Important Steps to Take After a Flood | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

When an unexpected flash flood strikes, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is here to respond by restoring your home. Call us now!

Flood situations are always serious, no matter how they start. They can also cause some serious damage to your home and property! 

Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can help minimize damage and keep your family safe.

Preparation Strategies 

Start getting your home and family ready the moment a flash flood watch or warning is issued, even if it is not actively raining. Once the storm arrives, rain can fall fast and heavy and conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Head for home if you aren’t there yet, and be sure to avoid low-lying areas or roads that are known to flood during storms. 

Tidy up your yard and move any household objects or toys inside for safekeeping. Secure any heavy objects like patio furniture and grills so they can’t be swept away by any fast-moving water. 

Then head inside and start preparing your lowest level and your safe shelter location. Pull any important documents or possessions out of your basement and move anything fragile to a safe location. Grab your emergency kit and head to the highest part of your home to wait out the weather.

What to Do if Water Starts Flowing Inside 

While we know it can be scary or really frustrating to watch water start to leak down your walls or rush in under your doorways, do your best to stay calm. Stay above the water line and be patient. Eventually the water will stop flowing into your home and the storm will pass. 

When it does, use extreme caution when walking around your house. Flooded rooms may have suffered extensive damage and even the structural supports of your home could be compromised. If you must walk through the water, wear waterproof boots to help protect your feet from any hazards lurking beneath the water.

Take photos of any damage that you see, as these images will help us create a more robust recovery plan for you and will also help your insurance company understand the damage to ensure a more accurate claim. After that is all taken care of, get us on the phone.

How We Can Help After a Flood 

Lingering water will continue to cause damage over time and can travel all over your  home, so quick action is key when it comes to recovery. 

Our team will arrive right away, and we will get to work to extract the standing water. We will detect and dry up any hidden moisture behind your walls or under your floors. We can also dry and clean your possessions if they were impacted by the floodwater. We are a trusted leader in document drying, and we can also dry out and restore soft materials like couches and cushions. 

Once the water is gone and your home is dry, our team can then turn our attention to any repairs that need to be done. Standing water can easily warp walls, ruin floors and soak carpet, so we will ensure that any damage incurred by the flood will be repaired efficiently and thoroughly. When we are through, we will sanitize your space to prevent mold growth from occurring. 

Even though suffering flood damage can feel overwhelming, our flood restoration team will always have your back.  Contact us right away for a fast restoration!  

Cooler Weather and Water Damage

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

As cooler weather approaches, most of us will be spending more time in our homes, and with that comes more plumbing and electrical usage. This is not generally an issue if everything is properly maintained, but it can be an issue if it is not.

While it does not become cold enough in Hattiesburg to make frozen pipes a common occurrence, the risk of water damage from pipe burst still poses a threat. It is smart to watch out for any changes in water pressure or even a sudden increase in your water bill. Both of these are potentially signs that water is being diverted to places that it should not be going. While it could be nothing, it could also be a sign that something has happened or is on the verge of happening. So, it's a good idea to check it out! 

Another common issue is caused by improperly maintained air conditioning units. Yes, it may be fall or winter, but being near the Gulf Coast means some times running your AC in January. If not properly maintained, the extended use of air conditioning units can cause drainage issues. It's important to change your air filter regularly and have your unit inspected and lines cleaned at least once a year. If you notice that water is accumulating in the drainage pan, it's a good idea to contact your local HVAC company to avoid a water damage.

If you discover a water damage, remember that SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is here to help: 601-544-0512.

Clean Water Loss: Before Help Arrives

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Many homeowners will ask what they can do before we arrive. The following tips can be done and are very important in reducing your overall damage. If your water damage was the result of clean water source malfunction, follow the tips below.

• Shut off the source of the water.

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors

• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

Contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

By following these tips, you will reduce the damage that may not be easily restorable such as damage to expensive rugs that could bleed onto carpet or artwork. The team of professionals at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg will arrive to assess your salvageable property and restore your home to preloss condition. If you have a water damage, contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg 24/7/365: 601-544-0512.

