Electric Fires - Knowing the Facts and Staying Prepares

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Home electrical fires can start in wiring, electrical distribution systems, and lighting equipment, as well as in any equipment powered by electricity such as cooking, heating, office, and entertainment equipment, washers, and dryers, as well as electrical distribution or lighting equipment. This is according to the National Fire Prevention Association, (NFPA) which studies fire causes and prevention extensively.

The (NFPA) research indicates that fires involving electrical failures or malfunctions accounted for the highest share of civilian deaths (18%) and direct property damage (20%).

They also discovered through data that nearly two of five fires (39%) involving electrical failure or malfunction occurred in the cold weather months from November through February and usually between midnight and 4 am.

Understanding the common causes of fire can help us prevent and prepare. If you have a fire in your home or business, you are going to need professional help cleaning up.

Our Team Can Help After The Fire

SERVPRO of Brunswick is ready to respond when you need help cleaning up. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.
SERVPRO of Brunswick is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Give us a call today if you have fire damage or restoration questions. SERVPRO of Brunswick (912) 264-6094

Flash Flooding in Brunswick

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Flash Flood Warning-- the alert that many of us dread because of the concerns that our homes will be affected by it. SERVPRO of Brunswick understands that your home is more than a structure: it's your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings that help transform your house into a home.

Here are some helpful suggestions on how to protect your property when a disaster happens.

 How to Protect Your Property:

• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. Keep them in a place where it's least likely to be damaged by a flood.
• Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. 
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing elements to avoid leakage through cracks. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (912)264-6094

Make Deep Cleaning a New Years Resolution

1/1/2023 (Permalink)

You have set your jaw and made New Year’s resolutions before only to cower in defeat halfway through the year. Why not make this upcoming year one in which you do everything you set your mind to do, which includes giving your home a thorough cleaning? SERVPRO of Brunswick is your number-one choice for all cleaning needs.

We provide carpet and upholstery cleaning

No matter how many times you tell guests to take off their shoes before entering your home, there is always at least one person who fails to do so during the holidays. Beyond the rebel during the family gathering is the everyday dirt that comes with residing in close quarters. Your carpet needs to be thoroughly cleaned at least once per year.

Upholstery is another area in the general living space that becomes dirty rather quickly. What better New Year’s resolution to fulfill than to give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that your family will not be exposed to dust mites every time they sit down to watch television?

Odor removal is available

Pick up the phone and solicit our services when you have cleaned all that you know how and yet the odor remains. We have the expertise needed to deodorize your home efficiently. You do not want to enter the new year with the same smells that hindered productivity these past twelve months. Let us improve your attitude by removing the odors that bring down the atmosphere of your home.

We provide air duct services

Heating during winter months is essential. Your home’s central air and heating system cannot work efficiently without proper maintenance. Our air duct services can clean one of the most intricate parts of your system so that it provides heat during winter and air in summer. Air duct service also provides better air quality, which may reduce the probability of illness during the year.

New year, new you

You can make this year different by starting off on a clean foot. Call SERVPRO of Brunswick today to set up an appointment for thorough cleaning of your home.

Ways to Prevent Water Damages in Your Home

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Most homeowners are aware that a roof needs to be inspected for signs of damage and decay, or that plumbing is something to keep your eye on as it ages. These are areas that we anticipate might be a problem when it comes to property damage.

But what about your washing machine connections?

That’s a place where there can be hard water deposits that can corrode pipes and hoses, causing them to explode when you are not looking for it. And if it happens when you are at work, there can be a significant issue by the time you return home! Make an inspection of your laundry room part of your routine, and pay attention to all the outlets, hoses, and piping, to make sure they are in working order.

Another part of your home or business that can become damaged by water over time is around the base of your toilets. As the age of your bathroom, the seals that were installed at the time the house was built or the toilet was put in will break down and corrode, sometimes developing tiny holes that will leak small amounts of water. This little leakage can really hurt your flooring without you even noticing it until it’s too late. Keeping records of the dates of renovations and repairs for appliances, etc. can help to remind you to take a look every now and then to see what needs your attention.

