When You Can't Contain Yourself

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

A containment barrier is set once a tree has penetrated this home during a storm.

Trees are a big threat to homes when severe weather moves through an area.  Wind, ground saturation, and health of trees all play a part in the ability to withstand a heavy storm system.  Unfortunately, about 1 out of every 10 homeowners will experience a tree falling onto their home.  Some will penetrate homes, exposing the living spaces to debris and weather.

SERVPRO of Brandon has trained professionals that know exactly what to do when a storm has damaged a home or business. Technicians can set containment barriers to separate the living areas from any more damage or exposure to after-effects of a storm system. This allows the mitigation and restoration to begin, and be thorough, without exposing the home or business to any further damage or hazards.  Call us today at 601-829-2162 if your home or business has suffered storm damage

I FEEL LIKE GETTING OUT OF THE HOUSE

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

The chill air loop ruptured in a retirement facility, flooding hallways and residences with at least 3 inches of water.

Spending too much time at home often leads people to say "I feel like getting out today".  That feeling is the complete opposite of "I must get out today".  Too often, people are forced from their residence due to flooding.  In situations where many cohabitate under one roof, a flood can displace many, and cause several homes to be uninhabitable.  The professional and well trained technicians at SERVPRO of Brandon are always ready for any event, providing the fastest water mitigation in even the largest of events.  

Choosing a trained, reputable, and thorough restoration company can make all the difference in getting back to your residence quickly.  SERVPRO of Brandon has trained professionals available 24/7 that can get you home safe and sound.  Call today at 601-829-2162.

Restoration Is More Than Just A Word

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

A fire can make a home unrecognizable in a matter of moments.

Restoration is defined as returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.  SERVPRO of Brandon takes the mission that is restoration seriously.  Never more so than in the case of a fire, which can sweep through the inside of a home or business and leave it unrecognizable, if not for the outer shell that remains.  

SERVPRO of Brandon's trained technicians arrive on scene with education, experience, compassion, and determination to reach the goal of complete restoration for each and every home and business owner.  The goal is to get the space so obviously destroyed by catastrophe, back to it's previous state, if not better. It is an honor to have such an important task entrusted to SERVPRO of Brandon each and every day.   Call today at 601-829-2162 and let SERVPRO of Brandon show how important restoration is to us!

Looks Can Be Deceiving

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

A wall was left to dry without proper mitigation after a water loss, which made conditions right for mold spore colonization.

Is there visible mold?  That's a question asked every day in the restoration business.  Many times the answer is no, but there is always a chance when water went where it wasn't supposed to be. Addressing water issues quickly is the best way to minimize the chances of mold spreading.  When walls are left to dry on their own, mold spores can quickly colonize in places that cannot be seen by the naked eye.  Inside the walls, mold can deteriorate dry wall and studs, as well as insulation. 

Mold can also be found on the back of vinyl wallcoverings, or wallpaper.  The wallpaper can act as a vapor barrier over a wet wall, and in conjunction with the sticky adhesives used to hang it, it can be the perfect environment for mold to grow.  

Any suspected out of sight mold should be investigated by trained professionals, such as the technicians at SERVPRO of Brandon!

The Calm After the Storm

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

A home that had never before been flooded succumbed to the rising waters in Brandon, MS in August of 2022.

All across the United States and beyond, the words "flash flooding" are becoming part of the everyday vocabulary. Areas that aren't accustomed to being bombarded with round after round of record-breaking rainfalls are living the nightmare of water entering homes and businesses. Drainage systems are overwhelmed by the new normal of extreme weather, and no matter how much preparation is done, the reality of the devastation of rising rivers and collapsing dams is indescribable.

SERVPRO of Brandon is humbled, and extremely proud to be a part of the Rankin county and central Mississippi community. We have been honored to assist in the restoration of the homes and businesses affected by the recent flooding in our area, Our trained professionals are available 24/7 to assist in all restoration services. Call us today at 601-829-2162

Think Fast About Class!

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Older appliances often cause electrical fires, and cooking is responsible for many as well. Knowing the type of fire helps in stopping them.