The Water You Don't See

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

This damage was caused by a long term roof leak that was left unmitigated. Continual rain and migrating moisture caused damage to 4 rooms.

While some water damages are obvious, such as a pipe burst or a flood, others are not so obvious and many times it is the water that you don't see that causes the most damage. As the general public becomes more educated regarding water damage and mold, many understand the urgency to mitigate properly and promptly. 

Our team is trained to locate not only the source of the damage and remove any standing water, but to assess what structural materials should be dried or replaced. We do this because leaving wet materials in the home can be costly from a construction standpoint and can lead to implications that reach far beyond the inconvenience of a water damage. Long term damages can do the same thing. Common scenarios of these long term damages include: refrigerator supply line leaks, roof leaks, and plumbing leaks from fittings under sinks or toilets. These common scenarios have the potential to cause extensive damage by simply occurring for so long. By the time the damage is noticed, it may be too late for the items to be restored. It is a good idea to check these areas at least once a month and be on the look out for these warning signs of a potential water intrusion:

• Water accumulation in unusual locations
• Discoloration on ceilings or walls
• Changes in the texture in your flooring (warping, buckling, expansion or sinking).
• Odors.

If you suspect a moisture issue at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg at 601-544-0512.  Our IICRC Certified Water Restoration Technicians have the skills and equipment to quickly and easily locate any moisture issues within your home or business.

Rising Water Bill?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

This damage was caused by a long term leak caused by a loose fitting on the second floor. SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is always here to help!

It's common in the summer months for water bills to increase due to increased usage, but have you noticed a significant climb in your water bill?

Often times, barring any usage increase, a significant increase in your water bill is a sign of a leak. More specifically, it is a common indicator of a plumbing or irrigation related leak. It is a good practice to check your home or property, especially if it is vacant, at least once a month to make sure that your plumbing is properly working. Signs of intrusion may include discoloration, bubbling or flaking paint, damp flooring or content, buckling or cupping wooden floors, or even a strange odor. If it is a long term damage, there most often will be a strange odor that accompanies it. Most will describe this odor was "musty" or "moldy". 

If you think that there may be water intrusion, the best thing to do is to call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg. Our trained personnel have the resources and knowledge to identify the source of water intrusion and migration of moisture. We are available 24/7/365. Call us today: 601-544-0512.

Holidays: Water Damage Edition

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7/365.

Most Americans would agree that the Holiday Season kicks off following Halloween. It's a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on the many blessings and lessons of the past year. Overall, it's a very happy time. However, it's also the time of year when we receive the most calls for water damages related to plumbing leaks and backups. Did you know that the single busiest day of the year for plumbers is Thanksgiving?

Luckily, we have tips for navigating the holidays with minimal damage so you can keep celebrating all season long!

Ideas for Reducing Plumbing Issues

• DON'T use the garbage disposal for peels such as potato, apple, onion, and hard squash such as acorn or butternut. It's also a good idea to avoid disposing of celery, lettuce and other greens, bones, egg shells, and leftover grease or oil. 
• DO turn on the faucet prior to emptying food waste, DO leave the garbage disposal on until all waste is disposed, DO leave faucet on after disposing of waste to allow prevent clogging the drain.
• DO stock bathrooms with easily flushable toilet paper and fresh cotton hand towels so that toilets are not clogged. 

What to do after water damage when plumbing fails?

Contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg (601-544-0512) to mitigate the water damage and an emergency plumber to repair the source of the leak. Our team is available 24/7/365 because disasters do not wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. We are always here to help. 

Water Damage: What to Expect?

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg has the training and resources to quickly restore your property to preloss condition.

With water damage, a small problem can become a bigger (and more expensive) one if not properly mitigated. Some of the biggest damages we have mitigated were found after the property was vacant for some time whether that be for months or for just a weekend. A very common scenario is following a vacation or simply returning to the office on Monday morning.

Water Damage: What to Expect?

