How To Address Mold in Your Air Conditioning Ducts

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Air ducts are a common location for mold.

How to Take Care of Mold in Your AC Ducts

Air ducts are a common location for mold. They feed off the dust and moisture that is common in HVAC systems.
Musty odors and black dust near the air vents are signs of a possible mold problem. If the issue is not properly handled, the mold could spread and cause severe harm to your property.

Removing Air Conditioner Mold
Mold thus needs to be addressed immediately. Below are the basic mold cleanup steps:

• Have a certified inspector check the property for mold
• Replace the insulation, if necessary
• Disinfect the ductwork
• Find and address the source of the mold growth
  
  

Cleaning black mold improperly can just cause additional damage. Instead, you should use specialists who know how to remove the mold and prevent it from coming back.

Limiting Mold Growth
Because the black mold cleanup process can be costly and time-consuming, you should take steps to prevent an infestation before it starts. That means making sure your property has clean ducts. Bring in a technician at least twice annually to perform maintenance and fix any issues.
Dust and debris within the air conditioning vents can also promote mold growth. You should thus get the filters changed regularly.
There are also steps you can take to limit mold growth in the rest of your building. Be sure to dry wet areas immediately, clean clogged gutters and lower the indoor humidity.
Black mold can damage building materials and temporarily shut down your commercial property. Since mold often grows in damp places, you should regularly clean and inspect your air conditioner ducts. If you see spores or smell an unusual odor, mold remediation specialists can address the problem before it gets worse.

Why a 24 Hour Response Matters

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage to a home in Collegedale, TN.

Why a 24 Hour Response Matters

As an insurance adjuster in Collegedale, TN, you are part of the front line for residential disasters. Some events, like those involving water, require an immediate response to slow or stop the course of damage. SERVPRO has a 24-hour response because they understand that every hour of exposure has a crucial impact on the extent of damage, and cost, since the chance of restoration goes down as the clock ticks away. Here is the typical progression of water damage to a home:

First 24 Hours

• Porous items such as drywall, upholstery, carpets and floors begin to absorb the water immediately.
  
• Stains from finishes and pigments may occur from contact between items.
  
• Documents and photos absorb water and warp.
  
• Materials become saturated with water and begin to break down or crack from swelling.
  
• Metal begins to tarnish.
  
• Molds begin to grow.
  
  

After 24 Hours

• Wood studs, flooring, windows and doors warp.
  
• Paint bubbles and peels.
  
• Metal corrodes.
  
• Mold and mildew multiply.
  
• Sitting water becomes “black water” due to exposure.
  
  

To minimize costs and damage, a 24-hour response is critical. As an insurance adjuster, you know that damage increases dramatically in a matter of hours and the costs increase exponentially during that time.

How a 24 Hour Response Is Possible

With the power of a national company, SERVPRO is always open. The national call center operates every day of the year, 24 hours a day. With this first contact being crucial, your customer will talk to a professional on the phone within the first hour and, thanks to the power of local reach, on-site work will be able to begin within four hours of that initial call. As an adjuster, you will receive your first verbal briefing within eight hours.

Selecting a national vendor with more than 1,700 locations ensures a 24-hour response for your customers. You also know you can count on consistent standards and procedures, and big company quality. That fast response is why they are the preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.

You Must Worry About All Types of Mold

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture and mold in Collegedale bathroom.

You Should Be Concerned About All Mold Types

If you read newspapers or watch news coverage, you have probably heard about black mold. The substance has developed a negative reputation in recent years, as homeowners learn about the negative effects of this type of mold growth. You may not know, however, that other types of mold can be just as bad as black mold. By understanding how to keep mold in check, you can keep your Collegedale, TN, home in excellent shape.

Water Damage Is a Problem

As you probably know, water is essential inside your home. When water stays where it should, you likely do not have to worry about mold growth. If you have a leak, though, mold can spread quickly. When inspecting your house for signs of mold, look in the following areas where water damage is common:

• Kitchens
  
• Bathrooms
  
• Garages
  
• Basements
  
• Crawlspaces
  
• Attics
  
  

Humidity Is Not Your Friend

While increasing the humidity in your home may make breathing easier, it could encourage mold to grow. If you suspect you have high humidity in your house, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier. You also may want to buy a hygrometer to help you measure the humidity in your living spaces.

Cleanup Requires Equipment and Skill

Removing mold is not necessarily easy. In fact, you may seemingly wipe away mold only to realize that you did not effectively kill it. If you want to stop mold growth, consider contracting with a reputable mold remediation service. Expert technicians know where to find mold. They also have the expertise and equipment to stop mold in their tracks.