Many older homes and businesses may have heating and cooling units on their roof; this area will need a thorough checkup before the beginning, and during, every season that will require heavy usage. A water leak from the pipes going to that unit can do a lot of damage to the roof, attic, and walls underneath. Because they are out of sight they can be forgotten about, when it comes to water.

We are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to service your Brunswick home when flooding or water leaks cause water damage.

The team at SERVPRO of Brunswick is always standing ready to help in the event of any kind of emergency; we are experts in dealing with water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation! Call us at (912) 264 6094

Chimney Tips to Keep Your Family Warm…and Safe during the winter months.

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

What causes chimney fires?

The build-up of creosote along the chimney lining walls can facilitate the start of a chimney fire. All fires create soot and residue build-up, especially wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. This build-up is caused by the unburned materials in the smoke accumulating along the chimney walls and creating a sticky substance that can easily catch fire. The smoke from the fire contains a substance similar to tar and when the temperatures within the chimney are below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance will condense along the chimney surface. When the temperature drops below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance turns into a dark, sticky substance that is also highly flammable.

A chimney that is dirty, or blocked can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable.

Maintenance - Good maintenance is a very important step in preventing chimney fires!

• Have your chimney checked annually by a qualified chimney professional
• Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods
• Start fires with clean newspaper or dry kindling – Gasoline or kerosene should never be used to start a fire
• Keep the area in front of the fireplace clear of paper and debris. It can be tempting during the holidays to place decorations close to the fireplace but keep them at a safe distance.
• If your fireplace doesn't have a glass door, use a wire mesh screen.
• Install a chimney cap.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.
• Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or lightning strike, have your chimney inspected for damage - inside and out.

Prevention - Remember prevention is your best defense against fire. 

Commercial Fire Damage and Insurance - What Next?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage from a fire can affect your business in Saint Simons, GA, in many ways, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’re unsure what costs your insurance company will cover. Understanding what expenditures your insurance is likely to pay can help you eliminate stress throughout the cleanup process.

1. Property Damage

After a fire, many items in your business may be destroyed, and insurance should be able to compensate you for your losses. Even if some things in your building were left untouched by the fire itself, water from hoses or sprinklers can damage articles within them. Often, a cleanup and restoration company can assist you in taking inventory and provide you with an estimate of what items have been harmed and what can be repaired.

2. Smoke and Soot

In addition to causing destruction to articles within your building, a fire can leave behind smoke and soot damage. They can affect the structure of your property, and it’s often necessary to thoroughly clean and restore a business that has been rampaged by a fire. In some instances, major soot and smoke damage may require you to replace structures in your building. Luckily, fire insurance should cover the costs of smoke cleaning.

3. Business Interruption

If a business needs to temporarily close in order to make repairs, the costs of lost revenue can quickly add up over time. However, cleaning a building and making important renovations can be time-consuming, and complex repairs should not be rushed. Insurance companies will generally cover the costs of this interruption, allowing you to focus on restoring your establishment to its original state.

Has fire damage taken a toll on your business? Call SERVPRO of Brunswick to help take the stress of cleanup and inventory away. (912)264-6094

Using a Fire Extinguisher

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Not only is it smart to keep fire extinguishers in your home or business, but it’s also the law in many states. 

It's important to make sure you have the right types of fire extinguishers on hand to put out common fires.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

The first thing to do when choosing a fire extinguisher is to decide which rooms in your house need one. You should keep at least one on each level of your house. Make sure you keep fire extinguishers handy where fires are more likely to start, like in the kitchen and garage

Learning how to use your fire extinguisher

Once you've made your purchases, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

?Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher to break the tamper seal.

?Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire.

?Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.

?Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointing at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.

?If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

If you have to use a fire extinguisher it may leave residue along with the potential fire damage. SERVPRO of Brunswick is here to help.

912-264-6094

Protecting Your Home - Storm Damages

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Most people dream of having a beach home, and you have to admit - it’s pretty awesome. The view of the waves and the dunes from the Golden Isles and the Brunswick area are always amazing and a welcome sight at the end of the day, and the fact that you can walk down to the water in seconds is always something that warms your heart.

But there are those times of the year when a beach house in the Brunswick area is a worry. Summers are idyllic, and even Spring isn’t bad, but Fall? And the hurricanes? That’s another story entirely.

