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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Does Your Atlanta Business Have a Fire Escape Plan? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

smoke detector on ceiling Commercial facilities that experience fire damage need an immediate response. SERVPRO is here to help 24/7, if smoke or fire damages your workspace.

Fire drills are a must, as you may recall from your elementary school days. The significance of this yearly practice is not limited to grade school; business owners should work toward implementing it in their workplace as well.

Knowing where to go when a crisis arises is something every business can benefit from, especially if flames are involved! Fires spread quickly, making a quick and orderly exit even more critical for the safety of your employees. Creating and practicing an evacuation plan on a regular basis could keep your Atlanta team from wandering the halls of your workplace when a fire breaks out.

Staying Alert Is Vital

Begin by informing your employees about various situations that will necessitate the use of your fire escape strategy. Once your team is aware of these hazards, they will not only know when to evacuate, but they will also be more adept at preventing fires in general.

When problems arise, most businesses have smoke detectors that alert the entire workplace. This should be the first sign that it’s time for your team to evacuate, regardless of where or when a fire starts.

Working smoke alarms can also aid in avoiding the need for a commercial evacuation in the first place! Also, informing your team about the location of your fire extinguishers can help make a fire emergency less damaging and may allow for a safer exit if flames get out of control.

Plan a Swift Evacuation

When you sit down to create your company fire drill, it’s essential to look over the exit routes located in your building. The ideal commercial fire drill should include at least two exit points, but if your building is larger or has multiple stories, it is best to highlight a few more exits.

As stated above, alert systems like fire alarms can be immensely helpful, but sometimes you’ll need other methods for workplace communication. Ensuring your team has a digital notification system will allow your team to receive specific updates in the middle of any crisis.

Assigning roles to trusted employees to assist in an organized evacuation is also beneficial in ensuring that everyone gets out safely.

Practice Makes Perfect

And finally, what good is a fire drill without regular test runs? Once you have successfully created a plan designed for your unique workplace hazards, employees and layout, you can conduct your first practice drill.

Make sure employees are aware of their responsibilities, where to go and what to do next in the event of a real fire emergency. Answer any questions as they pop up, and consider incorporating any employee suggestions into your final plan to make it perfect.

We are here to help Atlanta businesses bounce back after a fire emergency! Contact us, and we can restore your commercial losses and get you back to work ASAP.

Stay a Step Ahead of Atlanta’s Weather Threats | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

Collapsed roof under heavy snow SERVPRO is here to help restore your property no matter what size disaster caused it damaged. We make property damage "Like it never even happened."

Throughout the year, Atlanta gets hit by severe weather of all sizes and types. Tornadoes, thunderstorms and a variety of other hazards put homes and businesses at risk of damage.
The best way to prepare for these events is to start early so that your home is ready all year long.

While safeguarding your home is essential to preventing damage, staying informed and creating a plan are vital to protecting yourself and the ones you love. Knowing how to react and having
the necessary tools will be extremely beneficial in keeping your family safe when disaster strikes.

Add preparedness to your family’s regimen, and you’ll be ready for whatever the weather brings to Atlanta! We’ve compiled a list of a few easy ways you can get started.

Pack for Preparedness...An emergency pack that includes a first-aid kit should be kept inside your home at all times. You should keep this in a location that everyone in your home can access, preferably in the location where your family will report when a crisis hits.

Basic disaster supplies like food and water are obvious, but you may not realize your kit needs to be customized to meet the needs of your entire household. Your kit should include
medications, emergency phone numbers, copies of essential family documents and accommodations for any pets in the house.

Keep an Eye on Local Forecasts...There are numerous hazards to be aware of when it comes to Atlanta’s typical weather patterns. Tuning in to weather channels and keeping up with local
forecasts will allow you to respond quickly and appropriately.

Understanding what’s to come might sound easy, but it can be confusing to interpret what certain advisories might mean for you and your home. Educate yourself on the numerous weather warnings and watches that could be sent out in the Atlanta area so that you’ll know how to react.

Create an Emergency Plan...Planning for disaster in every way possible will ensure your family knows what to do when severe weather is on the horizon. A stellar emergency preparedness
plan should consist of ways to react, escape and endure a disaster. Be sure to build a plan tailored to your family’s specific needs and location as well!

Speak to your family about ways to communicate before, during and after disaster strikes, as well as ways to keep updated on the situation. Establish a meeting place so you can reunite if you become separated, as well as an evacuation plan so you can escape in a timely manner if necessary.

Partner with SERVPRO when severe Atlanta weather leaves its mark on your home. We’ll work rapidly to get your family back to your pre-disaster home.

How to React During Each Stage of an Atlanta Flood | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

Car driving through flood waters SERVPRO is here to help you restore your property after storm or flood damage. Call us 24/7 for emergency service!

Flooding is the deadliest and most unpredictable type of disaster that can occur anywhere and at any time. The threat of flooding looms over Atlanta at all times of the year, so planning is essential for getting through from start to finish.

Knowing what to do before and after a flood is just as important as knowing what to do while flood waters are rising. Your flood survival strategy shouldn’t stop once the water starts to flow, either; you need to be ready even after the disaster has passed!

How to Prepare for a Flood...

Flooding has become a daily challenge for communities all across the United States. Here’s how you can prepare for every phase of this common calamity:

Before a flood...

Is even on Atlanta’s radar, you should assess your flood risk and prepare your home accordingly. Keep your gutters clean, caulk any cracks or gaps and elevate your home for added security.

Prepare your family for the unexpected by creating a plan that everyone can follow, determining an evacuation zone and putting together an emergency kit. That way, when you finally receive that flood warning or watch notification, you’ll be ready.

When you receive an alert that a flood is on its way...

The first thing you should do is remain calm! Get to the highest point of your house, monitor local media for updates and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

About half of all flood fatalities occur inside a vehicle, so you should never attempt to drive through a flooded street. If your car is caught in a flood, make a quick exit and search for higher ground.

When the flood has subsided...

You should return home with caution and be mindful of the dangers that lurk in floodwaters. Watch for news about any local road closures, and avoid areas that are flooded with standing water.

In the event of substantial flooding, you might return to a home in need of immediate repairs. Make sure to document the aftermath of any damaged items or flooded areas of your home for insurance purposes.

The final step in making a full recovery after a flood is to contact our SERVPRO of South Atlanta specialists! Since we are experts in restoring storm-damaged homes, we’ll move quickly to get your property back to how it was before the disaster.

Keep SERVPRO on speed dial for rapid recovery after floodwaters rush through Atlanta. We can be there for you 24/7 to help you deal with storm damage of any kind.

Serve Up Kitchen Safety in Your Atlanta Home | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

two woks over open flame in kitchen SERVPRO is here to help when fire damage happens. Let us help make your fire disaster "Like it never even happened."

For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. This bustling room serves as a meeting spot to chat with family and, of course, a place to savor a delicious home-cooked meal. This special area in your home is also a popular spot for residential fires to ignite.

Mistakes such as leaving food to cook unsupervised, placing flammable objects close to heating sources and forgetting to shut off equipment can quickly spark flames in your Atlanta kitchen.
Because kitchen fires are frequently started by carelessness, the key to keeping flames at bay is to be vigilant when cooking.

Whether you’re cooking up breakfast, lunch or dinner, remember these helpful tips next time you’re serving up something tasty.

Smart Cooking Can Prevent Flames

Staying alert whenever you use equipment like your oven or stovetop is the best method to avoid starting a fire in your kitchen. When using a heating source, keep an eye on what you’re cooking and never leave the room without turning it off first. If you have children in your home, keep them at least three feet away from your cooking appliance to prevent injury.

It’s also critical to stock your kitchen with plenty of tools to control flames if they start. Have a smoke alarm installed inside and outside your kitchen so you’ll be alerted in the event of a fire. And make sure to have your alarm installed at least 10 feet away from your cooking equipment to prevent false alarms.

Fire extinguishers are a must-have for households, and having more than one is always safer. In addition to other trouble zones in your home, you should store a fire extinguisher in your
kitchen.

Different types of fires can start in the kitchen, the most common being grease fires and electrical equipment fires. You might turn to your sink when a cooking fire ignites, but this is a huge mistake! Understanding how to properly douse flames in the kitchen will help you keep calamity under control.

Keep It Clean

In 2022, around 61% of all kitchen fires were caused by stovetops. Many of these fires started when flammable objects like clothing, rags, food packaging or cooking utensils were left on or near the stove.

Since the kitchen is packed full of flammable objects, it’s vital to keep everything clean and organized. Before firing up your stove, clean up any nearby items and keep your area organized
as you cook.

Make sure to wipe down and remove any grease, debris or grime before using the heating sources in your kitchen. If accidental flames were to spark, these things would only fuel your
kitchen fire.

When disaster breaks loose in your kitchen, SERVPRO can restore your losses. We can return your home to its pre-fire state so you can get back to cooking!

Prepare for the Cold by Winterizing Your Atlanta Home | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

Temperature signs for hot and cold Call SERVPRO is your home has suffer winter storm damage. We make water and fire damage "Like it never even happened."

Winter will finally make its official appearance on Dec 21. this year, and depending on where you reside, this arrival can come with a variety of different hazards.

Winter moves in on some cities, like Atlanta, gradually with temperature changes and the occasional snow flurries, but in other places, it sneaks up overnight and doesn’t let up until the weather begins to warm.

Wherever you reside, winter creates a variety of hazards that can damage your home and ruin this special time of year for you and your loved ones.

Thankfully, by staying mindful of all the hazards winter can pose, you can efficiently safeguard your property and protect the ones you love.

Winter Around the Nation

Icy, rainy, wet and snowy are a few of the words used to describe the winter season and the words your area uses all depend on where you fall on the map

In places like the Midwest and East Coast, temperatures are expected to plummet to uncomfortable lows and snow storms are expected for most of the season. On the West Coast, temperatures stay fairly cool and rainfall is more of a problem than blizzards.

No matter what side of the nation you reside in, being ready for the unexpected is a great way to protect your home from winter’s many threats.

Winter Around Atlanta

Winter in Atlanta can be unpredictable, with every season being a bit different from the last. While snow isn’t guaranteed every year, our community has frequently been struck by storms without warning, so it’s best to prepare for the unexpected.

Besides the occasional snow, temperatures can sometimes dip below freezing and freezing rain can cover our roadways in black ice.

Get Prepared

Understanding the various types of winter storms is a great first step in preparing for the worst this winter. You should then ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather updates. Make sure to include a source that is accessible anywhere, even during a power outage.

Additionally, an emergency kit is a great precaution to stay one step ahead of winter weather. Pack your kit full of essentials and make sure to include items that could be beneficial in the middle of a winter storm!

Regardless of how chilly this winter is, weatherproofing your windows and doors could save you from some costly water damage and an expensive electric bill. Make sure to winterize other parts of your home by addressing roof damage, cutting any branches that overhang your home, sealing up cracks around your property and adding insulation to your attic.

Enjoy everything winter has to offer inside a warm, safe home this season. Take action to secure your property, and have SERVPRO’s number handy in case of a winter emergency. We can be at your home rapidly to restore any damage caused by wild winter weather.

If you experience damage in a winter storm, call or contact us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.

Stay Safe When Decorating for the Holidays | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Beautifully decorated Christmas tree beside fire place Follow SERVPRO's holiday fire safety tips to avoid an unexpected visit from our fire mitigation and restoration team. We are here to help 24/7!

When the holidays roll around, there are so many ways to celebrate. Decking out your home for the holidays is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. However, neglecting safety precautions when decorating is a common cause of holiday fires.

Atlanta’s endless holiday events make it easy to get into the holiday spirit. Visit the Atlanta Zoo to enjoy milk and cookies with Santa or the Botanical Garden Lights for a truly unique holiday light show.

If you decide to stay home for the holidays this year, prioritize safety while you decorate. You’ll be better able to take in everything this magical time of year has to offer when you work to prevent flames in your Atlanta home!

Top Seasonal Hazards

In the United States, fire departments report around 790 holiday fires ignite each year due to decorations.

Heating sources like a fireplace or space heaters setting decorations ablaze were the main source of these fires. Christmas trees and candles are other holiday standards that might spark flames in your home if used improperly.

If your family decorates a real tree, keep it watered and away from any heat sources or open flames. If you choose the artificial version, check the box or look for a tag to verify that it is fire-resistant. Unplug your decorations when you aren’t using them to avoid flames due to overheating.

Take Preventive Measures

“The stocking were hung by the chimney with care” isn’t just a recognizable Christmas line. It’s a great way to remember to keep your holiday décor away from any open flames.

Each day, approximately 20 residential fires are started by candles, so keep them on a safe surface at a distance from all materials. If you use a fireplace to warm up your home, have it cleaned and inspected annually to prevent accidental fires.

Outdoor decorations should never be used indoors. You can prevent igniting an outdoor fire by fastening your holiday lights with insulated nails made to withstand severe weather.

If your family doesn’t already have a fire safety plan in place, this is the perfect time to get everyone involved. Educate your loved ones on these holiday safety practices to keep your Atlanta home fire-free this season. And if a fire wreaks havoc inside your home, SERVPRO is the team to turn to for expert restoration.

Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.

Upkeep Is Keeping Your Home Fire-Free | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

smoke detector with smoke SERVPRO is here to help 24/7 no matter what size fire disaster you've experienced. Let us make your fire loss "Like it never even happened".

Being the leader of a household can be both a rewarding and difficult job. Sharing your beloved home with your loved ones will undoubtedly lead to the creation of countless memories and the achievement of many milestones.

It is easy to overlook vital property maintenance when so many other significant events occur within your home. When it comes to preventing household flames, though, consistent upkeep is key to keeping your home and all those precious memories safe.

These straightforward home maintenance chores can help you protect the ones you love most and avert a fire emergency inside your cherished Atlanta property.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

  • Smoke alarms are a firefighting fundamental that every home should have, but simply having them installed isn’t enough to keep you safe. Testing and servicing your smoke detectors is an important chore you should prioritize.
  • Make sure your smoke alarm is installed correctly and maintained often. Remember to test them once a month, change their batteries at least once a year (unless they have 10-year batteries) and replace your alarms entirely every 10 years.

Practice Your Fire Escape Drill

  • Once you’ve created a fire evacuation plan with your family, don’t wait for disaster to strike before utilizing it! You need to walk through your plan ahead of a fire emergency to make sure everyone knows where to go.
  • You should practice your escape plan at least twice a year and make any necessary changes along the way. As they say, practice makes perfect, so the more you perform your drill, the more natural it will feel.

Reevaluate Your Family’s Safety Plan

  • A lot can change in your home as the years go by. You should take these changes into account when looking over your family’s fire safety plan. Just like your evacuation plan, making necessary changes will only keep you and your family safer.
  • New pets, appliances, hazards and even the age of your family members should be considered when looking over your current plan. Making adjustments to your strategy to reflect the changing dynamics of your family will maximize its effectiveness.

If a fire sparks in your Atlanta home, SERVPRO should be one of your very first calls. We’ll erase traces of flames and return you to your happy home before you know it.

Avoid a Winter Water Emergency in Your Atlanta Home | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

img src =”roof with snow.jpg” alt = "snow overflowing off roof” > If your home suffers water or storm damage this winter call SERVPRO so we can make your winter water damage "Like it never even happened."

Winter weather can be a stunning sight to behold. The beauty of snowflakes falling and blankets of white snow covering our town can be breathtaking. But while this weather might be lovely, it also brings an increased danger of water damage to your property.

The accumulation of snow and ice surrounding your home is a water emergency waiting to happen.

Winter’s effects don't have to put your property at risk for water damage. You can take in its beauty while keeping in mind some of the ways that winter weather might cause a water crisis.

Check Your Gutters

  • When it comes to protecting your property from the effects of winter weather, your gutters are a crucial tool. When your gutters are clogged with debris or ice, water can leak down and ruin your roof, basement and foundation. Due to restricted water flow, clogged gutters also increase the risk of an ice dam forming around your home.
  • Make sure your gutters are free of any leftover fall debris like leaves and twigs to allow water to flow smoothly away from your home. If you find your gutters are frozen solid, hot water can help melt any ice stuck inside.

