Electrical Safety Tips

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Electricity helps make our lives easier but there are times when we can take its power and its potential for fire-related hazards for granted. Let's talk about a few electrical safety tips to follow to keep your home fire-safe. 

• Always plug major appliances, like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, directly into a wall outlet. 

• Never use an extension cord with a major appliance — it can easily overheat and start a fire. 

• Always plug small appliances directly into a wall outlet. 

• Unplug small appliances when you are not using them. 

• Keep lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs away from anything that can burn. 

• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. 

• Check electrical cords on appliances often. Replace cracked, damaged and loose electrical cords. Do not try to repair them. 

Thank you to U.S. Fire Administration for sharing these tips for us to share with our customers!

Our Team is Here For Your Lee County, Alabama Business 24/7

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

You know when you see the green equipment that you'll soon be back to "Like it never even happened."

We recently had a large rain storm in Lee County, Alabama and the surrounding areas. With the rain and wind damage comes a strong potential for water damage to both residential and commercial buildings. That's where we come in!

After this particular storm, our team was called out beginning at 11:30PM and they did not stop until 2PM the following day. PHEW!

As crews were out through the night, a call came in at 6AM from the largest university in our area. We'll give you a second to guess which one. If you guessed Auburn University, you'd be correct!

Water was entering the building through the roof. This was affecting the building from the top down. 
Our team was onsite within the hour (after working all night long) to see how we could help. Upon arriving, we found that three floors were affected. Our team knew exactly what to do. It did not take the team long to extract the water, do the necessary demo, and get drying equipment set to start getting the building dry. 

We are SO thankful for an amazing, hardworking team that helps our local community after storms like that. If you find your property impacted by water damage after a storm, you can trust the SERVPRO of Lee County team. 

Meet Dehu: Our Elf on a Shelf

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Meet Dehu!

We love to get in the Christmas spirit this time of year. In the past few years, we have been visited by Dehu, our Elf on the Shelf! Yep! He comes to visit us in Lee County, Alabama every year leading up to Christmas. He hides around our office and warehouse each night and waits for one our employees to find him the next morning.

We get so excited to be able to share his hiding spot each day during the week after he is found by a team member! If you're not already following us on social media, this is a great time to do so and to have something to look forward to each day. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

If you want to catch up on where he has been so far, we are only on day five! Come join us. 

Why call SERVPRO of Lee County for water damage?

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

There are many reasons that you should keep our number in your phone in the case of a disaster, but in this blog, we're going to give you THREE reasons you should call SERVPRO of Lee County if your home or business is impacted by water damage.

The first reason is that we're here for you 24/7/365. We know that disaster is NEVER convenient, but we're here to help.

The second reason is that our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to water damage at your Lee County, Alabama, property. Whether it is from major flooding or just a tiny leak underneath your kitchen sink, SERVPRO of Lee County has the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly.

The third reason... well, we want to share a recent comment on our Facebook page instead of telling you ourselves how happy our customers are. Cathy said, "A big thank you to Cole Brown and his team at SERVPRO of Lee County. Following a water loss at my home, Cole and his team responded immediately to assess the damage. Within minutes they were busy removing water, drying carpet. and removing flooring that couldn't be saved. They were extremely courteous and kept us fully informed throughout the process. I couldn't ask for better service. Thank you SERVPRO!!!"

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Is your Auburn, Alabama business READY?

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

It's been over a year since we last shared about our Emergency READY Profiles for your business, so we wanted to talk more about it in today's blog.

Did you know that according to research as many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!  

Size Doesn't Matter for SERVPRO of Lee County

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

This means that regardless of how big (or small) your disaster is, you can feel confident in trusting us to handle it and get you back to work. We'll list our number below. We encourage you to add it to your contact list so you can give us a call as soon as you need us. We're here for you & your business 24/7/365. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Flooding in Lee County, Alabama? Here's our tips!

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Every year on our blog, we like to share our tips on what to do and what NOT to do after flooding. Make sure to keep our number handy in your phone and know that if your home or business is impacted by water damage, you can give us a call 24/7/365.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Portable Space Heater Safety

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

With the weather here in Lee County, Alabama finally feeling like fall, we wanted to share a few tips on how to make sure to keep safety in mind when using a portable space heater in your home to lower your risk of a home fire.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Thanks to Ready.gov for these great tips!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Here For Your Lee County, Alabama Business 24/7

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Each year we post a blog that holds all of our links to our commercial work. We're here to re-post those same links so that you can find what you're looking for fast. We know that when disaster strikes your business, every hour spent restoring it is an hour of lost revenue or lost productivity. Our trained and uniformed professionals will work hard to get the job done quickly and get your business back. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is available 24 hours a day to restore your Auburn property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,700 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

From small retail stores to government buildings to hotels to high-rises and everything in between, no matter what your business is- We are here to help. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Roof Leak Impacts Lee County, Alabama Business

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

A roof leak recently caused damage to this Lee County, Alabama business. Due to the size of the loss and the equipment needed, we brought in a generator to ensure we have plenty of power to dry the impacted areas in a timely manner with our machines.

Due to the size of the building, we used our desiccant to help us dry the structure and materials. Check it out in the photo. Should we do a series featuring some of our equipment? Let us know if you'd be interested in learning more!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!  

NPM 2021: Week Four "Teach Youth About Preparedness"

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Welcome to the fourth and final week of 2021 National Preparedness Month! The theme for this week is teaching youth about preparedness. 

Whether you’re a kid or teen yourself, a parent or loved one, or work with youth, Ready Kids has tools and information to help before, during and after disasters.

Ready.gov has a special website dedicated to educating youth called Ready Kids. We are so excited to share this resource because it is filled with AMAZING tools to help teach kids and teens about preparedness. It includes resources, games, and so much more! Be sure to check it out and let us know on social media what you think.

Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today.

Thank you all for joining us for our weekly NPM 2021 blog series! We hope that each week helped you become more prepared.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

NPM 2021: Week Three "Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness"

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Hello Lee County, Alabama! Welcome to Week 3 of National Preparedness Month 2021. This week is dedicated to Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness. 

Thanks as always to Ready.gov for creating such great resources for us to share with our audience. Below are a few ways that you can make sure you're prepared for disaster for no-cost or low-cost.

• Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. www.ready.gov/publications
• Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly. 
• Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan. Plan ahead: www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan 
• Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list: www.ready.gov/kit and see how many items you can check off!
• Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Visit: www.ready.gov/be-informed.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

NPM 2021: Week Two "Build a Kit"

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Happy Tuesday! We hope that all of our Lee County community members were able to enjoy the long weekend and are ready for another week. Welcome to Week 2 of National Preparedness Month! The theme for this week is "Build a kit." Do you have an emergency supply kit?

A basic emergency supply kit should include at least...

• Water and non-perishable food for several days Extra cell phone battery or charger
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps

Consider these additional items based on you and your household's needs to also add to your emergency supply kit.

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food, water and supplies for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a portable waterproof container
• Cash and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items and hand sanitizer
• Mess kits, Paper cups, plates and disposable utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The lists we are sharing are from Ready.gov. They even have a printable version of their list, so be sure to visit their website if you'd like to have a list you can check off one-by-one. If you don't have a kit already, don't wait for disaster to strike! We hope that this blog helps give you ideas on what to put in your kit or add to your current kit in order to ensure that you are prepared. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

NPM 2021: Week One "Make a Plan"

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

The theme for first week of National Preparedness Month 2021 is "Make a plan." The goal this week is to talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Don't forget to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the Coronavirus.

Ready.gov has an entire page on their website dedicated to making a plan for your family filled with valuable content & resources. Let's go through the steps that they share for each of us Lee County, Alabama residents to consider.

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
• Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
  • Get masks (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check my sheltering plan.

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household. 

• As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment.

Step 3: Fill out a family emergency plan. 

• Download the PDF from Ready.gov to use (or to base your own from) by clicking here.

Step 4: Practice your plan with your entire household & family. 

• Practice makes perfect! Make sure each member of the household knows & understands the plan.

We hope this helped! Be sure to check out Ready.gov for additional resources for making a plan.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

National Preparedness Month 2021

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Happy September 1st! Today is the very first day of National Preparedness Month 2021.

Are you wondering what National Preparedness Month is? National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

We are so excited to share tips with our Lee County community! Follow along on our blog & our social media each week this month so you don't miss out. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Flood Preparation in Lee County, Alabama: Part One

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen for a variety of reasons... whether that be rain, a storm surge, a dam that overflows, and the list could go on & on. We're going to do a three-part flood preparation series on our blog to help educate you on how to prepare now, survive during, and stay safe after. These resources are from Ready.gov.

This blog post is part one. Let's talk about how you can prepare now before a flood happens in Lee County, Alabama.

• Know your area’s type of flood risk.
• Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/ portal for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, monitor potential signs such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Obtain flood insurance. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Keep important documents in
  a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valued items to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Flood Preparation in Lee County, Alabama: Part Two

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

This blog post is part two in our three part flood preparation series. This series covers how to prepare now, survive during, and stay safe after flooding impacts your Auburn, Alabama home or business. 

Today, we're covering how to survive during a flood. We are sharing information from Ready.gov resources.

• Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you have identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown.® Just six inches of fast- moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Signal for help.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Flood Preparation in Lee County, Alabama: Part Three

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

This is part three and the final post in our flood preparation series. This series covers how to prepare now, survive during, and stay safe after flooding. If you haven't read part one & part two yet, we highly recommend doing so.

In this blog post, we are covering how to stay safe AFTER a flood impacts your Opelika, Alabama home or business. This information is from Ready.gov resources.

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions.
• Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
• Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground
  or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline- powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment
  if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.

We hope this short series has helped you consider how you will plan and react during & after a flooding event happens in Lee County, Alabama. What should we cover in our next series? DM us on social media and let us know what you'd like to learn more about.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fire Extinguisher Safety in Lee County, Alabama

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know when to use a fire extinguisher in your Lee County home or business? We wanted to create a short blog series sharing information about fire extinguishers. Up first in our series is covering when to use a fire extinguisher. We are sharing information directly from the U.S. Fire Administration. 

Fire extinguishers can be helpful on a small fire. Consider providing a checklist to help people prepare to use a fire extinguisher on a potential fire.

For example:

• Have I alerted others in the building that there’s a fire?
• Has someone called the fire department?
• Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
• Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
• Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
• Do I have a clear escape route?

Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from your cell phone or neighbor’s phone.

Stay tuned for our next blog post covering an easy to remember acronym to help remember how to use a fire extinguisher. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Welcome to part two of our fire extinguisher safety series. In this blog, we're sharing an easy to remember acronym from our friends over at the U.S. Fire Administration that teaches how to properly operate a fire extinguisher. 

When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Up next on the blog, we're covering why fire extinguisher maintenance matters. Stay tuned!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance in Auburn, Alabama

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Welcome to the third and final blog post in our series on fire extinguisher safety. To end this series, we're going to be sharing information from the U.S. Fire Administration on how to properly maintain your fire extinguisher in your Lee County, Alabama home or business.

Here's what you should be checking for in order to maintain your fire extinguisher. 

• Easy access in an emergency
  • Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
• The recommended pressure level
  • Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.
• Working parts
  • Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles aren’t damaged, dented, or rusted.
• Cleanliness
  • Remove any dust, oil, or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
• Guidelines and instructions
  • Some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly, others need to be pressure tested every few years.

We hope that you enjoyed this mini-series on fire extinguishers. What do you want our next series to cover? Shoot us a message on your favorite social media and you just might see it covered soon. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Our Team is Always Learning

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

One Team!

Recently, our team took a trip to spend time with other SERVPRO marketing team members. They spent the day in Atlanta, Georgia learning together and from each other!

One of the best things about SERVPRO is that we are all one team, and we WANT to learn from each other. When you work with SERVPRO, you are working with a national network of over 1,700+ franchise locations from across the country. We are locally owned and operated, but love being able to have the opportunity to see what other franchisees across the country are doing and continuing to push ourselves to give our customers the best possible experience.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Speciality Drying Equipment in Auburn, Alabama

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

As a water restoration specialist, our job is to mitigate and save as much as we possibly can when water damage strikes your Lee County home or business. We focus on drying and saving rather than removing and replacing. Since this is our focus, we have several pieces of specialty drying equipment that can dry out even the most water bound areas.

For example, we have what we call a mat system. If you have real hardwood floors in your home and you sit on a subfloor, this mat system is perfect for you if your wood floors get wet. We can actually dry the floors, dry the subfloor, and lay the floors back down to their original state should they ever have water damage. This has saved the insurance companies thousands of dollars over the years because the wood floors do not have to be removed.

