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Understanding Mold Infestations and What to Do First | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

White wall affected with mold in room Mold infestations can seriously impact your families health. SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is here to restore your home when you find mold.

No one ever thinks that suffering a mold infestation will ever happen to them. After all, mold only grows in dirty houses, right? Of course not! Mold is everywhere all the time, and it can grow in any house across the Oxford community if the conditions are right. 

Knowing what to do to prevent mold infestations is one thing, but learning how to properly and safely respond to them entirely another thing. We explain more about mold infestations and how to keep yourself safe below, so check it out to learn more. 

Where Mold Grows 
Mold spores are microscopic and can be found floating inside and outside your home. They are virtually everywhere! They can easily float into and out of your home through open windows or through air vents.

While it is common to have mold spores anywhere in your home, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will suffer from a mold infestation. Mold needs a dark and damp environment in order to take hold and grow, which is why some of the most common locations for mold are in your attic, crawl space, basement and even in the corners of your bathroom. Once a few spores find the right environment, they can settle in and start to grow. 

Signs of an Infestation
One of the troublesome things about mold is that it can grow silently and without much warning. Since mold colonies often grow in places that don’t experience high traffic, these colonies can be left to grow for a long time before being discovered. Once the infestation gets large enough, it can start to bubble paint, discolor walls and give off a musty or earthy scent.

If you notice any of these signs pop up around your home, you can certainly do a visual inspection, but use extreme caution if you go digging around in your attic or basement. Some types of mold can be hazardous to breathe in so you don’t want to disturb the spores. The best thing you can do is to step back and call us right away.

Our mold mitigation team can take care of you right away! Our team has the proper tools and restoration gear to stay safe while we work, and we have the training to make sure we tackle the entire colony with confidence. 

We will prioritize containing the area, which means we will shut vents and turn off your HVAC system to temporarily stop the flow of air. Now that your space is secure, we will get to work on cleaning up the area and work on sanitizing mold infested materials. 

Restoring Your Home

If your mold infestation has been left to grow for a while, you could also be looking at serious structural problems in the aftermath of our mitigation strategies. Since mold is moist, that lingering moisture will slowly degrade your home and eat away at wood beams, walls and other structural supports. 

Our goal is to tackle each concern completely and handle your entire renovation to make sure your home is safe and structurally sound once more.

Mold infestations should always be handled by a team of professionals. Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale today.

Reacting to a Burst Pipe at Home or Work | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

burst copper pipes from the cold Don't let burst pipes in your home ruin your day! Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale to restore your home at the first sign of damage.

The winter weather can fluctuate pretty drastically around here, and we can experience mild temperatures and a sunny day one moment and then be surprised by serious freezes and snowstorms the next day. We can easily change up our routines in order to stay cozy and warm no matter what, but our homes and buildings can sometimes have a harder time weathering the cold temperatures and can suffer damage as a result. 

Frozen and burst pipes become a real concern in the winter months when the temperature drops below freezing. Once the weather turns back around, that broken pipe can lead to serious damage in your home or commercial property. 

How to Tell if a Pipe Is Frozen 
We all know that water expands as it freezes, so if your pipes aren’t insulated properly or your property isn’t prepared for the temperature to get really cold, the water that is flowing through your pipes can freeze along its journey to your faucets.

The first obvious sign of a frozen pipe is that you have no more water. If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, you have an obvious blockage that needs to be investigated. Another clear sign is frost or ice buildup along the outside of your pipes. If the pipes are cold enough to condense and refreeze on the outside, something troublesome is going on inside.

Just because a pipe is frozen, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will burst. If you don’t see any visible cracks on the pipe, try to gently thaw it with a heat source. A blow dryer or a warm towel wrapped around the pipe can gently encourage the ice to thaw out in the pipe without creating a serious problem. 

What to Do if It Bursts  

If you see a crack or you discover water pouring or leaking out of your pipe, quick action must be taken to stop the flow of water. Locate your water valve for the particular area of your property and shut it off. You should also consider shutting off electricity for the time being as water leaks can quickly compromise your electrical system and actually charge the water that is now all over your floor.

Once the flow of water has been stopped, contact us right away so we can get started on your repairs. The longer water sits on your floor and the longer your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, the worse your situation can become and the longer your restoration will take. While you wait for us to arrive, take pictures of the damage you see so you can start the insurance claim process right away. 

Where SERVPRO® Comes Into Play 

Our crew will start your restoration right away! We will focus on removing the excess water and identifying hidden moisture behind your walls and under your floors. After the water is gone, we will work on repairing warped drywall or floorboards and replace ruined carpet. We can even address the burst pipe and take care of those repairs as well. 

Afterward, we can discuss ways you can prevent this issue from happening again. Insulating your pipes is a great place to start and make sure your building’s temperature doesn’t drop below 55 degrees on any given day. If your building or home will be vacant for a while because of a closure or vacation, turn off your water valves temporarily. 

Suffered from a burst pipe? SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is ready to help day or night. 

Staying Warm While Staying Safe This Winter Season | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Fighters Putting Out A House Fire Keep yourself safe this winter with some heat safety tips from your SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale team!