To keep your home in tip-top shape, you simply cannot ignore mold growth. While finding mold in your house can be challenging, the task is likely worth your time and energy. If you notice the signs of mold, you must work diligently to remove the substance. With some information and the right team, though, you can likely ensure your house stays comfortable.

How To Keep Your Business Running in an Emergency

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Conduct a Business Impact Analysis

How to Keep Your Company Running During an Emergency

One of the biggest fears for business owners in Harrison, TN, is losing any momentum they have gained when disaster strikes. But once you have a business continuity plan in place, there is no need to fear stalled progress. Whether you have a new or an established company, protect your assets by building a plan specific to you.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis Survey with your more experienced employees. You will need to assess the most vulnerable areas in your company and determine how to keep the risk of loss low. Where will you conduct your business if you have to vacate the premises, for example? When is the best time to contact commercial building restoration services? With a thorough assessment of your company’s needs, you can be better prepared to continue work, whether that means renting out an area from a nearby facility or having a temporary workplace set up.

2. Develop an emergency response team. Your team should be willing and able to handle its daily responsibilities and emergency response training. If you choose, you can have yourself or the team leader trained as a Business Continuity Plan Professional by taking a course from the Disaster Recovery Institute International. A certified professional can direct your team with efficient loss prevention techniques.

3. Update your emergency response plan with new training and revisions. As your business grows and changes, your plan will need to grow and change with it. Keep your employees informed of any changes and the reasons behind them. That way, when an unexpected setback occurs, you are ready.

In the event of flood, fire, or other emergency, you would hate to lose business because you had no plan to keep the wheels running. No one can expect when a flood or fire will occur, but you can prepare for the unpredictable at any time. No occasion is better than the present to develop a business continuity plan.

Mold Damage: Cleaning Tips and Warnings

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold behind baseboards.

Mold Damage Tips

Mold cleanup can be a scary process, especially if you are dealing with black mold, which can present certain risks. Fortunately, the cleanup process does not have to be overwhelming as long as you wear the proper safety gear.

• Face mask
  
• Gloves
  
• Full body protective coveralls
  
• Safety glasses
  
  

As long as you are taking your safety seriously, and you do not rush the cleanup, which could potentially release mold spores into the air, you may be able to clean out your building safely.

1. Repair Leaks

As a moisture problem is the likely culprit of mold growth, you will want to find and repair any leak that is feeding the issue. Generally, the leak will be close to the majority of the mold growth. You can usually follow the spread of mold to its source. If it is a leaky pipe, you will want to turn off the water supply before moving forward with the repair.

2. Scrub Hard Surfaces

While anything contaminated with black mold is better discarded, other mold types can be scrubbed from hard surfaces. All that is needed is a durable scrub brush, a mixture of detergent and water, and several clean rags that can be thrown away after drying the surface.

3. Discard Porous Materials

It may be tempting to keep porous items, like rugs and furniture, but it is not a wise decision. Mold seeps into these surfaces, making it difficult to clean the material thoroughly. Additionally, as it is nearly impossible to clean mold from these materials, they present a constant threat of continued mold contamination.

4. Ask a Professional

While cleaning up mold damage is possible on your own, it may be better to seek out a mold remediation specialist in the Ooltewah, TN, area. These professionals provide both expertise and the necessary equipment to ensure that you, your employees, and your clients or tenants remain healthy and happy.

Cleaning out excessive mold growth, especially black mold, can be a massive undertaking. If you are up to the task, then protect yourself and follow the tips above, but also know that there is no shame in hiring a professional.

Five Cooking Safety Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fires

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of all house fires.

Prevent a Kitchen Fire In Your Home

Cooking is a part of daily life, but it is also the number one cause of house fires. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to prevent a kitchen fire in your Chattanooga, TN home. Read on for a handful of tips to keep you safe.

1. Stay Present

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of all house fires. If you need to leave the room while cooking, turn off the burners or broiler and remove food from heat.

2. Keep a Fire Extinguisher

If a fire starts, a fire extinguisher is your best bet for quickly getting rid of the flames. It’s not enough to just own an extinguisher, however. Make sure you know how to use it.

3. Watch What You Wear

Flowy sleeves and loose-fitting clothing are at a higher risk of catching fire near an open flame. It’s better to wear form-fitting clothing with short sleeves or to make sure loose clothes are tied back with the help of an apron.