Another great piece of equipment is our cabinet injectadry. This equipment is what we use to dry out hardwood cabinets. When these get wet, we can set the cabinet injectadry and dry the cabinets out so we do not have to remove them! Pretty cool, right?

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Water Damage at Auburn University

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

We love being able to serve our local community. We wanted to highlight how proud we are of the relationship we have with our friends over at Auburn University. They continue to put their trust in us when disaster strikes.

In this particular job, one of their buildings had water damage that started on the second floor and worked its way down to the ground floor. Our team was quick to respond and start the work to make sure that this was taken care of in a timely manner.

We appreciate the relationship we have with Auburn University and their team! Go Tigers!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

2021 SERVPRO Convention

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Once a year, all of the SERVPRO franchise owners and some of their team members get together for the annual SERVPRO Convention. In 2020, convention looked a little different. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was held virtually.

This year, we were fortunate enough to have a hybrid convention! Some of our owners stayed home and watched virtually, while some of the SERVPRO family went down to Orlando, Florida to spend time with each other and learn from one another.

Through general sessions, workshops and fellowship, our owners were able to gain knowledge that we are bringing back to our territory to better serve YOU.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

IIRC Certified Firm in Auburn, Alabama

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that we are an IICRC Certified Firm? Let's talk about what that means for you!

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. For a brief overview, it consists of standards, certifications, and certified firms. As described on their website, their purpose and mission is;

"The mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries."

As a consumer, IICRC allows you to have peace of mind when knowing who to trust in the restoration industry. We have to follow the industry guidelines and perform the scope of work that we have learned in our IICRC classes & continuing education. With the help of DryBook paired with the standards that IICRC puts out, DryBook tells us how much equipment we can set in a home. This depends on the size and how much material has been affected. Pretty cool, right?! We're right here in Auburn, Alabama to help YOU! Give us a call today.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Lee County Disaster Recovery Teams

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country. They come to us right here in Lee County Alabama in the Auburn, AL & Opelika, AL area.

You can click here to read more about our Disaster Recovery Teams.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Restore > Replace Mentality in Auburn, AL

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

We talk about it every few months on the blog because we know that it is important to YOU! Let's talk about content restoration.

SERVPRO of Lee County specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

We know how much your belongings mean to you. They're more than just content; they're photos, they're your babies first outfit, they're memories. We understand that. That's why we pride ourselves on being able to do our best to Restore > Replace.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Making Auburn, AL Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that goes beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, it’s a higher standard of clean. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning that helps ensure the cleanliness of the restaurants, businesses and public spaces in the communities we all call home. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills - always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

Are you interested in a free quote for our Commercial Services, or are you a Consumer who wants to learn more about the program? When you click on the previous text, it'll take you to a page to find out more about what we can do for your home or business in Auburn, Alabama. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Continuing Education Credits in Opelika, Alabama

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know we offer continuing education courses? SERVPRO of Lee County offers both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation. Courses include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restorative Drying for Loss Control
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)

We always post on our social media when we are hosting a Continuing Education course, so be sure to follow us on your favorite platform.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Warning or Watch?: Wind Chill Edition

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

It can be easy to forget the difference between a warning and a watch when it comes to storms. Here in Alabama, we don't see cold weather warnings very often. In today's blog, we wanted to cover the difference between a Wind Chill Warning versus a Wind Chill Watch. As a bonus, we'll also be explaining what a Wind Chill Advisory means! A special thank you goes to the National Weather Service for providing such great explanations for us to share!

• Wind Chill Warning: Take Action! NWS issues a wind chill warning when dangerously cold wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with a wind chill warning, avoid going outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.
• Wind Chill Watch: Be Prepared: NWS issues a wind chill watch when dangerously cold wind chill values are possible. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least a half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.
• Wind Chill Advisory: Be Aware: NWS issues a wind chill advisory when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Why Do Bridges Freeze First?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

It may not snow very often here in Alabama, but we sure do see rain that freezes over night every once in a while. You have seen road signs advising that bridges freeze before roads, but do you know why? Having open air underneath the bridge means the cold air surrounds the bridge both above and below. We thought this was such an interesting fact and one that we needed to share here on our blog. We learned this thanks to the National Weather Service!

Additionally, bridges don't freeze evenly. An area of the bridge may be under direct sun light and have no ice, while the shaded area is covered in ice. If there’s even the chance that a bridge might be frozen, SLOW DOWN! And do it before you cross the bridge — changing speed on ice is dangerous. We always want our local community to stay SAFE any time of year!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Smoke Alarms & Accessibility

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

We've talked about smoke alarms before, but you can never have enough reminders. The fact is that a working smoke alarm significantly increases your changes of surviving a deadly home fire.

Smoke Alarms

• Replace batteries twice a year, unless you are using 10-year lithium batteries.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Here's what we haven't talked about before... We want to talk about smoke alarm safety for those with access or functional needs. 

Smoke Alarm Safety for People with Access or Functional Needs

• Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to the instructions or voices of others.
• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors and emergency call systems for summoning help are also available.

A big thanks goes to Ready.gov for providing such great information for us to share!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO of Lee County is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes, we're helping businesses across the country open safely. So make the commitment to keep your employees and customers safer. Make sure your space is Certified SERVPRO Cleaned.

Give us a call today to get a free quote for your business!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

The Final Week of NPM 2020

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

It's the fourth and final week of National Preparedness Month. We hope that you have enjoyed reading this series as much as we enjoyed being able to share these tips with you! If you've missed the other blog posts in this series, be sure to check out our blog to see what you've missed.

This week's topic is to teach youth about preparedness. Thank you as always to our friends at Ready.gov for compiling these awesome resources for us to share! Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today. Make sure that our youth is prepared today. 

There is a website just for kids called Ready Kids that you can visit with your loved ones. This website has resources for kids, teens, families, and educators so you can find exactly what you need. The best part is that there are interactive games for your child to be able to play as they learn!

Take a few minutes this week and check out this website and see what information you can share with your loved ones. Thank you again for joining us in this series!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

NPM Week 3: Prepare for Disasters

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and we're sharing resources from our friends at Ready.gov all month long. If you haven't seen previous weeks blogs, scroll down on our blog page to catch up.

This week is #3! The topic for this week is "Prepare for disasters."

This week's advice will depend on where you live. The most important piece of advice this week is to sign up for emergency alerts. You'll want to make sure that you will be notified when a disaster is going to impact your local community. Click here to check out multiple ways you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).

We're also including four different disasters you can prepare for depending on your area. 

• If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
• If you live in an area prone to wildfires, create a defensive space around your home by clearing debris or articles that could easily fuel the flames.
• If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, install shutters for all your windows.
• If your area is prone to flooding, keep important documents in a waterproof container. Also, protect your property by purchasing flood insurance.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Tornado Safety Pt. 3

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

This blog post is the third and final post of our three part tornado safety series. This post focuses on how to stay safe in the aftermath of a tornado. These tips are from our friends at Ready.gov.

Be Safe AFTER

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Tornado Safety Pt. 2

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

This blog post is part two of our three part tornado safety series. This post focuses on how to survive during a tornado. These tips are from our friends at Ready.gov.

 Survive DURING

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Flood Safety

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

What should you know about flood safety? Thanks to Ready.gov for compiling these great resources for us to share with our customers!

What you should know about Flood Safety

• Make a family emergency communication plan and include pets.
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
• Check on your neighbors to make sure they’re okay.
• Know what to do before, during, and after a flood.
• Flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect, so purchase now to protect your family!
• Listen to local officials by radio, TV or social media.
• Evacuate when advised by authorities or if you are in a flood or flash flood prone area.
• If you are on high ground above flooded areas, being prepared to stay where you are may be the best protection.
• Never drive or walk through flooded streets; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not go through flood waters.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Smoke Alarms & Survival

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. (Source) Here are a few tips to make sure that your smoke alarms are protecting your loved ones & your home.

• Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test batteries monthly.
• Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Your Business Could Be Ready

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

We haven't shared a blog dedicated to our READY Profiles since last year. We thought that as we celebrate NPM 2020, it would be a great time to remind our local business owners what we can do for your business.

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. 

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

A Moment of Silence

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Today is 9/11. We are remembering those we lost on this day nineteen years ago & honoring the heroes. Please join us in a moment of silence.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been doing our best to help first responders feel safe as they keep all of us safe. For all first response vehicles, we have been offering towel surface wipe down and Microbial Misting throughout the vehicle at no cost to our first responders. Please call us today if you are a first responder in our area.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

How To Maintain Your Emergency Kit

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our blog this week was filled with information on how to build an emergency kit so you're prepared when disaster strikes. September is National Preparedness Month, so we're sharing tips all month long! 

After you've assembled your kit, you have to commit to maintaining it to be sure that it will be ready when you need it. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Tornado Safety Pt. 1

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our area has been devastated by tornadoes previously. Our local communities are all too familiar with the reality of these storms and the devastating damage that they can cause. We're bringing you a three-part series on tornado safety & sharing tips from Ready.gov. 

Let's talk about how to stay safe when a tornado threatens. Part one is focusing on preparing NOW.

Prepare NOW

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter, while following the latest social and physical-distancing and other health safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local health authorities, in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• If you must go to a community or group shelter during severe weather, take hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to clean, disinfect, deodorize and remove allergens from surfaces.
• Try to keep a safe distance away from others in the shelter if at all possible.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Large Loss

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

It's been a while since we've posted a blog about our large loss division. We wanted to share some information we've shared before in case you needed a reminder that we are here and ready to handle ANY size disaster. 

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients who have trusted SERVPRO and the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• The Pentagon

This means that SERVPRO of Lee County is a part of a network of franchises across the country to be able to get you and your business back to "Like it never even happened." No job is too large for us. Give us a call today. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

NPM 2020: Week 2

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Welcome to Week 2 of National Preparedness Month! We're sharing resources from our friends at Ready.gov each week this month. 

This week's topic is to build a kit. If you'd like additional information regarding building an emergency kit, please visit their website.

Let's start with the basics of building a kit. What should you include in it? After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Stay tuned for our next blog post discussing the recommended additional emergency supplies that you should consider for your household based on your needs. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Build a Kit Pt. 2

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

In our last blog post, we discussed the foundation of building an emergency kit. As promised, we've got a part 2 of additional considerations from our friends at Ready.gov. 

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual household needs:

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

These kits can make such a difference when disaster strikes. Will you be prepared? 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Where Do I Put My Disaster Kit?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

This week's topic for National Preparedness Month was to build a kit... but where should you put your emergency disaster kit? The answer is that you should ideally have more than one.

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

If you want more information about building your emergency kit, be sure to read our last two blog posts & check out our friends at Ready.gov. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

National Preparedness Month

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries, Inc. is once again proud to be helping promote the importance of preparedness planning. National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September. 

The theme for NPM 2020 is... "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today."

Each week will have a different topic. For our first week, Sept. 1 - 5th, our topic is to make a plan today. We're excited to share with you resources from our friends at Ready.gov. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Stay tuned for our next blog post on making a plan!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Make A Plan for NPM 2020

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Our topic for NPM 2020 this week is to make a plan. Those four steps can make a huge difference when disaster strikes. There are so many types of disasters, but water damage can be related to numerous disasters. Make it your goal to make a plan this weekend by going through these four steps with your household. You can find additional information on Ready.gov by clicking here. 

• Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing questions to start your emergency plan.
• Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
• Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan.
• Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Safety During Summer Camping

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Many seeking a vacation in our COVID-19 era summer are deciding to spend the weekend camping with family where they can easily distance themselves from others. There are numerous safety risks that you should keep in mind during camping, but one that isn't talked about enough is the risk of flooding. Weather.gov gives many reminders online about flooding, but their camping reminder is an important one to share here on our blog. Are you planning to camp or hike near a stream or river? Remember that it doesn’t have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding. If you notice even a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately! 

If your home or business is impacted by flooding, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're available 24/7 to help you through the disaster. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Flooding Tips

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

There are some blogs that we share every year because we think they are so important. The topic of what to do & what not to do after flooding is one that we will consistently share with our followers to ensure that you can handle the situation safely. Let's get into the tips!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fireworks Safety

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

Every summer we like to share some safety tips to keep your home safe from fireworks. With the Fourth of July approaching, we figured it was the perfect time. Whether you're celebrating here in Lee County or somewhere else... it's always important to be safe! The estimated annual cost of fireworks-related injuries is $100 million. Fireworks-related fires have caused at least $15 to $20 million in property loss each year in the past decade.

    Fireworks are beautiful to watch but here are a few simple rules to keep in mind:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing them.
• Never try to re-light a dud and always light one at a time (and remember, stand back)
• Although, this may seem like common sense, statistics say that this reminder is needed- use fireworks outside only
• ALWAYS supervise both children and pets when they are in a close proximity to the area in which the fireworks are being lit
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. Always buy from a trusted fireworks distributer.