Look Out for Melting Snow

  • It only takes a few inches of snow to create a water damage threat all around your property. And given that Atlanta has been hit by some severe snowstorms in the past, we should take the time to prepare for the unexpected.
  • Snow melt is a common cause of leaks in the winter. As soon as the weather begins to warm up and snow begins to melt, water can flood your foundation, leak through your roof and damage your drain pipes.
  • The potential for snow melt is another reason you should keep your gutters clear of debris. As long as your gutters and downspouts are clear, melting snow will have somewhere to go! 

Protect Your Pipes

  • You aren't the only one who’s freezing cold in the winter, your pipes can get really chilly, too. When the water in your pipes expands when temperatures drop, excess pressure can lead to a rupture. An unfavorable winter water emergency can result from this sudden surge of water flooding into your home.
  • Keep your pipes warm and cozy by adjusting your thermostat and opening up your cabinet doors. If you are wanting to go the extra mile, insulate any exposed pipes and wrap your pipes in heat tape for added protection.

If frigid weather creates a winter water disaster in your home, give SERVPRO a call. Our water restoration experts can get to work fast to return your home to its former glory.

Don't Let Water Damage Take Control of Your Business | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

img src =”flooring.jpg” alt = "wood flooring with water damage” > If your business or commercial property suffers water damage, call SERVPRO as soon as possible so we can prevent unnecessary damage from occurring.

Commercial water damage can be detrimental to businesses in more ways than one. Internal sources of water damage like leaking pipes or a sewage overflow can lead to unexpected downtime, ruined inventory and a weakened building. Natural disasters are another disastrous threat that can result in significant commercial losses.

Atlanta business owners should prepare for water damage from heavy rainfall, river overflow, dam breaks and other weather hazards. Identifying the level of risk associated with your building’s location is the best method to be ready for these weather threats.

You must be prepared to act in an emergency situation if you want to protect your company against these threats. This guide can help you know how to jump to action when water infiltrates your commercial building.

Know Your Building’s Layout

Locate the various water cutoff points around your building. Remember where places like your fire sprinkler system and the main water cutoff valve are so you can turn them off when necessary.

Pass this information down to trusted members of your workplace. By turning it off at the source, you can mitigate water damage and get the situation under control much more quickly.

Know the Types of Water Involved

When faced with water damage, the kind of water produced will help you establish the urgency of your problem. Understanding the severity of the situation can help you react appropriately:

White water: Plumbing failures are the most likely source of this kind of water. It is not regarded as contaminated and is safe for you to manage in little quantities.

Gray water: This water is brought on by clogged toilet tanks and sink drains. Even though the water is contaminated, it is not hazardous.

Black water: Frequently occurring sources of heavily contaminated black water include sewage blockages and storm flooding. This kind of water is toxic, and it must be handled by an expert.

Take Action Quickly

When water infiltrates your building, attempt to identify the source and swiftly shut it off. Open your windows and doors for more ventilation to expedite the drying process. After this, you need to update everyone in the building and let them know the impacted areas are off-limits.

Following these procedures, make sure to record any damage around your building that is immediately evident. By doing this, you can simplify the insurance claims process and identify which areas of your structure require the most support.

Remember to Be Patient

The obvious water damage might be a tiny portion of an even bigger issue. You might be facing a hidden water damage disaster without knowing!

At SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we can help you find the source of water and restore any of our losses ASAP. Our trained restoration crew can quickly dry out your business and return you to a safe workplace using cutting-edge equipment and years of experience.

The length of your restoration process will depend on the extent of the damage, so as we work hard to get you back in business, try to be patient! Your commercial property will be back in its preloss state in no time.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 247 to get started!

Flood Protection Inside and Out Your Home | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

a group of residential homes with major flooding in backyards Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta to get the restoration process started right away.

Flood damage can cause extensive repairs and be costly. In some cases, flooding that affects your home may not be covered by your home insurance and you may not be eligible for federal assistance. That’s why it is so important to take every measure you can to prevent flooding.

Home protection can be done both internally and externally. That starts with having a good understanding of the risks we face here in Atlanta.

The regional risks of our area include flash flooding from severe storms, which are often frequent during the warmer months. This type of flooding pops out of nowhere and can cause damage to structures and roadway closures, along with home damage.

Protect Your Home From the Outside

It is crucial to prepare your home on the outside to minimize damage on the inside.

They’re your home's best defense against excess rain on the roof, but gutters can become clogged and overflow when it rains. Keep them clear of leaves and other debris to prevent unnecessary flooding on your property.

Planting a large garden on your property can also mitigate flood water by pulling it into the soil, deep down to the roots. Mulch can also promote water absorption, and both types of landscaping keep water from creating puddles next to your home, which decrease the likelihood of structural damage.

Protect Your Home Inside

Mitigate potential flood damage by sealing your basement and patching up cracks in your foundation as soon as possible. This may make the biggest difference when water levels rise!

Sometimes, flooding happens from inside your home. Failed plumbing or appliance leaks can quickly become a significant water problem.

When you notice a leak, get it fixed right away. Waiting can create a larger problem in the long run. Regularly examine appliances to ensure their connections are intact and in good shape.

A leak sensor is a good added measure. A sensor, which may be offered along with your home security system, can detect if there is more water in an area than there should be. If you can, upgrade and have peace of mind that you’ll be notified right away of excess water in any area of your home.

When it comes to valuables, keep them tucked away in waterproof containers, up off the ground. Don’t take the chance of them getting damaged, especially when they are hard to replace.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.

Where Should You Watch for Water Damage? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Hidden water damage in shower If a water emergency leaves your home in need of repairs, contact our professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta!

Water damage can occur anywhere in the home, from a number of different sources. Floods, dripping pipes and leaking appliances are only a few ways water can create a big mess inside your home. 

While some of these examples would be noticeable right away, others might not be as visible without a little investigation. 

Untreated water damage can create a plethora of hazards inside your home. Leaks that go undetected can turn a couple of drops of water into a huge flood disaster inside your home. This water can create even bigger issues when mold begins to form, floors begin to warp and an unpleasant aroma is sent throughout your home. 

The best way to prevent a water emergency in your home is to check around your house for leaks regularly. This can be as simple as checking the most common culprits of water damage for signs of leaks like discoloration, a foul smell or wet spots. 

Of course, you have to know where to look before you can do any detective work! Here are a few of the places you should keep a close eye out for leaks: 

The Bathroom 

Since almost all of the appliances in our bathrooms utilize water, it makes sense that this room is prone to leaks. Check for signs of water around your tub, the base of your shower and the bottom of your toilet. 

Bathroom leaks aren’t always visible and can occur under your floor and behind your walls. When damp patches keep reappearing or your bathroom is unusually damp, hidden leaks like this become apparent. 

Your Washing Machine 

Do not let washing machine leaks go unnoticed. Water can collect at the bottom of our machine when the drain hose is damaged or the door seal is torn. 

Washing machine leaks that you may need to look a bit harder for can happen behind your machine when the hose disconnects from the wall. Another indication that your washing machine may be having issues is shaking and rumbling. 

The best time to check for these leaks is when your washing machine is running. So if you suspect it might be malfunctioning, keep a close eye on it once you’ve started it. 

Your Water Heater 

Water heater floods are not only one of the most common sources of water damage but also

one of the most destructive. When pressure is too high, your water heater could burst, causing expensive damage. 

To avoid this dramatic calamity, check for water around the top, sides and bottom of your heater. The drain valve at the bottom of your tank is one of the more common trigger points for a leak. If water is dripping from the valve, make sure to replace it to keep the leak from developing. 

If a water emergency leaves your home in need of repairs, contact our professionals at SERVPRO!

When You Need a Deep-Clean, We’ve Got You Covered | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

9/3/2022 (Permalink)

Oder in the air When your home needs a little boost, you may have to call in the professionals. Fortunately, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here for you.

You’ve got the regular, everyday cleaning under control. But when disaster strikes and leaves behind damage or odors, you may need an extra cleanup, even if you don’t require restoration. 

When your home needs a little boost, you may have to call in the professionals. Fortunately, SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers an array of residential cleaning services that make your house sparkle inside and out! 

Odor Removal 

Smell something stinky? Our experienced technicians are equipped with the right tools to get the smell out of any structure. Whether the source of the stench is inside or outside, we can identify the underlying problem and work efficiently to remove it. 

To get the job done, we don’t just mask the odor. That’s a band-aid solution that we don’t believe in! Instead, our tools and products root out and fully eliminate the offensive scent. 

Vandalism Removal 

If your home has been subjected to vandalism or graffiti, we can help. Whether it was a neighborhood kid acting up in a prank gone wrong or something more significant, no one wants their home marred by paint and other products. 

Our SERVPRO professionals can remove spray-painted graffiti from exterior surfaces and clean up driveways, walkways and get rid of debris. 

Sewage Problems 

This falls into both the odor category and the hazard category. Sewage exposure is a [health concern](https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/sanitation/workers_handlingwaste.html) and should be cleaned up as soon as possible. 

The good news? A sewage backup is no problem with our biohazard cleaning equipment! Call in the pros for a job done well. 

HVAC Cleaning 

Keeping your HVAC running properly requires proper maintenance. Did you know you should have your unit and ducts cleaned every so often? 

Our SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals can inspect and clean HVAC systems if necessary. [Indoor air 

quality](https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality) is largely dependent on the cleanliness of the internal HVAC system, so regular maintenance is key.

Carpets & Upholstery 

Even when your carpet looks clean, germs may be lurking! It is likely that dirt and grime are hidden away underneath the piling. We offer a range of carpet and upholstery cleaning options to fit the needs of your home. 

For a deeper clean, our hot-water extraction method does the trick. When color-fastness is a concern, we offer dry cleaning services. We recommend regular cleaning every 12 months to maintain the integrity of the carpet. 

Walls and Flooring 

The walls and flooring in your home are exposed to dirt, debris and grime from a number of sources. We can thoroughly clean every area of pet dander, cooking oils and cigarette smoke so you don’t have to worry about the unsightly smells or streaks left behind. 

Need an extra hand getting the house spic and span from top to bottom? When your home is ready for a thorough inspection and clean, give SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call or contact us online  today!

Why Our Team Can Restore Your Damaged Property | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

a group of employees with restoration tools walking away from SERVPRO van No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is only a phone call away.

As a locally owned and managed SERVPRO location, we acknowledge the everyday challenges business owners might run into. When running a successful business, you must take numerous scenarios into account. One of the worst-case scenarios is an unexpected disaster that halts productivity.

However, while you aren’t able to predict and most likely can’t avert a natural disaster, you can be prepared for one.

Besides the destruction that commercial properties might face, we know that homeowners could fast just as much damage after a disaster. Attempting to get back on your feet after a disaster can be a lot to handle, no matter the extent of the damage.

To equip your household to deal with destruction, you need to build an emergency plan as well. Developing an emergency plan starts with recognizing all the different types of disasters that may strike your area.

The American Red Cross has created a helpful website that collects information from resources around the nation to assist you in preparing for any disaster that might strike in your neighborhood. There are Red Crosses all through the Atlanta area that can supply you with the tools to recover or prepare for any disaster.

Whether you operate a business or own a house, you will eventually face the impact of a disaster. In any case, you need to undergo repairs as fast as possible to keep the damage from worsening. Here’s why you should consider us for any of your restoration needs:

Why Choose SERVPRO?

We recognize that no two situations are the same. While scenarios that need restoration occur every year around the country, each scenario will be extremely different.

For example, over 14 million homes are at risk of flooding each year, but the damage inflicted onto each home will be different.

This is why our professionals are ready to take on damage of any severity and type so that you’ll feel safe in the knowledge that you’ve chosen the right team for the job. We can inspect the distinct situation you’re facing and execute an effective restoration plan.

We work around the clock for you. When it comes to repairing damaged property, a rapid response is essential. This is important to not only repair your residential or commercial property quickly but to prevent the damage from getting any worse.

When water infiltrates the home, it can lead to significant water damage to furniture, documents or fabrics. And if this water is left untreated for a long amount of time, mold and mildew can begin to grow and spread rapidly throughout your walls and floors. This is why our services are available 24⁄7, all days of the year.

We deliver more than just damage repair. Aside from restoring the aftermath of a disaster, we control every aspect of your property’s restoration journey.

We can assist you in packing your things to keep damage from affecting them, and we will work directly with your insurance agent to make the claims process easy. We make it our goal to help you out in any way we can to make the recovery process as stress-free for you as possible!

No matter the size of the disaster, you local professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta can handle any emergency with years of knowledge and expertise. Our restoration team uses specialized tools and techniques to restore the destruction left over by a disaster as quickly as we can.

When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Approaching a Biohazard Situation on Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Caution spill on floor After our SERVPRO of South Atlanta team is done cleaning up the mess, you and your team can safely get back to work!

Business owners can expect a plethora of emergencies to break out on a normal workday, but a biohazard situation can be one of the most unexpected. Taking proper measures to ensure everyone is safe when biological or chemical contaminants infest your property should be your first priority. 

You’ll need to know how to handle the situation until we arrive on the scene to clean up the mess. 

When conditions are severe enough, they should not be taken lightly, and you definitely shouldn’t try to clean up contamination on your own. Exposure to elements like a sewage spill or a chemical spill can be extremely hazardous for your health and the health of the employees in your business. 

Here are some things you can do before our team arrives to clean up the mess: 

Keep away from the impacted areas. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crime scene, a sewage spill or animal waste, it’s important to keep out of affected areas. Once a biohazardous emergency is reported, you should inform your team and instruct them to safely exit the building. 

If personnel are still in the building, ensure that they are evacuated to a safer area away from any contamination. You should make sure to practice an emergency response plan, no matter the scenario, to ensure your entire team knows what to do and where to go during emergencies like this. 

Leave contaminated items in place. You should treat all spills and bodily fluids as if they are contaminated and leave any affected items in place. While you might rush to try and solve the situation at hand by cleaning or moving any items, you should leave them to the professionals to protect the health of you and your personnel. 

This will allow safety experts to determine if these items are still safe to use and if they can be salvaged. 

Report it to professionals. In certain situations, like a crime scene, it’s essential to contact the authorities before attempting to clean up. After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, this is when our team can arrive to start the cleanup process. 

We have years of experience cleaning up contaminated buildings with protective equipment, advanced technologies and training in scenarios like this.

We can be on the scene as soon as you are ready to remove any contaminants or sewage and deodorize or sanitize your entire commercial property. Since every biohazard scenario is completely unique, we take the time to inspect every inch of damage and come up with a restoration plan specific to your commercial emergency. 

After our SERVPRO team is done cleaning up the mess, you and your team can safely get back to work! 

When any kind of emergency breaks out inside your business, call upon an experienced team of professionals to repair the damage. Our SERVPRO crew can handle any size damage.

Keep Backyard Fires Contained to Prevent Disaster | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

"a close up view of a bright campfire burning at night If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

There’s no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than by sitting around a fire in your own backyard. Scary stories, hotdogs and s’mores are just a few ways to create some unforgettable memories with your family.

We put our backyard fires to use for our own enjoyment, preparing a meal, keeping bugs away and as a way to clear out dead debris, but even the most contained fires still carry a number of hazards. The National Park Service states that around 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.

Georgia experiences around 3,500 wildfires annually, with wildfire season running from February to May. The most common cause of wildfires in Georgia is yard burning leading to the spread of unintentional flames.

Of course, you can still toast your marshmallows, burn your yard trimmings, light your tiki torches and barbecue your burgers if local laws allow. Keeping a few precautions in mind every time you burn will allow you to continue enjoying your backyard fires and reduce the risk of hazards.

Recreational Fire Hazards

All open flames can be a danger, but campfires, fire pits, grills and fireworks are some of the most common causes of outdoor fires. Grills are responsible for around 8,800 home fires annually, usually due to improper usage. Before starting your grill, check propane tanks and gas lines that fuel your grill, and keep an eye on your grill during and after use.

When creating a campfire, find a safe area away from any buildings or debris, and only use a match or a lighter to feed the flames. Once you start your campfire, only use wood as a burning source and supervise embers even after you’re done making your s’mores.

Fire pits are an easy way to create a camp-like feel in your own backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same safety measures as a normal campfire. If you’re able to move your fire pit, you should never place it on a wood deck or near an area with an overhang.

While it might seem like an easy way to eliminate construction or household waste, you should only burn approved firewood.