4. Never Pour Hot Grease in a Garbage Can

This is one of the most important safety tips as grease is one of the leading residential fire causes. Grease burns hot, so even if the grease is not on fire when you pour it into the can, it can quickly cause the garbage contained inside to light up. Always let grease cool completely and then pour it into an old jar or can for safe disposal.

5. Clear the Area

Before you even get started cooking, take a look around the area. Do you see any cleaning cloths, curtains, cords or oven mitts laying near the oven burners? Be sure to move them out of the way before turning on the stovetop.

Cooking-related fires might be the leading cause of home fires, but with these helpful tips, you can help avoid one in your Chattanooga, TN home. 

3 Steps for Handling Moldy Bread

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Bread mold is a regular occurrence, particularly in humid climates.

Ways To Handle Moldy Bread

Mold spores in your Apison, TN, home’s air are always looking for moist, damp places to thrive. From organic materials like paper and drywall to common household foods, these spores can grow rapidly once they find the right environment. Baked goods, such as bread, can be especially vulnerable to different types of fungal growth. If you discover bread mold in your kitchen, it is important that you know how to handle and dispose of it properly.

1. Do Not Scrape Off the Mold

Cutting or scraping fungus growth off a loaf of bread can send mold spores into the air, where they can settle elsewhere in your kitchen to grow anew. You may also not be able to remove all the mold, which makes the bread unsafe to eat. It is wiser to dispose of the bread altogether.

2. Bag the Bread

Bread mold will likely continue to grow once you throw the loaf away and may spread throughout your trashcan if you do not contain it. Before you dispose of the bread, wrap it tightly in a plastic bag and secure the end. You may want to throw the bag into your outdoor dumpster instead of your kitchen trash as an additional precaution.

3. Clean the Area Thoroughly

Because mold can spread quickly, it is wise to sanitize the area where the bread was stored. If the loaf was kept in the refrigerator, check foods nearby to ensure that no fridge mold has formed on them. Sanitize the shelf but avoid using a bleach-based cleaner, as this may contribute to moist conditions that allows mold to thrive. If you suspect any fungi has spread, considering calling in a mold damage and restoration service to inspect and treat your home.

Bread mold can be a common occurrence, especially during humid weather in Apison, TN. While there is no cause to be alarmed when this fungus develops, knowing how to dispose of it properly can prevent its spores from spreading.

What is Mold and How Does It Spread?

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always ready to respond to any mold damage in your home.

Mold: What Is It And How Does It Spread?

Existing in a diverse world of fungal species, mold is an inevitable part of nature that comes with a number of advantages and disadvantages. For the average homeowner in Harrison, TN, finding mold inside likely brings its own fair share of problems. Whether it is located on your wallpaper, bathtub, or in trickier spots of the house, mold indoors can thrive easily and spread quickly; for this reason, it is important for mold contamination to be under control.

Identifying Mold

Because they can grow in areas with even small amounts of moisture, mold can be found in any part of the house, including damp basements and windowsills. While identifying specific types can be a challenge, mold can usually be detected by sight or smell. Other red flags include water problems in the house or past flooding issues. Oftentimes, mold can spread behind walls and under carpets without a trace.

Calling Professionals

No matter how severe your mold problem may be, the quickest and simplest approach is typically to call upon the professionals. Homeowners who attempt to control mold contamination themselves may not always reach every spot. Furthermore, skilled professionals generally use equipment made especially for mold removal and control. Professionals may use plastic sheeting or other type of material to seal off the affected room and to cover vents.

Maintaining Control

Ensuring that the mold is gone for good is crucial when hiring a professional. When it comes to preventative steps, mold remediation technicians often use high-efficiency vacuums to dry the affected room completely. Doing so can remove any lingering spores that might have plans of wandering into other parts of the house. After the cleaning process is complete, professionals can remove the mold and other supplies in sealed bags.

Discovering that your home in Harrison, TN, has an uninvited fungal roommate is no light matter. Plans to reduce moisture and locate mold growth can be time consuming and frustrating. However, by hiring the right crew for the job, you can relax and know that mold contamination is under control.

Industrial Hygienists: Experts at Finding Hidden Mold

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold colonies in Apison, TN

How To Find Hidden Mold In Your Home

Your Apison, TN, home may be your castle, but you certainly don’t want it smelling like one. If there are visible signs of mold growth, you know it is time to call a mold remediation and restoration professional to take care of the problem and ensure proper mold cleaning. When there are no visible signs, but the smell keeps permeating in different areas, it is worth considering have a mold test completed by a certified industrial hygienist. They are highly trained professionals who will conduct air and surface testing.