    And last, but not least, while keeping safety rules in mind, don't forget to have fun! Enjoy the long weekend.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Hurricane Preparedness for 2020

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing for disaster can feel overwhelming, but we're here to share three steps you can take TODAY to be better prepared for this year's hurricane season. These three tips were originally shared by our friends at NOAA. 

1) Make a list of supplies for your hurricane kit. This is where you can see what you already have around the house or what you may need to restock over the next few weeks. 

2) Organize important documents and confirm insurance coverage with your insurance agency.

3) Determine if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. Make a plan of action with multiple options. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Flood & Water Damage

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

A common cause of water damage is flooding. In Alabama, we can find our home or business being impacted by flooding due to the summer storms. Let's talk about the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning. We're sharing the below information from our friends at the National Weather Service (NWS).

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
  Flash Flood Warnings are changing to an Impact-Based format to improve public response. Read the factsheet.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

What Does IICRC Mean?

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. For a brief overview, it consists of standards, certifications, and certified firms. As described on their website, their purpose and mission is:

"The mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries."

As a consumer, IICRC allows you to have peace of mind when knowing who to trust in the restoration industry. We have to follow the industry guidelines and perform the scope of work that we have learned in our IICRC classes & continuing education. With the help of DryBook paired with the standards that IICRC puts out, DryBook tells us how much equipment we can set in a home. This depends on the size and how much material has been affected. Pretty cool, right?! Give us a call today if your home or business has been impacted by water damage!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Cleaning For Those That Matter Most

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Assisted living workers are serving and caring for our families. Allow us to help protect what matters most. SERVPRO of Lee County is being called on by numerous businesses to perform the necessary services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. 

SERVPRO professionals are training to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. Call us today. We are here to help.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

We Are Cleaning Experts

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Lee County! 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Proactive Cleaning During COVID-19 Pandemic

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchise professionals offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. SERVPRO of Lee County is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

The CDC recommends the use of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guideline for commercial spaces as well.

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items: kitchen/food areas, bathrooms, schools/classrooms, offices, retail spaces, water fountains, shelving/racks, sales counters, carpets and rugs, stair handrails, elevators & escalators, playground equipment, and fitness equipment.

SERVPRO professionals are training to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

1-4-8? What Does That Mean?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

For any job we get called into, we have a policy know as "The 148 Policy." We've got 1 hour to to get into contact with you and set up a time to be there. We've got 4 hours to be on site at your disaster- big or small. And we've got 8 hours to brief the team and get started on getting your home or business back to "Like it never even happened."

This policy helps us hold ourselves accountable and ensure that every customer gets the same treatment and can count on the same phenomenal service that we pride ourselves on. This means that when you call us when water damage strikes your Lee County home, you can trust us to be there quick. 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Serving Our First Responders. Serving Our Communities.

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Last week, you could find our awesome employees working hard to clean, disinfect and sanitize for the City of Auburn's Sheriff Office. For all first response vehicles, we have been offering towel surface wipe down and Microbial Misting throughout the vehicle at no cost to our first responders. 

We've been sharing photos from our visits on our social media, so be sure to click one of the icons in the upper righthand side of our website to follow along with us on your preferred platform.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

*While supplies last *For all First Response Vehicles

Why SERVPRO for Proactive Cleaning

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee County is uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guideline for commercial spaces as well.

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items: kitchen/food areas, bathrooms, schools/classrooms, offices, retail spaces, water fountains, shelving/racks, sales counters, carpets and rugs, stair handrails, elevators & escalators, playground equipment, and fitness equipment.

SERVPRO of Lee County is trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Here in Your Community. Here to Help.

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

During uncertain times, SERVPRO is prepared to help you when it matters most.

Responding during difficult times is what we do, it’s who we are and what we know. Right now, during this most unprecedented moment we share with you, we continue to answer the calls of our neighbors who need us most.

Our business remains open to you as our employees and services are essential during this coronavirus pandemic. If your home or business is in need of cleaning and sanitizing, or any of our core water and fire services, give us a call. We are here and ready to serve.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Keep Your Employees Safe

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Encourage your employees to…

Practice Good Hygiene

• Stop shaking hands – use other noncontact methods of greeting
• Clean hands with sanitizer or wash their hands frequently
• Avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning

Be Careful with Meetings & Travel 

• Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible
• When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
• Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings
• Assess the risks of business travel

Handle Food Carefully 

• Limit sharing food with others
• Strengthen health screenings for cafeteria staff and their close contacts
• Ensure cafeteria staff and their close contacts practice strict hygiene

Stay Home if…

• They are feeling sick
• They have a sick family member in their home

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Trained Professionals

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. SERVPRO of Lee County is being called on by numerous home owners and property managers to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Don't Let Your Weekend Go Up In Flames!

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

It's been a while since we shared this shocking statistic... Did you know that more home fires occur on Saturday and Sunday? According to the Red Cross, they do! In fact, they refer to home fires as America's biggest disaster threat. Yikes! The good news is that through educating ourselves, we can increase our chances of staying safe when disaster strikes. 

We all know that home fires are the most likely to begin in the kitchen. But, did you know that the leading cause of home fires in the winter is STILL cooking and not your space heater? We don't mention this to scare you. We just want to make sure that you know that even when the weather is gloomy outside, you should still be prioritizing kitchen safety with your family. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Trust Us After A Storm

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage can happen at any time, any where. When you are dealing with storm and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Lee County can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Why choose us?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Choosing Us For Your Business

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

It's been a while since we've introduced ourselves so allow us to remind you who we are! We are SERVPRO of Lee County. We are nationally known but locally owned. We are a part of a network of 1,700+ and growing franchises, and that means that there is no job too big or small for us! We are experts in residential and commercial restoration and cleaning. Learn more about commercial services by clicking here. We are so proud to serve our local communities. Give us a call today and see what we can do for YOU at (334) 821-4858.

Don't believe us? Check out our testimonials here! Please see the top right of your screen and follow the links to our social media and follow us there. We'd love to be friends and hear from you!

The Heart of Your Home

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

We understand that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home. Our "Restore > Replace" mentality means that we work our hardest to save your belongings. 

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Lee County has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation. 

When your home is struck by a storm, we  understand the stress that goes along with that. We will be there for you every step of the way! From our contents restoration, to our organized move-outs, to our contents claim inventory service- we do our best to help you feel a little less overwhelmed. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Free CE Seminars in August 2019

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lee County is proud to  offer TWO free Continuing Education Seminars on August 14th, 2019. These seminars will be held at our office located at 17159 US Hwy 280 East in Smiths Station, AL, 36877. Please see below for details on the courses!

Cleaning and Restoring Smoke Damaged Contents (2 Credit Hours) - Course #6000040048 

• Registration Time: 9:30est/8:30cst
• Course Time: 10:00est/9:00cst
• 100% Attendance is REQUIRED in order to receive CE Credit for this course.

Restorative Drying for Water Damage (2 Credit Hours) - Course #27385 

• Registration Time: 12:00est/11:00cst
• Course Time:  12:30est/11:30cst
• 100% Attendance is REQUIRED in order to receive CE Credit for this course.

Class size is limited. Please reserve your spot by contacting:

Lynn Smith at (334) 821-4858 or lsmith@SERVPRO9392.com. 

We can't wait to see you at our office on August 14th. Please let us know if you have any questions. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Why IICRC Matters for Storms

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. It consists of standards, certifications, and certified firms. We wanted to share their purpose & mission from their website;

"The mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries."

As a customer, IICRC gives you the peace of mind on who to trust in the restoration industry. As a business, this means that we follow the industry guidelines and perform the work that we have learned in our IICRC classes & continuing education courses. With the help of our software, DryBook, paired with the standards that IICRC puts out, DryBook tells us how much equipment we should put in a home. The number of equipment depends on the size of the home & the affected area. 

This means that after a summer storm causes flooding here in Lee County, Alabama, you can trust the professionals to get the job done right.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Let's Lower the Statistics

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Every July, we share a blog post containing grill safety tips. Why? Because July is the peak month for grill fires!

We're sharing these facts from the National Fire Protection Association.

In 2013-2017, fire departments went to an annual average of 10,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $123 million in direct property damage.

Those numbers are scary, but we're here to share a few tips regarding charcoal grills! You can find additional information at the NFPA website. 

To start charcoal for cooking

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to ignite the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel:
• If you use a charcoal chimney, use a long match to avoid burning your fingers when lighting the paper

• If you choose to use lighter fluid, use only fluid intended for charcoal grills
• Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals or kindling that has already been ignited
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid except charcoal starter or lighter fluid to start a charcoal fire

While cooking

• Place the grill well away from overhanging branches according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic
• Keep children and pets, and anything that can burn like food wrappers, an oven mitt or towel, at least 3-feet away from open flames and the grill
• Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames
  • Have an adult present at all times when a campfire or grill is burning. Keep the fire small and never leave a fire unattended! 

To dispose of charcoal after cooking

• Before going to sleep or leaving the area, douse the fire with water and make sure the area is cool to the touch.
• Five percent of outside or unclassified grill fires occurred in a lawn, field or open area 
• Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals
  • Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn
  • Never empty coals directly into a trash can
  • Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat source

Thanks again to the NFPA for always having great resources for us to share with our followers to keep them safe. Who is ready for some summer grilling? We know that we are! 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Does Lightning Cause House Fires?

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Stormhighway.com has a great resource regarding what happens when lightning hits a house. As summer storms are in full swing, we wanted to make sure to share what you should do if your home is hit by lightning!

If you know your house has just been hit directly by lightning, call the fire department. It is common for lightning to start fires in the attic and within walls of homes. These fires inside enclosed spaces may not be visible in their beginning stages.

Lightning presents three main hazards to a house that is hit directly:

• Fire danger: The biggest danger lightning poses to a house is fire. Wood and other flammable building materials can easily be ignited anywhere an exposed lightning channel comes in contact with (or passes through) them. It is most common for lightning to start a fire in the attic or roof of a house, as the channel usually has to pass through some of the structural material in the roof before it can reach a more conductive path such as wiring or pipes. When lightning current travels through wires, it will commonly burn them up - presenting a fire ingition hazard anywhere along the affected circuits.
   
• Power surge damage: If lightning chooses any of the home's electrical wiring as its primary or secondary path, the explosive surge can damage even non-electronic appliances that are connected. Even if most of the lightning current takes other paths to ground, the home's electrical system will experience enough of a surge to cause potentially significant damage to anything connected to it, electronics in particular.
   
• Shock wave damage: Another major source of damage from lightning is produced from the explosive shock wave. The shock waves that lightning create is what produces the thunder that we hear, and at close range, these waves can be destructive. Lightning can easily fracture concrete, brick, cinderblock and stone. Brick and stone chimneys are commonly damaged severely by lightning. Lightning's shock waves can blow out plaster walls, shatter glass, create trenches in soil and crack foundations. Shrapnel is a common secondary damage effect, with objects sometimes found embedded in walls!

For additional information regarding lightning and house fires, check out their blog post by clicking here. 

Stay safe friends!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Technology Helps Dry Your Lee County Home

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Being a part of a franchise system is truly amazing (as if we don't mention the SERVPRO family enough). Through this system, we have specific resources that help us be consistent with following the SERVPRO system.

Let's start with DryBook! We have a program called DryBook that our technicians use out on the job site.Through DryBook, all of the paperwork, pictures, and information is captured electronically. This allows our technicians to not have to worry about paper and pen and update real time! This means that the minute that they hit save, our team at our office can pull up that customers file and make sure they have everything that they need to send to the insurance company.

We also have Workcenter Office. This program helps us track our jobs and ensures that we know the exact duration of the job.

With the combination of these two softwares, DryBook and Workcenter Office, we can accurately tell a story for the insurance company! 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Weird Smell After House Fire?

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire, there can be quite the combination of smells left in your home. But, do not fret! We have numerous resources to help get rid of odors, regardless of what the cause may be!

The first step is that we will do a site inspection to find what is specifically causing the odor and locate where it is coming from. We will then recommend the correct process to get the odor out of your home or business. Some of those processes may include our hydroxyl or our ozone. Both are similar, but still very different. Let's jump into the differences below.

The ozone is great for odors; however, it can only be used when the home or business is completely empty and there are no humans or animals around it. The hydroxyl, however, can be used when humans or animals are around it and it will not harm them. Because of this, it might take a little longer than the ozone, but safety comes first! 