If you plan on celebrating an event with fireworks, be sure to light them in an open area and give them room to land away from forestry, buildings or other debris. In Atlanta, you can set off fireworks between 10 a.m. and 12 midnight, with the exception of select holidays, which allow you to set them off a little later.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Even with their risks, fire and flammable materials can still be put to good use. In the fall, if your yard collects a large number of leaves and you don’t have a waste disposal option, burning your leaves may be the only way to keep your yard clear of debris.

Before you burn anything, make sure your local authorities allow open burning in the first place. Understand any active burn bans, and apply for a permit if necessary. A summer burn ban is in place from May 1 to Sept. 30 in Atlanta. So, you should hold off on any burning until local laws allow it.

Clearing your yard of dead leaves and shrubs is a smart way to safeguard your home from wildfires, along with strategic landscaping to slow fires before they can reach your home. Knowing what is safe to burn and understanding the basic fire safety principles can help you keep any backyard fire under control.

We all use our sheds and garages to store materials like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have disastrous results. Be sure to only store your gas in approved containers and keep your container in a location where your children cannot reach it.

You should only use gas for its intended purpose as well, so even if you’re having trouble lighting your campfire, don’t use gas for any help.

Before lighting any fire outside, make sure to check the local weather forecasts and local laws. If conditions are very windy or dry, reschedule your campfire and save the s’mores for a better day.

And if your home suffers any damage after a fire, contact the experts at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. Our team has experience restoring residential and commercial properties after they’ve been affected by damage from smoke and flames. We can work as quickly as possible to restore as much of your property as we can.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Understand the Many Kinds of Weather Alerts | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

a red and white severe weather alert sign If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

There are 42 distinct kinds of weather alerts, all organized into seven different categories. When a severe storm is about to roll through, though, this could be a lot of information to take in!

Understanding what these weather alerts might mean for our community can help you best prepare for any weather situation. You can also secure your property prior to severe weather to minimize the risk of damage.

Knowing all the different weather scenarios can be helpful, but understanding what type of weather might impact Atlanta is even more important.

How Alerts Are Issued

So, since weather forecasts are simply projections, how is the magnitude, position and duration of a storm monitored? How are these weather alerts sent out to begin with? There are several factors that impact the issuing of these alerts.

The National Weather Service is in charge of weather forecasting and sends out any necessary warnings as conditions develop. To make sure these alerts are specific and detailed, there are six regional offices and hundreds of local offices located around the nation that issue these warnings. You’ll find Atlanta’s alerts coming from the Southern Region headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, along with offices located nearby.

Meteorologists and other personnel with the NWS use a wide range of data to create forecasts, including satellite radar, weather balloons, seismic activity meters and even ocean buoys. While the kind of data used varies depending on the severity of the weather scenario, the main purpose is to make as precise of a forecast as possible.

The Most Important Alerts to Understand

When interpreting these weather alerts, understanding the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” is essential. This is language that is used in most weather warnings, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms and strong winds.

A watch indicates a storm is being watched and could become dangerous, so you should begin preparing for the worst-case scenario. A warning is given in a smaller area, like a county or city, whereas a watch is issued in a bigger area.

A warning indicates that a dangerous storm is expected in your area and you should prepare yourself immediately for a disaster.

Understanding the many types of weather our community encounters regularly can help you know what to do when these weather alerts are issued during severe weather. Here in Atlanta, we experience a wide plethora of weather conditions during the course of a year, including wintry precipitation at times, thunderstorms, heavy rain, intense heat and even tornadoes.

Protecting Your Home During a Storm

Being aware of the many kinds of weather alerts is the best way to prepare you and your home for all weather emergencies, but there are a few other methods to protect your home to reduce the risk of damage.

Clear your gutters and fasten any outdoor items to protect your home from severe weather threats such as flooding or strong winds. Find a safe shelter that’s stocked with supplies and make an emergency evacuation plan in case you and your family need to flee.

If your home is impacted by severe weather, give SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call! We are available 24⁄7 and can be on the scene promptly to repair your home and return it to its pre-storm condition.

Being aware of the weather our community faces regularly can help you stay safe during severe weather. Understand the many different alerts that could be issued so you and your family can weather any storm.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

Where Can Mold and Mildew Hide? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Growth in shower Our team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta can quickly remediate the problem and leave your property mold free.

Mold is an issue no homeowner hopes to run into, but mold is everywhere. 

When rooms are not properly ventilated, there is a chance you may run into a mold problem at some point. Mold grows fastest during humid seasons like the summer, and it loves to hide in the darkest corners of your home. Of course, this isn’t the only place mold can hide; sometimes mold can be hiding in plain sight. 

Mold can pop up in some of the most commonly used areas of your home. Detecting it starts with knowing where to search for it before it becomes an even bigger problem. 

Here are some of the most prevalent areas you can find sneaky mold growth: 

In Your Bathroom 

We utilize water in our bathrooms every single day, so it’s no surprise mold can pop up here! A bathroom that isn’t properly ventilated can lead to a serious mold issue in areas like your shower, your toilet, or your walls and floor. 

Opening a window or placing a fan in your bathroom can help this area stay properly ventilated and combat excess moisture. 

In Your Kitchen 

Heat is used in the kitchen to prepare meals, but this heat can lead to high levels of humidity. This humidity combined with the moisture used in appliances such as your fridge or sink can lead to mold growth. 

Check places like your kitchen sink, leaky pipes below the sink, and your fridge or cabinets for moldy food that should be disposed of to keep mold at bay. 

In Your Attic 

Your attic is one of those rooms in your home that you may not visit often, so mold growth can go undetected once it develops. Attic mold is a common household issue that is created by excess moisture. 

Inspect your attic regularly for mold near insulation, vents or on your roof where a leak could be present. 

In Your Basement 

The basement is another room you commonly will find mold development. The basement can be a particularly moist room with little ventilation, so you could find mold growing near your windows, around leaky pipes or near a foundation leak.

Consider using a dehumidifier, and have any foundation or pipe leaks corrected to prevent further damage. 

Within Your Walls and Ceiling 

Mold can hide under the wallpaper on your walls and on your ceiling, keeping you oblivious to its presence. The best way to detect this invisible mold problem is by keeping an eye out for any condensation, discoloration or earthy odors. 

These can all be warning signs of mold development within your walls and ceilings. 

If you detect mold growing inside your home contact us today. Our team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta can quickly remediate the problem. Our team can inspect and eliminate any mold growth to leave your property mold-free.

The Dangers of Leaving a Leak Untreated | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Gloved hands inspecting a leak If a little leak turns into a water disaster in your home, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will help you repair the damage.

The Dangers of Leaving a Leak Untreated | SERVPRO of South Atlanta 

When you first notice the signs of a leak in your home, it’s easy to dismiss them. You might be concerned about this seemingly tiny leak, but you might not think to repair it right away. 

That decision could have disastrous consequences and result in a variety of disasters in your home. 

Knowing what a little leak can cause will help you better understand why you should fix it before it gets out of hand. 

Where Do Leaks Emerge? 

Before we go over some of the dangers that a leak might cause, let’s take a look at where you might find water dripping in your Atlanta home: 

Clogged pipes are a common source of leaks within the home. Backed-up pipes can occur in rooms such as your bathroom or kitchen. Debris, hair, soap scum and grease are all possible causes of a clogged pipe

Supply line leaks are another cause of leaks in the home. Supply line leaks occur when corroded pipes give way, resulting in water leaks in places where you may not notice until the leak has progressed. 

Appliance malfunctions can cause leaks, as well. Your washer or dishwasher can leak when equipment fails, a hose loosens or water drips from the appliance’s water supply. Toilets can lead to devastating leakage too when water drips from the base due to a broken seal. 

The Dangers of Waiting to Repair a Leak 

Now that we’ve talked about where you might find a leak, let’s talk about why you need to have it repaired immediately. Standing water isn’t the only danger—you might also see… 

Mold growth. Mold is one of the most dangerous consequences of a leak, and if left unchecked, it can lead to structural problems! When a leak forms, mold can begin to grow quickly when conditions are right, and it could pop up in areas you may not notice at first. 

Electrical hazards. We all know water and electricity don’t get along too well! Water can drip down into electrical sockets, light fixtures or your fuse box. A leak can cause short circuits and electrical failure, leading to another dangerous disaster: an electrical fire

Ruined infrastructure. Leaks can have a disastrous impact on the structural integrity of your home. Discoloration can occur on your ceilings and walls. Any type of wood flooring has the potential to warp and deteriorate over time. If you detect odors, peeling paint, cracks or damp spots on your ceilings, walls or flooring, it’s probably time to get that leak fixed!

If a little leak turns into a water disaster in your home, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will help you repair the damage. We specialize in restoring damage caused by water emergencies. Contact Us to begin the restoration process right away.

Keep Your Home Tidy to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

interior view of a room with items completely destroyed by fire If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta for any fire restoration needs.

Fires are a common catastrophe in the United States, with the American Red Cross responding to 20,000 residential fires since the beginning of January alone. This is only a portion of the overall number of fires that has actually occurred in the United States.

Cleaning up clutter from both inside and outside of your Atlanta home is one approach to avoiding fires. Learn how to combat clutter and fires at the same time:

Clear the Clutter

Clutter accumulates in every room of the house, creating a fire hazard in every corner. Keeping your home clear of piles of flammable materials such as books, boxes and cloth might prevent a fire from spreading further.

A floor littered with blankets, toys or paper also endangers firefighters. If a house fire breaks out, it may be difficult for them to find you and get you out quickly. Make sure your floors and doorways are clutter-free.

Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

While wildfires aren’t as frequent in the Atlanta area as they are in other parts of the country, unintentional outdoor flames can quickly start and spread to your lawn. A well-kept and well-planned yard is one strategy to keep flames from traveling from the yard to your home.

California requires defensible space, a method of slowing the spread of outside fires to your doorstep by designing a layout that sets plants and trees away from your property.

Removing weeds and dead plants from your yard, as well as your roof and gutters, acts as an efficient fire buffer. Cleaning twigs, leaves and pine needles from your roof and gutters can also help avoid the spread of flames to your home.

Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

A clean home may appear to be a lot of work, but knowing you are secure from unintentional fires can make it all worthwhile. Maintain your home’s cleanliness and keep up with daily household chores.

If you live with others, you can assign different chores to different people, which can speed up cleaning. Dusting, throwing away boxes and food containers, and cleaning out junk drawers are all good places to start.

Cleaning your stove top is also an effective fire prevention chore. Remove any grease and food crumbs from the surface around the stove.

A clean home is more than simply a source of pride—it can also be an efficient method of preventing house fires. You never know what can happen inside or outside your home, so prepare for any disaster by keeping it clutter-free.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta can work to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition, no matter how serious the damage. If you’ve recently suffered from a house fire, call us today at (404) 592-9634 or contact us here.

When Confronted With Storm Damage, Turn to SERVPRO | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fallen tree on vehicle during storm SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to respond to your call following a severe storm 24/7.

Georgia has a long history of natural disasters impacting its residents, and Atlanta specifically has experienced its share of catastrophic storms and flooding. Typically, storms leave behind a costly mess that must be fixed. 

Severe thunderstorms include components such as powerful winds, flooding and hail, and the combination of all of these can devastate your property. When a severe storm impacts your home, SERVPRO has all the equipment necessary to repair everything that was damaged. 

Learn what sets us apart from the rest when it comes to storm damage restoration: 

Reliable Water Damage Remediation 

Flooding can occur in the midst of a storm, washing over neighborhoods and causing significant water damage. Our SERVPRO crew has worked with many water-damaged homes and properties, so we understand exactly what it takes to repair them. The cleanup process begins the moment you contact us. 

To determine the best path forward, our experts will first inspect the damage and identify the type of floodwater and the extent of damage. We then remove any standing water with our advanced water extraction equipment. We can thoroughly dry your home once all excess water has been removed to prevent any further damage. 

Finally, we ensure that your home is fresh by eradicating odors; we don’t simply mask them, we eliminate them completely! Sanitation is required in some homes to eliminate any bacteria left by floodwater. We can disinfect your home to make sure it’s bacteria-free. 

Reconstruction of Any Infrastructure Damage 

Some homeowners may require parts of their homes to be rebuilt after flood damage. Following a storm, temporary protective measures such as roof tarps, fencing or board-ups are used. These aid in preventing further damage as we work to restore your house. 

Our team provides minor building services such as painting, tile and hardwood floor repair, and drywall installation. Major reconstruction services may be required in some circumstances to restore your home to preloss condition, and we can provide those, too. 

Immediate Action & Response 

After a storm, damage should be repaired as quickly as possible to avoid problems such as mold growth

We are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to your call following a severe storm. Following this, we may begin the process of restoring your home to its pre-storm condition.

When you are dealing with the aftermath of a severe storm, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Call (404) 592-9634 to  Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta right away so we can begin the repair process! 

Take on Storms With These Steps | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

a dark cloudy sky with lighting strikes off in the distance If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of South Atlanta right away.

The weather in Atlanta can be unpredictable, and there are times when light showers turn into frightening storms. In the United States each year, there are around 100,000 thunderstorms, so they occur fairly often.

As recently as April, strong storms swept through Atlanta, accompanied by damaging wind. However, the biggest effect from the weather was flooding, which damaged multiple houses in the area.

Weather is uncontrollable, but we can certainly prepare for it—and that’s what we’ll discuss today. Making plans and preparations for storms is an important way to keep your home and family safe. This includes putting together an emergency kit, developing a communications strategy and planning for the aftermath.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

In bad weather situations, you need to have a communication plan for everyone in your house. You should have a way for everyone to check in in case one or more people are away from home at the time of the storm.

Additionally, make sure that everyone in the home knows the designated safe area in your home, probably the basement or bathroom, so they can go there in the event of bad weather.

Next, you need to have a couple of ways to receive official weather alerts. The best items to have on hand are your cell phone and an NOAA weather radio. You want to listen out for any weather watches and warnings because they will tell you how to react in the specific situation.

Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

A family emergency kit should contain all the essentials your family members need to shelter in place for at least 72 hours, and it should be kept in your storm shelter at home. Your kit needs to be packed full of essential items, including food, water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, and any other things your family members might need.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

As soon as the storm passes, take a deep breath and round up all of your family members! Take a little bit of time to evaluate your entire safety plan while it is still fresh in your mind. You should find out how effective the communications, emergency kit and other elements were during the storm. This will help you better prepare for the next thunderstorm.

The next thing you want to do once it is safe to is check your property for damage. Your home may have suffered anywhere from minor to major damage, and the quicker you address the problem, the better. Some specific areas to check are your roof and window and door seals.

In the unfortunate case you do find damage, you need a team of skilled restoration professionals on your side. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can be that team for you and get your home back to tip-top shape as soon as possible.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 247 to spring into action— call (404) 592-9634 to get in touch with us today.

Home Damage? We Can Handle It | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

two SERVPRO employees unloading cleaning equipment out of a green van SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your local restoration expert. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.

With so many options in the restoration field, who is the best, most trusted and will stand by their work?

Residents and business owners in our area who have been affected by such disasters as this choose the team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta for several reasons, including the company’s commitment to providing 24-hour response to property owners.

By being open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, SERVPRO is able to reduce the extent of damage suffered by property owners who have been affected by the following types of disasters:

Water Damage

Flooding can cause extensive home damage that no homeowner wants to deal with. In the United States, floods lead to more than $10 billion in damages every year.

In 2009 in Atlanta, catastrophic flooding impacted the metro area. The epic flooding that occurred greatly impacted the community and economy. Initial property damage in Georgia was estimated at $250 million, but was eventually raised to $500 million. It’s important to know where to turn in preparation for unexpected incidents like the flood of 2009.

At SERVPRO, we have the tools to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water. In addition, we will help you make a water damage restoration plan that will keep your home clean, dry and restored to its pre-flooded condition.

Fire Damage

A fire department in the United States responds to a fire every 23 seconds, and there was roughly $8.1 billion in direct property damage and losses nationwide in 2020.

If your home or business has sustained fire damage, we’ll jump right into action with our seven-step restoration process. Cleaning up after a fire and restoring a home to its original condition is a job that requires professionals.

This is why after the fire, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta as soon as the flames die down to work toward fire damage repairs for your home.

Storm Damage

The first 24 to 48 hours after a storm are critical for conducting an assessment of your storm damage repair needs. When you choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta, you know you’re getting access to a team of highly trained individuals who are available 24⁄7 to service your storm restoration needs.