Most people don't think about the differences in fires, but knowing the type of fire helps to be able to put it out faster. There are actually five classifications of fires, and they are designated according to the agent that fuels them.

Class A fires are the most common, and can be extinguished using water or foam. They involve combustible materials like paper or wood. Unlike Class A, Class B fires occur in flammable liquids, and should never have water thrown on them. Foam, powders, and carbon monoxide extinguishers work on Class B fires, which include gas, alcohol, and oils, but not cooking oils.

Water or foam actually make the next classes of fire, Class C and Class D, more dangerous. Class C fires are electrical, and require dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Class D fires are rare, and involve metals, such as you would find in a laboratory or factory, and also require dry powder to stop them.

Lastly, there is Class K, which often gets grouped into Class B, and it involves cooking oils. These should never be doused with liquids.

Call 601-829-2162 if any type of fire has affected your home or business

If I Only Had A Drain......

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

This drain was stopped up from debris, and water was sent straight into the home.

When storms bring flash flooding, it is important to keep the water out of structures. Water is particularly bad when it isn't where it's supposed to be. Drains are a very important part of human design on a constantly changing, andoften surprising, planet. When roads and structures spring up, there were professionals involved who carefully made sure that water would drain away from them. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong, and nature may storm too quickly or too violently to control the amounts of water. Some storms settle in, and move slowly, dropping continuous moisture in one spot. Leaves, debris, and mud can clog drains that are meant to keep water away from structures, and sometimes it's just too much water too fast.

Be sure to check drains periodically, and call a professional with any drainage concerns. Call SERVPRO of Brandon if you have water where it shouldn't be! 601-829-2162

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Extension cords can put a large power load onto a socket that isn't designed for that.

Summer is winding down, and that means fall and winter are around the corner. The winter months are the most common times for electrical fires, so it's never too early to take precautions to lower the risks. Space heaters account for a great number of electrical fires, as well as outdated appliances and wiring. It is important to pay attention to a frequently overloaded circuit breaker, or flickering lights. There should never be anyunexplained burning smells, or devices/appliances that get too hot to touch. Extension cords can be a major fire hazard, as they can create an excessive power load onto a socket. Electricians are the best solution if more outlets are needed, or anything in a home or business is questionable. Should an electrical fire start, a fire extinguisher is a great solution, but baking soda works if one isn't available.

CAN'T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

A tree fell on this home during a storm, and allowed the elements access to the living areas.

It's a fact that storms can cause very dangerous and damaging circumstances. Winds, hail, saturating rain, and lightning are scary, and can be very damaging to homes and businesses. Very often trees are affected by the hazards in storms, and trees that fall can cause major damage to any structure in the way.

Most trees can withstand bouts from heavy storms. Soggy soil and compromised root systems play a major part in a tree's ability to withstand a storm. Trees with "co-dominant" or V-shaped trunks also seem to be lesser able to withstand a storm's wrath. It's a good idea to get trees inspected, as there can be warning signs of a trees health.

Remember, SERVPRO of Brandon is always available should a tree allow the elements inside your home or business. Call us at 601-829-2162

Fire Does It's Fair Share of Damage

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Not a total loss, this home did suffer a significant amount of damage due to fire. SERVPRO of Brandon made it "like it never even happened".

Fires are devastating. They destroy homes,lives and memories. The constant advancement of technology has helped in the battle against fires. Response times have been shortened by surveillance and alarm companies. Homes and businesses are monitored 24/7 by owners and employees via the internet. Fire systems offer immediate alerts to occupants and authorities, as well as begin some form of interventions such as foam or sprinklers. Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are ever present, becoming as common in homes as indoor plumbing. Even detectors have greatly advanced, going from photoelectric and ionization, to dual models and beyond. All working together to stop and minimize the damage fire causes.

As much as things have advanced, there is still tragedy. There is still total loss. Some fires go beyond what can be prevented, and even when they're stopped, still leave damage in their wake. SERVPRO of Brandon is always available to their customers. Our trained technicians are ready to respond, and get life back to normal after the devastation of a fire.