When you have a water damage in your home or business, your top priority is to begin the cleanup process as soon as possible. We understand that communication is key to making the mitigation and restoration as stress free as possible. Our team at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg doesn't just walk you through the details at the initial visit, we are there every step of the way to make sure your experience as seamless and easy as possible. Our team will communicate directly with your insurance company and relay all details directly to you to you to ensure that you are always informed of the status of your property.

Additionally, our proprietary software DryBook Mobile allows us to quickly and accurately share drying status reports with you and your insurance company at a moment’s notice.  At SERVPRO of Hattiesburg, we realize that taking care of a water damage is about so much more than the technical aspects.  It’s about taking care of the customer that truly matters!  If you experience a water damage in your home or business call the IICRC Certified experts at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg: 601-544-0512.

The Science of Drying Out Water Damage

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Drying out water damage in customer's home

When Water Damage happens in your house the first things you think about is to grab towels and mop up the water and finish with placing the house fans to dry up the area. Did you know that there is a Science of Drying and restoring your property?

With all the factors that go into what can happen with water damage, it's time that matters the most to help prevent other problems to arise. When you call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg, we have the state-of-art equipment to speed up Mother Nature. When a property is wet it can naturally dry itself but also takes too long. With this process other damage such as mold and a weakened structure can happen creating more damage than if it was taken care of faster.

Here at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg we have the knowledge of psychrometrics which is essential to restoring water damage to its preloss condition. Our Team has been trained on all of the drying techniques that we use every day and are knowledgeable on how to dry your home the fastest way possible. SERVPRO of Hattiesburg has equipment to help dry your hardwood floors and carpets, hard to reach spaces in your walls and many more.

We have tools to monitor the drying process allowing us to take pictures and different readings to track the restoration progress. With the readings that we get we use our program SERVPRO DryBOOK to record information to ensure your restoration is done properly and efficiently every time.

We are here for any size Water Damage situation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!

Clean Gutters Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Do you tend to put off cleaning the gutters until as late as possible?

Maybe you even skipped doing it last year because it’s such a dreaded household chore.

No matter what time of year, gutters play a key role in preventing water damage to a home. Their purpose is to channel rainwater to the downspouts and away from the home. Because of this, it is important to make sure the gutters are working properly year-round in order to protect your property against potential water damage.

Clogged gutters can cause many issues for a homeowner. In the spring, summer, and fall, gutters are often clogged with fallen leaves. And in the winter, snow and ice can be the culprit. Water that is blocked by debris in the gutters will find the path of least resistance when it tries to drain. This often means it will find its way into the walls and ceilings of the home causing interior damage.

To help avoid water damage due to clogged gutters, the gutters should be well maintained and cleaned AT LEAST twice a year.

Following are the best tools that help you clean the nastiness out of your gutters.

Four Ways To Clean Gutters

Generally speaking, there are four ways to clean gutters:

1.  Climb a ladder and use a variety of tools to grab and remove the leaves and debris at eye-level.

2.  Attach tools to a wet/dry shop vac to suck up the leaves or to blast them out of the gutters.

3.  Attach tools to your water hose to spray leaves out of the gutters.

4.  Use a long-reaching pole to remove leaves from the gutters while standing at ground level.

Of course, there are some gutter cleaning tools that combine one or more of the methods mentioned above. And each has its pros and cons. In the end, it all comes down to your own personal preference and which seems like the safest and easiest option to you.

Prepare Your Home for a Potential Water Damage

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can happen at anytime, but your home can be even more exposed to water damage when it rains. Living near the MS Gulf Coast, storm damage becomes more of a threat to your property.  Here are a few tips to avoid damage caused by storm and water.  

1. Modify your homes water valves.  If the city's main sewer line gets backed up during a heavy rain storm, you could find yourself standing in a pile of you-know-what.  You may want to consider installing an interior or exterior backflow valve.  Backflow valves prevent your water system from being contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines.  

2. Clear gutter, drains, and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can end up in a messy flood. Take the time to clean them and clear them of any and all debris before the rain comes.