Once we have completed the water removal of your property, we’ll begin working on the restoration process. We’ll restore your property to the condition it was in before the damage occurred, whether that entails minor repairs (like replacing drywall or installing new carpeting) or major ones (like reconstructing parts of your property).

What Sets SERVPRO Apart?

After disaster strikes, it’s important that you act quickly to get the right team over to assess your structure. If you’re in need of a trusted team to tackle your restoration project, make sure to call SERVPRO of South Atlanta for a consultation!

We’re there when you need us. You can reach out to a SERVPRO expert via our 24⁄7 Emergency Line day or night and receive immediate assistance.

Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. 

Call (404) 592-9634 or Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life. 

What to Do When Severe Weather Becomes a Threat | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Man on phone inside window in a storm If you have storm damage in your home, you can depend on SERVPRO of South Atlanta for restoration assistance.

Though severe weather is a common occurrence, it can always be a dangerous one. When the heat and humidity of a Georgia summer come together, it can quickly create the ideal fuel for a severe storm to develop—in many cases, in a very sudden and surprising way. 

Even outside of the summer season, severe weather can occur anywhere and at any time, so it is vital to be prepared. 

While some storms provide more warning than others, it is important to always know what to do when severe weather becomes a threat. That way, when the risk begins, you and your loved ones will know exactly what to do. Because these severe events can come about suddenly, it is best to prepare in advance so you never get caught off-guard by the threat of a storm. 

How to React When Severe Weather Becomes a Threat 

Stay tuned into local weather updates

 One of the best things you can do in the event of severe weather is to stay informed about the current situation. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so it is best to find a trusted local source to tune into so you can stay aware of watches, warnings and other pertinent severe weather updates. Having two ways to get alerts, such as your cell phone and an NOAA weather radio, is also advised. 

Have a sheltering plan in place

Because severe weather can come about quickly, do not wait until it is a threat to have a plan in place. Make sure you know where to seek shelter, both when you are at home or away from home, so you know what to do as soon as severe weather threatens your area. 

Communicate with your loved ones

 If you are not with your loved ones at the time that severe weather becomes a threat, make sure to communicate with them so that everyone can stay safer. If you have children who are away from home, give them clear instructions on what to do until the threat passes. After the storm, check in with everyone so you can be certain you are all safe. 

If you have storm damage in your home, you can depend on SERVPRO of South Atlanta  for restoration assistance. Get in touch with us 24/7 to learn more about our storm damage restoration process. Call (404) 592-9634 or contact us online.

How Water Damage Progresses Over Time | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

a bathroom sink showing signs of a water leak No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

Take a look around your home. Do you notice anything that seems out of place? Perhaps you spot a small water spot on the ceiling.

It may seem like a minor issue with little connection to the rest of your home. However, small water issues like this or even a leaky faucet can cause catastrophic damage over time.

An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year, and you never know exactly where that water is traveling to in your home.

Water damage progresses rapidly, seeping into floors, walls and soft surfaces. That’s why it is crucial to address the issue right away to produce the best results.

Here’s what you need to know about the timeline of water damage:

In the First 24 Hours

When you live in a house, there is a one in four chance of a flood damaging it within a 30-year period in a high-risk area. Knowing what to do next is essential.

The first 24 to 48 hours after flooding or water damage in your South Atlanta home are crucial. Certain items will immediately fall victim to water’s disastrous effects.

This could include anything from personal belongings like books and photographs to soft furnishings and upholstery. All of these items are especially prone to warping and ruin. Additionally, mold can begin to develop within this timeframe. That’s why it’s important to act swiftly.

SERVPRO’s expertise and “restore vs. replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. If any materials cannot be successfully restored, this will be communicated to you. These materials are typically removed as soon as possible to expedite the drying of all restorable materials.

Within the First Week

We want to tackle the water damage in your home as soon as possible because within the first 24 hours, water damage will already be taking hold of your home. Mold can spread like wildfire with excessive moisture, and as mold sets in, it can damage your home’s structure.

Additionally, porous surfaces, such as wood surfaces and walls, will become increasingly compromised, and metal surfaces will start corroding.

After One Week

The best approach is to avoid letting moisture sit in your home because water damage progresses so quickly and some of the effects may be irreversible.

As time goes on, the costs and efforts required to restore the structure will increase significantly, and the risks associated with structural damage are greater.

How SERVPRO Will Help

SERVPRO’s restoration process begins with the first call, preferably within the first 24 hours. Service work normally starts with a thorough extraction of water. This helps prevent the spread of water in the structure and reduces drying time.

Mostly likely, floors, furniture and other belongings will require cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization. After the bulk of the water has been removed, our specialists will use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water and moisture you can’t see.

After these initial steps, your home may need construction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. This step could include minor repairs or rebuilding entire areas of your home.

We can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. SERVPRO will keep you up to date on every step and have you back in your home or business in no time.

Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Call (404) 592-9634 or Contact us 247 when you need a dependable team to help you recover.

Why SERVPRO Is the Right Choice for All Your Restoration Needs | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Brewing in the sky Choosing a partner in restoration before disaster strikes is a good idea. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help!

Discovering that you need restoration to your home or business is far from a welcome surprise. There are many things that can cause damage to a structure, but whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a kitchen fire, damage due to a severe storm, a flood due to a burst pipe or something else entirely, it is not something that anyone wants to experience. 

As with all unpleasant occurrences, the best time to plan for these types of incidents is far before they happen—which is why choosing a restoration partner well in advance is a good idea. If you know who you want to work with for restoration, you can make a call quickly when you discover damage and have issues addressed rapidly. 

Below, we will look at how SERVPRO of South Atlanta can be your restoration partner for any type of damage.

Why to Choose Us for Residential and Commercial Restoration? 

We are here 24/7: No matter what day of the week you call us or what hour of the day, you can be confident that you will receive a rapid response from us. When you have damage on your hands, every moment matters, especially when it comes to preventing further damages from arising. That is why we are here 24/7, 365 days a year to handle your damages promptly. 

We can handle all types of damage: We are capable of handling a variety of damages, which is helpful as these things are rarely a simple black and white scenario. For example, fire damage is often coupled with water damage, while flooding can cause structural issues—but that is fine by us, as we handle it all. Regardless of what you need at your home or business, we are ready to help.

 We care about the community: As a locally owned and operated business, we are members of the community as much as we are a business in it—and that is why we are so passionate about helping out. We have the backing of our national brand to scale our services up and down as needed, but we are also local to the area and understand what is unique about the South Atlanta community.

 If you have residential or commercial damage, get in touch with SERVPRO of South Atlanta  today! Call (404) 592-9634 or contact us here 24/7 to provide you with a rapid response.

You May See These Types of Floods in Your Community | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

a street completely submerged in water with a flood warning sign sitting in roadway Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

Of all the natural disasters, flooding is the most common in the world, and it claims more lives in the United States per year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning. Flooding takes its toll on everything from individual homes to wide swaths of communities and cities.

Flooding affects all 50 states and every U.S. territory. However, there are similarities in types and causality among all them. In general, there are three types of flooding, which happen for four reasons.

3 Types of Natural Flooding

Flash floods are common, and they happen when heavy rain passes or sits over an area and overwhelms the ability of the ground to contain the moisture. Excess water runs off and takes garbage cans, cars and more with it.

River floods are exactly what they sound like. When there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, the water spills over the sides and causes destruction.

Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.

The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for flooding because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all the water. In September 2009, catastrophic flooding hit the Atlanta Metropolitan area after multiple days of heavy rainfall. At its worst, the National Weather Service estimated 10 to 20 inches of rain fell in less than 24 days. Over 20,000 homes and businesses sustained major damage, and the damages totaled around $500 million. Ten people also lost their lives in the historic flooding.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.

Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding , SERVPRO of South Atlanta  has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime  online or call (404) 592-9634 when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.  SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s  24/7 Emergency Service  will make it like it never even happened.

Why Do House Fires Occur? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

flame on burner residential fire Take a look at the most common ways Atlanta house fires can occur.

House fires are extremely dangerous for a multitude of reasons. Not only do they cause significant amounts of damage, but they can also cause injuries and fatalities to those caught in their path—and often, they come about suddenly, requiring a rapid reaction time. Fires are also traumatic events, and can disrupt the lives of everyone in the household. 

Because house fires are so common (totaling nearly 500,000 in 2020), there is a lot of information out there about why they occur. By understanding what causes house fires, it is our hope that it will be much easier to understand how they can be prevented and what hazards to look out for in your own home. 

Why House Fires Happen 

There are a variety of reasons why house fires occur, but today we will be looking at their most common causes so you know what to be aware of. While this list is far from comprehensive, it can help identify things around the home that are potentially hazardous. 

Hazardous Cooking Techniques 

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires year over year, and while many of us likely do it on autopilot, it is important to remember that using any type of heat source can lead to a fire. Simple errors, such as laying a dishcloth too close to a stove or neglecting to clean out the crumb tray of your toaster, can lead to major kitchen fires in an instant. 

Electrical Outlet Overload 

Electricity is a leading cause of fires, and considering how many electronics most people have in their homes, this is no surprise. Plugging too many things into a wall outlet can easily cause overheating, which is why extension cords should always be used with caution. Additionally, frayed cables can cause sparks which can lead to flames, and should be replaced immediately. 

Unattended Candles 

Candles are a staple of most homes, but leaving them unattended can quickly allow flames to spread throughout the home. Always keep flammable objects well away from candles, and never leave them burning if they will be unattended. 

If you have fire damage in your home, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the team to call. Get in touch with us 24/7 to learn more about our fire restoration services or to report your damages. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help with your residential fire cleanup and restoration needs at (404) 505-1760.

Your Hidden Business Partner | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

a workspace and cubicle showing signs of water damage with SERVPRO of South Atlanta logo SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us today if you experience any damage or require restoration services.

As a manager or owner of an Atlanta business, you are well aware of the difficulties inherent in ensuring operations run smoothly. It’s understandable that you’ll need every possible hand on deck to keep things afloat. Businesses like yours are often forced to permanently shut their doors as a result of downtime or losses caused by a property damage event.

When your company needs cleanup and restoration services, it already has a loyal business partner in Atlanta on deck and ready to be of service. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the training, equipment and expertise to handle a wide variety of commercial cleaning and restoration requirements. It’s as if you had a committed companion looking after an entire aspect of your operations.

Here’s what we mean:

  • Large Loss Recovery - Fires, storms and flooding are among the most frequent causes of financial loss for businesses throughout the country, and they have the potential to cause considerably more damage if swift action is not taken. When you call SERVPRO of South Atlanta, you are interacting with a team of trained professionals who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deliver proven emergency services and aid you in recovering your footing quickly after a disaster.
  • Emergency Ready Plan - If your company is prepared, restoration can begin before a tragedy occurs. We can assist you in determining the most effective response by designing an Emergency Ready Plan that will be implemented immediately when you need it. You might need an emergency chain of command, alternative meeting or workplaces, or a number of other needs during a crisis, and we’ll set you up with a simple button press that begins all of these preparations.
  • Cleaning of All Kinds - We have a cleaning solution for any case, from trauma scene cleanup and safe biohazard removal to general needs like carpet and upholstery cleaning and restoration. We’ve been in this industry a long time and have seen and cleaned just about anything.
  • Restoration Services - Flash floods from a bad storm can sweep through. Interns may unintentionally start a fire. Water damage may occur as a result of a broken water main. All of these situations need cleaning and restoration, which is our specialty. You can count on us to restore the spark to your business after a property damage incident.
  • Industry Specialization - We are able to assist any company since we have spent decades gaining an understanding of each industry’s unique needs. We are equipped to handle any cleaning or restoration needs your company may have, no matter how unusual or particular they are.

*Whatever your recovery needs may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO of South Atlanta to get the job done. Contact us at (404) 505-1760 today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to find out how we can serve your business.

Planning a Fire Escape Plan for the First Time | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

house on floorplan with smoke detector SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help Atlanta homeowners when fire damage strikes. Call us 24/7 at 404-505-1760 for restoration & cleanup services.

If you have not yet come up with a fire escape plan for your Atlanta household, now is the time. Having a plan in place for escaping a fire is extremely important—once flames start to spread, you will typically only have about two minutes to escape.

Because fires are frightening events, knowing what to do well in advance is the best way to ensure that you and your loved ones will be able to get out in time. 

It can be difficult to know where to begin if you have never thought about your fire escape plan, but we are here to help. Below, we have listed out some key considerations so you can be certain that you have all your bases covered as you work to keep your Atlanta household fire safe.

What to Consider When Planning Your First Fire Escape Plan

| Who is in your household? | 

  • Every household has different needs, so it is important to consider your unique situation from the beginning. For example, if you have young children or pets, your fire escape plan will look different than someone living on their own. Consider who in your household may need help escaping, and be sure to have a plan in place accordingly.

| What is your home’s layout? |

  • It is important that you have two exits from every area of the home to account for fires starting from different areas and spreading in different ways. Draw out a blueprint of your home and mark every exit on the map—that way, you will know if areas have an adequate amount and can remedy the situation if they do not. Emergency escape ladders can often be useful for second-floor bedrooms that do not have roof access.

| What are your risk factors? | 

  • While fires can break out in unpredictable ways, understanding your unique risk factors can help you know where to focus your planning efforts. For example, if you cook a lot, preparing extensively for a kitchen fire is wise. Additionally, if you use space heaters, candles or other risky objects around the home, consider where these are placed in order to determine your risk factor.


*If your Atlanta home has been damaged due to a house fire or suffered smoke damage, you can count on SERVPRO of South Atlanta to help. We offer 24/7 emergency restoration and cleanup services and can start the restoration process as soon as we arrive on site—contact us today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup services.

The Range of Severe Weather in the U.S. | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

img src =”weather.jpg” alt = "an image with a cloudy, rainy, sunny and snowy sky" Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a click away if you experience any damage.

The United States is one of the world’s biggest countries. That being said, in a country of this size, seasonal weather is highly varied throughout such a large area—different sections of the nation encounter a range of weather patterns, resulting in a variety of weather threats.

As spring approaches and warm and cold air masses meet throughout the country, let’s examine the different weather patterns that may be predicted nationwide, as well as what we can expect here in Georgia.

In the spring, the Pacific Northwest is prone to heavy rain, which may result in floods and water damage. At higher altitudes, snow will continue to build, and its melting and runoff will cause issues of its own.

The chill of winter lasts the longest in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, where frigid conditions will linger throughout the season. Residents from Maine to the Dakotas should brace themselves for very low temperatures and the prospect of snow and cold weather, even into the spring season.

The Southwest, in particular, will need to be alert for extreme heat waves that might damage lives and property.

Windstorms, derechos and the threat of wildfires, which spread easily in strong winds and dry seasons, will be a hazard for the central United States, from Iowa to Texas. Tornado Alley is a section of this region that is prone to severe storms and tornadoes.

Finally, the Southeast, including here in Atlanta, may see a range of severe weather. Thunderstorms are widespread in Georgia, especially during the spring and summer, and often produce heavy rains that can result in serious flooding for landlocked regions. Then you also have to consider the threat of dangerous rip currents and early-season hurricanes along the coast later in the spring.


* Extreme weather is a real threat across the United States, regardless of where you live. While yours may differ from a friend who lives a few states away, it is always wise to be prepared. If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 for fast, expert recovery or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information on storm damage restoration and cleanup services.

Why Every Business Should Have an Emergency Action Plan | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

office staff evacuating office while covering their faces SERVPRO of South Atlanta can help your business recover after smoke and/or fire damage. Call us 24/7 because we are faster to any size disaster.

When you think about keeping your workplace safe, you likely consider things like security alarms and doing regular maintenance—but have you stopped to consider how important an emergency action plan can be? Not only is a plan like this required by OSHA in many instances, but it is also something that can keep you and your staff much safer.

In the event of an incident such as a workplace fire, flood or other emergency scenario, being able to quickly and effectively get to safety is a must. Below, we will be taking a look at several of the reasons why an emergency action plan is important for any business owner.

Why You Should Have an Emergency Action Plan at Your Business

Panic can Cloud People’s Judgment | If an emergency situation such as a fire occurs, it can be a panic-inducing event. Many people have never experienced something like this before, and its frightening nature can cloud people’s judgment in the moment. However, if everyone has been trained on the evacuation plans and procedures, they are more likely to remember exactly what to do in this type of scenario so they can get to safety.