Air Testing
Since mold quickly grows and sends spores out to form new colonies, the spores in your home may continually change and move. An inspector will conduct various tests to take back to the lab, which helps ensure that mold cleaning is done where it needs to be. They will first take air samples. Three common methods for this include:

Impaction Samplers: A calibrated air pump impacts spores on a microscope slide.
Cassette Samplers: Often only used once, it uses forced air to impact spores for collection.
Particle Collectors: These contain spores onto a culture dish.

Surface Testing
Surface samples will also be taken and sent back to the lab, which provides better insight into your home’s mold damage problem. Common methods for taking these samples are:

Bulk: A section of an area, such as drywall, is removed and send to the lab.
Swab: Similar to medical methods, a cotton swab is swept over an area, sealed and sent for testing.
Tape: A piece of tape is adhered to a section and gently removed, bringing with it any mold to test.

Once both tests are completed and the molds analyzed, you will have a scientific understanding of the scope of your issues. These tests also can pinpoint the type of mold. After you have had remediation done, an industrial hygienist will conduct industry-standard testing to ensure your problem was taken care of.
While mold cleaning may be an obvious task when visible mold is present, sometimes it is lurking out of sight. Professional testing can you help find the problem and eradicate it.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga - IICRC Certification

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

There are many restoration companies to choose from when looking for someone to mitigate your home from damages. Unfortunately, not all of those restoration companies hold a certification with the IICRC. When making such a big decision regarding your restoration company you always want to ensure that they are certified with the IICRC and follow industry standards. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a certification and standard-setting organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries.

Ensuring that you have chosen a company that has these certifications ensures that you are being provided the highest quality concepts, terminology and procedures recognized in the restoration industry.

Luckily SERVPRO of Chattanooga is IICRC Certified and ready for whatever happens. If you are in need of restoration services call our office at 423-326-1406.

COVID-19 Deep Cleaning

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

This is what we do

We do cleaning and disinfecting services for COVID-19, and we have been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are ready, willing, and able to clean and disinfect your commercial property.

We are cleaning professionals

Here’s Why:

• High Standards of SERVPRO’s trusted brand in cleaning and sanitation, and the standards set by the CDC guidelines
• Experience- more than 50 years in dealing with biohazard decontamination
• Training and expertise- IICRC standards and certifications
• We use EPA-approved disinfectants, such as SERVPROXIDE, “which is a hospital-grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for sanitizing surfaces in and around food processing surfaces”

Businesses that can benefit from our expertise:

• Retirement Communities
• Fitness Centers
• Airport/ General Aviation/FBO
• Hotels/Restaurants
• Schools
• Government Facilities
• Libraries
• Apartment complexes
• Grocery stores
• Brick and mortar stores
• Hair salons/ Barber shops
• Wineries/Breweries/Cideries
• Fire Stations /Police station
• City/County offices
• UVA
• PVCC
• Post offices
• Country Clubs/Resorts
• Churches
• Day care centers
• Auto repair shops/Auto dealerships
• Visitor’s Center
• Monticello/Historic sites
• Paramount/Jefferson Theaters/venues

If your business needs disinfecting, call the experts today –SERVPRO of Chattanooga at 423-326-1406.

Thankful For Our Wonderful Team

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

We're thankful for our team!

2020 has been quite an unprecedented year for all of us, and we're so thankful for a team that is always willing to go the extra mile for our customers. We held a company-wide (virtual and socially distant) meeting last to mark the countless achievements that our team has made over the last 12 months. Congratulations to all of those who were awarded with Employee of the Year awards, but we are truly grateful for every single person on our team. We wouldn't be where we're at without you.

Our team members never fail to go above and beyond for our customers and each other. We are looking forward to this next calendar year as we push forward together as #OneTeam! 

With Colder Weather Comes Greater Risk of Fire

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Seasonal traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas require adjustments to our daily routines as the thermometer drops in the region. With these changes come unwanted risks including fire hazards from additional holiday lights, candles and cooking.  Below, we list some preventative measures you can take now in order to prepare for the colder seasons.