3. Cover air vents. One of the most common ways water fins its way into a home is through the home's air vents. If you know that heavy rain is in the forecast and that you are at risk of flooding, cover your air vents with thick plastic sheeting from both the outside and the inside. 

4. Check your sealant surrounding doors and windows. Make sure that any gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding the doors and windows are filled in. This will help stop rain water from finding its way into your home. 

If water still manages to find a way into your home and you need assistance, give SERVPRO of Hattiesburg a call at 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450! We're available 24/7 for emergency services. 

What To Do When Water is Everywhere

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Water leaks within a home or business can seep into carpet, flooring, baseboards, and walls while moving throughout the structure. SERVPRO of Hattiesburg Professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be for a family. Water leaks in a business can not only disrupt the facility, but also can interrupt day to day business functions, which could possibly close the business and affect revenues. 

Timely mitigation is key to the restoration process.  Quick response time helps ensure that damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly. This saves on the amount of damage, cost of claims, and assists in reducing losses from business interruption due to a loss.  Timely and proper water mitigation will also help keep mold from developing which could cause people to become ill!  SERVPRO Professionals will be able to identify water regardless of where it hides. Your local SERVPRO cover the greater Hattiesburg area and parts of the MS Gulf Coast. We offer 24-hour emergency response from our trained professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Leak Prevention Tips

1.   Check roof for deterioration.
2.   Check gutters and downspouts.
3.   Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture.
4.   Check appliances in kitchens, break rooms, and cafeterias.
5.   Check sinks and toilets in bathrooms.
6.   Check HVAC for leaks and blockages. 

Water Damage? What to do!

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs, do you know what to do and what not to do?

Water damage can happen at any point for anyone, home or business, resulting in damaged property. These do's are only for clean water and do not’s pertain to sewage water. Sewage water is treated differently since it causes different damage and requires a different cleanup process. With the right tools and pieces of equipment, our professionals can safely dry out your home or business and the contents within it. Here are some things to always keep in mind.

• To minimize the damage, make sure to shut off the source of water and turn off the electricity. It is essential to remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and soaking up with towels. This is especially important for wood furniture. 
• To ensure that more damage isn't sustained by the furniture make sure to try and move it, if safe to do so. 
• Make sure to NOT enter a room with standing water since there could be a risk of electrical shock 
• Make sure to disconnect all power first. 
• It is recommended to NOT leave rugs and furniture upholstery wet against one another because the fabrics have the potential to bleed between each other. 
• It is important to note that you should not be utilizing your household vacuum to try and suck up any water. 

If these tips are followed, then damage can be minimized and you will be better prepared for help to arrive. Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth. Our Team at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is ready to assist at a moment's notice with any of your water mitigation emergencies. Give our team a call at 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450

Pandemic Pipe Problems

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 has hit Hattiesburg/MS Gulf Coast and in many ways, changed the way we live. However, that does not mean that life or problems just stop. Even though you may be at home more, real life problems still happen! Water heaters can leak, as well as A/C units and water pipes.

If you have any issue, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg wants you to know that we are still open, working, and taking on new jobs. Our highly trained and experienced staff is here to help you with whatever issues may arise. We are a locally owned company that seeks to put the communities we serve first, especially during this unfamiliar time. We are all in this together, and we want you to know that we are Here to Help.

Please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg at 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450

Unexpected Water Loss

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe leaks, washer overflows, sewer, back ups, pump failure, toilet problems, and natural floods can wreak water havoc to your home Hattiesburg/ MS Gulf Coast home. You may feel like you have lost all control of your home, and it can only get worse if you hire a company that rips and tears your walls, furniture, carpet, and other personal belongings out of its place. This process can leave you clutching your chest in agony as well as a hole in your wallet.

Water removal in Coastal Mississippi is not an easy task. Homeowners often try to clean the water problems without consulting the experts, which can cause more damage and problems. There are a lot of components that are involved in water damage restoration. It's not something that a beginner should consider tackling. Hiring a water restoration company is a smart decision because they have all the tools that are needed to take out extra water to prevent further damage. Plus, a thorough cleaning and drying process would require an experienced water damage restoration service.