The Authorities can be Alerted More Quickly | Part of your emergency action plan should include having a designated person call 911 if it is appropriate to do so. That way, there is no confusion regarding who should be getting in touch with authorities and they are contacted as soon as possible in order to quickly address the issue. In an instance such as a fire in your commercial space, this quick response can make all the difference in regard to how much damage is sustained.

Everyone can Evacuate More Safely | Oftentimes, quick evacuations lead to panicked crowds trying to crowd exits or trample one another trying to get to safety. If everyone is trained on the evacuation procedure, they will know where all the exits are (to avoid crowding in one or two spots) and will know exactly where to go in the event of an emergency to avoid any confusion or chaos during an otherwise frightening event. 

*If you have an emergency scenario at your business that results in damages, SERVPRO of South Atlanta can help. We are your go-to team for any commercial restoration needs—contact us today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more.

Is Your Business Prepared to Bounce Back After Disaster? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee standing in office next to a person reviewing plans If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be there to help.

When you run a company, you may end up working more hours than you anticipated. With all that you’re responsible for, it becomes more than a full-time job...You manage a workforce, pay employees, keep up with a constantly changing environment, compete in the market, innovate, establish a strong internet presence and so much more. It’s like attempting to walk a tightrope all day, every day.

Businesses are busy places, and it is no surprise that some important tasks like disaster preparedness might slip the mind. But a single setback can quite likely permanently change a company’s course.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses never reopen following a natural disaster, and another 25% of those that do open close within a year.

Given the recent shutdowns as well as concerns about the future, companies need to have a well thought out crisis response strategy in place now more than ever. And yet 75% of small businesses don’t have a natural disaster response strategy in place, and this has to change.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is available to help Atlanta and Fulton County companies build an Emergency Ready Plan. We can design an emergency plan that is suited to your unique environment by conducting a comprehensive examination of your individual needs and concerns.

We’ll cover everything from workplace fires to data recovery and backup so you can just hit “go” and the plan will go into effect immediately, minimizing downtime and long-term cost. We can produce a comprehensive strategy to help you and your teams operate together, including everything from the chain of command to alternative suppliers, workspaces and everything in between.

Take caution not to hinder your company’s progress by failing to plan for disasters. Contact your local SERVPRO professionals if you need assistance developing an Emergency Ready Plan.

*When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

How to React to Water Damage vs. Flood Damage | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

car driving through flooded street No matter what type of water damage you experience, you can call SERVPRO of South Atlanta 24/7 for water damage restoration and cleanup.

Water damage is not something that you ever want to find in your home, regardless of the source that it comes from. However, unfortunately, it is a risk that is prevalent—whether you live in a known floodplain or not, flash floods, leaks and burst pipes are still a very real threat that homeowners should be prepared for.

While water damage may feel unpredictable, one of the best things a homeowner can do is understand the difference between water and flood damage and how to react to each. While they are similar in nature, they require different responses and restoration techniques that are important to note.

The Difference Between Water Damage and Flood Damage

Water damage and flood damage are both results of water being where it shouldn’t, but for different reasons. In most scenarios, water damage occurs when water does not come into contact with the ground before it comes into contact with your home. Common sources of water damage include leaks, plumbing issues or faulty external seals around the house.

Flood damage, on the other hand, is caused by some sort of groundwater and can occur in or outside of a floodplain. This can be water from rising streams, ponds or rivers, water from improperly functioning storm drains or water that is from a flash flood.

Flood water tends to be more dangerous than general water damage, because it can be contaminated with chemicals, wastewater and electricity, which means contact should be avoided if it is possible to do so.

How to React to Water Damage and Flood Damage

If you have water damage or flood damage in your home, it is important to react quickly to mitigate any further issues. In both scenarios, you will want to contact your insurance company right away—homeowners insurance will typically cover water damages, while a separate flood insurance policy is required for that damage to be covered.

In flooding scenarios, you will want to check with local authorities before re-entering your home to make sure it is safe to do so. From there, it is important to start the drying and restoration process right away so you can mitigate any further damages from occurring.

*If your home has experienced water damage, either from a flood or from general water damage, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help. Get in touch with us today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our processes.

The Restoration Services We Provide | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

A green SERVPRO van parked in a warehouse full of equipment When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of South Atlanta to get the job done.

When the big green truck comes rolling through, you probably know what’s going on. Somebody has a problem at home, and our green truck is heading to fix it. Most people might think SERVPRO of South Atlanta is simply a cleaning company, and while that is not wrong, it’s only a tiny grasp of what we really provide. We offer full-service cleaning, restoration and reconstruction—truly a full spectrum of services.

The following is a deeper look at SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s services:

  • Water Damage Recovery | If you spring a leak or have a flood that causes water damage, we will get you dried up.
  • Fire Damage Recovery | Did you know that every 23 seconds a fire occurs in the United States? Fires can be devastating, but we’ve got expert help to offer.
  • Mold Removal | Mold can develop quickly after water damage, and it can threaten the structure of your home. Additionally, it isn’t safe for you to treat mold without expertise, as you can endanger yourself and even spread the mold. Let our pros in green take care of it for you.
  • Storm Recovery | Natural disasters and storms of all kinds can cause unimaginable damage and destruction, and we are prepared to take care of your restoration and rebuilding needs.
  • Commercial Needs | We offer the same services to businesses that we offer homeowners—and even a few more, including specialized cleaning to get your business or commercial space sparkling.
  • General Cleaning | Both residential and commercial spaces need professional help from time to time with heavy duty cleaning for things like carpets, upholstery and more. You’ve got more important things competing for your focus, so let us take care of the cleaning so you can focus on bigger things.
  • Specialty Cleaning | We offer specialty cleaning services like the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, document restoration, duct cleaning and even biohazard cleanup. Seriously, if it can get dirty or gross, we can clean it.
  • Construction | Sometimes the worst happens and your home or business unfortunately can’t be restored. You can rely on SERVPRO of South Atlanta to provide construction services to get your home back to its preloss condition. 

*Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of South Atlanta to get the job done. Contact us at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsourthatlanta.com for more information on our Commercial Services for Fire, Water or Mold Restoration.

Do Not Leave Your Home Unprepared for a Storm | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

img src =”looking at roof.jpg” alt = "man looking at roof standing on step ladder” > If your home or business experiences storm damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We make storm damage "Like it never even happened."

Storms can range from mild to frightening to downright dangerous in Atlanta, and unfortunately, until they are imminent, it is hard to know what version of weather you are going to get. Severe weather can be dangerous for many reasons—from high winds to hail to heavy rains, they can cause damage to property and people, especially those who find themselves unprepared.

Thankfully, there are some helpful tips for making sure your home is as resilient as possible to a storm.

While there is no method to prevent damage with absolute certainty, you can take some steps around your home to ensure that there will be no obvious dangers that are likely to cause damage. Read on for our top tips about preparing your home for a storm.

How to Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather

  • Do a Sweep of the Perimeter | Because storms can often bring about high winds and even tornado-forming conditions, many homeowners incur damage due to objects around the home becoming projectiles. Before a storm comes, do a quick sweep around your house for any items that this might apply to. This can include patio furniture, any loose limbs on nearby trees, or lawn and garden care equipment that might be easily lifted by the wind.
  • Check on Your Roof’s Condition Often | A home’s roof is its most important defense against water damage from heavy rains, so it is wise to make sure yours is up to the task. Doing regular visual inspections can help you notice things that are out of place, such as loose shingles or flashing around objects. These things can be exacerbated by heavy rains, leading to leaks that can cause major water damage to your home.
  • Watch Out for Your Drain Lines | If a large amount of water comes through the area, localized flooding may turn into major damage before you know it. The drain lines around your home should be able to carry water away from your foundation, but if they are clogged or otherwise in disrepair, they may become backed up with water that could lead to damage.


*If you have damage to your home from severe weather, let SERVPRO of South Atlanta help! Contact us today to learn more about our storm restoration processes and how we can assist you.

How to Start a Fire and How to Put One Out | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

img src =”burning paper house.jpg” alt = "paper cut out of house on fire” > If you have experience fire property damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We make fire damage "Like it never even happened".

Do you remember the tetrahedron from junior high math? A quick refresher—it’s like a pyramid, but with a triangular base instead of a square, all sides having the same area. Geometry lesson over; blog beginning now.

It seems random to bring a tetrahedron into your day, but surprisingly, it’s an important shape in regard to fire safety. Fire is made up of four elements we now call the fire tetrahedron, which are required for a fire to ignite.

Knowing these things is elemental to understanding the nature of fire, and subsequently, how to put one out.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

| Fuel | Something has to ignite. This is what will disappear after a fire—things like wood or other substances—anything that will burn or melt.

| Heat | The exact amount of necessary heat changes from substance to substance, but almost everything has a point at which it becomes unstable and liable to ignite.

| Oxygen | Fires respond to nearby oxygen to produce the fourth element of a fire, the chemical reaction; to put it simply, oxygen helps the fire grow by feeding it, in the meantime producing carbon monoxide as a byproduct.

| Chemical Chain Reaction | The presence of the first three elements combine to produce a special kind of chain reaction, which will keep occurring until something causes it to stop. Speaking of which…

The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

| Cool It | This is probably your first thought when you think of stopping a fire. Firefighters use gallons upon gallons of water to cool the fuel (the thing the fire is burning) to a temperature that won’t sustain combustion. Cooling the fuel source to a state of thermal balance means heat is lost faster than heat can be generated. The fuel source will still be very hot, though, so a fair amount of water will boil and evaporate. That’s why it takes so much water to get a fire under control.

| Smother It | A fire can’t live if it can’t breathe. Depriving a fire of the oxygen it needs to continue smothers and kills it. This is simply demonstrated when you snuff a candle, but it can also be done chemically, as we’ll see below.

| Starve It | If a fire runs out of fuel or material to burn—it can’t continue to grow and will shrink out of existence. So one way to kill a fire is to remove the fuel it will head for next, rather than try to put out the elements which are currently on fire. This is often done to deal with wildfires, where a perimeter around the fire may be scorched on purpose in order to contain the fire and starve it out.

| Interrupt the Chain Reaction | Chemical agents like halon can put an end to fires by disrupting the needed chemical reaction that perpetuates them. Halon specifically is very effective, but it has a negative effect on the ozone layer. For this reason, no new halon is being produced, but the existing store can be purchased and sometimes recycled.

*If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information on our residential and commercial fire restoration services.

When Was the Last Time You Considered Your Severe Weather Plan? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

img src =”lightning.jpg” alt = "lightening stikes over city skyline” > If you experience water damage in you home or business call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We make residential water damage "Like it never even happened."

Despite advances in meteorology and weather measurement technology, weather is something that remains uncertain. It is impossible to know when severe weather will strike or how much damage it will cause when it does, but one constant is this: It is vital to be prepared before it strikes.

Having a severe weather plan in place is one of the best ways to protect your household from its effects. From mitigating property damage to keeping everyone safe when the incident occurs, knowing what your plan is will be vital, especially if you are in a situation with only moments to respond.

If you are new to planning for severe weather, or if it has been a long time since you have visited your plan, keep reading for our top tips.

Considering Your Household’s Plan for Severe Weather

| Make sure to have a reliable way to receive updates - Because weather can change rapidly, it is important to stay informed when it becomes a threat so you can make educated decisions about the situation. Being sure you have a reliable way to receive updates, and that you understand the difference between watches and warnings, can help you be aware of the situational threats your household faces.

| Have a spot to shelter in the home - Designating your shelter spot in advance will ensure that you and members of your household can get to it quickly when severe weather threatens your area. An area on the lowest level of the home that does not have windows or external walls is best. Be sure to think this through carefully, and communicate to your family members where they should head in the event of severe weather.

| Make sure you have an emergency kit - Because severe weather can often threaten power supplies and other vital services, a well-stocked emergency kit is a wise choice. Water, shelf-stable food items, first-aid supplies and flashlights (plus batteries) are must-haves, but also consider specific needs that members in your household have that may influence what your emergency kit should have.


*If you’ve experienced damage to your home or business due to severe weather or flood damage, you can count on SERVPRO of South Atlanta to restore your commercial or residential property. We are here 24/7 to assist with storm damage—contact us today at (404) 505-1760 for immediate help/emergency services or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our flood and storm restoration services.

From Reaching Out to Reconstruction, SERVPRO Sees You Through Water Damage | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

A house floating in a large body of water When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of South Atlanta for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

It happens multiple times a minute—a pipe bursts, a basement gets flooded or a washing machine hose goes berserk. Some 14,000 times a day on average, some homeowner in the U.S. is surprised with a water damage incident. That’s like every citizen of two mid-sized cities springing a leak, every day.

It could happen to you someday, though we certainly hope it doesn’t. But if you need us one fateful day, this is what you can expect.

  • Emergency Contact - When you call us in a huff, we’ll calmly talk you through a few questions to help us get a good feel for what’s going on. Then we’ll set up a time soon after to come inspect the site ourselves.
  • Inspection and Water Damage Assessment - Now that we’re on the scene, we can fully assess the situation, inspect your property and finish up the restoration plan. We’ll also give you a heads up about any safety or health hazards caused by the water, and we’ll determine what can be restored versus what may need replacement.
  • Water Removal - We didn’t bring these big pump trucks for nothing. We’ll get to work extracting the massive amounts of water your incident may have spilled into your life.
  • Damaged Material Removal - Once the water level is managed, we can safely haul away the items we discussed with you that are going to need to be replaced. This will give us more room to work and keep dripping items out of the way for the drying process.
  • Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization - Water can stain and bring all sorts of filth into your home, and we won’t let it sit around. We’ll clean and disinfect everything from floors to personal belongings using specially formulated products and proprietary techniques to restore the shine and cleanliness of every last item.
  • Drying - There’s a limited time after water damage before mold starts to grow, and it’s the excess moisture in the air and on organic surfaces that lets it happen. We’ll use our HEPA vacuums and specialized equipment to remove every molecule of unnecessary wetness from your home and surfaces.
  • Monitoring - Your expert SERVPRO team will be in touch daily to make sure everything is drying properly and ensure everything is performing as it should, making any adjustments along the way needed to increase efficiency.
  • Repairs and Construction - From here, you may need some reconstruction to restore your home back to preloss conditions. Fortunately, you needn’t look any further than the crew already on site. Your SERVPRO team will handle it all, down to the last coat of paint.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of South Atlanta for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

Start the New Year Off With Fire Safety in Mind | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

checking smoke detectors.jpghusband and wife checking batteries in smoke detector Check or change your fire detector's batteries and that the detector is in good working order at least twice a year.

The first of the year is a great time to consider the things that are important to you and that you would like to improve in the coming months—and fire safety is no exception! Improving your fire safety efforts is a smart choice for any time of year, but if you are setting up goals for the next 12 months, it is a fantastic thing to consider.

If you would like some tips about how to boost your fire safety around the house, you are in the right place. Read on for some of our favorite tips and tricks to help protect your home and loved ones from a fire.

Fire Safety Goals for a New Year

| Set a Monthly Reminder for Your Smoke Detector Test | It is important that you are testing your smoke detectors at least once per month to make sure they are still sounding properly and do not have dead batteries. Now is a great time to set a monthly reminder on your phone so you can ensure this never slips through the cracks.

| Draft and Practice an Escape Plan | When a fire starts, residents typically have no more than two minutes to get out of the building—which is why knowing what to do is a must. Consider your household escape plan and practice it with everyone in the household at least twice per year. That way, if a fire does break out, it will be easy for everyone to know exactly what to do next.

| Plan Your Laundry Routine with Safety in Mind | Did you know that clothes dryers are a common source of house fires? To cut down on the chances of this happening in your home, experts recommend that you clean out the lint trap before every use, and never leave the dryer running when you are away from the home.

| Check Your Cords and Cables | Frayed cords and cables can be a major fire hazard, as they can lead to sparks that result in flames. Now is a great time to do an audit of all the extension cords and electrical cables in your home so you can check for frays and replace them when necessary.


*If you have home damage due to fire or smoke, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the restoration company to call. Get in touch with us 24/7 at (404) 592-9634 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our restoration process and how we can help.

Count on SERVPRO When Your Business Has Water Damage | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

< img src =”cell.jpg” alt = “a person taking a picture of fire damage on their iPhone" > If your business is damaged by a disaster, we’ve got the solutions to get you running again. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta to learn how we can help

Running a business is difficult enough when everything is running smoothly. You’re trying to make payroll, manage inventory and keep up with ever-changing business landscapes.

