Recent Posts
Fall Clean-Up: Fire Prevention
9/10/2024 (Permalink)
Fall Fire Prevention
We are starting to see some cooler temps here in SW Michigan! With that comes thoughts of leaves, apples, and pumpkin spice! Something that might not be in our fall planning is fire prevention. Fall clean-up is crucial for fire prevention. Dry leaves, twigs, and debris can act as fuel, igniting quickly and spreading fires. By clearing these potential hazards, you're significantly reducing the risk of fire damage to your property. We have created a quick checklist to make sure you are ready for the fall!
- Roof and Gutters:
- Remove debris: Clear leaves, sticks, our kid’s football, and other debris from your roof and gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, which can create a fire hazard.
- Inspect for damage: Look for any damaged shingles or flashing. If your power is above ground, make sure that your lines are free from any obstructions.
- Yard and Garden:
- Clear brush and debris: Remove dry grass, leaves, twigs, and any other flammable material from your yard.
- Store firewood safely: Keep firewood away from your home and other structures. Store it in a metal shed or on a concrete pad.
- Chimney and Fireplace:
- Have it cleaned: Hire a professional to clean your chimney and remove any creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard.
- Inspect for damage: Check for cracks or damage in the chimney or flue.
- Outdoor Grills and Fire Pits:
- Clean and inspect: Clean your grill or fire pit after each use and inspect it for damage.
- Store safely: Store propane tanks and other flammable materials away from your home and any heat sources.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Develop a fire escape plan: Create a plan for how you and your family will evacuate your home in case of a fire.
- Install smoke detectors: Make sure you have working smoke detectors. We suggest one in every main living space as well as each bedroom.
- Have a fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher readily available and know how to use it.
We are always here if you need us. 24/7, 365!
Spring Cleaning
4/25/2024 (Permalink)
It is finally starting to feel like spring out there! With the nicer weather approaching it is time to start tackling that spring cleaning list we’ve been writing all winter! There are a few things we think you should add to protect your home from water damage this season!
*Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure that these are cleaned out so that water can move properly and away from your home.
*Foundation Check: Inspect your foundation for any cracks and seal them to prevent water damage to the foundation.
*Appliance Inspections: Check all hoses that run to any appliance. Make sure to replace any hoses that seem cracked or worn in any way.
*Roof Inspection: Check for any damaged or worn shingles. Take a look in the attic to see if there is any water damage to the underside of the roof.
*Basement Maintenance: Inspect your basement for any leaks or signs of damage. Check your sump pump to ensure it is working properly. Consider adding a battery back up to your sump pump to prevent flooding in case of a power outage.
By incorporating these spring-cleaning tasks, you can proactively address potential water issues and protect your home from costly damage.
As always, we are here to assist with any water and fire damage remediation.
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.
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