SERVPRO of Hattiesburg has high-tech equipment such as the extractor to help remove water from carpets and other flooring material. Air movers enhance evaporation to reduce drying time. Dehumidifiers extract water vapor from the air. After removing all the water, we use deodorizer equipment such as thermal foggers to produce the fog that has tiny particles of deodorant solutions to neutralize any odor caused by the water damage. Afterward, these technicians perform a thorough walk-through with you to make sure that you are delighted with the service.

With SERVPRO of Hattiesburg, you can expect reliable and excellent customer services and experts to get the job done. Call 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450

Techniques to Restore your Hattiesburg/ MS Gulf Coast Home

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage on the MS Gulf Coast Could Cause Problems With Your Furnishings

One day everything could be fine at your Hattiesburg/ Gulf Coast residence, then you wake up the next day to find that your refrigerator's ice machine has malfunctioned and spilled water all over your house. When leaks go unnoticed for a long time, moisture can quickly spread and cause water damage inside your kitchen and other rooms next to it, like your living room or dining area. Once carpets get saturated, your furniture can get negatively affected.

Whenever we work towards restoring water damage inside your Hattiesburg home, our SERVPRO team starts by testing for moisture and looking for visible issues. Before we start any restoration procedures, we test items in the affected room like your drywall and upholstered furniture. Once we determine exactly what got wet, we can then formulate the best plan to quickly remove moisture from your contents and building materials.

If our SERVPRO technicians find that furniture like your couch or recliner chair got wet, we can take steps to extract and dry out the items to prevent problems from occurring. Moisture most often causes the following four problems with any of your upholstered furniture items such as your couch.

1.  Swelling

Most couches and other upholstered furniture are made up of wooden frames that can swell when they get wet. Once parts of the frame on your furniture swells joints can weaken, which can affect your furniture's structural integrity.

2.  Water Spotting

Some materials can get stained by water damage and show visible water spots. In some cases, we can remove these by wetting the entire piece of furniture.

3.  Color Bleeding

Dust covers on furniture can sometimes bleed colors when wet and cause discoloration on other parts of the furniture or your floor. Metal buttons can also rust and cause rust staining on fabrics.

4.  Mildew Growth

Since most furniture is made with organic substances like wood, mold and mildew can grow if the item is not dried out quickly.

Many of our techniques can help reduce problems that could ruin your furniture. If your couch ever gets wet after a water leak, call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg 24/7 at 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450. Once we are finished, we will restore your home to the way it was before the leak occurred and make it seem, "Like it never even happened."

Do Wet Vacuums Remove Standing Water?

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

We have many extraction tools, including wet vacuums, to prepare the property for thorough drying efforts. 

Regarding extraction for your Hattiesburg/ AL Gulf Coast home or condo after a water loss incident, there are many tools and pieces of equipment that could be beneficial to this effort. Standing water can be a common threat after substantial disasters impact your property, so fast response by competent restoration professionals makes a difference in how quickly the house gets dried and even the ability of our team to protect structural elements and contents.

Wet vacuums are among the most standard choices for water removal in your MS Gulf Coast/ Hattiesburg residence.These units are versatile and lightweight, making them easy to move from one portion of the house to another during the extraction phase. When water depths do not exceed two inches, wet vacuums remain the top choice to remove surface water and even trapped moisture in materials like carpeting and hardwood floors.

What Other Extraction Tools Can Professionals Use? 