Both of these machines can help eliminate most of the odors that you may find yourself dealing with after a fire. Give us a call today so that we can recommend what is best for your home or business.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

SERVPRO Clean After Fire Damage

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

By being apart of the SERVPRO family, we are extremely fortunate to have our own chemist onsite. He sits at our corporate headquarters up in Gallatin, Tennessee, and he is the one responsible for making all of our proprietary products. Whether it be a fire, water, mold, or general cleaning, our chemist has the right chemical made for us to be ready for whatever we run into. With over 200 chemicals already out, we have the capability to clean almost anything. All of our products are safe and if asked, we can produce a SDS for all of our proprietary products. 

We understand the emotions that come with a fire loss. Our highly-trained technicians will treat your family with empathy and your home with great care. We also believe in the "Restore > Replace Mentality" where we work directly with your insurance company to determine which items can be restored and which items are unfortunately a loss. We offer pack out services where we inventory, document and bring those items to our secure office and warehouse. We then begin to clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of advanced cleaning techniques and our proprietary chemicals to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Hundreds of Green Machines

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

We have hundreds of green machines ready to get your disaster back to "Like it never even happened." At our warehouse located in Lee County, Alabama, we have over THREE HUNDRED air movers and over ONE HUNDRED dehumidifiers.

We have no shortage of equipment. Sometimes though, large jobs require more than this. We brag all the time about being a part of the SERVPRO family and moments like this are exactly why. Less than two hours away, we have access to FOUR tractor trailer loads of air movers and dehumidifiers ready to mobilize.

Big or small, we're here to help after a storm! 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

What's a SERVPRO First Responder?

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you have a pipe burst or a water heater leak? Please give us a call so we can send out a first responder to look at the damage that the disaster has left behind.

Our first responders are trained to be able to assess any situation that they might run into. We like sending a first responder out because they can give us an accurate description of what is going on and what our team will need to start performing the work and getting you back to "Like it never even happened." The first responder will assess the situation, meet with you to discuss their findings, and take pictures to document all of their findings. This also gives the insurance information for your claim so that they know what it looked like before any mitigation work even began. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Explaining How We Travel For Storms

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

When a natural disaster strikes and a local SERVPRO needs to call in backup from other franchises, they can contact their local storm team. Our storm team is Team Wilson in Birmingham, Alabama. The teams are spread out and sectioned off by the geographic region. We wanted to explain how it works and the process behind storm teams! 

Once the team has been contacted, they send out an email to their franchises and ask who would like to travel to the area. Once it is time to travel, the storm teams will assign each of the franchises a zip code and dispatch them to that location. This is great because it keeps that franchise focused on that territory. Even better, it means that we can respond to that area quickly by already being in vicinity!

The jobs are dispatched, estimated and billed through the storm teams. This helps ensure the consistency of the jobs and keeps all of our franchises working in the same direction! 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

From Alabama to BEYOND!

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

One of the best parts of SERVPRO is the relationships that you create with the other people who are also in the SERVPRO family. We all work hard to be the best in the business. BUT, when disaster strikes and we need support, we know that we can have countless SERVPRO franchises from across the nation who can come in and assist us to get the job done.

You have heard us say that no job is too small or too big. We're going to tell you why! If we need help with a large loss, we have relationships with owners all across the state of Alabama (& beyond) who can be here in a moment’s notice ready to get you back to business. With over 1,700 franchises in the SERVPRO system, we are proud that we can be your primary point of contact and help get you taken care of no matter how large your loss is. Trust the professionals!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Two Minutes

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

According to the Red Cross, you may only have as little as TWO MINUTES to escape from your home safely after a fire starts.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to ensure that your fire alarms are functioning in your home to ensure that you get alerted as soon as possible that a fire has begun. Have you checked your batteries lately? Mark your calendar and do it this week!

Next, it is important to make sure that you have already planned a fire escape route and that you have practiced this route with your family ahead of time. Check out this free worksheet from the Red Cross to help you plan for your home. 

Two minutes is a short amount of time, but disaster strikes in the blink of an eye. Make sure that your family is ready. Save our number in your contacts below so that once your family is safe, you can call in the professionals to handle your home.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fast Response in Lee County, Alabama

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lee County, we strive to separate ourselves through our customer service. When you have a disaster in your home, you want someone to be there in a timely manner to get you taken care of. We know that your business is just as important to you! It's your home away from home. You worked hard to build it here in our local community. If you have ever experienced a water or fire loss in your business, you know that it can be hectic and many feel frightened. We are here to help and we want to respond quickly so that we can get you taken care of.

We have a 1-4-8 policy here at SERVPRO of Lee County. We have 1 hour to call you back, 4 hours to get onsite, and 8 business hours to have a verbal briefing with you or your insurance company. Our owners strive on getting onsite quickly and we are tracking our times for this. We have made this a top priority within our business so that we can help you get back to how you were before the loss happened! Don't hesitate to give us a call any time, any day. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Reconstruction After Water Damage in Lee County

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

You've heard us say, "Like it never even happened.” We are happy to announce that we are ready now, more than ever, to ensure that when you truly believe. With the addition of our construction manager, Roger Dix, we are ready to handle your fire or water loss from start to finish. Recently, we moved Bo Bryan over to the reconstruction arena. Bo and Roger have both been busy meeting with customers and finding out how we can help them get their house back together. HOWEVER, we are a mitigation first company. Our main goal is to mitigate and save as much material as possible and we will never go away from that. But, if there are some materials that we do need to remove, please know that we have Roger and Bo ready to meet with you and truly make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Disaster After Hours? We're Here To Help!

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

It's the late hours of the night or the early hours of the morning and a pipe burst in the ceiling after hours and caused tons of damage to your commercial building. What is your plan? Your plan should be to give us a call. We're here for you 24/7 all 365 days of the year.

In this case, our SERVPRO of Lee County team was onsite within 30 mins and ready to get to work. A huge shoutout goes to Lynn for being ready and getting onsite ASAP.

We were able to get the water cleaned up and drying equipment set within four hours. Did we mention that 20+ rooms were heavily affected? 

Throughout the week we monitored closely and made sure that they were back up and running as soon as possible. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need.

An Extreme Job

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Some commercial disasters are smaller than others. On the other hand, some are larger than others. Our team went above and beyond to meet deadlines for the customer. In three weeks, we were able to restore 50,000 square feet of commercial property after a fire. 

We know that we brag about our employees often, but our SERVPRO family really is the best. Everyone gave this job their all and had a great attitude the entire time. With a willing attitude, we were able to help make the fire “Like it never even happened.” for this large commercial property!

We specialize in fire and water restoration. We’ve received advance training in restoration techniques, and we have the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property. Save our number in your phone so that you'll know who to call when disaster strikes. 

Flooding Tips

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call the Lee County Professionals

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Damage caused to your home by a storm can be big or small. No matter the size of your disaster, we have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home back to normal quickly. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians to your Lee County home or business, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week. Storm restoration is the cornerstone of our business so you can bet that we can restore your home to pre-storm condition quickly.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Lee County Summer Storms

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Alabama summer storms will happen in Lee County. We're here to remind you that we're the number to call when your home or business is affected by flooding from storm damage. 

Do you know what to do in the case that this disaster happens to you? Before we get into a short checklist, save our number in your phone so you can easily give us a call if you find yourself in this situation because we are here to help. You can reach us at (334) 821-4858. 

First, call your insurance agent. 

Second, be careful when you decide to enter your home. Water damage can seriously damage the structure of your home and we want to make sure that you are safe. Once you are inside, continue to move around carefully and be aware of your surroundings. Don't go inside the home if you can see structural damage from the outside. We want you to stay safe!

Third, document everything. Take photos of your own of everything that is going on. You may also consider beginning to take an inventory of the damaged items. Once we arrive, we'll take it from there.

Fourth, don't use appliances in the affected areas and keep power turned off to those areas of your home until an inspection can be done to ensure it is safe for you to do so. Even in the smallest flooding scenario, you could be at risk for a fire if it is behind your appliances.

Last but not least, give us a call quickly so we can quickly mitigate your loss!

Here's How It Works

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Way back in the beginning of our blogging days, we took you through the process of what to expect when you give us a call after water damage. We thought it was time to share this information with you all again!

Water damage, small or large, is stressful enough by itself and we understand that here at our SERVPRO office. We want to help you through this process as quickly and as easily as we can. Here are a few steps that we take to ensure that you are well taken care of:

Step 1: You give us a call. We will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources that we will need for your job. 

Step 2: Inspection and assessment. We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3: The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4: Drying and dehumidification. We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our trained Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5: Cleaning and sanitizing. We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6: Restoration. Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

You can trust us to get the job done right. Give us a call today. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Ready or Ruined?

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   

• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

We Will Miss You, Carlos!

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

Bo & Carlos are pictured above.

On Friday, March 22nd, we had an employee breakfast and celebrated years of hard work from a dedicated employee. Here at SERVPRO, you'll see us referring to our employees as our "SERVPRO Family" and we really mean that. Carlos has done just that. He's always come to work with a positive attitude and has always been a dedicated member of the team. It is hard to say goodbye, but we are thankful to have had him as a part of the SERVPRO family. 

“Carlos has worked with us for the past 6.5 years and has learned the business and done everything asked of him. He has the utmost pride in his work and pays attention to the details. Carlos has been a dedicated team member for us and we are truly going to miss him. We wish him nothing but the best.” Bo Bryan, Production Manager

Job File Coordinators

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lee County, we know that the last thing you're thinking about is the claims process when disaster strikes your home or business. That's why we help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Let's talk about what a Job File Coordinator is and what that means for you as our customer!

A Job File Coordinator performs tasks related to customer calls, job monitoring, tracking, coordination, and audits of jobs. They also create preliminary estimates (and this is just to name a few of the many tasks that our amazing job file coordinators help us with on a daily basis).

But, what does this mean for you? This means that you'll have someone in our office who is your dedicated point of contact. They will monitor your job (by communicating with our production team) and work with your insurance company and make sure that you're kept up-to-date every step of the way. 

24/7/365

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

We know that Alabama storms don't wait for business hours. We know that water leaks don't wait for a weekday. We know that fires don't discriminate. That's why we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. 

We are locally owned and operated. This means we are close by and ready to respond when disaster strikes your Lee County, Alabama, home or business. We have highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment ready to respond and to properly clean and restore your house so that it feels like home again.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Here to Help

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

Joe Walden (Smiths Station's Fire Chief) and Jim Culpepper (Owner) pictured above.

At our Business After Hours event with the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, we had a TV raffle to raise money for a local family who recently suffered fire damage at their home. That local family was the family of Smiths Station's Fire Chief Joe Walden. We raised $350 and matched that as a company to donate a total of $700 to his family. The attendee who won the television in the raffle asked for it to be donated right back to that family. Thank you to our generous community for helping us make this happen!

We also wanted to share a comment on our Facebook post from a former employee Lois, "I’ve been retired from this SERVPRO for almost 4 years and I am still proud to say, THAT’S MY TEAM!!
Best team ever!!" 

When we say SERVPRO family, we mean it. Thank to our local community for letting us help you all in your times of needs. We are so proud to serve this local community. 

Restore > Replace

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

Let's talk about content restoration. 

SERVPRO of Lee County specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

We know how much your belongings mean to you. They're more than just content; they're photos, they're your babies first outfit, they're memories. We understand that. That's why we pride ourselves on being able to do our best to Restore > Replace.

Timing Matters

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lee County, we know that timing matters. That's why we are here to help 24/7/365 when disaster strikes your home or business. 

Each situation involving water damage is unique in it's own way, which means that it requires a unique solution. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment. But, why else does the timing matter when water is involved? One word: mold. Mold can spread quickly (within as little as 48 hours). Each situation involving mold is unique as well. We have the training and the equipment to quickly remediate the mold damage affecting your home or business. 

Do you think that mold is affecting your Lee County home? Give us a call today at (334) 821-4858. 

Mold in Your Lee County Home?

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

It only takes a small water leak, or even something as simple like excess humidity, to cause mold to form in your Lee County home or business. Then, mold can spread quickly through the property in as little as 48 hours. SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated. This means that we are right here in your community to respond quickly to remediate the mold in your home or business.

A fast response often means reducing the damage, stopping further damage, and reducing the cost. Don't let mold stick around your home. Just give us a call at (334) 821-4858. If you would like to learn some tips on what to do until help arrives, we've got a great guide for that! Take a look by clicking here. 

First Responder Bowl

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is proud to announce the inaugural SERVPRO First Responder Bowl being played at historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. The newly renamed bowl is designed to honor the sacrifice and service of the brave men and women who are the first line of defense in local communities like Lee County, Alabama, when the unexpected or the unthinkable happens. Kickoff for the event, televised by ESPN, is December 26 at 1:30 ET, featuring Boston College and Boise State.

