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.

An Oldie But A Goodie

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

It is surprising how much water can come from a clogged drain line in an air conditioning unit.

It makes perfect sense to see water everywhere if a hot water heater bursts. If flood waters rush in after a torrential downpour, it is what it is. Not all flooded spaces make as much sense, especially one of the most common causes of water damage to homes, the air conditioning unit. An AC in a third floor apartment unit couldcause water to be a problem even ina first floor unit. Many don't understand so much water from an air conditioner.

Air conditioners produce water as part of the cooling process. Some of the water is used to cool the air, while some is run through a drain line. Some water in air conditioners also comes from the unit pulling humidity out of the air.

SERVPRO of Brandon is available 24/7 for any and all water emergencies. Call 601-829-2162, and our trained technicians will respond quickly to any loss, large or small.

The Double Whammy

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire in this laundry room, also caused the hot water heater to burst, and there was damage from firefighters as well.

SERVPRO of Brandon has trained, experienced technicians available 24/7 to handle any situation! When a fire occurs, there can be a lot of water damage due to sprinklers, extinguishers, and fire hoses. When water events occur, mold or mildew may begin to appear. It would be nice and easy if everything were just a simple clean up, but it hardly ever is. Even when the dishwasher has a little puddle in front of it, and a handy towel seems like a good response, there could be so much more going on underneath the machine.

It is important to trust your home or business to experts who can guideeveryprocess from start to finish. SERVPRO of Brandon is capable of handling any disaster affecting homes or businesses.

Grease Is the Word

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

This homeowner had a grease fire erupt while attempting to cook some dinner,

A fire in the kitchen can happen to anyone.  The rule is never leave anything cooking unattended.  While that's a fantastic rule, fires can break out at any time, even to the most attentive chef.  Grease fires are particularly dangerous.  Grease is extremely flammable, and is dangerous all by itself when overheated.  It is important to pay close attention when slowly heating grease for cooking.  When grease is overheating, it begins to put off smoke that will get thicker and darker before it eventually ignites.  

Once a grease fire has started, it is important to remember what to do.  Never fan a grease fire, or attempt to put it out with water or flour. Do turn off it's heat source, and attempt to cover it with a lid or cookie sheet to cut off it's air supply.  Baking soda or salt are effective in smothering a grease fire, and a fire extinguisher should be used as a last resort.  

Nothing is as important as calling 911, and letting first responders handle the situation.  Once all is done, trust SERVPRO of Brandon to restore the home to it's former glory.  Call 601-829-2162!

You've Got the Look

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A newly opened business was surprised by rain pouring in through the roof. SERVPRO of Brandon had them back in business in no time!

No matter what a person's interests are, there is a store for them. From huge supercenters to quaint hidden boutiques, consumers can find everything that piques their interests. Fashionistas get a thrill from finding small, unique stores that seem to contain a plethora of clothing and accessories that almost seem made for them. The owners of such establishments set out to attract loyal clientele to keep them afloat. So what happens when disaster strikes?

Imagine starting a lovely clothing store, and within the first month, a rainstorm comes pouring through a faulty roof. SERVPRO of Brandon knows exactly what to do. Our trained restoration specialists can handle any situation where water isn't where it's supposed to be. An expert response and quick reaction are the key to getting back to business. Call SERVPRO of Brandon at 601-829-2162 when getting back to business is vital!