As much of a place as wet vacuums have in the water removal needs of your damaged home or condo, other tools in our inventory also have a role in this vital mitigation effort. The choice in which extraction tools get used in specific situations falls to the inspection conducted by our project manager and crew chief before restoration begins. Often, the factors and play and choosing from the versatile array of options are the severity of the damage, the location of the surface water, and the specific materials affected. Some of the top machines for water removal include:

• Electric Submersible Pumps
• Trash Pumps
• High-Pressure Pumps
• Truck-Mount Extractors

Between water removal and the drying of your damaged property, you can count on the fast response of our SERVPRO of Hattiesburg professionals. We have many tools and technologies that we can deploy quickly to make water losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at 601-544-0512

Water damage can be very detrimental to your home or business

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

The longer you wait after having water damage the more damage you are causing to your home or business. When you have water damage the best thing to do is shut off the water source that is causing the damage. If the damage is coming from something you are unable to cut off, you may need to contact a plumber in your area. Once this is completed, you will want to call the professional here at SERVPRO® of Hattiesburg. No matter how big or small, we will be able to help get it under control.Water damage can be difficult to spot but some signs you can look for in your home and business:

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls
• Wet or soggy carpets
• Warping in your wood flooring

The best thing to do is call an expert right away before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call. We have our specialized equipment ready to use to get to your emergency mitigated as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, call our highly trained team at SERVPRO® of Hattiesburg 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450.

Standing Water

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

When floodwater intrudes into your home or commercial business it can cause "standing water", which can be dangerous. Here are some precautions you can take if dealing with standing water.

Standing Water are not natural swimming pools

• Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the standing water leftovers
• Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick
• Don’t drink the water
• Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock

Standing Water vs. Animals:

• Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up
• Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live
• If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets

If you find yourself dealing with standing water of any kind, SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is here to make it “Like it never even happened."

Signs of Water Damage

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be very detrimental to your home or business

The longer you wait after having water damage the more damage you are causing to your home or business. When you have water damage the best thing to do is shut off the water source that is causing the damage. If the damage is coming from something you are unable to cut off, you may need to contact a plumber in your area. Once this is completed, you will want to call the professional here at SERVPRO® of Hattiesburg. No matter how big or small, we will be able to help get it under control.Water damage can be difficult to spot but some signs you can look for in your home and business:

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls
• Wet or soggy carpets
• Warping in your wood flooring

The best thing to do is call an expert right away before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call. We have our specialized equipment ready to use to get to your emergency mitigated as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, call our highly trained team at SERVPRO® of Hattiesburg 601-544-0512 or 228-467-4450

Water Mitigation in Greater Hattiesburg Area

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

This loss was caused by a leak in the attic which caused significant damage throughout the home. We performed mitigation prior to reconstruction.

This loss was caused by a leak in the attic which caused significant damage throughout the home. We performed mitigation prior to reconstruction.

As mitigation specialists, our trained team of experts at SERVPRO of Hattiesburg focus on reducing loss, enabling quick recoveries and lessening costs involved with restoration of property damage events. Proper mitigation is especially important due to our climate in South Mississippi.

Why Mitigate?

• Mitigation reduces losses of life and property.
• Mitigation enables people to recover more quickly from a disaster.
• Mitigation lessens the financial impact of disasters.

When to Mitigate:

• Water
• Fire
• Vandalism
• Crime Scene

Mitigation: How does it Help?

Benefits the Claims Representative by:

• Increasing customer satisfaction through immediate attention!
• Reducing costs per claim.
• Closing claims more rapidly.
• Enhancing your company's reputation as a responsive insurer.
• Improving policyholder retention.

Benefits the Policyholder by Reducing:

• The amount of time a policyholder is inconvenienced.
• The amount of time business is interrupted.
• The potential for mold growth.
• The loss of personal valuables and beloved belongings.
• The cost of insurance.

Benefits the Policyholder by Increasing:

• The insured's satisfaction with the claims experience.
• The insured's trust in your company as a responsive insurer.
• The potential for preserving irreplaceable heirlooms, art, and sentimental treasures.
• The amount of structure and contents that are restored.

