SAFETY TIPS FOR WHEN A FIRE OCCURS

11/16/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are a great safety tool.

Safety is the most important thing when dealing with any type of emergency, especially a fire. Below is a list of safety tips to ensure that you and your family stay safe!

• Have a fire escape plan in place and practice it regularly.
• Make sure that all doors and windows in your home open easily.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and test them monthly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and garage.
• Teach children what to do in case of a fire.
• Do not re-enter any structure until it has been deemed sage by the fire department. 

Get Ready for Fire Prevention Week!

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Get Ready for Fire Prevention Week!

The temperature is finally coming down and the colorful leaves are starting to show up! For some, this is the best time of year! This is the time of year where people start to get their fire places ready for the season or check that they have working space heaters!

Unfortunately, this is also the time of year where we start to see an increase in home and business fires. We want to help keep you and your loved ones safe this season! To do that, we will be focusing on fire prevention tips for the month of October on our blogs as well as on Facebook. Fire Prevention Week is October 8th - October 16th this year, but we will be passing along this great information all month long! 

Storm Clean Up in Three Rivers

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding from storm

We know that storms have a way of causing chaos in our lives. Here are a few steps to take after the storm passes while you wait for help to arrive!

• Stay safe. Before you enter a damaged area or home, make sure it is safe to do so. If there are any downed power lines or other hazards, do not enter the area until it has been cleared by emergency personnel.
• Take pictures. If your property has been damaged, take pictures of the damage before you move or dispose of anything. This will help you document the damage for insurance purposes.
• SORTING THROUGH ITEMS: If you are removing any items from the damaged area, make sure that you do it safely. Wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from any contaminants. Remember to use caution when handling appliances and anything electrical. 

SERVPRO can help walk you through the entire process and will be there every step of the way!

Tarp and Board Up Services in Dowagiac, MI

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties at 269-273-8777 today!!

Roof Tarp & Board-up Service

When a storm or other emergency leaves your home open to the elements, you must act quickly to help prevent further damage and protect your home’s interior. Roof damage to your home or business can be caused by a storm, fire, or other emergency.

Damage needs to be addressed immediately to help avoid further harm by the elements or intruders. Our professional crews use roof tarping and board-up techniques to help keep your home or business secure while the roof is inspected and repaired.

If your windows or walls are damaged, you will need professional board-up services to secure your property. We use approved board-up techniques to help minimize further damage and secure your home or business from weather, animals, and illegal entry. Call SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties at 269-273-8777 today!!

Why Choose SERVPRO for Water Damage?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties for all your water restoration needs (269)-273-8777.

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our professionals specialize in residential water damage restoration, with training focused on restoring salvageable items, accelerating drying time while documenting the entire restoration process.

Customer Care

We have more than 50 years of experience in the cleanup and restoration industry. Our professionals care about you and your property and want to help you get back to normal after you have water damage to your home.

#1 in the Cleanup and Restoration Industry

We’ve earned the reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration industry and specialize in fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, mold, and so much more.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

SERVPRO will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

Vandalism and Graffiti Cleaning with SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties for restoring damage to your property 24/7, 365 days a year (269)-273-8777.

When your home has been targeted by vandals, SERVPRO^® can clean up the mess, including broken windows and graffiti, before it becomes a larger issue with more costly repairs.

When Vandals Strike, Help is a Click or Call Away (269)273-8777.

It can be a very stressful experience when your property is vandalized. Even relatively minor damage like a broken window can present the opportunity for further damage from water and mold. It’s important to take care of vandalism and graffiti in a timely manner. Our professionals can respond quickly at any time to take care of the cleaning and restoration of the damaged parts of your property. We provide professional graffiti removal services, cleaning graffiti from exterior walls and surfaces around your building including driveways, walkways, asphalt, and masonry.

Call SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties for restoring damage to your property 24/7, 365 days a year (269)-273-8777.

How Do You Clean Up After a Storm?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties (269)-273-8777 if the job seems overwhelming

Cleaning up after a storm can be a big job, whether the damage was caused by a tornado, hurricane, flooding, snow or ice storm. The most important part of the cleanup process is safety, so be sure that the area you’re working on has been deemed safe to enter structurally, and that no electrical, dangerous materials, or other hazards are present.

It’s important to wear the right safety gear when cleaning up after a disaster. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this gear includes:

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N95 masks or a respirator
• Waterproof boots with a steel toe and insole
• Earplugs or protective headphones
• Having two fire extinguishers on site

It’s a good idea to work with others if you can, and get help lifting heavy items. Try to decide which tasks are the most important and tackle those first. Rest when you’re tired.

Don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties (269)-273-8777 if the job seems overwhelming, and especially if water, mold or sewage is involved. 

What You Should Not Do After a Fire

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Cass and St Joseph counties for all your fire remediation needs (269) 273-8777

Don't Wash Walls or Carpet

Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your local SERVPRO as using the inappropriate product or method could lead to additional or irreversible damage.

Don't Clean Electrical Appliances

Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances, including computers or digital devices that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.

Don't Eat Soiled Food

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 The Lights

Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.

Don't Clean Your Clothes

Don’t send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Don't Touch Soot Covered Items

Don’t touch soot-covered items with bare hands. Oils from your skin can cause the soot to permanently stain surfaces.

FAQs about Water Damage Remediation with SERVPRO

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties is here to help! Call (269)-273-8777.

Here are some frequently asked questions about water damage remediation with SERVPRO.

How to clean up water damage in a home?

When a water emergency occurs in your home or business, it’s only natural to want to take action immediately. Below are some preliminary steps you can take before we arrive, but only attempt what you can do safely.

• Shut off the water source, if possible. If you’re not sure where the water is coming from, we’ll inspect and handle the situation as soon as we arrive. If you don’t know how to shut off the water, contact a plumber to help.
• Remove excess water by mopping, blotting, or wiping. This could include flooring and hard surface furniture which has standing water on it. Do not use your household vacuum to remove water, since it could cause damage to the vacuum or be unsafe.
• Protect carpet, rugs, drapes, and upholstered items from further damage. Place aluminum foil or parchment paper between furniture and wet carpet or rugs. Remove books, magazines, or other colored items from carpets and rugs. Hang draperies up with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet floors. Remove pillows or cushions from wet upholstered items.
• Avoid using electric or electronic items that have come into contact with water. This may include items such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, televisions, or appliances. If there is a possibility that someone else on the property may turn on an electric item that has come in contact with water, consider turning off the power to individual circuits within the power distribution panel of the property.

What is the typical cost for water damage restoration?

• The cost of a water loss will vary greatly depending on the severity of the situation.

What is water damage restoration?

• When water intrudes into a home or business, water damage restoration may be required. Water damage restoration is the professional process of removing unwanted water, drying and cleaning the structure and/or contents, and returning the property to its preloss condition. This is completed by professional technicians who are certified to follow industry standards using the proper methods and tools.

SERVPRO of Cass and St. Joseph counties is here to help! Call (269)-273-8777.

Mold Safety

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on wall, hand pointing at it

When mold starts to invade your home, dealing with the problem quickly and safely should be a priority. It can take less than 72 hours for mold to spread throughout your home, which COULD result in negative health effects to your family, as well as damage to your property. SERVPRO responds quickly to your call to assess your situation. SERVPRO professionals use advanced equipment and experience in mold mitigation to determine the water source of your mold problem. Then, we’ll work with you in the cleanup and restoration process with as little disruption to your family as possible. Call SERVPRO today @ 269-273-8777