Water emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing is certain: No matter what the size is, most business owners don’t have the time or bandwidth to deal with them. That’s why we’re here. With businesses experiencing millions of dollars at a time in water damage, our mission is to help you get through a trying experience with minimal damage and maximum recovery.

Why Trust SERVPRO?

Longevity | We’ve served the nation as a leader in commercial restoration and recovery for over 50 years,. We’ve got the knowledge that can only come from decades of experience, and we put that knowledge into innovative and customized solutions for every single client.

Locality | Yes, we’re a national leader with a powerhouse network of technicians and technology. But one of the real benefits to you is that SERVPRO of South Atlanta is locally owned and operated, so you get the best of both worlds—a local franchise that knows the ins and outs of the needs of the north Georgia business owner, and a nationwide backup system for major emergencies.

Speed | We’re waiting 24 hours a day to turn your water emergency around. When you’ve got a crisis on your hands, we’re ready to step in, assess the situation, and get to work right away. When we say we’re “Faster to Any Size Disaster,” we mean it.

Skill | Each SERVPRO technician is highly trained and equipped to take care of a variety of issues, but water damage is our specialty. We’ve spent decades perfecting the process and craft of damage recovery, including remediation and, when necessary, reconstruction. Whatever the level of damage, we can handle it and handle it well.

Regardless of the source, we’re ready to tackle your water issue so you can execute your business plan and get back to work. Your community needs you functioning at a high level, and we can handle the tough job of restoration and recovery, freeing you up to continue to do what you do best.

If your business is damaged by water, fire or natural disaster, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has got the solutions to get you running again. Contact SERVPRO today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn how we can help.

What to Do if You Experience Frozen Pipes at Your Business | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Pipe condensating because they are frozen During the winter season keep an eye out for freezing weather and be sure that your pipes are ready for cold weather.

Frozen pipes are something no business owner wants to experience, but unfortunately, any time the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is a possibility. While this is something that many Atlanta business owners consider to only be a threat to those up north, the reality is that pipes in the southern climates tend to be more likely to freeze, given that insulation for extremely cold weather does not come standard in the area.

If you suspect that your business has frozen pipes, knowing what to do next is a must. Frozen pipes themselves do not cause damage, but if they burst, the resulting water damage can be rather costly.

Below, we have outlined some tips for business owners so they know exactly what to do if their pipes freeze.

What to Do if the Pipes in Your Commercial Building Freeze

| Turn Off the Water Main | Before doing anything else, turning off the main water valve is a must if you suspect you have frozen pipes. That way, water is not allowed to keep flowing toward the iced blockage, which is what can eventually lead to a full-on burst pipe.

| Determine Where the Freeze Is | There are several ways you can hone in on the location of a frozen pipe. Figuring out which taps are and are not letting water through, sniffing for any strange odors from drains and looking for pipes that are cold to the touch or covered in frost will help you figure out exactly where the ice is located.

| Start the Thawing Process | Turning the heat up, using a heating pad and employing a hair dryer are all helpful tactics for thawing out a freeze in a pipe. If you do not feel confident doing this, call in a professional right away.

| Check Your Insurance Coverage | Every commercial policy is different, so be sure to check your insurance coverage so you know exactly what a burst pipe means. Hopefully, it will not be necessary knowledge to use, but it is always best to be certain just in case.

*If your business has experienced water damage, SERVPRO of South Atlanta are the restoration professionals to call. Contact us today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our water restoration services.

Desarrollo de un plan de recuperación ante desastres para su empresa | SERVPRO del Sur de Atlanta

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Si bien pensar en el daño que potencialmente podría sufrir su negocio no es un ejercicio de pensamiento divertido, como propietario de un negocio, es absolutamente algo que debe considerar. Los desastres pueden sucederle a cualquier negocio en cualquier momento, y ya sea que se trate de un incendio, un desastre natural, una fuga de agua o algún otro tipo de incidente, es fundamental saber qué pasos tomar a continuación.

Recuperarse rápidamente es lo principal que una empresa debe priorizar si se ve afectada por un desastre para evitar una interrupción en los ingresos y las operaciones. Desarrollar un plan de recuperación ante desastres es una buena elección para los dueños de negocios, ya que pueden estar seguros de saber exactamente qué hacer si ocurre una emergencia.

Cómo desarrollar un plan de recuperación ante desastres para su empresa

| Establecer un protocolo de acción de emergencia | Asegurarse de que usted y sus empleados estén seguros es lo más importante que cubre un plan de recuperación ante desastres. Asegúrese de tener un plan de acción para emergencias, que incluya cómo evacuar, qué hacer si las autoridades le indican que se quede quieto y qué empleados son responsables en los aspectos de las operaciones de emergencia.

| Verifique la cobertura de su seguro | Si bien el seguro comercial puede ser extremadamente útil para los dueños de negocios, es importante que comprenda qué está cubierto y qué no. Algunas cosas, como las inundaciones, la interrupción del negocio y la pérdida de ingresos, pueden necesitar sus propias políticas específicas para activarse si hay una emergencia o una situación de desastre a mano. Vuelva a verificar para estar seguro de que tiene la cobertura adecuada para lo que necesite.

| Encuentre un socio de restauración comercial | Una de las mejores formas de asegurarse de que puede volver a trabajar lo antes posible es corregir y restaurar rápidamente cualquier daño. Asegúrese de buscar un socio comercial de restauración en su área al que pueda llamar si descubre daños para que puedan tomar medidas rápidamente y ayudarlo durante todo el proceso. Busque una empresa que pueda manejar una variedad de tipos de daños para que pueda estar seguro de que puede llamarlos por cualquier problema que pueda surgir.


* Si tiene daños a la propiedad comercial, SERVPRO del Sur de Atlanta está aquí para ser su opción de restauración de referencia. Nuestros técnicos de restauración están capacitados por IICRC y están equipados con tecnología de secado líder en la industria. Contáctenos hoy al (404) 505-1760 o visite www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com para obtener más información sobre nuestros servicios de restauración comercial y cómo podemos ayudar.

Let's Talk Numbers and Water Damage | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

the underside of a sink showing water damage from leaking pipes If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

To see your home in any kind of disarray is very disheartening. But as homeowners, we know that unexpected things happen all the time. You can do things to help prepare your home for anything that might come your way, but the odds are at some point you are likely going to incur some kind of water damage. You can do your part to protect your home by ensuring that your pipes and appliances are well-equipped and maintained. And while this won’t guarantee you won’t receive water damage, it sure can help.

| 24% | 

This is the percentage of all home insurance claims caused by water damage. That means that one out of every 50 homeowners will file a water claim in a given year.

| 48 HR | 

Water damage can turn into other damages that can become quite costly. It only takes 48 hours before the water damage can cause mold in your home. When it comes to water damage, quick cleanup is of the utmost importance.

| 98% |

If you own a home with a basement, you might find this statistic a little scary! Homeowners who have a home with a basement have a 98% chance of experiencing water damage.

| $10,234 | 

Water damage can affect your possessions, but it can also cause major structural damage to your home. This is the amount of the average insurance claim for water damage.

| 14,000 | 

You might find this one shocking! This is how many water damage emergencies are reported every day. That means that every six seconds there’s a newly burst pipe or a leaky appliance that has caused chaos.

| 13,000,000,000 | 

$13 billion is the average amount of water damages paid out each year. And this is only for the United States! Can you imagine what this number would be if it included other countries?

While these numbers can be quite shocking, don’t let them worry you too much. Most water damage is preventable as long as you keep up with the maintenance of your home. Simple tasks like replacing pipes or hoses can help you defy the odds of becoming a water damage statistic.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves your home or commercial property all wet, you’ve got help on your side…SERVPRO of South Atlanta! Contact us at(404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information on our residential and commercial water restoration services. We’re here to help 24-hours a day so if you experience water damage call us immediately so you can see how we quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan for Your Business | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

team of employees meeting around conference table When disaster strikes your business call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at 404-505-1760. We're here to help 24/7!

While thinking of the harm that could potentially come to your business is not a fun thought exercise, as a business owner, it is absolutely something you should consider. Disasters can happen to any business at any time, and whether you are dealing with a fire, a natural disaster, a water leak or some other type of incident, knowing what steps to take next are key.

Recovering quickly is the top thing a business should prioritize if it is impacted by a disaster to avoid an interruption in income and operations. Developing a disaster recovery plan is a wise choice for business owners, as they can be sure they know exactly what to do if an emergency strikes.

How to Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan for Your Business

| Set Up an Emergency Action Protocol | Making sure that you and your employees are safe is the most important thing that a disaster recovery plan covers. Be certain that you have an action plan for emergencies, including how to evacuate, what to do if authorities instruct you to stay put and which employees are responsible for which aspects of the emergency operations.

| Double-Check Your Insurance Coverage | While commercial insurance can be extremely helpful to business owners, it is important that you understand what is and what is not covered. Some things, such as flooding, business interruption and loss of income, may need their own specific policies to kick in if there is an emergency or disaster situation at hand. Double-check so you can be certain you have adequate coverage for whatever you need.

| Find a Commercial Restoration Partner | Having any damage quickly addressed and restored is one of the best ways to ensure you can get back to business as quickly as possible. Be sure you research a commercial restoration partner in your area that you can call if you discover damage so they can quickly take action and help you throughout the process. Look for a company that can handle a variety of damage types so you can be certain you can call them for any issues that may arise.

*If you have commercial property damage, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to be your go-to restoration choice. Our restoration technicians are IICRC trained and are equipped with industry leading drying technology. Contact us today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our business restoration services and how we can help.

A Winter Prep Checklist in the South | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

a close-up image of a wiper blade wiping away condensation on a car wind shield If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta for fast, restorative solutions.

“Walking in a Winter Wonderland” might be playing on the radio, but it’s unusual to see it actually impacting our area this time of year. States to our north frequently see bitter cold and wintry precipitation by the time December rolls around, making it essential to prepare ahead to weather the storm, so to speak.

But even here in the south, it’s important to take steps to ensure your family and your house stay safe and secure as colder weather sets in. Start with these tips:

- Service Your HVAC - Even if we don’t hit below-freezing temperatures, we certainly turn on the heat! (We don’t know about you, but we already have.) If you haven’t had the HVAC unit inspected in a while, it’s a good idea to have a maintenance check performed. This can help ensure the unit runs properly and efficiently, while also ensuring it’s not a fire hazard.

- Make Time for Roof, Gutter and Chimney Maintenance - While it can get downright chilly here, it’s not often that we see snow. Rain falls throughout the year here meaning that Mother Nature is always catching us by surprise. Because we aren’t ever sure of what the weather is going to do, it’s important that you always stay prepared for any type of weather. Inspect your gutters and ensure they are free of debris. Check your roof missing shingles or damaged flashing to help protect your home from any leaks.

- Insulate and Seal - By insulating your attic and getting a good seal on your windows, you can help prevent cold coming into your home. Another added benefit is it can help you save on your electric bill.

- Maintain Your Vehicle - Just like your home, you vehicle needs to be a safe place, too. Make sure you have new windshield wipers, that your tires are in good condition and that your battery is charged. It’s also a good idea to always keep an emergency safety kit in your vehicle.

If winter weather or unexpected flooding causes water to damage your home, we’re always here to help. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta to see how quick and easy it is to let the pros handle your cleanup and recovery.

¿Qué pasos debe tomar si tiene un incendio en su negocio | SERVPRO del Sur de Atlanta

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Si bien la mayoría de las personas comprenden los pasos adecuados para prevenir un incendio en su hogar, como instalar detectores de humo y tener extintores de incendios a mano, no es raro que los dueños de negocios no piensen en estos mismos problemas en el lugar de trabajo. Es tan probable que ocurran incendios en una empresa como en una casa, y cuando se considera que el 60% de las empresas no pueden recuperarse de un incendio, es inteligente pensar con anticipación cómo se recupera.

Si bien la prevención es una táctica clave para reducir la probabilidad de que su empresa tenga que cerrar por un incendio, también es importante tener un plan para las secuelas por si acaso. Comprender cómo hacer frente a los daños causados ??por un incendio puede ayudar a su empresa a recuperarse más rápidamente, reduciendo el tiempo de inactividad y limitando el impacto financiero que el evento tiene en su empresa. A continuación, veremos un plan de juego para después de un incendio comercial para que pueda estar preparado.

¿Cómo recuperarse de un incendio en su empresa?

| Comuníquese con su compañía de seguros | Como ocurre con cualquier tipo de daño, después de un incendio, comunicarse con su compañía de seguros es uno de los primeros elementos que debe abordar. El proceso de reclamaciones puede llevar mucho tiempo, por lo que avisarles lo antes posible puede poner en marcha la reclamación para que pueda recibir los fondos elegibles más rápidamente.

| Documentar lo que está dañado | Es importante no entrar al edificio hasta que los bomberos locales le den luz verde, así que asegúrese de consultar con ellos antes de entra al edificio para documentar el daño. Sin embargo, una vez que pueda entrar de manera segura, tome fotografías y tome notas de todo lo que está dañado para tenerlo en sus archivos.

| Póngase en contacto con su empresa de restauración | Tener una empresa de restauración confiable a la que llamar después de un incendio comercial es clave, ya que será una de sus primeras llamadas después. Cuanto más rápido pueda iniciar el proceso de restauración, más rápido podrá volver a abrir. Asegúrese de elegir una empresa con la que trabajar con suficiente antelación y busque aspectos clave como la disponibilidad 24 horas al día, los 7 días de la semana y la experiencia con el negocio específico de daños por incendios.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta plan Listo de Emergencia para propiedades comerciales 

Designe a SERVPRO of South Atlanta como su proveedor de servicios de restauración preferido en su personalizado Plan Listo de Emergencia de SERVPRO preparación para emergencias de SERVPRO personalizado, y su empresa recibirá el beneficio de más de 40 años de experiencia en la reducción del impacto de cualquier desastre natural, provocado por el hombre o por incendios accidentales. SERVPRO es líder en respuesta a daños por agua y fuego y puede ayudarlo a que su negocio vuelva a funcionar rápidamente.

* Si su propiedad comercial sufre daños por humo o fuego, SERVPRO of South Atlanta es el equipo en el que puede confiar para ayudar a que su negocio se recupere. Comuníquese con nosotros al (404) 505-1760 hoy o visite www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com para obtener más información sobre nuestros servicios de restauración y cómo podemos ayudar. 

What Steps to Take if You Have a Fire at your Business | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher used in office fire SERVPRO of South Atlanta is her to help if your business is facing smoke or fire damage. We're here to help 24-hours a day...every day.

While most people understand the proper steps to preventing a fire in their home, such as installing smoke detectors and keeping fire extinguishers handy, it is not uncommon for business owners to not think through these same issues for the workplace. Fires are as likely to happen at a business as at a home, and when you consider that 60% of businesses can’t recover from a fire, it is smart to think ahead for how you would bounce back.

While prevention is a key tactic in reducing the likelihood that your business will have to close for a fire, it is also important to have a plan for the aftermath just in case. Understanding how to cope with fire damage can help your business recover more quickly, reducing downtime and limiting the financial impact the event has on your business. Below, we will look at a game plan for after a commercial fire so you can be prepared.

How to Recover From a Fire At Your Business

| Reach Out to Your Insurance Company | As is the case with any sort of damage, after a fire, reaching out to your insurance company is one of the first items you should tackle. The claims process can be time-consuming, so giving them a heads-up as quickly as possible can set the claim in motion so you can receive any eligible funds more quickly.

| Document What is Damaged | It is important to not go into the building until local fire officials give you the green light, so be sure to check with them before entering the building to document the damage. However, once you are able to go inside safely, take pictures and notes of all that is damaged so you have it for your records.

| Get in Touch With Your Restoration Company | Having a reliable restoration company to call after a commercial fire is key, as they will be one of your first calls in the aftermath. The quicker you can start the restoration process, the quicker you will likely be able to reopen. Make sure you choose a company to work with well in advance, and look for key things such as 24/7 availability and experience with business-specific damages from fires.

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan for Commercial Properties 

Designate SERVPRO of South Atlanta as your preferred restoration service provider in your personalized SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan (ERP), and your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural, man-made or accidental fire disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your business back in working order.