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl will honor first responders including police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue teams, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents, and military personnel who have specialized training and are the first to arrive and provide help at the scene of an emergency. Event organizers planned to distribute 10,000 complimentary tickets to verified first responders and their families who sign up at https://www.firstresponderbowl.com/first-responders. These complimentary tickets are possible thanks to corporate sponsors like SERVPRO and individual fans who chose to “Sponsor a Responder” with a $15 donation when they purchase their general admission tickets.

“The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a celebration of the commitment to service demonstrated by the everyday people who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of their neighbors,” said Sue Steen, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. “SERVPRO is honored to have this opportunity to shine a spotlight on all of these hard working first responders, and their families, and to recognize them for the heroes they are.”

Let's Talk Storms.

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

We have been busy, busy, busy with this hurricane season. We are actually still in Panama City, Florida at the time of writing this. 

We've been sharing a lot of photos on our social media so use the links in the right hand corner of this screen and follow us to stay updated. 

Storms are devastating but they also can bring communities together. We have seen that happen time and time again. It is absolutely beautiful to watch everyone come together to help each other and we are so thankful that we get to be apart of that! We come from an outside community and jump right in to help others and work with SERVPRO's from across the country who do the same thing. That is amazing. Our employees have worked SO hard and we can't say "thank you" enough to them. We are so proud to be able to work with you guys every day and to have employees that care so much about our customers. Thank you guys for all you do for us and for our customers. 

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

We've already shared that September is National Preparedness Month and we're already well into the second week. 

We wanted to make sure that we took time to dedicate a whole blog post to this year's theme: "Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How." It is so fitting for us to share and is at the core of our business. We want to help you prepare, which is why we are sharing tips on our blog and our social media (click those icons in the top right corner of your screen if you aren't following us already). 

The Ready Campaign said it best when they mentioned this on their website, "Take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

The devastating hurricanes and wildfires of 2017 reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters.  Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community."

Disasters don't plan ahead but YOU can. How are you getting prepared this month? Let us know!

Plan To Stay In Business

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow. This September, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: plan to stay in business; encourage your people to become Ready and protect your investment.

This year, the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, with support from Coalition Members across the nation, including a wide range of businesses and organizations, is focusing NPM on encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to take active steps toward becoming Ready. We must work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, neighborhoods, and communities are Ready.

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare their employees, operations and assets in the event of an emergency. The Business section of Ready.gov contains vital information for businesses on how to get started preparing their business and their unique needs during an emergency.

For more information, visit Ready.gov/business where you can learn more. You can also give us a call so we can help create an Emergency Response Plan for your business. 

Prepared On A Budget

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries, Inc. is once again proud to be a member of the National Preparedness Month Coalition and is committed to helping the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in their efforts to promote the importance of preparedness planning.

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.

• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.

• Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at www.ready.gov/document/family- supply-list

• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.

• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.

• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight

• Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.

• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.

• *The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!

Flooding Tips

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

Alabama storms can be a leading cause of flooding, especially during the summer months with all of the summer storms that come through. We wanted to share a couple of tips about what to do and what not to do after your home or business is affected by flooding. 

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Campfire Safety Tips for Summer

7/4/2018 (Permalink)

Summer is the perfect time to take a break and go camping! We don't know about you but when we go camping, a night around the campfire is mandatory. When we don't have enough time to go camping, we'll even celebrate with an at-home campfire and enjoy some s'mores. 

When we talk about campfires though, we have to talk about campfire safety. We'd like to take the time to thank Smokey Bear for compiling so much wonderful advice that we get to share with you.

First, make sure you are familiar with your campground or event area to ensure that you are allowed to build a campfire. You can also see if the area already has fire pits or fire rings for you to use. 

Secondly, do not build a campfire in dry conditions.

If a fire pit/ring doesn't already exist (but you are allowed to build a campfire), you will then need to choose a site that is at least 15 feet from tent walls and surrounding plant life (like shrubs or trees). Also keep in mind staying away from "fuel" sources such as logs, decaying leaves or brush. 

Lastly, don't forget to keep in mind the direction of the wind to make sure that you keep yourself and the campsite safe. 

If you'd like to learn more about campfire safety, click here to read more about it. If you go camping this summer, we'd love to hear about it on our social media. Tag us in your photo on Instagram using our handle @SERVPROofLC so we can see your campfire safety. 

July: The Peak Month for Grill Fires

7/4/2018 (Permalink)

Every year we write a grill safety tips blog in the summer and that is because we know just how important these tips are to ensuring that you and your family are safe. 

We're sharing these tips from the National Fire Protection Association. They put it best by saying that you want your summer barbecue to be memorable for the right reasons. 

Propane Grills

Before you use your grill:

• Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
  • Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
  • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal Grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Thanks again to the NFPA for having such great resources for us to share with our followers. Who is ready for some grilling?

Facts About Lightning Fires

7/4/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that lightning fires peak in the summer months? It's the beginning of July and summer is in full swing. 

We're back on the blog to share some great information from the National Fire Protection Association. 

Here are some facts that you may not have known:  

• During 2007-2011, U.S. local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lightning. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries, and $451 million in direct property damage per year.
• Only 19% of reported lightning fires occurred in homes, but these accounted for 86% of the associated lightning fire civilian deaths, 76% of the associated injuries and 68% of the direct property damage.
• Almost two-thirds of the lightning fires reported to local fire departments were outside vegetation fires.  

Fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening.

Stay safe this summer but if disaster strikes your home or business, we're here to help 24/7. 

Alabama Summer Storms & Flooding

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Alabama summer storms will happen in Lee County. We're here to remind you that we're the number to call when your home or business is affected by flooding from storm damage. 

Do you know what to do in the case that this disaster happens to you? Before we get into a short checklist, save our number in your phone so you can easily give us a call if you find yourself in this situation because we are here to help. You can reach us at (334) 821-4858. 

First, call your insurance agent. 

Second, be careful entering your home. Water damage can seriously damage the structure of your home and we want to make sure that you are safe. Once you are inside, move around carefully and be aware of your surroundings. 

Third, document everything. Take photos of your own of everything that is going on. You may also consider beginning to take an inventory of the damaged items. 

Fourth, don't use appliances in the affected areas and keep power turned off to those areas of your home until an inspection can be done to ensure it is safe for you to do so. 

Last but not least, give us a call quickly so we can quickly mitigate your loss and clean it up to reduce the potential for mold damage. 

Here's to enjoying our summer! If you have any fun plans, we'd love to hear about them on our social media. Have a great week. 

Warning Signs of Mold in Your Lee County Home

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

It can be difficult to spot mold in the beginning stages when you have an untrained eye. Mold also loves to hide behind walls or underneath sinks and other places that aren't so easy to notice. That's why you can trust us to come and inspect your home. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. However, we want to share a few things so you know when to give us a call.

First and foremost, visible mold. However, in the beginning stages when it is still a small area, it can be mistaken for dirt or soot. If you are concerned, don't hesitate to give us a call 24/7. 

Secondly, be on high alert if you have had water issues in your home, whether that is just a small leak or minor flooding. Again, beware of small leaks as mold can grow in as little as 48-72 hours. 

Lastly, beware of the health issues that can be associated with major mold infestations. If you have a similar feeling to being affected by "allergies" when you are at your home but feel better when you are out then your home could be being affected by mold. There are also more severe issues that can be the result of toxic symptoms of mold. We share this not to scare you but to make sure you know what to look out for. 

Remember, the best way to know if you have mold in your home is to give the professionals a call and let us assess your property! 

Mold at Your Lee County Business

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property.

Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. The list could go on and on because it can be caused by a number of different things. We know that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We are ready to respond quickly and manage the situation if you suspect that your Lee County business may have a mold problem. A fast response can also lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduce costs. 

We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation. Give us a call anytime. We're here for you 24/7. 

Commercial Large Loss Division

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients who have trusted SERVPRO and the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• The Pentagon

This means that SERVPRO of Lee County is a part of a network of franchises across the country to be able to get you and your business back to "Like it never even happened." No job is too large for us. Give us a call today. 

Your Home's Contents

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Lee County has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

This means that our employees are highly trained on getting your home back to normal and most importantly, caring for your belongings. We understand that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home. Our "Restore > Replace" mentality means that we work our hardest to save your belongings. 

When your home is struck by a storm, we know and understand the stress that goes along with that. From our contents restoration, to our organized move-outs, to our contents claim inventory service- we do our best to help you feel a little less overwhelmed. 

We're here to take your call 24/7. 

Keeping Your Home Safe

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

According to ESFI, home electrical fires account for an estimated 42,210 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, 1,370 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage.

Here are their electrical and fire safety tips right off their website: 

• Have your home electrical system thoroughly inspected by qualified electricians to ensure that all electrical work in the home meets the safety provisions in the NEC.
• Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
• Ask a qualified electrician if your home would benefit from AFCI protection, especially during inspections of older homes or upgrades to electrical systems. These advanced new safety devices recognize dangerous conditions that are not detected by standard breakers.
• Test smoke detectors and AFCIs monthly to ensure that they are working properly.
• Establish an evacuation plan that can be used in case of an emergency, and practice with your family.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the light fixture.
• In homes with young children, install tamper resistant receptacles to prevent electrical shocks and burns.
• Conduct a basic assessment of your home electrical system, electrical cords, extension cords, power plugs, and outlets.
• Look for telltale signs of electrical problems such as dim and flickering lights, unusual sizzling and buzzing sounds from your electrical system, insulation and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact a qualified electrician immediately.
• Use extension cords only temporarily, and never with space heaters or air conditioners.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician as needed.

Special thanks to the Electrical Safety Foundation International for having all of this information up and sharing it across the globe for National Electrical Safety Month! We're glad we're able to share this information with our followers. 

National Electrical Safety Month: Extension Cords

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

As you know, May is National Electric Safety Month and we are celebrating by bringing you tips to keep you and your home safe. 

Here's some great information straight off of ESFI's website:

Roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring 270 more. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly, so keep these important tips in mind to protect your home and workplace.

• Don’t attempt to plug extension cords into one another
• Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the device being used
• Keep all outdoor extension cords clear of snow and standing water
• Do NOT overload extension cords
• A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where you need them
• Inspect cords for damage before use. Check for cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections
• Do NOT nail or staple extension cords to walls or baseboards
• Do NOT run extension cords through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots. Never cut off the ground pin to force a fit, which could lead to electric shock
• Buy only cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory
• Do NOT substitute extension cords for permanent wiring
• Do NOT use an extension cord or power strip with heaters or fans, which could cause cords to overheat and result in a fire

We are ready to help you if your home is affected by a fire but we're also here to help you know ways to avoid giving us that call. Keep your home safe. 

We are excited to bring you more tips this month! 

Cleaning Your Lee County Schools

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Out with the spring and in with the summer cleaning!

Summer is coming and that means that school is going to be out. We're sure that you're excited to be able to take the kids on vacation and for them to get a little break. We're excited because it means we can get your schools clean and get them in tip-top shape to be able to have them ready for August. 

If it's just a carpet cleaning for those school rugs or maybe you've got some places where you're a bit concerned about potential mold, just give us a call at (334) 821-4858 so we can schedule a date to get the job done right. 

We are locally owned and operated so we live right here in the community! We're nearby and ready to help. 

Flooding At School

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Get it?

Quite some time ago, a pipe burst at one of our local high schools and caused major water damage. We wanted to make sure that we took the time and wrote a blog about it. Not only did we work through the night to get the job done to get the school back to "Like it never even happened." but we even got to ride along in their homecoming parade (see the photo for their great pun). 

We love being able to serve our local communities. As summer rolls in slowly but surely, make sure to give us a call for any of your Lee County schools. We're here to help. You can give us a call at (334) 821-4858. We'll be waiting to get you scheduled. 

Storming and Your Local School

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Nearby and ready to help!

When a storm hits and flooding starts, your contents are at risk. When you sit down and think about how many different contents are in a school between the desks and the books and the list goes on- it really starts to add up. We have quite the number of ways to handle your content restoration because we strongly believe in our "Restore > Replace" mentality. 

We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

So now you know a little bit more about how we can clean your contents (for your home or business of any kind). If you find your school being affected by storm damage, trust the professionals to handle your contents well. Give us a call at (334) 821-4858. 

Mold Problem? Not a problem!

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

School's are buildings just like your home or business. We've written blogs before about mold so as you may already know, mold is actually almost everywhere! If you think that mold may be in your classroom or somewhere in your school, don't panic. Just give us a call at (334) 821-4858. 

Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects. We've got the professional training and the equipment to handle your mold remediation quickly and safely to ensure that we get it back to "Like it never even happened." 

If you think that mold may be affecting your Lee County school, let us come by and inspect and assess so that we can make sure your school is safe for you and the kids. 

An Update on Terry's Grocery

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Click here for a link to the news article from WRBL. 