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This process should be completed on an annual basis, preferably at Daylight Savings Time or the beginning of a new season to ensure your home and business is safe and prepared for potential emergencies.
• Check your heaters and HVAC systems for signs of failure and damage. Heating systems pose a significant threat of fire damage during the fall and winter months, so preparation and HVAC system inspections are critical in order to eliminate the risk of fire or lack of heat in your home. Any space heaters should be also be placed away from items that pose a risk such as clothing.
• Fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure they do not pose a risk, and combustible materials should be kept a safe distance away.
• Clear your roof and gutters of debris that can collect and pose a risk if ignited.
• Do not leave a fire of any kind unattended.

As colder weather ushers into the East Tennessee region, so does the risk of fires in your home or business. SERVPRO of Chattanooga wants to remind you about safe practices and safety precautions this fall and winter. Along with many other preventative measures you can take, these steps are critical in helping to keep you, your family  safe.

If your home or business does experience a fire damage event of any size, our team is here for immediate assistance. Our fire restoration professionals can handle the entire restoration and reconstruction process for you in order to help ease the stress that often comes with these types of disasters. For more information, give us a call at (423) 326-1406.

Who You Gonna Call? SERVPRO!

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help during your time of need. When you call, we answer- even if it is 10 PM on a Friday. We understand that when you have water coming through light fixtures or sewage backing up into your shower and onto the bathroom floor that you cannot wait until business hours on Monday.

That is why when you call, we answer and we respond to the loss. We are able to speak with you, get details about what is going on and dispatch a crew as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call SERVPRO of Chattanooga at (423)-326-1406.

Be Safe This Fourth of July!

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fourth of July Firework Safety

Summertime is known for grilling out, soaking up the sunshine, and during the month of July -- fireworks. The beautiful flashing light show in the sky is amazing to watch but requires a lot of safety and precaution. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. 

In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga understands that in these current times many public displays of fireworks may be cancelled due to the global pandemic, and safety for the community comes first. Click here to see information about the status of local firework shows. If you choose to use legal fireworks at home, here are some tips and safety precautions for you, your kids, and pets!

For Lighting Fireworks

1. Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
2. Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
3. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
4. Never light them indoors
5. Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
6. Never point or throw fireworks at another person
7. Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
8. Never ignite devices in a container
9. Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
10. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
11. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
12. Never use illegal fireworks

For Kids

1. Never allow young children to handle fireworks, glowsticks are a good alternative for them!
2. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
3. If you give your kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold.
4. Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

For Pets

1. Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
2. Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
3. Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
4. Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
5. After celebration, check your yard and/or pastures for firework debris

We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! We are here to help if you need us. 

You'll Always Be in Good Hands with SERVPRO of Chattanooga

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Chattanooga, your belongings, whether that be a property, furniture or antique bowls, will be taken care of. Our technicians are IICRC certified and receive training in water mitigation, mold remediation, fire restoration, and general cleaning. This allows us to perform at the standards that you deserve.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Throughout the certification process, our technicians will study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses. 

In turn, this training provides our professionals with knowledge and critical thinking skills to understand the best course of action when any type of loss occurs.

Initial Franchise Training

SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility provides new Franchise owners training in Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, and Mold Mitigation. This is the foundation of the training program designed by SERVPRO. The process is a 15-day hands-on course that provides the owners with valuable information.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a series of course materials and examination process that SERVPRO Franchise employees complete to receive certification in the following:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Web-based Training

Technicians and office staff have access to learn and test their knowledge of industry standards and professional quality.  These courses often are video presentations as well as support materials that challenge our technicians to be the best they can be for our customers.

At SERVPRO of Chattanooga, we encourage personal growth among our staff.  As our company grows and learns, we want our staff to follow suit. This course of action will in turn better our services to our customers. 

Why SERVPRO is The Best Choice This Holiday Season

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

We all have that memory where either a pipe burst or something was left on the stove for too long.  With the holidays just around the corner, SERVPRO of Chattanooga wants to ensure that you and your family have an unforgettable holiday season.  We know this time of year is very fast paced, from picking friends and relatives up from the airport, shopping for presents, hiding the presents from the kids, to decorating and cooking.   In the spirit of the holidays, some things that may be overlooked could become a hazard. SERVPRO of Chattanooga has a few tricks up our Christmas sweater sleeve that we want to share with you!

1. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights.  More than that may not only blow a fuse but can also cause a fire.
2. Keep living trees fresh by watering daily.  Dry trees are a serious fire hazard.
3. When decorating use battery powered candles. Candles start almost have of home decoration fires
4. Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking.  Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
5. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when going to bed or leaving the house.  Unattended candles are the cause of one in five home candle fires. Half of home fire deaths occur between 11pm and 7am. 

For more holiday safety tips click here!

