remember to trick or treat during accepted hours – typically 5:30 – 9:00, and only visit homes with front porch lights that are on. Additionally, respect homeowner’s properties by sticking to sidewalks and paths; stay off the grass whenever possible and don’t disrupt landscaping or personal items.
  5. The Great Candy Check. 
    Today, it is vital that prior to eating any of the treats that all of the candy is examined. Check to make sure all treats are sealed, and consume only store-bought treats provided by strangers. Look for any pinholes, resealed candies, or other causes for alarm.
  6. Decorations at Home. 
    If you are decorating your home for Halloween, use best fire safety protocols to ensure a safe holiday celebration. Remember that many decorations are inherently flammable (crepe paper, cardboard, sheets, etc.) and that they need to be kept away from any open flame candles, Jack O’ Lanterns, space heaters, or other sources of heat or flame. SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia is on call for any size disaster, but we’d prefer safe celebrations throughout Houston this year.
  7. Keep Pets Secured. 
    Halloween can be quite stressful for pets. The constant stream of people at the door, the eerie noises, and scary costumes can scare pets causing them to dart out the door. Sadly, there are also nefarious people that prey on pets during Halloween, and it is best to keep them safely secured in a room in your home during the festivities. If you have cats or dogs remember that they can easily knock over candles causing a fire in your home; make sure candles are out of the line of pets and children, and test all smoke detectors prior to trick or treating/party hours. Also, remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs and all candy and treats should be kept out of their reach.

We wish you a Happy Halloween!

Locally Owned— Professionally Certified

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

An image of IICRC logo Looking for the best restoration company? Trust the trained and certified professionals here at SERVPRO!

Water Damage Can Be Deceptive

Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

IICRC ?

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

[via IICRC.org]

Efficient Fire Restoration

11/29/2020 (Permalink)

What Happens After a Fire

After a fire, smoky residue saturates every opening because of the convection pattern that flames typically form during ignition. The soot constructs up in layers that may end up being solidified and tough to eliminate which is another reason to leave the cleaning to a specialist.

When the cleaning teams arrive, they promptly differentiate salvageable items from charred debris, taking the things creating the strongest odors out for cleaning.

Following a fire, wall surface areas can be harmed by soot. Non-water based cleaners need to be used to remove soot from walls. These kinds of chemicals should be handled by a specialist due to the fumes and toxicity. Water-based cleaning items can cause spots to bleed into plaster walls, which is why a trained specialist should be left to deal with these chemicals.  

"What could possibly happen if I do it myself?" 
A professional restoration team reduces the after-effects a blaze can have on the health of those who return. If a homeowner does not have the property restored by a professional, the results can be found later on down the line. To an untrained eye, they might believe the issue has been fixed. Homeowners who do it themselves may experience the remaining impacts of indoor air pollution for numerous months later on, which could also form an increased respiratory discomfort.  

We are trained to help remove your belongings as well as cleaning and storing them until your property has been restored to its original condition. We want to save as much as possible.

"Like it never even happened."

Avoiding Damage During Fall

11/29/2020 (Permalink)

Outdoor Cleaning Tips that Could help Prevent Damage this Fall

The chill is in the air and the leaves are piling up. Our team at SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia is committed to helping our friends, you, by offering little tips and important reminders to help during times of need or to prevent damage altogether. As cooler weather approaches, here are some things you may want to add to your cleaning to-do's:

  • Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.(Repair or replace as needed.)
  • Check and clean the gutters.
    (Do the downspouts, too.)
  • Clean the patio furniture.(Then store away.)
  • Drain and store garden hoses.
  • Check the exterior paint.(Touch up as needed.)
  • Drain the pool, if applicable.(Close it up for the year)

Some of these tips can help prevent future water damage as well, like cleaning your gutters and repair the weather stripping & caulk. So, remember:

Stay ahead. Be prepared.

Cigarette Odor Removal Services

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

A cigarette in an ashtray, smelling up a room. Replace that foul odor with a pleasant aroma by calling SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia!

There is a difference in removing odors and covering them up. SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia technicians are trained with specialty equipment that are very effective in permanently removing odors, like tobacco smoke. SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia can perform an inspection to determine the level of smoke odors, we like to know how long the smoking was going on and what type of smoke it was.

What SERVPRO Does:

Step one—remove the source of what caused the odor. Our technicians would wash the walls, ceilings and all hard surfaces with a counteractant that removes odors over time eliminating the odor.

Usually a duct cleaning is required and depending on how long the smoking was going on, it may be recommended to remove the carpet and padding.  

Next step—seal with an alcohol based primer and paint with a high quality paint to help encapsulate any remaining odors.

Finally, we fog with a counteractant that will work its way into every nook and cranny in the structure just like smoke does. The fogging will keep working for a few days as the house is closed up allowing the counteractant to continue to eat away at the odors.

What Does it Look Like?

Cigarette smoke is a yellowish-brown gluey residue that sticks to every surface in a home, making it difficult and time-consuming to remove. In order to completely eliminate cigarette smoke odor, you must thoroughly clean the tobacco smoke residue from every surface.

Best Way to Remove Tobacco Smoke:

Clean, Clean, Clean!

Open all windows and doors to let as much fresh air in as possible.

Clean or replace the air filters, furnace filters and AC filters.

Clean walls and ceilings using products with ammonia and glycol - two ingredients that neutralize bad odors. Let the walls dry and check if the odor persists.

If you can still sense cigarette odor after cleaning, repaint the walls and ceilings with latex paint. Use a sealant designed to lock in odors before painting.

Clean everything in the home: floors, windows, carpets, furniture, upholstery, draperies, blinds and other household surfaces, fixtures and items. Hire a professional cleaning company if the tobacco smoke is too difficult to remove.

Inexpensive Short-term Solutions Tips:

  • Use an air purifier in your home.
  • Sprinkle baking soda on the carpets, leave it overnight to absorb bad smells, and vacuum it the next day.
  • Place saucers of white vinegar around the home and leave them overnight to neutralize the smell.
  • Get indoor plants which can absorb up to 87% of indoor pollutants.
  • Place small bowls of coffee throughout the home.
  • Use scented or non-scented candles.
  • Leave orange peels around the home.
  • Place pineapple slices around the room with all doors and windows closed for 24 hours.
  • Place bowls of activated charcoal around the home.

Having odor problems? Call your local professionals that can do the job right the first time! SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia (601) 823-1100.

How Did We Do?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Logo of social medias You're opinion is valuable to us!

Tell Us Why Choose SERVPRO

Did a disaster occur and SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia truly make it "Like it never even happened."

Were we nice on the phone and fulfilled our promises we made?

Or are there some concerns you would like us to know about, so we can take care of them?

Your Feedback is Valuable to Us

Leaving us a you're feedback on any of our three websites is one of the best communications we have with our customers. It helps us determine what steps we need to make to improve our services. Not only does it help us better our work, but it also gives us encouragement and motivation for the next jobs. We love nothing more than our happy customers. 

We Want Our Customers' Voice

We highly enjoy receiving your feedback and hearing about your experience because of three honest reasons:

1.) We can address each customer based on their review/rating, allowing effective communication where we can resolve any misunderstandings. Don't be left in the dark! Speak out!

2.) If we made you truly satisfied, your voice carries. Recommend us to your friends! 

3.) This is a tool that always helps us. Positive feedback helps our technicians know they are doing something right. SERVPRO is so incredibly grateful for each positive voice. We truly love reading the uplifting things you have to say about SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia. Thank you.

Reviews & Ratings are your way of speaking out. So PLEASE, if you've used our services before, don't hesitate to give us you're feedback on the links below. Thank you.

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