Here is a small excerpt from the article that we wanted to go ahead and share, "The grocer has served the Smiths Station community, but after a small electrical fire filled the store with smoke, Terry's was forced to closed its doors.

The owners tell News 3 the motor of an ice cream freezer caused a worn down electrical cord beneath it to catch fire April 19. The damages were minimal, but the smoke was so heavy all of the groceries had to be thrown out and replaced. Dillion Terry, employee and son of Terry's owner, says he is grateful for the community's support." 

After 11 days, we are so glad they are back to serve the local community. It also mentions in the article that they'll "be providing grocery specials as well as a raffle to bring in more customers over the next few weeks." 

We will keep you guys updated! Thanks again Terry's Grocery for trusting us to get the job done.

Our 148 Policy

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Last year, we wrote a blog covering our 148 policy but we thought reposting a blog to refresh our followers would be perfect since it is so important to our business. For any job we get called into, we have the 148 policy. We've got 1 hour to get into contact with you and set up a time to be there. We've got 4 hours to be on site at your disaster- big or small. And we've got 8 hours to brief the team and get started on getting your home or business back to "Like it never even happened."

This policy allows us to not only hold ourselves accountable but to give all of our employees a base to go off of to ensure our customers are all getting the best customer service possible. You can count on the same phenomenal service that we pride ourselves on. 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call for your disaster big or small, Lee County.

What is National Electric Code? Celebrating National Electrical Safety Month

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace. This month is dedicated to "Understanding the Code that Keeps Us Safe." 

Electricity is everywhere and it affects every aspect of our lives. However, it isn't until we lose power that we realize just how much we take electricity for granted. Codes and Standards help us use electricity in a safe and efficient manner. You can read more about this here. 

This code does a few things but the three things it really highlights is that it sets the minimum standards for safe electrical installation. This code is updated every three years. It also ensures that electrical systems behind our walls are safe. 

The reason we find this so important to share with you guys is that homes that are not up to date with the latest safety codes are not adequately protected against fire and electrical hazards. They estimate the cost to upgrade from the 2011 NEC to the 2017 NEC is less than $200. That is a small price to pay to keep your home safe! 

Make sure your home is up to date on it's electrical code so that you can avoid an electrical fire. Have a great week. 

Be Ready With A Disaster Supply Kit

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Basic Disaster Supply Kit should consist of:

• Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight (don't forget the extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (or any other need that may arise)
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone (Don't forget your charger!)

Thanks to Ready.gov for compiling this list for others, like us, to share! Sometimes it can be easy to forget what we would really need during an emergency situation so having a list like this can be crucial to make setting up your emergency supply kit easier. Storms can hit any time so be prepared. Don't forget to write our number down or save it in your phone so you can have it close by when disaster strikes. We're here for you 24/7. You can download the PDF version here if you're interested. 

Fire Damage at Terry's Grocery

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

After an overnight fire at Terry's Grocery, disaster had struck their business. If you're in the East Alabama area, you probably know and love Terry's already and were devastated at the news. Thankfully, there were no injuries. 

We're locally owned and operated so we were ready to respond. Our team worked extremely hard to get the job done to allow Terry's to get back to serving the local community. Speaking of the community, they were there to help, too! It is awesome to watch the support of the local community when something like this happens. Between the team at Terry's Grocery and our AWESOME employees here at SERVPRO, we are happy to announce that today they had their first customer at 2PM. We are so thankful we have the opportunity to help when disaster strikes. 

What Happens After You Call?

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage, small or large, is stressful enough by itself and we understand that here at our SERVPRO office. We want to help you through this process as quickly and as easily as we can. Here are a few steps that we take to ensure that you are well taken care of:

Step 1: You give us a call. We will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources that we will need for your job. 

Step 2: Inspection and assessment. We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3: The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4: Drying and dehumidification. We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our trained Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5: Cleaning and sanitizing. We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6: Restoration. Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

You can trust us to get the job done right. Give us a call today. 

Water Damage Happens Anywhere

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it is your home, your business or even your school- water damage doesn't discriminate. We're here to help you get back to "Like it never even happened." 

"April Showers" sure is in full-swing and water damage is a huge concern when flooding is a possibility. We're locally owned and operated so we're close-by when you call. We're also here for you 24/7 so you can give us a call day or night and we'll be there to help you clean up the aftermath of your disaster. 

Our highly trained and uniformed technicians will be there to get the job done. If you find yourself caught in a disaster, don't hesitate to give us a call. We hope you are all having a great week. 

What You Need To Know About Mold

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

We posted this same blog quite a while back but we knew with the warmer weather coming up that now would be the perfect time re-post this to remind you guys of some facts about mold since it has been so long. 

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

•  Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
•  Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
•  Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce toxins harmful to humans and pets.
•  Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
•  Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
•  Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

  Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call us to inspect your home if you suspect you have a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Lee County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

24/7

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Disaster never strikes your business when it is convenient and that's because there just isn't a good time for disaster to strike. Whether it is a Saturday morning or the middle of the night on a Monday, we are here to help get your business back to normal 24/7/365. 

That's right folks. Go ahead and save our number in your phone because we are so proud to serve our local communities. Did you know we have the expertise beyond just fire and water restoration and mold remediation? Like electronics restoration or document drying? These two things can be absolutely crucial to getting your business back to "Like it never even happened."

Don't hesitate to give us a call at (334) 821-4858. 

Major Destruction

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster.

When disaster strikes your business, trust the professionals to get you back to work. SERVPRO has a system of over 1,700 franchises and that means that no job is too small or too big for us to help. For a stress free claims process, we can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. 

We live here and work here, too! We're a part of this local community so keep us in mind when you find yourself needing help quickly. We're available 24/7 all year long. 

Have you seen our green vehicles around your area outside one of your local businesses? If you happen to see us out, we'd love for you to snap a picture and share it on social media. You can't miss them! 

Moving Water

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Spring rains bring flash flooding. We shared on our social media recently a great photo that shows you how much water it takes to move a standing vehicle. 

For a small car, it'll take about 12 inches of water. For a larger vehicle, that moves up to about 18 inches. That means that for the average vehicle, you're in danger at 12 inches of water. We thought this was a safety tip worth noting on our blog with April showers happening all month long. We want to make sure all of our followers are safe and aware of their surroundings during these storms, big or small. 

Stay out of your car and find a safe area inside your home or the nearest building. Make sure you have a plan so you can think on your feet when you find yourself in this situation. 

Are you following us on social media yet? Scroll to the top of this page and click our links to take you straight there! Have a great week. 

Saving Your Floors

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Check out this flooring containment. Underneath is some beautiful heart pine flooring that we were able to save so that the customer didn't have to replace their flooring after their water damage disaster. Here at SERVPRO, we believe in Restore > Replace. We have the equipment, knowledge, and skilled employees to be able to save your flooring.

It is important to hire the professionals for your water damage because if your property is not correctly dried and restored, you are putting your home at a large risk for mold damage as well. You can check out more about our services with mold remediation by clicking the menu options above. 

You can trust us and our employees to get your home or business back to "Like it never even happened."

Don't Let Your Home Be Too Humid This Spring!

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Don't forget to let the professionals handle your mold.

According to the CDC, molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

Since Spring is coming up quickly, we wanted to remind you of this. Alabama can get pretty humid when the weather warms up so we want all of our folks to be safe! Make sure you're taking the proper precautions in your home to avoid it. Here is what the CDC has to say (if you want to read more click here for their website):

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

If you think your home or business is affected by mold, give us a call today so we can take of it. You can reach us 24/7 at (334)-821-4858. 

Weekend Disasters: Fires

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Trust the professionals.

Did you know that more home fires occur on Saturday and Sunday? According to the Red Cross, they do! In fact, they refer to home fires as America's biggest disaster threat. 

We all know that home fires are the most likely to begin in the kitchen. Recently on our social media, we asked what you thought the leading cause of home fires in the winter was. A lot of you said space heaters but the answer is actually still cooking. We want to stress that no matter what the weather is like outside that you have to be careful in the kitchen. 

On top of home fires, business fires can be absolutely devastating as well. Thankfully, we are here to help. Whether it is your home or your business, we can make it "Like it never even happened." You can give us a call 24/7 when a fire happens (big or small) at (334) 821-4858.

Disaster Striking Your Business

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

No job is too big!

This time last year we posted a blog that held all of our links to our commercial work. We're here to re-post those same links so that you can find what you're looking for fast. We know that when disaster strikes your business, every hour spent restoring it is an hour of lost revenue or lost productivity. Our trained and uniformed professionals will work hard to get the job done quickly and get your business back. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is available 24 hours a day to restore your Auburn property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,700 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

From small retail stores to government buildings to hotels to high-rises and everything in between, no matter what your business is- We are here to help. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Southern Snow Storms

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Dottie enjoying the snow!

When we get snow in the South, towns shut down and a lot of people are put in danger due to poor road conditions. We wanted to remind everybody that if your home or business was affected by this recent snow storm in our area, please call us at any time. We are here to help. We hope that all of our local communities are out there staying warm and everybody got to enjoy the snow while they could. You can see from the image on this post that one of our office pups was really enjoying it so we had to make her model to post the image to our social media!

We'd love to see your snow day photos so tag us on social media and let us see them! We hope everybody is having a great day.

Disaster Recovery Team

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

Do you know who to call when your business is affected by a disaster? Now you do. Whether it is a huge storm or just a simple carpet cleaning- We are here to help any business in the Lee County Alabama area. We provide these commercial services. Let us help get your business back to pre-disaster condition. Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858. We love serving our local community and we look forward to helping YOU!

Lee County Home Fires

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

Let us help you today!

Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your home and for your family. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will always treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with great care. Besides the obvious advantage of lower costs, our “restore first” mentality also gets you back into your home or business quicker and with less disruption to your life. Our restoration specialists are highly trained and will get the job done right.

Remember that we are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so never hesitate to give us a call at (334)-821-4858 so we can get your home back to "Like it never even happened."

We'll Find It!

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

It can't hide from us!

We post blogs often about hidden mold because it can be in hard to find areas and cause a lot of problems for your home and your health. If you have any concerns about mold in your home or business, please give us a call today at (334)-821-4858. Our employees are highly trained and have the knowledge and equipment to find the mold that may be causing problems in your home.

As you can see in this photo, a small leak in a pipe makes the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow and continue to grow where your eyes may not be able to see. Check often under cabinets and ensure that your pipes are not leaking. It is a simple pre-caution that may be able to help you avoid a mold remediation!

California Wildfires

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Photo Credit goes to NBC Los Angeles

California currently has four major fires raging in their state in different areas. Officials say that this is due to last winter being one filled with more rain than prior years which then left the hillsides covered in vegetation. However, when their dry summer rolled around, it turned that grass into tinder which become the fuel that allowed this to spread so easily with the strong winds. These pictures are absolutely heartbreaking and look almost like something out of a movie but it is very, very real for those in the area. 

Although we are here in Alabama, we wanted to provide a resource for those who may have loved ones in the area. Regardless of the extent of the damage, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic events like the wildfires in Southern California, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources. You can call 1-800-SERVPRO to locate your nearest franchise. We have a network of over 1,700+ franchises so please know that we are all here to help.

Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with those being affected by this absolutely devastating event. 

Link to Photo and Article

2017: Storm Travels Review

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Our guys heading down to Florida to help with the Hurricane Irma aftermath!

This year we got to travel a lot. Unfortunately, it was because our nation was hit with quite a few disasters along the way. Hurricane season was rough- especially for Texas and Florida. We are so lucky to have gotten to go and serve those communities as if they were our own.

As we reflect back on our 2017 year as a business, this is something that we felt was worth noting. You can see our previous blogs about these storms but we just wanted to write one more as the year is coming to an end. THANK YOU Texas and Florida for allowing us to do our part after your disasters. We hope that as 2017 is ending and 2018 is beginning, those affected by these storms will continue to find comfort and continue to get back to normal. We know that dealing with a disaster is never easy and especially at that volume but SERVPRO is so proud to get to be involved and help you get back to pre-storm condition.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Have you seen this post by NFPA?

We wanted to post a quick re-cap on our blog so that our customers would be aware of the potential dangers involving a Christmas tree fire!

Step 1: When picking your tree, make sure it is fresh! If needles fall off when you touch it, it is best to find another tree. Look for the perfect tree with healthy green needles!

Step 2: When you place your tree, ensure that it is three feet away from any heat source (fireplace, heat vent, etc.) AND ensure that it is not blocking an exit.

Step 3: Check your lights. Make sure they are for indoor use and always turn them off before leaving your house or going to bed.

Step 4: Water your tree daily! 

Last but not least- Step 5: After Christmas is over and you're getting rid of your tree make sure to place the dried out tree outside of your home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. AND bring your outside lights in to prolong their life! 