To be prepared, you will need to inspect your property regularly and look for trouble spots before those stormy times come.

Over time, every house experiences damage from weather, and you want to make sure there are no loose ends to wrap up. Loose siding or shutters? How about that roof? Do your windows close properly, and do all exterior doors fit as they should? Can those shutters close the way they should to protect your windows during a storm? Strong winds can make short work of those parts of your home that are not in as good repair as they should be.

The landscaping at a beach home in the Brunswick area is usually tropical in nature, which means palm trees. And they can get pretty big! Have your trees and other vegetation been trimmed appropriately and removed if they are not doing well? During a storm, a lot of damage can be done by flying branches and palm fronds, or at the very least, they can leave you a really big mess to clean up!

Salt air is rough on beach-side houses and buildings, so keeping an eye on your property for damages is a good idea. Rotting wood on your home can become a hazard during storms if not cared for. Flying debris can break windows and severely damage cars left on the street.

The SERVPRO team of Brunswick is standing at the ready to help you with any storm damage you may have suffered, as well as working with you to prevent those damages in the future. From fire damage to mold prevention, SERVPRO is a friend in need! Contact us at (912) 264 6094 or on our website: http://www.SERVPRObrunswick.com/

Restore or Replace - What Do You Prefer?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, you dread the idea of any type of damage occurring. From limbs falling to toilets overflowing; some accidents are just unpreventable. Water intrusion can cause extensive damage to wood, drywall, flooring, upholstery, and furniture. You lose a sense of normalcy after a water damage occurs, surveying the damage of what you might write off as lost; but at the SERVPRO of Brunswick, we are highly trained water restoration specialists and value restoring versus replacing mentality.

Why is restoring so important to SERVPRO of Brunswick?

1. Peace of Mind - We value your belongings. The SERVPRO of Brunswick takes the time to restore affected items preserving your financial investment as well as family heirlooms and keepsakes.
2. Save Money: Restoring is more cost-effective in most cases due to replacement cost values. For example, it is cheaper to dry and save flooring than to remove and replace it.
3. Return to Normal Quicker: The drying process will return your home to normalcy sooner than replacing materials and working with contractors.
4. Restoring is Environmentally Friendly: by restoring flooring and other items that may be affected by fire or water damage you prevent future items from entering landfills.

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO®  of Brunswick is dedicated to restoring the property and the lives of the customers being helped. 

Do you need assistance with water damage in your Brunswick, GA home? 

Contact SERVPRO of Brunswick today!

912-264-6094

Fast Response + Quality Drying

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water loss incidents can quickly spread throughout your Brunswick, GA home. As much as many homeowners might want to handle many of these disasters on their own, water losses can affect areas beyond what is easily seen, requiring sophisticated equipment and mitigation tools to overcome. Without a fast turnaround on the effects on your house, construction materials risk deterioration and the property also becomes susceptible to hazardous conditions like mold growth. 

Professional restoration technicians like our SERVPRO team can offer real-time solutions for water damage to Golden Isles homes. We have a broad inventory of equipment, and with the connection to a larger national network, we can continually upgrade and improve our equipment and tools to be the most competitive in the restoration industry. We know how quickly water loss incidents can get out of control, so we have a 24/7 response to these emergencies to begin mitigation work as soon as our professionals first arrive. 

Mitigation serves to reduce your overall loss when disasters strike your residence. While this ultimately involves multiple tasks happening simultaneously, it involves working to extract standing water, and dry saturated elements, and protect the contents of your house that are at risk for damage. Our SERVPRO team has extensive training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in both Water Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD) to offer our customers fast and confident solutions when every minute counts. 

Our fast response in a water loss crisis can get vital drying efforts started immediately to prevent unnecessary tear-out and replacement of materials like carpeting and drywall. We have a restore before replacing mentality, and that begins with a quick mobilization whenever emergencies occur. 

While many homeowners might strive to provide their house with the restoration and cleaning it needs when damaging situations occur, water loss incidents can spread much farther than you might realize.

Trust in our SERVPRO of Brunswick team to work quickly to make these situations “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (912)264-6094.