*If your commercial property experiences smoke or fire damage, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the team you can rely on to help your business recover. Contact us at (404) 505-1760 today or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our restoration services and how we are able to help.

The Problem of House Fires & What Causes Them | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

a firefighter battling a fire with a water hose in hand Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here for you if your home is affected by fire.

Owning a home is a great way to invest in your future and your family. That’s why we must do everything we can to protect our investment. But despite decades of ad campaigns promoting fire safety, we still see more than a quarter of all reported fires occurring in homes.

That’s why we’re taking a few minutes to step through the most common causes of house fires. Let’s work together to get those numbers down.

| Cooking | 

Something as simple as cooking dinner can be a risk for house fires. Almost half of all house fires begin in the kitchen, and most come from unattended cooking. The best thing you can do while cooking is to remain in the kitchen the entire time when using the oven, stove or a grill.

| Heating Equipment | 

Fewer and fewer house fires start because of heating equipment, but it’s still the reason for 14% of house fires. These fires can result from a piece of equipment malfunctioning or being placed too close to something flammable. Portable space heaters are the main culprit, so it’s imperative to pay close attention when using them.

| Electrical Fires | 

Electrical fires are more common in older homes, but because of frayed wires or faulty outlets, they can happen in any home. Take care to never overload electrical outlets, and avoid using frayed wires or cords. If your house is relatively old, have the electrical system inspected regularly.

| Intentional Fires | 

There are more than 28,000 intentional home fires started every year. And by intentional, we mean they have been purposefully set with the intention of destruction, as opposed to a fire set for another purpose getting out of hand.

| Smoking Materials |

 Despite items like cigarettes being responsible for only 5% of house fires, they are the leading cause of civilian fire deaths. Oftentimes these fires are started because cigarettes or ashes are left burning when people fall asleep.

*Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here for you if your home is affected by fire or smoke damage. Contact your locally owned SERVPRO team, SERVPRO of South Atlanta today at (404) 505-1760 for immediate service or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to see how we can help.

How to Know if You Need a Water Restoration Team for Your Home | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

mold growth on window seal Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your home or business suffers water damage. We make water damage "Like it never even happened."

While water damage is something that no homeowner would like to experience, unfortunately, it is something that many people will have to deal with at some point or another. Water is a powerful force, and over time, it can make its way into a variety of areas and create little leaks that can cause big issues.

If you suspect you have water damage on your hands, knowing what to do about it is key. Acting fast is one of the best ways to reduce the damage that water can cause in your home, as any issues will become exacerbated with time.

So, how do you know when to call in a professional to take a look at your water damage? Watch out for the tell-tale signs listed below.

How Will I Know if I Should Call in Professionals for My Water Damage?

| You Suspect Mold is Growing | While water damage is inconvenient by itself, mold growth can make any issue far worse for your household. Mold is linked to serious health effects, and to properly get rid of it, you have to get a professional mold remediation team on the case. Signs of mold include musty odors and discoloration that appears to be getting larger with time, so if you notice any of these, be sure to call in a professional.

| You Have a Hunch About Hidden Water Damage | Water damage can hide in a variety of places, and not all of them will be immediately evident. Because water damage is so sneaky, it can be hidden behind walls, under appliances and in the structural elements of a home. Professional water restoration teams will come equipped with moisture detection equipment so they can determine exactly where the water damage might be hiding.

| You Have a Basement or Crawlspace With Moisture Issues | Unfortunately, because water can work its way into the tiniest of areas, water damage can return time and time again. If you are struggling with water damage around your home’s foundation, having it properly handled is a must—not only can this impact the structural integrity of your home, but it can also lead to a repeat issue if it is not handled properly the first time.

*If you live in the Atlanta Metro, and have a water, fire or mold issue that needs professional restoration attention, you can count on SERVPRO of South Atlanta. Get in touch with us today at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our services.

All Businesses Deserve Exceptional Cleaning | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee in PPE prepping an area for cleaning Are you ready to have one of the cleanest businesses in Atlanta? Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta for all your cleaning needs.

Homeowners know that after a disaster or accident, SERVPRO is who to contact for restoration services! But did you know that we help business owners, too?

SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers business owners the same restoration services that we provide to homeowners and we also offer specialized services specifically for businesses! Like helping you keep your facility clean and well represented.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Kind or Size

Business owners don’t need any additional things on their plates! That’s why we focus on making your facility beautifully clean and sanitized so you can keep your eye on keeping the business running smoothly. We help businesses of all kinds, including:

Retail facilities, such as specialty retail, malls and supermarkets. All kinds of businesses, no matter the size, deserve the same respect! And we are committed to providing everyone with the same high-quality service.

Educational facilities, such as athletic performance centers, daycares and schools. These types of facilities see a lot of people during their business hours, which is why cleanliness is essential. Studies show that only half of bacteria is removed from desks when students and teachers clean, and the numbers are much worse for items that don’t receive daily cleanings.

Health facilities, such as assisted living centers, hospice facilities and hospitals. It’s mandated that health facilities meet specific requirements for cleanliness, but with SERVPRO there to help, we not only meet them—we exceed them! We can ensure that we will go above and beyond the CDC standards as well.

Foodservice facilities, such as manufacturing and distribution centers, bakeries and restaurants. When food is involved, cleanliness is required. Take advantage of SERVPRO by letting us do the dirty work for you.

Property management, such as commercial complexes, apartment buildings and multi-level high rises. The lobby of such facilities is the face of the company! We provide exceptional environmental cleanliness and sanitation services.

Workplaces lose up to an astounding $260 billion per year in lost productivity from sick employees. We can help you get rid of germs and provide your employees with a clean and healthy work environment.

Find your local SERVPRO Cleaning & Restoration Service Provider...Click here!

*When you’re ready to be one of the cleanest businesses in Atlanta, the team a SERVPRO of South Atlanta is ready to help. Contact us at (404) 505-1760 to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

What are the Dangers Associated with Thunderstorms? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Stormy sky backdrop with SERVPRO of South Atlanta Logo SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help you recover and restore your property after storm damage. Call us today at 404-505-1760 for immediate help.

Thunderstorms are an extremely common weather occurrence, with about 100,000 happening in the United States every year. As anyone who has lived in Atlanta can attest to, thunderstorms can happen with some regularity, especially in the warmer months of the year where conditions are ripe for them to form. However, the fact that thunderstorms are common does not mean they are not dangerous. 

While most thunderstorms are fairly mild, severe storms can happen suddenly and cause a variety of safety concerns for anyone in their path. That is why it is so important to be aware of the dangers that are associated with thunderstorms so that you can be better prepared the next time one is in the forecast.

Why Are Thunderstorms Such a Dangerous Thing?

| Lightning Strikes are a Serious Hazard | Any time there is a thunderstorm present, there will be lightning involved—in fact, lightning is actually what causes thunder in the first place. This is part of the reason why lightning strikes are fairly common, and they can be quite dangerous. Lightning strikes cause Americans over 300 injuries every year, and in many cases, the damage they do can be deadly. Additionally, lightning can cause serious property damage such as fallen trees and household fires.

| Flash Floods are Often Deadly | Flash flooding can occur any time there are heavy rains, and they are often unpredictable. Overwhelmed storm drainage systems, rising bodies of water or poorly designed roads are often causes of flash flooding, which can put anyone near the area in harm’s way. It is vital to never walk or drive through a flooded area, as only a few inches of water can cause major dangers.

| Wind Damage Can Be Deadly | While tornadoes are an obvious danger, even severe storms without rotational activity can produce winds that are over 58 miles per hour. This can lead to flying debris and serious property damage, such as downed branches and even trees falling on the home. Before any large storm, be sure to secure any patio furniture or other objects that could become a projectile in a storm.


*If your Atlanta home has suffered storm damage during a recent storm, SERVPRO of South Atlanta can help. Get in touch with SERVPRO of South Atlanta today by calling (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information about our restoration services. We are your locally owned storm restoration franchise that has the backing of over a network of over 1,700 SERVPRO franchises. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can make your storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

Finding a Restoration Company You Can Trust | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

three green SERVPRO trucks lined up on a side street You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

When something pops up unexpectedly, it can cause chaos in your home or business. Whether you have been affected by a natural disaster or an accidental fire, you will have to make a quick decision about who can help you get your home back to normal.

When it comes to choosing a restoration company, consider these questions before committing to one:

What Do Others Have to Say About Them? 

  • When disaster strikes, you may have someone show up at exactly the right time, offering the best solution for the best price. But if you haven’t done your research, there’s a big possibility that you are dealing with a scammer.
  • These people are known to show up, take your money, then never be seen or heard from again. Don’t let this happen to you!
  • At SERVPRO, we are no fly-by-night company. We have been involved in this industry for over 50 years. We have worked hard to earn a reputation where our customer’s feedback shows that we put customer needs first.

What Are Their Available Hours?

  • When disaster has taken over your home, you need to be sure that you have someone you can call who you know will get to you right away! When it comes to water damage or a fire, time is of the essence and it’s imperative to get to work immediately on restoration and repair.
  • That’s why we have people on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because after being in the industry for over 50 years, we know that when you need help, you need it now!

Are They Supported by Others?

At SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we are locally owned and operated, which means that we have a team right here in Atlanta! We are always prepared with a team ready to act, but there are times in which there might be an abundance of damages and therefore we can’t do it alone. When our community is struck by disaster, we can call in a national network of support and resources. Once we put out a call for help, other locations across the country will be on the way to make storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

*When you call SERVPRO of South Atlanta, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

Do You Know the Signs of Household Water Damage? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

removing water damaged hardwood floors SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a 24-hour emergency service water restoration company. We have technician in the field 24/7 to better serve our community!

Water damage can mean a lot of things when it comes to the household. While water damage is often caused by obvious culprits, such as a flood or a leaking water pipe, there are also sneakier ways that water damage can creep into your Atlanta home that may not be quite as evident if you are not sure what to look for.

Water damage is an issue that should be addressed as quickly as possible, as it will only continue to worsen if left untreated. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to understand how to spot water damage, even if it is sneaky, so they can quickly have the issue addressed.

Read on for our top tips to keep in mind for spotting water damage quickly.

How to Identify Signs of Household Water Damage

| Pay Attention to How Things Smell | 

Homes carry a lot of odors through the air, and water damage is no exception. The smell of water damage is quite distinct once you know what to look for—caused by mold and mildew growth, it will often smell musty, stagnant and even a little bit sweet. If you notice this odor anywhere in your house, you may have water damage on your hands.

| Keep an Eye Out for Ceiling Stains |

If you notice a sudden splotch on your home’s ceiling, that is a clear sign that something is amiss. Brown or copper-colored ceiling stains are often sure indicators that something is leaking from above, whether that be the roof, a pipe that runs through the ceiling or a fixture in an upstairs bathroom or laundry room.

| Soft Spots in the Floors |

Often, water damage will not be evident on the floor, but it can begin to seep into the subfloor below and cause serious damage. Subfloor is designed to be rather absorbent, which means that it will soften and yield if water damage is present. This might lead to floors that feel a little extra soft, springy or spongey when walked on, which is another important thing to watch out for.

*If you suspect that your home has a problem with water damage, you can count on SERVPRO of South Atlanta to help. We are local to your area and are here to help 24/7. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information on residential water damage restoration.

Getting Ahead of Fall Fire Safety | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

a small campfire burning bright in the dark night Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

We still have a little bit of time before we feel the crisp cool evenings, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to look ahead and dream of cooler weather! Fall temperatures will be here soon enough. In the meantime, as you still get to enjoy evenings by the pool, take a look at a few fall safety tips.

Campfire Safety

Like you do on summer evenings, sitting by a bonfire of some sort can be relaxing during the cooler evenings of fall, too.

  • When getting prepared for any kind of campfire, you need to be aware and alert as to where you are going to build your fire. Make sure that it’s away from anything flammable, and only use dry wood or limbs to set it up.
  • When lighting your campfire, you should never resort to using an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid.
  • And like all good things, even campfires have to come to an end. Before you ever leave the campfire, ensure it’s completely extinguished and has been for a while.
  • You can make this happen a little faster by slowly dousing the fire with a bucket of water. The water can help ensure that all the embers are put out.

Space Heaters

While here in Atlanta we know that sometimes we can skip fall altogether, it can get chilly sometimes. Rather than starting up the entire heater, a portable space heater can become quite handy. But it’s important to take safety measures.

  • Space heaters have truly come a long way since they were originally introduced. They now usually come equipped with an automatic shut-off capability so that if they are knocked over or become too hot they will automatically shut off.
  • While this is great, it’s still in your best interest to stay aware and keep heaters away from heavily trafficked areas of the home and keep it settled on a level surface.

Halloween

Halloween is still a few weeks away, clearly the year sneaks by us quicker than we realize. While we will get into further discussion about this holiday (and others) in later blog posts, let’s quickly touch on why you need to be fire-aware. As you get ready to set out your fall and winter holiday décor, it’s important to remember the fire hazards that these items can create. Costumes, candles and décor can all be hazards if not used carefully.

*If your home should suffer fire or smoke damage, remember the trusted leader in the fire restoration and recovery industry...SERVPRO of South Atlanta. You can contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 to get your property fully restored, including odor removal that will make that annoying smoke smell “Like it never even happened."

When Water Lurks Where It Should Not | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

a leak in ceiling creating water lines running down an interior wall A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of South Atlanta team if you are dealing with water damage...large or small!

Today the comforts of home are all around us and water is one of the things that makes life so much easier. Think of life before indoor plumbing and all the modern conveniences we take for granted. We have cold and hot water on demand, not to mention indoor bathrooms! But along with today’s conveniences, we also have to contend with potential water disasters.

Educating yourself about the systems of your home designed to reduce or eliminate the possibility of water getting outside of its designated location is a smart thing to do. Let’s look at a few of the most common sources of home water damage:

  • Sinks and Drains - Sinks and drains have multiple locations where water can escape. Supply lines into the faucets, sink adhesive and caulking, and the drain line from the sink are all locations where water can leak.
  • Garbage Disposals - Garbage disposals are a great invention and definitely increase the convenience factor in the kitchen. However, occasionally, they can leak. Over time, the connections can corrode and seals can break down. Check out these tips about why your garbage disposal may be leaking.
  • Downspouts and Gutters - Downspouts and gutters can cause great damage if they are not installed properly or become obstructed. Leaves and other debris caught in the gutters of a home can quickly destroy a roof. Water backs up under the edge of your roof and finds its way into the attic and down your walls, peeling paint, ruining drywall and rotting beams. Gutters should be sloped toward the downspout to ensure proper flow.
  • Vent Boots - The vent boot seals the plumbing vent pipes that protrude through the roof to vent sewer gases. These are designed to last about 15 years and should be inspected regularly for damage.
  • Septic Tank Solidification -  Over time, some septic tanks can solidify. Usually a professional will have to come out and empty the septic tank to get it back in working condition. If your home uses a municipal sewer system, this is one water disaster problem you are immune to.
  • Crawlspace Drainage and Moisture - Today, most crawlspaces are required to have a vapor barrier to help prevent condensation from forming because of the difference in ground temperature and the air. Keeping moisture from the crawlspace is key to preventing mold growth. While mold isn’t water damage, it’s a byproduct of “water where it shouldn’t be.”

All of these systems work together to keep your home free of water damage. Catching the signs of impending water damage early can help you avoid major repairs and associated bills.

If your home experiences a water leak, you’ve got the best water restoration team in the business on your side...SERVPRO of South Atlanta! Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta today at (404) 505-1760 so we can get help on the way or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information.

Why Cleaning Your Gutters Regularly is so Important | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

cleaning leaf filled gutters Whether its a roof leak from clogged gutters or a toilet backup water that floods your bathroom...SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help!

Cleaning your gutters is something that you may not think about all that often, but did you know that it is more than simply a household chore? Cleaning out your gutters as soon as they need it is a key way that you can prevent water damage to your Atlanta home by ensuring any rainfall is properly drained away.

By keeping up with this household task, you can be sure that you are not causing any unnecessary damage to your home and are doing what you can to prevent water damage from becoming a costly and complicated problem.

How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?

Typically, gutters should be cleaned every six months, which most homeowners do in the spring and fall seasons. However, if you have a lot of tree coverage around your home, you should be sure to check in on them more frequently—debris such as leaves and sticks getting caught in the gutters and downspouts are common causes of harmful clogs.