Check out the article from NFPA for more information and we hope that everybody has a safe and Merry Christmas! 

Daily D.Hue

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

D.Hue on his first day!

If you followed us on social media last year, you know who D.Hue is. If you didn't follow us and you're new here, let me explain. He is on loan to us from the North Pole and he will be here to make sure we get there faster to any disaster during the holidays. D. will be going through intensive re-training (because he has forgotten everything he learned last year) for the next 14 days with Stormy and Blaze. Our employees will look around each day and see if they can find D.Hue in training-- but they can't disturb him because he's trying really hard to get up to speed to help us out. The first person to find him each day can take his daily progress report and sign off on his job well done. They'll take this paper to Beth and they'll be able to get a daily prize (only for the first person to find him!) At the end of the two weeks, the person who has found him the most will receive a grand prize.

So... are you interested? Head over to our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #DailyDHue to see his every day adventures.

Thankful

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO family.

We asked our employees what they were thankful for...
Here's what they said:

• "I'm thankful for all of my friends and family, especially my wife, my dog and my parents. I'm also thankful to be working in our family business and being able to help people every day. We are blessed to have the relationships we have and the customers we have that make our business so successful and enjoyable." -Cates
• "I am truly thankful for a team of dedicated employees 'who make it happen for our customers.'" -Jim
• "That's easy for me- thankful to be in a loving and supportive marriage and thankful for my awesome family." - Beth
• "I'm thankful that Jim and I have such a wonderful group of people that work for us; they truly care about our company and it shows in their work and how they treat our customers. It makes me so proud when I hear a customer tell me that our employees were so polite and truly seemed to care about the customers home." - Susan
• "Thankful for the SERVPRO family!" - Clara
• "Thankful for my job, lovely bosses (Mr. and Mrs.Culpepper) and the family that comes with it." - Doc
• "Thankful for my sweet baby boy, my amazing hard working husband and my wonderful work family." - Rayven
• "Thankful for my new ride!" - Chris (He just got a red corvette that he has wanted for 27 years!)
• "Thankful for the people in my life." - Tyler
• "Thankful for Jesus." - Chip
• "Thankful for my wife, my son, my first house and my job." - Heath

Let's Meet Again

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

It's been a while since we've introduced ourselves so allow us to re-introduce ourselves to you! We are SERVPRO of Lee County. We are nationally known but locally owned. We are a part of a network of 1,700+ and growing franchises! We are experts in residential and commercial restoration and cleaning. Learn more about residential services by clicking here or learn more about commercial services by clicking here. We are so proud to serve our local communities. Give us a call today and see what we can do for YOU at (334) 821-4858.

Don't believe us? Check out our testimonials here! Please see the top right of your screen and follow the links to our social media and follow us there! We'd love to hear from you!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

Keep fighting!

October is passing quickly but remember, it is still Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in EIGHT women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection saves lives. Check often and encourage those you love to do the same! Celebrate this month by encouraging your loved ones to check often. Here's to supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken- and never, ever giving up hope.

General Cleaning

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

Before on one side, after on the other!

Fire and water damage is the cornerstone of our business-- but don't forget we are here to clean for you, too! We have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Freshen up your home for the upcoming holidays and let us help.

Life happens, your home or business will get dirty but don't worry, we can make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Here to Help

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

#TexasStrong

Recently, we got back to Alabama from our time spent in Texas helping out with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. We then turned our crew right back out and they are now in Florida helping out with the Hurricane Irma aftermath. We are so blessed to be able to send our crews out to help communities that we normally aren't able to. SERVPRO truly is a family (of 1,700+ and growing) and we are so grateful to be a part of it and to have a crew that is always willing to get out there and give it their all for others. We want to leave you with a great quote, "We can't help everyone but everyone can help someone." So thank you, America, for letting us help you.

Hurricane Harvey

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

And we're off!

This morning, we sent off our crew as they head to Texas to begin helping with the absolute devastation that these victims have experienced. We are so lucky that we can have a direct hand in helping these victims. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable. Our thoughts and prayers are with ALL those who are being affected by this storm- and it isn't over yet. As it continues it's path now as a Tropical Storm, continue to keep people in your thoughts and prayers. Please join us in praying for safe travels for our team and ALL the SERVPRO teams coming from all over to help. We look forward to writing an updated blog once our crew is back.

Unexpected Disasters

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Disasters are never expected but storm damage can be especially surprising. When a storm hits your Lee County home- trust the professionals.

We'd love to share what one storm damage customer Agnes shared about us- "I am very pleased and they did a wonderful job. I couldn't have worked with a better company. I loved them all and they were all so nice."

We truly love hearing feedback from our customers and would love to hear what you have to say about your experience with us so that we can share it on our webpage for new customers to see. We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Carpet Cleaning in Your Lee County Home

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

Check out this throwback of our old equipment!

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.

IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include:

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Flooding Do's and Don'ts

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Fire Do's and Don'ts

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Smokewebs

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

Your first thought when you look at the picture on the left may be “oh, those are cobwebs” but it is actually something that we refer to as smoke webs, soot webs, or even soot tags! That is a picture from a home that we visited where the smoke webs appeared in the same room as where the fire started.

     With a quick Google search, you can read about the science behind it but we will save you the search. In short, it’s when plastics burn, the smoke carries a stronger charge than when wood, cotton or paper burns. Sometimes, this causes smoke residue to form the smoke webs. Depending on what exactly the webs are made of, they can be sticky, smeary, and more difficult to clean. Don’t worry. We are here to help! 

Don't forget to like us on Facebook!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Put a Lid On It

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

See that picture to the right? That’s a picture from one of our local jobs! Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Some, not all, of these can be prevented and we are here to tell you how.  In most cases, stove top fires occur when cooking oil gets too hot.  That temperature varies from product to product.  Cooking oils can ignite from 520°F up to 670°F. 

      Here is what to do if and when that happens:

• Call 911. They don’t mind showing up to a house when the fire is already out but when home fires occur, every second counts!
• Fire is a rapid oxidation reaction.  If you remove oxygen, that reaction stops.  So put a lid on your cooking.  It may take a minute, but that one simple action can sometimes be all it takes to stop a stove top fire.  If you don’t have a lid for that pot or pan, try sliding a cookie sheet over it.
• Remember, the fire occurred because the oil reached the temperature in which it ignites at. The next stop is to turn off the heat to try.
• Do not pour water on the burning pot and do not try to move it to a different location.
• If the steps above do not help put out the fire, use your kitchen fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire and wait in a safe area for the fire department to arrive.

     Just remember to use caution. Don’t try and turn up the heat to get your pot to heat up faster- because you may forget to turn it back down. Stay around the stove and keep an eye on your cooking. In the event that a fire isn’t prevented and causes any damage, we are here to help make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fourth of July Fireworks Safety

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

Have a great weekend!

With the Fourth of July approaching, we figured that we should review fireworks safety, just as we did last year.  The estimated annual cost of fireworks-related injuries is $100 million. Fireworks-related fires have caused at least $15 to $20 million in property loss each year in the past decade.

    Fireworks are beautiful to watch but here are a few simple rules to keep in mind:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing them.
• Never try to re-light a dud and always light one at a time (and remember, stand back)
• Although, this may seem like common sense, statistics say that this reminder is needed- use fireworks outside only
• ALWAYS supervise both children and pets when they are in a close proximity to the area in which the fireworks are being lit
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. Always buy from a trusted fireworks distributer.

    And last, but not least, while keeping safety rules in mind, don't forget to have fun! Enjoy the weekend and your day off of work. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Mold

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Do you understand mold?

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.


• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.


• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.


• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.


• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.


• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Grill Safety

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” —Joseph Campbell

Memorial Day weekend is coming up! We're here on the blog to give some grill safety tips. With the summertime in full swing, we are all enjoying time by the pool and barbeques with our friends and family. We can’t forget that grills are responsible for an estimated 8,900 home fires a year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these general grilling guidelines:

• Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors.


• Place grills away from your home (remember, this counts deck railings!)


• As always, keep children and pets away from the grill area


• Make sure you keep your grill clean by removing the grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill (keep in mind that the leading cause of a grill fire is failure to clean)


• NEVER leave the grill unattended

     Who’s ready to throw the hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill this weekend and celebrate how blessed we are to live in a beautiful and free country? We know we are! Keep in mind these safety rules and have a great summer with your family and friends. 

All gave some, some gave all. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

National Electrical Safety Month

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

The month of May is National Electrical Safety Month. You can prevent a fire by looking for electrical hazards. Avoids running cords under rugs or behind furniture. Don't leave your laptop on a sofa or bed charging. Don't overload your outlets. Use the correct wattage light bulbs in their prospective lamps. Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and outside in the hallways (and remember to test them once a month or so!). Use surge protectors and don't overload extension cords. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association estimates that 60-80% of surges originate from internal sources inside your home or business. Keep your  home or business as safe as you can by practicing electrical safety. 

Remember, if your home is affected by an electrical fire, we are here to help.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Importance of Insurance

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Let us help you today.

We know that making ends meet can be a monthly struggle for a lot of people out there. We are all looking for ways to cut our monthly spending so that we can save money. We wanted to write a blog to remind  you that homeowners insurance is important and is something that should stay in your budget.

Disasters don't discriminate and can happen to anybody. Even if you don't own a home, renters insurance is just as important. Unfortunately, we are sometimes called into jobs where tenets find out that their contents are not covered because they don't have insurance. A disaster isn't easy and we don't want it to be any harder. Please remember the importance of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Listen to Your Home

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in the flooring of a home.

Sometimes, mold is hidden. Other times, you may just be neglecting to listen. Today, we wanted to write a blog to let you know a few signs that your home is being affected by mold damage so you can know what to look for.

1) Water Spots

    Make sure you are always glancing around for water spots. Water damage can begin to grow mold in as little as 48 hours so the sooner you are able to notice and give us a call- the better.

2) Discoloration

    Most people automatically think of mold as black mold. But you should be checking for discoloration that could be black or green. Any discoloration that catches your eye should be investigated though. Don't let it slip just because it doesn't fit the specific criteria. Always be aware.

3) Unpleasant Smell

    Mold is a fungus and that can cause an extremely unpleasant smell. This will depend on a few things: how much mold is growing and what type of mold is growing. Any smell, whether faint or strong, should be investigated. 

Give us a call to come take a look if you are worried about mold in your home.

 SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Summer Cleaning

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Are you ready?

Spring may be coming to an end.. but you should keep your business clean year round. 

Although, we are best known for our responses to your disaster- keep us in mind when you need a good cleaning before things pick up this summer!

Here are a few of the services we offer for you and your business:

• Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning


• HVAC/Duct Cleaning


• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls


• Drapes and Blinds


• Odor Removal


• Sewage & Toilet Overflow

Let us know if we can be of assistance to your business! We are PROUD to serve our local communities. 

 SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Leaky Roof

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Leaky Roof

This customer's home had a leaky roof that had been damaged when a storm hit our town hard. This is only the beginning stages of the restoration process. We accessed where the water was initially coming from and once that was found, we were able to temporarily fix the issue by nailing a tarp into the roof while waiting for our sub-contractor to come out and permanently fix the damage. We were also able to fix the inside of her home that had extensive water damage due to this small leak. Remember, a leak can add up quickly. Trust the professionals. Give us a call as soon as you notice an issue.  

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Faster to Any Size Disaster

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Give us a call today!

Our commercial jobs can vary in size. From small businesses to huge corporations. Here at SERVPRO, we are backed by over 1,700 franchises (and growing!) That means that when a job is big, we've got great friends to call on to help us out- and ones that you can trust!

Our commercial services can help you when your business is affected by fire, water, mold, or storm. Or maybe you've even got a combination of the above. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need. 

 SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Our 148 Policy

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Backed by 1,700 franchises- you can trust us.

For any job we get called into, we have a policy. The 148 Policy. We've got 1 hour to to get into contact with you and set up a time to be there. We've got 4 hours to be on site at your disaster- big or small. And we've got 8 hours to brief the team and get started on getting your home or business back to "Like it never even happened."

This policy helps us hold ourselves accountable and ensure that every customer gets the same treatment and can count on the same phenomenal service that we pride ourselves on. 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Emergency Supply Kit: Are You Ready?

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Storm restoration is the cornerstone of our business.

Basic Disaster Supply Kit should consist of:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation


• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food


• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both


• Flashlight and extra batteries


• First aid kit


• Whistle to signal for help


• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place


• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation


• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities


• Manual can opener for food


• Local maps


• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Thanks to Ready.gov for compiling this list for others, like us, to share!

 SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Returning to Normal After a Fire

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Your belongings can be replaced, you can't.

