Recent Posts
October is Fire Prevention Month--what you can do to stay safe!
10/5/2022 (Permalink)
October is a wonderful month! Fall is here, football is on tv, Halloween is coming, the cool, crisp mornings are a delight! While enjoying all of those things, let's focus a moment on fire prevention! This is a GREAT time to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) has announced “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape™” as the theme for Fire Prevention WeekTM, which takes place October 9-15.
So, what does that mean? Take 5 minutes and have a family planning event. If a fire were to break out in your home, it will likely create panic and confusion. By taking a few minutes NOW to plan your escape--it could save your life or the life of your loved ones. Have a discussion about where the nearest exits are, where to meet up outside and basics a fire and smoke. Smoke rises, so reinforce the importance of staying low and crawling if necessary. Smoke inhalation is a major health concern. So, stay low and cover your face, nose and mouth with your shirt. Once everyone is safely outside, then call 911 to have the fire department dispatched.
Is it Mold or Mildew?
8/31/2022 (Permalink)
It's a little unsettling to see something growing in or on your home. Mold growth in a home is often a cause of concern for a homeowner, and a lot of times, they automatically assume the worst. Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, but they are two different things with different forms of treatment. While spots generally need to be treated, first you need to know what it is in order to properly treat it.
Here is a quick rundown of a few major differences between mold and mildew:
Is the spot flat or is it more three-dimensional? Mildew is always flat, but mold is often raised.
What color is it? Mildew usually looks white or grey. It has a dry, or sometimes even powdery appearance. Mold is either red, blue, green, or black. It can look slimy or even fuzzy.
How does it smell? A musty smell like damp socks generally indicates mildew, but a pungent odor is more commonly found with mold.
It's important to remember that mold and mildew need to be stopped at the source, otherwise the problem is likely to return. Moisture is the key to their survival and reproduction, so the source of the excess moisture needs to be located and repaired.
Think you have a mold issue? We're always here to help! Give SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale a call at 662-281-1881, and we'd be happy to schedule an inspection and plan a course of action. We'll make it "Like it never even happened."
Post-Construction Cleaning
8/23/2022 (Permalink)
Whether you’re taking on a lengthy renovation project or building a whole new commercial structure, it can leave a huge job to clean up. The cleanup process can last several weeks, but we can help get your business back up and running in no time! SERVPRO offers a huge range of cleaning services which includes post-construction cleanup. Our highly trained team knows how to clean every bit of your newly built/ renovated space, whether it be a kitchen, large office building, or warehouse space. As a part of a national franchise system with over 40 years in the cleaning industry, SERVPRO of Oxford/ Batesville/Clarksdale will deliver on our promise of exceptional results.
Call us today at 662-281-1881 for more information!
We're always here to help.
The Stages and Categories of Hurricanes
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
During Hurricane Season, you tend to hear TV meteorologists talking about different terms and categories to classify the storm. What do they actually mean?
Where do hurricanes actually begin? As a storm builds from a thunderstorm to a hurricane, it passes through 4 distinct stages:
Tropical Disturbance: a mass of thunderstorms that have wind speeds of less than 23 mph.
Tropical Depression: consistent wind speeds of 23-39 mph and circulation of wind in the center of the thunderstorm mass is detected.
Tropical Storm: forms when the maximum sustained winds have intensified to 39-73 mph. Storms are typically given a name at this stage and are characterized by problems caused from very heavy rainfall.
Hurricane: finally forms when surface pressures continue to drop, and winds reach 74 mph. There is now a clear and definite rotation around a calm center or eye.
Hurricanes have their own categories which are defined by the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
Category 1: Winds 74 to 95 mph (Minor damage)
Category 2: Winds 96 to 110 mph (Extensive damage — Can uproot trees and break windows)
Category 3: Winds 111 to 129 mph (Devastating — Can break windows and doors)
Category 4: Winds 130 to 156 mph (Catastrophic damage — Can tear off roofs)
Category 5: Winds 157 mph or higher (Can level houses and destroy buildings)
This scale only estimates property damage that could occur with the maximum sustained wind speed of a particular hurricane; it does not consider the potential for other dangerous events that often accompany hurricanes, like tornadoes, flooding, and storm surge.