We are grateful that our winters are relatively mild, but that doesn’t mean we don’t see our share of freezing temperatures and occasional snowstorms! These weather conditions have us all running for the safety and warmth of our homes where we turn on fireplaces and crank on space heaters. 

However, it is the unfortunate fact that house fires skyrocket in the winter months, and many of these fires are caused by some sort of malfunction or accident with space heaters and fireplaces. We want you to stay safe while staying warm this winter, so check out the helpful tips below. 

Staying Toasty by the Fire
Who doesn’t love curling up by a nice warm fire while it snows outside? While fireplaces can provide the warmth and ambiance you need, it is important that your fireplace has been prepped ahead of time to be as safe as possible.

Keep flammable decor items off of the mantle and far away from the fireplace grate and check to make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries at all times. 

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the ash buildup to a minimum and have your chimney cleaned regularly to remove creosote buildup. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, check the lines before you turn it on each time to make sure you aren’t experiencing a leak or dangerous malfunction with the gas or electricity. 

Tips for Space Heaters

Did you know that space heaters contribute to over a thousand house fires every year across the country? That’s a lot of heater mishaps that end in disaster! We all love space heaters for their portability, but that is also one of the reasons why they can be such fire hazards. 


If you have a space heater or two in your home, be sure to set them up on a hard, nonflammable surface. As you set yours up, be sure the cord isn’t fraying or loose and make sure it is far enough away from the wall and flammable materials like couch cushions or curtains.

Aim to create a three-foot barrier around your heater to keep out curious kids and less-than-graceful pets, and only have it running while you are present in the room. Turn off and unplug your heater any time you leave the room or before going to bed for the night.

Safety Features to Look Out For 

While we can’t completely prevent fire accidents from occurring, we can all take steps to reduce our risk on a daily basis. For example, many fireplaces nowadays have protective screens that can fit over the hearth to keep out kids, pets and flammable possessions.

When it comes to space heaters, do your research before purchasing one. Cheaper or off-brand heaters might be enticing, but keep in mind that quality is crucial when it comes to ensuring your safety. 

The company you choose should have a high safety and quality rating. In addition, you should check to see if the space heater in question has a safety shutoff switch. If you are forgetful or have a hard time remembering to set alarms on your phone, having a backup shutoff switch that is programmed to turn off the heater after a period of use is a great safety feature.  

Finally, be sure your space heater’s cord is at least six feet long and is well-made. We hope you finish out the winter season safe and warm! Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale for a quick restoration if you do suffer from fire damage this season. 

House fires can cause extensive damage in seconds. Contact SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale right away. 

Responding to a Tornado Warning the Right Way | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

EF3 tornado damage touched down in a residential neighborhood causing millions of dollars in damage Tornado damage is no match for the restoration and repair team at SERVPRO Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale!

It always seems like we just finished up one tornado season, only to have to start preparing for another before we know it. While it is possible to experience a tornado at any point in the year in our community, it is much more common for them to touch down any time from March to November. 

Preparing ahead of the stormy season is one of the best ways to prevent serious damage and to stay safe when the conditions are right for a twister. 

Tornadoes, Explained

Tornadoes are one of the most destructive weather phenomena that we experience in the Oxford area. They are huge columns of rotating air that extend from the clouds to the ground and they can move at frightening speeds. A typical tornado can produce wind speeds of 250 miles per hour or more. 

If you have ever been in the path of a tornado, you know that the atmosphere starts to change and the weather starts to become concerning. The sky can turn dark or even take on a greenish hue, low-lying clouds can start to rotate and a loud roaring noise similar to a freight train can indicate that a tornado is not far off. If you start to notice these changes or a tornado warning is issued, it’s time to seek shelter immediately. 

Staying Safe During a Tornado 

If you live in a mobile home, it is imperative that you leave your home quickly and head to the predetermined safe shelter area for your community. Mobile homes do not offer much, if any, protection when a tornado comes to town. If you live in a stable structure, head to your sheltering location immediately. Your ultimate goal is to get away from windows and to put as much space between you and the outside world as possible. 

Once you are there, find a sturdy table or desk that you can crouch under. If your home is in the direct path of a tornado, there isn’t much you can do other than find ways to avoid getting hit with projectiles. Cover your head with your arms and stay covered until the tornado has passed on.

In some rarer situations, you may find yourself outside with no way of seeking safety when a tornado hits. If this happens to you, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head. Try to find a spot that is far away from trees, cars or other heavy objects as they can easily be picked up and thrown around.

Recovering Afterward
We have all seen coverage of tornado damage after a storm or have lived through it ourselves, so we know just how destructive tornadoes can be. If your home has been damaged in any way by the wind, rain and hail that severe weather can bring, call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale immediately. Our team will respond right away to your call for help and we will get started on your recovery quickly. 

Depending on how severe your damage is, you might be looking at temporary alternative housing, which is why we prioritize working quickly and efficiently throughout the entire process. It is our goal to minimize disruption as much as possible so you can make a full recovery faster. 

Don’t wait to address tornado damage. Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale right away. 

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)

Covered medical equipment sits in a wet office with towels covering the floor. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Extract Standing Water – a wet/dry vacuum is the optimal tool to use for removing any standing water. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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.