Most losses that happen are unexpected, so even following the steps above doesn’t guarantee that a pipe won’t burst or a fire won’t start, but here at SERVPRO of Chattanooga we understand that and want to be the first one you call.  We offer our services 24/7, 365 days of the year! For all losses, give us a call and we promise to schedule a meeting promptly as well as communicate everything happening! Give us a call at (423) 326-1406.

Check our last blog post “How to Have a Warm Winter Safely” to pick up a few tips about having a space heater during the cold months! 

Happy Holidays, we hope SERVPRO of Chattanooga made your nice list!

Bringing Antique Bowls Back to Life

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Chattanooga we promise to go over and beyond until the job is done.  We ensure that you are updated in a timely manner about the status of the work that is being done.  Our team strives to have professional yet relatable interactions with all our customers.  

One job that our team recently worked on was where the house was struck by lightning and caught fire. During the job our team faced the initial issue of soot damage. Our customer had lost hope about saving these antique bowls that were passed down in the family because they didn't think we could save them. We were able to clean them and our customer was so appreciative that we could bring back something of meaning after having to deal with all the other losses from the fire.  To learn more about the effects of soot and smoke inhalation click here!

We used something called an ultrasonic tank to clean these items. Ultrasonic energy causes the rapid formation and collapse of small bubbles in the liquid; known as cavitation. A huge burst of energy creates bubbles that quickly increase in size until they burst against the surface of the item. As you can see from the before and after picture the bowl looks good as new! 

SERVPROXIDE - What Is It And How Does It Clean Contaminated Water?

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Many people don't know that SERVPRO corporate employs its own chemist, who formulates and manages the company's own line of cleaning products. This is to ensure that the products we use are safe and friendly to the customers we serve in Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Hixson, and beyond. SERVPRO of Chattanooga regularly uses one of our newer products, SERVPROXIDE, on job sites that have contaminated water or mold. SERVPROXIDE is an EPA-registered, stabilized chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant and sanitizer. 

Because many of the jobs we work on involve contaminated water or sewage, we use this cleaner to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and molds. SERVPROxide effectively removes any remaining contaminants from hard surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. It leaves a faint odor that quickly dissipates with air circulation. This product contains a PH level of 8.5-9.5, which means it carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating and is safe for everyday use. For the cherry on top, the product is a 100% biodegradable surfactant. Among many of the cleaning agents we use, SERVPROXIDE is one of our “go to" products in a long line of specialty products that SERVPRO offers. 

What Is In-Facility Storage And Why Is It Important?

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

What most people don't consider when thinking about a fire or water loss is where their things go to be stored before and during the cleaning process. Here at SERVPRO of Chattanooga, we have in-facility storage. This means that when your contents leave your home, they are brought here to be securely housed in the vaults in our climate-controlled storage facility.

The 10x10 vaults are used to physically store the contents. When it is time to clean the affected contents, they are removed from the vaults, cleaned thoroughly by one of our textile professionals, and then placed in a new vault with a label stating they have been cleaned and which of our technicians did the cleaning. When all of your contents have been cleaned, they are then transported back to your property to be reorganized into your home.

Rather than being in a self storage facility where it is susceptible to mold growth, theft, and overall deterioration, your contents are safe and secure in our in-house storage facility while your home is being restored. We understand first-hand the panic and confusion when you have to move your contents out of your home after a fire or water loss. You can rest assured that our trained staff will take care of your belongings like it’s their own. 

Check out this link to see a walkthrough of our Ooltewah facility:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=2qf3oWhBSht

SERVPRO of Chattanooga Can Get Your Business Back Up and Running After a Loss

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

A few months ago, our team received a call that a commercial property had a fire that was contained in one room, however, a sprinkler malfunction caused them to spray water in surrounding rooms and hallways, causing water damage throughout the building. We first arrived on scene to assess the fire damage contained in the single room. We found that there was heavy smoke damage to the room and contents inside that room that would need to be packed out and transferred to our office for cleaning.

Additionally, we would need to remove the flooring and affected drywall in order bring in air movers and dehumidifiers to clean up the water-damaged areas. Our team worked hard to get the water and fire damaged building back to new in a matter of 6 days.

We understand the importance to getting your business back up and running after a loss. Our SERVPRO of Chattanooga team is equipped with the facility, tools, and trained staff to do just that. Give us a call at (423) 326-1406!