Calm Waters
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
Before the 2022 Hurricane Season started, the NOAA predicted an above-average season to rival the extremely active 2021 season. The Gulf Coast and other areas braced themselves for an influx of tropical weather, and then...
Nothing happened. There have only been 3 named storms since the beginning of the season in June.
Many areas in the Gulf were affected by drought conditions through the spring and summer months, and the Hurricane Outlook was officially downgraded at the beginning of August.
So, is everything all clear? Not exactly.
Now that it's mid-August, there are some disturbances and tropical waves showing up on the radar. These could eventually turn into named storms that affect the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. We're heading into the peak of Hurricane Season, and anything could happen.
If it does?
We'll be there. SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale has assisted our national Storm Teams in areas affected by strong hurricanes. We're ready to do it again.
We're always here to help.
When Your Oxford, MS Business Floods
7/20/2022 (Permalink)
We have crews available 24/7/365 to help with your commercial water loss.
A water loss in a commercial space can be disastrous. It is best to know beforehand how to manage the cleanup in order to act quickly in the event of a flood or burst pipe. Here are 5 steps our team will take to handle a flooded commercial building:
- Turn off Electricity – before touching or handling the water, make sure to shut off power to the flooded area. If you cannot safely navigate to the breaker box, call an electrician to turn the electricity off at the meter.
- Stop the flow of Water - shut off the water line in the event of a burst pipe or block the flow of rainwater using flood bags or other tools. It may be necessary to call a plumber to fix any internal damages to pipes.
- Extract Standing Water – a wet/dry vacuum is the optimal tool to use for removing any standing water.
- Remove Water-Damaged material – waterlogged materials need to be removed as soon as possible to prevent mold growth and further damage. Items may be kept if they can be completely dried within 48 hours.
- Disinfect and Dry – it is important to sanitize and dry all surfaces as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
If your property has experienced water damage, storm restoration professionals like the SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale crew can help! From water extraction to tear out and drying, we have a team of professionals ready for the job.
Give us a call at 662-281-1881.
We're always here to help.
Category 3 Water Damage in Your Clarksdale, MS Home
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
When your home experiences a water loss, it usually isn't something that can wait until later. From the moment the water enters your home, the clock is ticking before the situation worsens. There are three main categorizations of water loss -- we've previously discussed Category 1 and Category 2 water losses. A Category 1 water loss originates from a sanitary source, like when a sink or bathtub overflows. This type of water will not pose a substantial risk if it is accidentally ingested. Category 2 water is also known as "greywater," which contains contaminants, such as an overflowed toilet that does not contain feces. Accidental ingestion of this water could result in sickness. The potential for bacteria and mold to breed and spread is significant with Category 2 water. Once Category 2 water sits untreated for 48 hours, it could be reclassified as Category 3 water, or "black water." Sewage backups, storm surges, ground surface water, and many other water sources are classified as Category 3. This water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness if ingested.
It is imperative to have a Category 3 water loss remediated immediately. Blackwater contaminates everything it touches, and if left to sit in a home, it will not only soak the contents of your home, but it can get into the drywall, flooring, and anywhere else it can reach. This can cause health effects to the inhabitants.
SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale understands the seriousness of a Category 3 water loss. We have several IICRC Certified Water Restoration Technicians on staff ready to make it "Like it never even happened." We're available 24/7 to discuss your needs at 662-281-1881.
We're always here to help.
After an Oxford, MS Restaurant Fire
7/5/2022 (Permalink)
Sometimes the fire doesn't stay in the pan.
More than 8000 restaurants experience a fire loss each year. They can range from something minor to a total loss situation. Restaurant fires cause almost $250 million in property damage each year. Whether small or large, SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is always here to help!