In June of 2016, FEMA put out a great PDF file for returning to normal after a fire. You can see that here. But we also wanted to highlight a few things in our blog for our customers to be able to see at a glance. 

In June of 2016, FEMA put out a great PDF file for returning to normal after a fire. You can see that here. But we also wanted to highlight a few things in our blog for our customers to be able to see at a glance. 

First thing is first. Do not eat, drink or breathe in anything that has been near the flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out.

Secondly, your pets are family, too. If you have pets, find and comfort them. 

Third, Contact your insurance company right away. They'll tell you the next steps. Normally, that means giving us a call. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

How Your Fire Leads to Mold:

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can't hide from us!

When your home has a fire, it is often put out with a fire extinguisher or in cases where it grows large, the fire department uses large hoses and a whole lot of water to put it out. You need to not only remediate the fire damage but also the water damage that your home now has. If that water damage goes over looked, or not cared for properly, you could end up with a large mold problem in your home.

This is why you should call SERVPRO immediately. We have expertise in all those areas. We can remediate them all at once, step by step, while keeping you informed and helping ease the stress that these situations can cause. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Disaster Recovery Team

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

No job is too big.

No Job Is Too Large

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry


• Property Managers


• Universities


• Municipalities


• The Pentagon

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Emergency Water Damage

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Here at SERVPRO, we understand that there is never a convenient time for your water damage disaster. It could be when your hot water heater busts at 4AM or it could be when a storm floods your home on Christmas Eve or when your roof leaks in the middle of the day. No matter the time of day, we are here 24/7 to help you during your emergency. While we are on our way to you, check out our blog on some tips when you have water damage. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

When Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ruined or Ready?

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know...

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   


• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   


• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   


• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   


• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   


• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Commercial Mold Damage

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

Give us a call today.

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call  SERVPRO of Lee County, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation, any time of day or night.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

How We Will Handle Your Water Loss

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Trust the professionals.

Water damage, small or large, is stressful enough by itself and we understand that here at our SERVPRO office. We want to help you through this process as quickly and as easily as we can. Here are a few steps that we take to ensure that you are well taken care of:

Step 1: You give us a call. We will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources that we will need for your job. 

Step 2: Inspection and assessment. We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3: The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4: Drying and dehumidification. We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our trained Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5: Cleaning and sanitizing. We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6: Restoration. Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

You can trust us to get the job done right. Give us a call today. 

 SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Restore Vs Replace

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let water ruin your Lee County home or business.

Water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Lee County understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.


• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.


• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.


• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.


• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 


• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

You can trust us to take care of not only your home but also your belongings. Don't hesitate to give us a call when disaster strikes your home. 

 SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

What to Expect When You Call Us for Mold:

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let this be you. Call us today.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Emergency Contact - (334) 821-4858

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Dear Business Owners

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

A large loss crew on site.

When disaster strikes at your business, we understand that it can be catastrophic. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Thankfully, we're here to help and get your business back to normal and make it "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO of Lee County is available 24 hours a day to restore your Auburn property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,700 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

From small retail stores to government buildings to hotels to high-rises and everything in between, no matter what your business is- We are here to help. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Severe Weather

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

When a storm hits, you know who to call.

Damage caused to your home by a storm can be big or small. No matter the size of your disaster, we have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home back to normal quickly. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week. Storm restoration is the cornerstone of our business so you can bet that we can restore your home to pre-storm condition quickly. 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Break the Mold

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let this be you.. but if it is, don't hesitate to call.

Break the mold and start preventing mold growth in your home now. When mold has started growing, you need to call in the professionals (Hint, Hint) but there are a few steps you can take to try and avoid having to deal with the issue. 

1. Avoid clutter to allow air flow to circulate


2. Control your indoor climate: mold most often starts in the hot, humid summers when you're tempting to crank down the AC and allow a cold environment for the water vapor to condense.


3. Monitor your humidity: a small humidity monitor will only run you about $20 so pick one up when you can and ensure your home stays between 35-50%. Once you hit over 70%, you're setting the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

If you can't find the issue, whether it be standing water or your humidity levels, call in the professionals. Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call us to inspect your Phoenix City home if you suspect you have a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Exit a Fire

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Home: where the story begins.. but don't let a fire be where it ends. Let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

Thanks to NFPA, we've got some great advice to give you on exiting a fire. 

First, get the family together and make a plan. Next, choose an outdoor meeting place so that you can all end up in the same place safely. Go ahead and double check that your street number in visible- if not, take a Saturday morning to paint it on to ensure that emergency personnel can find your home. Practice your drill and take it seriously to ensure that everyone understands the plan that you first devised. If somebody in the family isn't easily awoken by the fire alarm, make sure somebody is assigned with the task to wake them up in the event of a fire. Lastly, get out safely. Your home can be replaced, your family can't. Let us help you put the pieces back together. Give us a call after your fire (big or small). 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Mold is Sneaky

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Job

Mold can spread in as little as 48 hours so that is why it is important to make sure that if you have professionals handle the clean up. Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call us to inspect your Phenix City home if you suspect you have a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Commercial Loss: We're Here to Help

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Our Large Loss Team Getting the Job Done

    Damage doesn't just happen at residential properties- it can strike your business, too! Thankfully, we are close by and ready to respond when disaster strikes.    

    Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Storm and Major Events

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Disaster Strikes Anywhere

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, we're ready!

"Mr.Sam Malloy seemed genuinely concerned for our situation and helped me make the best possible decision with accurate information. He kept me informed every step of the process and corrected the slightest issues promptly." - Linda from Denham Springs, LA

Did you know that there are over 1,700 franchises and growing?It gives us access to more resources for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios. Sometimes we get to travel out of our neck of the woods to be able to help out during the storms. During Hurricane Matthew, we were able to send teams to Louisiana to help out there. Our teams go above and beyond for their jobs and for that, we will always be thankful. And you will be too!  

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Merry Christmas!

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. - Thomas Monson

From all of us here at SERVPRO of Lee County, we would like to wish all of our customers (past, present, and future) a very Merry Christmas! We hope that you are able to take time off to spend with your family and loved ones. Although we know nobody wants to need our services, we are happy to be able to provide it in your time of need. Our business would not be able to grow without your support. Again, we are wishing you a Merry Christmas!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Thankful

11/9/2016 (Permalink)

Thankful November

   Can you believe it is already November? Phew! This year has flown by. We wanted to take some time to remind folks of all we have to be thankful for this month, and every month.

     We know that nobody wants to have to use our services. Nobody makes the choice for a storm to destroy their home or for a kitchen fire to fill their home with smoke and soot damage. Thankfully, we are locally owned and operated and we're already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We pride ourselves on being able to help you through that difficult time.

    For example, Jim & Patti from Auburn, Alabama said, "We are so grateful to the entire SERVPRO team for their professionalism, hard work and desire to help us during a very difficult and emotional time. Thank you all so very much!"

    Sometimes in difficult times, it can be hard to stay thankful. We want to remind you to focus on the good, especially during this holiday season as it begins. And remember that whether your hot water heater busts or if you think your dog may have ruined your carpet- we are here for your disasters- big or small! 

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Storm Damage: Call Us

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

Disasters happen.. Don't panic. Call us at (334)-821-4858!

Storm Damage can happen at any time. When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Phenix City, Eufaula and Tuskegee can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Why choose us?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

The Lungs of Your Home!

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

This is a clean filter versus a dirty filter! Crazy, right?

     Think about it. Every day you are breathing in and out using your lungs. They take in what you need and then filter and breathe back out what you don't. Your air filters do the same thing by filtering out the "bad stuff" and leaving you with cleaner air and overall better air quality. 

     Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust


• Pollen


• Odors


• Dirt and debris


• Other contaminants

      SERVPRO Franchise Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

     However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.


• May help to eliminate offensive odors.


• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (334) 821-4858.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858! 

Social Media

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Don't forget to visit our social media pages!

If you already like us on Facebook, you know we have been re-vamping our social media. We've started both a Twitter and an Instagram, as well as posting weekly blogs right here on our website. If you just click on your preferred social media site listed above, it'll take you to our page. We would greatly appreciate if you would take a moment to like/follow us on one, if not all, of our social media sites. 

     Why are we re-vamping our social media? Well, it's the easiet way to form a real relationship with y'all, the customers. We want you to be able to see updates from us every day and we want to interact with you! Don't be shy. Comment, share, RT, reply- whichever you like!. We just want to connect with our audience. That being said, we also want to spread the word and gain new audience. We are here to help so we want to make sure that folks in our area know that we are here to help at any time. 

     So, let's get social!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Biohazard and Sewage Emergency Tips

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible.

Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk. Sewer backups and flood water are two common biohazard scenarios that can affect homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Lee County has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? Call Us Today – (334) 821-4858

After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
• Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

24 Hour Emergency Service

Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Lee County has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fire Damage Tips

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

We're locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (334) 821-4858

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Water Damage Tips

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

An example of water damage from one of our jobs.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (334) 821-4858

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Facts about Mold

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants.

  When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

•  Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
•  Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
•  Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce toxins harmful to humans and pets.
•  Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
•  Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
•  Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

  Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call us to inspect your home if you suspect you have a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Phenix City, Eufaula and Tuskegee for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Put a Lid on It

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Help "put a lid" on stove top fires by remembering the simple safety tips that were given!

See that picture to the right? That’s a picture from one of our local jobs! Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Some, not all, of these can be prevented and we are here to tell you how.  In most cases, stove top fires occur when cooking oil gets too hot.  That temperature varies from product to product.  Cooking oils can ignite from 520°F up to 670°F. 

      Here is what to do if and when that happens:

• Call 911. They don’t mind showing up to a house when the fire is already out but when home fires occur, every second counts!
• Fire is a rapid oxidation reaction.  If you remove oxygen, that reaction stops.  So put a lid on your cooking.  It may take a minute, but that one simple action can sometimes be all it takes to stop a stove top fire.  If you don’t have a lid for that pot or pan, try sliding a cookie sheet over it.
• Remember, the fire occurred because the oil reached the temperature in which it ignites at. The next stop is to turn off the heat to try.
• Do not pour water on the burning pot and do not try to move it to a different location.
• If the steps above do not help put out the fire, use your kitchen fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire and wait in a safe area for the fire department to arrive.

     Just remember to use caution. Don’t try and turn up the heat to get your pot to heat up faster- because you may forget to turn it back down. Stay around the stove and keep an eye on your cooking. In the event that a fire isn’t prevented and causes any damage, we are here to help make your disaster “Like it never even happened!”

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Smokewebs

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

A great example of a smoke web from one of our jobs!

   Your first thought when you look at the picture on the left may be “oh, those are cobwebs” but it is actually something that we refer to as smoke webs, soot webs, or even soot tags! That is a picture from a home that we visited where the smoke webs appeared in the same room as where the fire started.

     With a quick Google search, you can read about the science behind it but we will save you the search. In short, it’s when plastics burn, the smoke carries a stronger charge than when wood, cotton or paper burns. Sometimes, this causes smoke residue to form the smoke webs. Depending on what exactly the webs are made of, they can be sticky, smeary, and more difficult to clean. Don’t worry.We are here to help! 

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SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

About Us and How We Can Help You!

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Lee County is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. As a locally owned and operated business, we can provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding immediately to commercial or residential needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (334) 821-4858

Residential Services

Whether you need emergency flood restoration or just need your upholstery cleaned, SERVPRO has over 1,650 Franchises ready to respond faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO of Lee County has advanced equipment and highly trained technicians to make it “Like it never even happened.” We can help you with the following residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
  
• Building Services

Commercial Services

When fire or water damage strikes your business, you need professional help to get your property back to business. Every hour spent cleaning and restoring is lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Lee County has the training, experience, and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can depend on us for these commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Storm and Major Events

GO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HERE!

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!

Fireworks Safety Tips for Independence Day

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Happy Independence Day from your friends here at SERVPRO of Phenix City, Eufaula and Tuskegee / SERVPRO of Lee County

With the Fourth of July approaching, we figured that we should review fireworks safety.  The estimated annual cost of fireworks-related injuries is $100 million. Fireworks-related fires have caused at least $15 to $20 million in property loss each year in the past decade.

    Fireworks are beautiful to watch but here are a few simple rules to keep in mind:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing them.
• Never try to re-light a dud and always light one at a time (and remember, stand back)
• Although, this may seem like common sense, statistics say that this reminder is needed- use fireworks outside only
• ALWAYS supervise both children and pets when they are in a close proximity to the area in which the fireworks are being lit
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. Always buy from a trusted fireworks distributer.

    And last, but not least, while keeping safety rules in mind, don't forget to have fun! Enjoy the long weekend.

SERVPRO of Lee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-821-4858!