Understanding How SERVPRO of Chattanooga Cleans Up Water Damage Cleanup

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

The first thing that the water restoration company will do is start the mitigation process. This is to mitigate any future damage. For example, if there is a pipe break or a supply line break, it will need to be fixed and the flow of water will need to be stopped. It is crucial to prevent further damage by doing the mitigation process if you want to salvage as much as you can.

The next step is the water cleanup process. This involves removing the water that is already in your flooded home. The restoration company will use special tools to remove the water from your flooded home. Special pumps can be used to take out the water in your home or the water in your business. This is the first step towards the restoration of your flooded home.

The next step is the drying process. This is slightly different than the water cleanup process, because it is more thorough. The water cleanup process will have removed all the flood water in your home or the water in your business. However, there will still be plenty of moisture and wetness left. Water will have seeped into your furniture, into your couches, into your walls, and into your ceiling. In addition, there will be pockets of moisture hidden in between the walls, under the tiles, and above your ceiling. The drying process will remove all this water. Special equipment will be used, both to detect the levels of moisture and to do the drying process so that your flooded home becomes truly dry and cleaned.

The next step is the restoration process. Remember that even if your home is dry, there may be structural damage. It is imperative that you repair whatever needs to be repaired, or your home will not be safe to live in. The restoration process may involve replacing parts of your walls, floor, and ceiling. It may also involve replacing pipes if the cause of the flood was a pipe break or a supply line break. A professional restoration company has the experience to spot what needs replacement and the experience and resources to replace them.

Finally, the company will let you know when your home is safe to live in again. They will do a final inspection of your home to see if it lives up to the standards that all safe homes need to live up to. For example, they need to make sure that your appliances are safe to use and that there is no risk of being electrocuted. They also need to make sure that the ceiling is stable and will not cave in.

Visit https://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com/water-damage-restoration for more information on water damage. 

Greeted with Kindness at SERVPRO of Chattanooga

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Chattanooga team takes pride in our ability to assist you when you are faced with a water or fire disaster. When you call SERVPRO of Chattanooga at 423-326-1406, you will be greeted with kindness and compassion by our receptionist and dispatcher, Tammy. She will guide you in the necessary steps you must take to get your home or business to preloss condition. Our office team, Rachelle, Whitney, Casey, Colton, and Taylor are tasked with making sure you, our customer, understand our services and schedule with you accordingly. They will make sure the entire job runs smoothly and documented correctly until it is completely finished. Whether you are calling about an initial loss, an ongoing loss, or an emergency call, our team will walk you through each step, gather important insurance information, and answer any questions you may have.

When they receive a call from you, rest assured that our team will take care of you from start to finish and communicate updates and scheduling.

How SERVPRO of Chattanooga Gets the Smoke Odor out of Your Clothes and Belongings

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Ozone Molecule

At our new facility in Ooltewah, TN, we have something called an “Ozone Room”. Sounds cool, right? It is! When you have a fire in your home or business, some of your contents may not have been directly affected by the fire. However, they still may have soot and smoke odor. Similarly, your clothes will smell heavily of smoke after sitting by a campfire for a few hours.

After you have experienced fire damage in your home, SERVPRO of Chattanooga professional technicians will bring your belongings to our ozone room at our facility and store them in vaults until they are ready to be cleaned. In the ozone room, the items are confined in a small space where they are exposed to high levels of ozone. The ozone molecules attach themselves to the smoke and soot molecules, essentially destroying the molecule.

Ozone is very effective in elimination odors, especially odors of an organic nature. When your contents leave the ozone room after 24 hours, the ozone gas dissipates in 10 to 15 minutes- leaving your clothes, furniture, and other personal items smelling fresh, “Like it never even happened.” If you are in need of fire damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Chattanooga at 423-326-1406. Our team will make sure that your belongings will be thoroughly cleaned and restored to you.

How SERVPRO of Chattanooga Drains a Flooded Basement

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

If your basement has flooded in Soddy Daisy, TN, you may be at a loss regarding what you should do. No one wants to deal with a basement flood, but facing reality and following these four steps will help you to recover your property with as little residual damage as possible.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may have insurance coverage for floods in your home. Because of this, you should always check over your homeowners policy and call the agent who handles your account to ask questions and make a claim if you can do so.

2. Wait for Conditions to Settle

Before you decide how to handle water removal, you will need to make sure that the water is under control. If it seems to be limited to the basement, and any outdoor water has receded, you can safely move on to draining your basement flood.

3. Choose Your Removal Method

All water removal methods are typically handled best by water damage technicians. Two typical solutions are pumping for large floods and vacuuming with a wet/dry machine for smaller ones. It is a good idea to research all of your options so that you make the best decision possible.