Should your restaurant experience a small fire, you should know that it still needs mitigation before reopening. Soot may not always be visible to the naked eye, but once there is a fire in a structure, the soot travels everywhere. This is especially true if the HVAC system is running. All surfaces need to be wiped down, and this goes double for the dishes, glasses, and cutlery! The restaurant needs to be fully up to code before reopening.
We don't just clean soot. There is often water damage and debris left behind after a fire. Don't leave your restaurant fire cleanup to an amateur. SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is very experienced in fire mitigation. We'll get a team together to address the issue and make it "Like it never even happened."
Give us a call today at 662-281-1881.
We're always here to help.
Before You Shop for Fireworks in Batesville, MS
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
Celebrate the Fourth of July safely this year.
Tis the season for those little roadside tents to pop up along the landscape. You know the ones. You'll see more and more fireworks stands as the calendar edges closer to the Fourth of July. This is the year you're going BIG.
Well, maybe not so fast.
There are some key safety measures to keep in mind before you light that first fuse! The goal is to have fun, and if safety isn't a priority, your celebration could end with something burning other than the fuse or worse, a surprise trip to the emergency room.
First, familiarize yourself with the state laws pertaining to fireworks in your area, wherever you may celebrate. Mississippi only permits certain types of firework purchases during specific times of the year, and only to those 12 years old and older.
Secondly, keep yourself safe! Make sure to never lean over the fuse when lighting it and keep a garden hose or water bucket nearby as a safety precaution. It's extremely tempting to try and re-light a "dud" firework, but don't do it! It could explode and burn you. Did you know that 44% of firework injuries were due to burns? That's an important percentage to remember, especially when it comes to children. Many people see sparklers as harmless, but a lit sparkler burns at around 2000 degrees. Half of the total firework injuries to young children involved sparklers. Please choose a safer alternative like a glow stick or streamer for your child.
When it comes to fireworks, don't forget about your furry friends. Dogs are extremely sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights. Walk them earlier in the day and leave them indoors when fireworks are in use. Close the curtains and make them a comfortable spot with music or a television playing to distract from the loud noises outside.
With a little consideration and the proper safety precautions, fireworks can be a lot of fun. No matter how you celebrate, do it safely! Have a Happy Independence Day from your friends at SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale!
When You Lose Power in Oxford, MS
6/27/2022 (Permalink)
Some power outages are lengthy
If you've been in Mississippi for a minute, you know that there's always a chance of sudden severe weather situations. We're only a few days into summer, but there's already a line of thunderstorms on deck for Oxford. During the day, should your power go out during a storm, it's just an inconvenience to most people.
When it's knocked out at night, it can be treacherous.
Could you find your way around your home in the middle of the night? If the answer is no, it's probably a good idea to keep a small flashlight in each bedroom so you can quickly access it when you need it!
Many power companies send text alerts to let you know when your power might be restored. Depending on the severity of the storm that caused it, it could be awhile. This is especially true for those in more rural locations.
That's when it gets a little tricky.
Ideally, if you've experienced a prolonged power outage in the past, you want to be prepared for next time. This might mean having a portable generator, or even a whole-home generator.
Generators can be a godsend when dealing with power that will be shut off for the immediate future. They'll keep your food cold and your TV on while you wait out the electric company. The trade-out is that portable generators, and especially whole-home generators require ongoing maintenance.
So what happens when you don't have a generator?
In short: the timer starts counting down on anything perishable in the house. The food in your freezer should hold for around 48 hours. Now the bad part: If there is a lot of food in your fridge, it should keep its temperature for around four hours. It's probably a good idea to have a large cooler and several ice packs available so the food can move to a cold cooler to make it last longer.
The next time storms blow through, we hope your power stays on. Familiarize yourself with these tips in case it doesn't. Stay safe out there and give us a call if you need us. From your friends at SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale.
24/7 Emergency Service