Types of Water

• Cat 1: Broken Pipe, Icemaker, Drain overflow; no waste or contaminants
• Cat 2: Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Roof Leak; some soils and contaminants
• Cat 3: Raw sewage, Floods; high degree of waste and contaminants

Water Mitigation Procedure

• Extraction of excess water
• Mold and microbial prevention
• Drying Process: Dehumidification and evaptoration
• Monitoring the drying process
• Rebuild and final cleanup

Water Damage from Clean Water: What Not to Do

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Don't:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment have been exposed to or are submerged in water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as this could potentially cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or any other rugs on the floor on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock to yourself or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, and especially not on wet concrete flooring.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Water Damage from Contaminated Water: Do & Don't

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy rains brought significant flooding to the Mississippi Delta in March 2016. The water remained high for 3 weeks.

What is Contaminated Water?

As defined by the IICRC, Category 3 water is water that which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood waters from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water can enter a building through wind or storm damage. The first involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assempblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. 

If you find your home or building affected by contaminated water, we've listed a few of our favorite tips for what to do and what not to do after a water damage.

Do

Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Contact a restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Baldwin County.

Don't

Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet carpets.

Turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Note

If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Water Damage Restoration: Speed is Key

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

After the water was extracted in this beach home, we set equipment to help reduce secondary damages due water & moisture trapped in wall cavities.

What is Mitigation?

In its simplest form, mitigation is what we do to stop the damage that would occur if nothing is done following a water or fire damage. If not mitigated, water and contaminants that are the by-products of fire damage cause significantly more damage over time to the property. 

The primary goals of mitigation are the following:

• stop the damage
• save costs (decide whether items need to be restored or replaced)
• get the home or business owner back to normal, faster.

The insured has a responsibility to mitigate even before the insurance adjuster and restorative drying vendor arrives; but, a property owner can only do so much. The restorative drying vendor should be ready for whatever happens.

Speed is Key

Fast response during the water damage is vital as significant damage to both structure and contents can occur as early as a few hours.

Speed is the key to effective mitigation, and effective mitigation saves time, headaches, and money.  

The primary reason to respond quickly is to avoid secondary damage. After the water is extracted and the area is sanitized, the drying equipment is set. The key to successful drying is creating a balanced drying system. Wood floors pose special problems for extraction as water becomes trapped under and between the planks. Water atop the wood floor is removed with a light squeegee wand but that below may need to be extracted by specialty drying equipment such as the mat system we see in this picture. Air movers direct airflow to the areas that are in need.

Choose a Quality Restoration Vendor

An effective mitigation company needs to be ready for whatever happens, and have the equipment needed to mitigate the loss as quickly as possible, regardless of the size and/or extent of the loss conditions.

At SERVPRO of Hattiesburg, we understand the need to be faster to any size disaster. Call us and we will make your water or fire damage "Like it never even happened." 

Water Damage from Clean Water: What to Do

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much exess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Spotting Water Damage in your House

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Thermal imaging can detect cooler temperatures in materials. Cooler temperatures are usually a sign of water damage.

In general, a house is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. In order to protect that investment, you should vigilantly look out for household problems and address them before they worsen.

One such dreaded homeowner issue is water damage. If left unattended, residential water damage can detrimentally impact the structure or spawn other complications, including mold that poses a health risk to inhabitants. Here are several methods for detecting water damage within your house.

1. Check the Floors
No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will manifest signs of water damage. For tile and wood, look for cracked, buckling or warped flooring. When it comes to carpet, be wary of damp spots, gradual rises, soft spots or the smell of mold and dampness.

2. Look for Stains
Water stains on the floor around the bathtub, toilet or sink, as well as stains on ceilings and walls, are some of the most obvious signs of water damage. Unusual stains could indicate there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen and are soft to touch also may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.

3. Inspect Outside
Observe the exterior of your house. What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that aren’t transporting water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters. Any of those issues could threaten the foundation of your house. Additionally, common signs of water damage on the roof may include pools of water; cracked, curled or missing shingles; or broken flashing.

4. Watch for Rust and Mold
Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor. A rusted tank could indicate a slow leak. Additionally, corrosion around pipe connections could be caused by water seepage. Visual signs of active mold growth mean moisture is contacting microscopic mold spores, often in the nooks and crannies of your home. Finally, don’t rely solely on sight. When water stagnates, mold and bacteria can grow, producing a musty, unpleasant smell.