4. Decide on a Drying Method

Most homeowners will find that the majority of their damaged property and valuables will need to be dried, dehumidified or otherwise salvaged, as old flood water can cause irreversible damage to your investments if left to sit. The service that you hired for water removal can likely help you with drying and restoration, as well.

A basement flood is a big deal to any concerned homeowner, but being prepared can help you be less overwhelmed if this unfortunate situation is occurring or should occur in the future. Use your newfound knowledge to help protect your [City, State], house from as much lasting damage as possible.

Does Storm-Related Damage Have a Place on Your Business Tax Return?

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Business owners must think of innovative ways to meet customer demands. There is, however, one variable that can throw a monkey wrench into the workings of any company: severe weather. As you probably know, storms and other natural disasters can bring your company to a standstill. If your business has sustained storm damage, you may be able to deduct some of it on your annual tax return.

Determine the Source of Your Business Damage

To know whether damage to your Hixson, TN business is tax deductible, you must first determine the source of the damage. Damage from the following types of natural disasters are often deductible:
• Thunderstorms
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Blizzards

When determining whether damage is caused by a storm, you must look for sources of other possible damage. For example, failure to properly maintain your business before the storm hit may render your organization ineligible to list it as a deductible expense.

Consider Whether Your Insurance Policy Covered the Damage

The next part of the analysis involves your insurance. If your commercial policy covered storm damage, you likely cannot deduct it on your tax filing. If, on the other hand, your insurer did not pay for the damage, you may be able to list it as a deduction. You can also usually list the difference between actual damage and the amount your insurer paid as a deduction. If you failed to file an insurance claim that would have otherwise been covered, you are probably ineligible to claim the damage as a deduction, though.

Virtually all business eventually sustain some type of storm damage. While relying on insurance to help control costs is a good idea, you must have a full-throttled strategy to ensure business continuity. A restoration service can likely help to return your company to its pre-storm condition. Then, you may be able to deduct some storm-related expenditures on your business tax return. Call (423) 326-1406. 

How SERVPRO of Chattanooga Can Restore Your Harrison Home After Fire Damage

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration of the Hot Seat

Fire Damage in Harrison? SERVPRO Can Restore Your Home

Once a fire has affected your property in Harrison, it's very important that you obtain assistance with the water removal, cleanup, repair, and restoration processes. A fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Chattanooga can help you with each of these processes, and their assistance can limit your stress and expedite the restoration procedures. Learn more about how this fire damage company can assist you with the restoration of your home by reviewing this quick reference guide:

Before You Hire A Fire Damage Company

Prior to hiring a team of fire damage specialists, you need to contact your insurance company. If the fire damage necessitates that you and your family must vacate the premises then also call and the local disaster relief service. Your insurance agent must grant you permission to begin the cleanup process, and the disaster relief service can provide you with assistance for immediate needs like temporary housing, clothing, and food.

Removing Water and Smoke Odors

Following the above contacts, it's time to call a team of fire damage specialists. These technicians from SERVPRO of Chattanooga will begin to extract standing water, as a result of the firefighting efforts, from your home in Harrison. This is always the first step to limiting the fire damage to the structure and personal belongings. Upon completing the clean up process, the second step in the restoration process, these technicians will remove smoke odors from your property. They will use several tools to accomplish this objective, including ozone machines. Smoke and soot also require highly skilled personnel and equipment for successful removal.

Mold And Mildew Prevention

In addition to removing smoke odors from your property, fire damage experts from SERVPRO assist with mold and mildew prevention. Mold and mildew are problematic for many reasons, one of which is that they can damage the structural integrity of your property. Additionally, mold and mildew pose many health risks to you and your family such as respiratory issues, and potential future lung problems. For addressing and stifling these risks, fire damage technicians will use moisture meters and hygrometers to seek out hidden pockets of moisture. Powerful air-movers and dehumidifiers will then be activated to dry out your home thoroughly.

Because of their extensive experience and education, fire damage specialists from SERVPRO are effective in expediting and optimizing the cleanup and restoration processes for your property in Harrison.
Consider this local franchise from a strong national brand for personalizing its commitment to getting you back into your home as quickly as possible.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of Chattanooga is locally owned and operated. When you have a fire or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We’re also part of a network of over 1,650 Franchises, including special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

We know that fire damage can happen any time, so we’re ready to respond 24 hours, 7 days a week—including holidays. Call us. (423) 326-1406