How Do Clogged Gutters Cause Household Water Damage?

  • Water Damage to Your Home’s Foundation | If your gutters are clogged to the point where they can’t drain water away fast enough during a period of rainfall, then the water will begin to spill over the sides—which would put it landing directly adjacent to your foundation. This can lead to serious water damage as the water may seep toward the foundation instead of being routed away from it.
  • Water Damage to Your Home’s Roof | If the water is allowed to sit inside of the gutters for an extended period of time, it can cause the edges of your home’s roof to begin to rot. Where theroof meets the gutter can be a vulnerable spot, and if water is allowed to seep in you may end up having to replace shingles and even the OSB boards underneath.
  • Water Damage to Your Siding | Clogged gutters can leak down the side of your home, putting an unnecessary amount of water onto your siding, window frames and door frames. This can lead to damage in the areas that are taxed the most, requiring you to replace them and fully repair the water damage before it worsens.

*If you need help with water damage, you can depend on SERVPRO of South Atlanta! Contact us today at (404) 505-1760 to learn more about the water damage services we offer and how we can help—we are here 24/7 to take your call.

We're Committed to Providing Outstanding Service | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

damaged furniture and other home items sitting outside of red brick house When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your local restoration expert.

We work hard every day in Atlanta to make sure things run smoothly...however, life doesn’t always work in our favor, and oftentimes life throws curve balls our way. Disasters happen, and when they do, all of your responsibilities get thrown by the wayside and new priorities take over.

You can count on us to help take some of that pressure off of you. Disaster recovery is what we know and what we do best.

Any Time, Any Day, Any Place

Disasters or accidents don’t typically happen at a time that works best for us...and as restoration specialists we know that. Which is why we have someone on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that we can jump when you call. We stay ready so that you don’t have to.

Quick Service

When disasters take over, you have to act fast, which is why we are here. Allowing damage to sit after a disaster can allow for more mold growth, more smoke smell or more water damage. Responding quickly is essential, and that’s why us being here in Atlanta can pay off for you. We can act fast.

"Like it never even happened."

We take pride in our work, and it’s imperative to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the work we do. We stay trained in recovery and restoration so that we can provide you with the most up-to-date services.

A Whole New World

Thanks to the pandemic, life has drastically changed and now people have a large focus on disease prevention. This is why we now offer a cleaning service that will go above and beyond the traditional janitorial services that others provide.

Businesses are going to have to provide a customized clean to prove to employees and customers that their health is a top focus. Accidents and disasters happen. But with SERVPRO on your side, you can focus on more important things and let the professionals take care of the restoration.

*As much as proactive planning can help, disasters happen. Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the tools, technicians and training to get your situation under control. When you need help, get in touch with SERVPRO of South Atlanta for the best service possible.

How to Stay Safe in the Event of Flooding | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

SUV driving through high water levels SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help restore your property if storm or flood damage happens. Give us a call at 404-505-1760 day or night!

An Atlanta flooding event is extremely concerning for multiple reasons. Not only is the initial damage to your home and property alarming, but floods can also cause major threats to the safety of you and your family for a variety of reasons. In fact, flooding is one of the leading causes of deaths related to severe weather, mainly due to how quickly floodwaters can move.

If you live in an area of Atlanta that is prone to flooding or you simply want to make sure you are prepared, it is important to understand all the dangers that flooding can present so you are aware of what precautions to take to keep yourself safe.

| What to Do if a Flood Is Possible |

If there is a flood watch or warning in your area, it is vital to begin taking precautions right away so you are prepared in case the flooding begins to impact you. Stay tuned into local weather authorities for current updates, and move to higher ground if you are in an area that commonly floods. Additionally, it is wise to fill up containers with water from your taps—in the event of widespread flooding, drinking water can become contaminated.

| What to Do During Flooding |

If it is safe to do so, it is wise to turn off your electricity, water and gas mains if flooding begins. Be sure to gather your emergency kit for your family in case you need to evacuate to higher ground. If you are in a vehicle, never attempt to drive over a flooded roadway and never attempt to cross flood water on foot. If you need to evacuate, local authorities should tell you what direction to head in.

| What to Do After a Flood |

After a flood, there are many different types of damages to take into account. Avoid coming in contact with floodwater, as it can be contaminated and potentially electrically charged. Additionally, check with local authorities before utilizing tap water, as it can become contaminated. Wait until you receive the green light from authorities before returning home if you have had to evacuate and do not come into contact with any objects that flood water has soaked.

*If you have flood damage, you can count on SERVPRO of South Atlanta to help you quickly. We are here 24/7 to assist you with the restoration process. Contact us today to learn more about our processes or to report damage.

Why Storms Increase During the Summer | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

a large bright lighting strike in a dark stormy sky If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is ready to make things right again.

When you think of summer, you probably envision beautiful landscapes as the sun shines! You dream about that upcoming vacation with friends and family, but what most people don’t think about is stormy weather. Summer months in most places tend to get more rainy weather—the summer months are wetter than most. In Atlanta, there’s one thing we all know is a given, it’s HOT! When you combine that intense heat with moisture in the air (hello, humidity), it creates the perfect recipe for summer storms.

Stay Weather-Aware

Storms happen, and since they happen so often, it can be easy to overlook the fact that they can become serious. If you suspect that a storm is getting dangerous or is going to be dangerous, consider rearranging your plans.

While it’s a good idea to stay aware using weather apps or local news stations, it’s also a good idea to invest in an NOAA Weather radio. Even if your power goes out, a battery-operated weather radio can keep you in the know.

Flooding can be difficult to predict, but if a storm lingers for too long, it’s a big possibility that it can happen. Flooding not only can cause damage to homes or businesses but it can also create life threatening problems. If you think it’s going to flood, stay put until the weather has slacked off.

Dozens die every year from weather-related incidents, so you have to stay aware. Storms can become scary or deadly in a matter of minutes.

Other Tips for Storm Safety

If you see a flash of lightning, it’s imperative that you go indoors, and make sure kids are out of the pool. And even if lightning isn’t present, as long as you hear thunder, you should know that lightning is certain to follow. Lightning can cause death so you should make sure that even indoors, you stay away from windows and avoid baths or showers during these storms.

As we all know, stormy weather happens everywhere, so it’s smart to keep an emergency kit prepared for your family. Make sure to keep the kit in a safe and dry place, and ensure that the entire family knows where to find it.

If flooding occurs in your area, you should always stay on high ground and avoid flood waters at all cost. You should never attempt to cross through flooded roads, and you should avoid wading through moving water. It can easily knock you down or carry your car away.

*There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help and ready to make things right again.

”Like it never even happened.”

Why You Want SERVPRO on Your Business' Side | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Commercial Restoration and Mitigation If your business has experienced a water, fire or mold damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are here to help 24-hours day, every day.

In some regards, being faced with difficulties is simply part of owning a business...but if you are faced with an emergency or a natural disaster, it can feel like an extremely unlucky chance happening. Many businesses are impacted by disasters every year, and there is no way of knowing when one will strike. That is why ensuring that you have a disaster recovery plan in place for your business is so important to getting your doors reopened and resuming operations as quickly as possible.

In addition to making sure your employees are accounted for, your business inventory is up to date and you have a continuity plan in place for continuing operations, one of the most important things you can do to reopen your doors is to partner with a reputable restoration company.

Finding a company that can handle any type of damage, from fires to flooding and more, can make all the difference in how quickly you are able to get your business back up and running in the face of damages.

What to Look for in a Commercial Restoration Partner

| A Company That Will Always Be There For You | 

Mother Nature adheres to no one’s schedule, and certainly does not care one bit about business hours. Disasters can strike at any time of the day or night, but regardless of when they do, we are always ready. We have set up a 24/7 emergency line for this very reason—no matter when you call us with your commercial damages, you can be certain we are ready to take action.

| A Company That Can Handle All Types of Damages | 

In a disaster or emergency, there are often multiple types of damages to deal with—fires can lead to water damage if sprinklers go off, while flooding can cause structural damage to walls and floors. We can handle all of this and more, so you can be certain we will be able to help with whatever calamity befalls your business.

| A Company That Cares | 

As a locally owned and operated location, we fully understand how important your business is to you because we are in the same scenario. When you work with us, you can count on us treating you with empathy and respect, because we are small business owners, too.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help things go right when natural disasters strike and make everything go wrong. We offer every business in the Atlanta area a complimentary Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). By establishing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile with an immediate action plan, you can minimize the interruption your business would face.

What is a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan? 

An ERP serves as a no cost, quick reference report of important building and contact information that can be a very important tool in the event of a disaster. Your SERVPRO of South Atlanta marketer will assist you by working with your maintenance team, if available, to develop a plan that is personalized to your business. The information gathered by our mitigation specialist will be neatly organized into an easy to use ERP information packet that you can keep on hand at your facility in case of disaster. The information gathered will also be available in digital format via the SERVPRO ERP READY App so you can literally take this information with you anywhere you go (available for free on both Apple and Android devices app stores).  

*If you need assistance with commercial property damage or need to make sure your business is prepared, let SERVPRO of South Atlanta help. Contact us at any time at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com to learn more about our services.*

Prepping for Wildfires Using Defensible Space | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

a gated long brown pebble driveway tucked next to a large brick home If your home is damaged by fire or water loss event, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is ready and able to restore your property to preloss condition.

We have all seen the animated bear who encourages you to do your part in helping prevent forest fires. And it’s important, because wildfires happen and create or cause property damage for many people all over the United States. It’s important to do our parts in saving our communities but also our own homes.

Our world is made up of so many combustible materials that wildfires are becoming quite common, and we are lucky to ever stop them at all. We can do our part by doing something as simple as being more careful. But you can also take more decisive steps by practicing fire prevention strategies such as defensible space.

Defining Defensible Space

Defensible space is a barrier that you can help create around your home. While we don’t realize it, there are many things around our homes that can help fuel wildfires, so it’s important to use responsible planting and pruning practices and to incorporate items such as flame-resistant gravel to help lower your risk.

This defensible space is needed to help stop or slow the spread of wildfire as it becomes a threat to your property. By creating a defensible space, you give firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it takes over your home.

In some states that are particularly wildfire-prone, such as those on the West Coast, defensible space is legally required. In Georgia, it’s not required, but it’s an excellent idea.

Wildfires on the Rampage

California is widely known for their wildfires that seem to take over at times, but truly wildfires happen often and they can happen anywhere. There were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020. California did account for 10,000+ of those, but the average number of wildfires per state in 2020 was right under 1,000. Here in Georgia, we had 1,699 wildfires last year, burning 5,677 acres of land.

Anything that we can do to help prevent or quell the spread of wildfire must be done. Defensible space is one more way that we can do our part.

*If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today at (404) 505-1760 to get the SERVPRO of South Atlanta pros on your team.

Does Your Business Have Insurance Coverage for a Natural Disaster? | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

water damage coverage for natural disasters Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta 24-hours a day at 404-505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information on storm damage restoration.

When you invest in an Atlanta business, you are investing in both your livelihood and your happiness—especially if your concept is something you are truly passionate about. However, in the event of a natural disaster, your future plans can easily be derailed if you do not have the proper insurance coverage to protect your investment.

While many business owners assume that their commercial insurance policy is enough to protect them from harm, that is unfortunately not always the case. A commercial insurance policy will generally cover some aspects of the damage, but often, the cost of rebuilding can far exceed the physical damage repair.

It is important to do a thorough review of your business coverage, and consider making some additions to your policy accordingly.

Smart Types of Insurance Coverage for Businesses

| Commercial Flood Insurance | 

Even if you are not in a “high risk” flood area, it is wise to consider adding commercial flood insurance to your policy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that up to 30% of all flood claims are paid out to areas that are not “high risk”. Flooding can happen due to weather, drainage issues and other causes, and it will generally not be covered at all by your regular policy.

| Commercial Windstorm Insurance | 

Depending on your policy, you may have a separate deductible for wind damage to your business or it may be excluded altogether. Thunderstorm season in the Atlanta area can be quite dangerous, with straight-line winds posing a major threat. It is wise to make sure that your business would be covered in the event of wind damage either under your existing policy or by adding additional coverage to your portfolio.

| Business Interruption Insurance | 

The overhead for businesses can vary, but regardless of what industry you are in, it is likely that you could not afford to completely shut down your business for any length of time. Oftentimes, recovering from a natural disaster can be a rather drawn-out process—and if you are not able to generate income, it can be a disaster of its own kind. Business interruption insurance provides coverage for these areas where your income might lapse so you can still pay necessary bills and not take on debts for your business.


*If your commercial property is damaged in a natural disaster, you can depend on SERVPRO of South Atlanta for help. Contact us at (404) 505-1760 any hour to learn more!

Why SERVPRO is the Right Choice to Handle Your Water Damage Restoration | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/11/2021 (Permalink)

water damaged sheetrock or drywall If your Atlanta home has suffered water damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at 404-505-1760. We are here to help 24-hours a day!

Experiencing water damage is never a welcome surprise for an Atlanta homeowner, but when you do discover it, it is vital that you act fast in order to mitigate the issue. Mold and mildew can quickly begin to grow in areas that have been damaged by water, and the longer they are allowed to fester, the worse the issue can become.

When you are determining what company to use for water damage restoration, it is vital that you use one that truly understands what the process takes and how to properly dry out the area so no issues arise in the future.

Why You Should Choose Us to Handle Water Damage Restoration

| SERVPRO of South Atlanta Understands That Time Is of the Essence |

As previously mentioned, mold and mildew can quickly begin growing in a water damaged area—in some cases, it can start in as little as 24 hours. Additionally, if you discover water damage, you will want to take action quickly so you can regain a sense of normalcy in your home. That is why SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here for you at any hour of the day or night. You can call us any time and receive a rapid response from our expert technicians who are ready to get to work.

| SERVPRO of South Atlanta Understand Water Damage Types |

Not all water damage is created equal, and unfortunately, water damage from flooding or other contaminated sources will create a lot more headache than clean water leaks. We understand how to handle all the different types of water damage, and are fully equipped with cleaning and sanitizing tools to mitigate any contamination issues that may have been caused by the damage.

| SERVPRO of South Atlanta Focus on a Restoration Mindset |

There is a reason we emphasize our restoration process, and that is because we prioritize restoration over replacement whenever it is possible to do so. Restoring your home and belongings is typically much more cost-effective for homeowners, keeping insurance premiums down and returning your home to the way it was before the damages instead of doing a complete overhaul.

*If you need help with water damage or other types of restoration, you can count on us. Contact us at any hour to report damages at (404) 505-1760 or to learn more about our restoration process.

Severe Storms and the Rising Associated Costs | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

a large yellow warning sign stating that there is stormy weather ahead When storms damage your home or business, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta to start the restoration process ASAP.

2020 was eventful to say the least, and it was no different when it comes to weather. In fact, it was a record-setting year for climate and weather disasters.

Of all the years in history for which we have data, 2020 was the most financially destructive.

During 2020, there were 22 official weather disasters, which are defined as events that cause at least a billion dollar in damages, plus so many other damaging storms that aren’t included in the statistic.

To give you an idea of how many named storms we had, the NWS used the entire alphabet and then dipped into the Greek alphabet just to have all of the storms named.

Costs Are Steadily Going Up

Hurricanes can destroy any and everything in their path, causing immense damage and large amounts of monetary damage, but severe storms are catching up to hurricane costs. The most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes.

During 2020, there were 14 official weather disasters that were severe thunderstorms, and some of these brought along tornadoes as well. Thunderstorms are so common that we tend to downplay how dangerous they can really be. But they can happen at any time and at any place!

In August 2020, eastern Nebraska had what seemed to be a typical thunderstorm turn into something much more eventful called a derecho. A derecho is something like a tornado, but with straight-line winds instead of swirling ones, combined with a heavy thunderstorm.

When Nebraska had this hit, it impacted more than 10 million acres of corn fields, which is almost half the state’s corn crops—that’s over 11% of the entire country’s corn fields.

In 2020, Georgia got the remnants of Hurricane Sally and then a month later the remnants of Hurricane Delta! And as if that wasn’t enough, two weeks later, Tropical Storm Zeta affected us, too.

Not an Outlier

While it might seem like the severe weather we saw in 2020 was a rarity, the reality is different. 2020 was the 10th consecutive year that had at least eight billion-dollar disasters!

2017 saw the highest total of damages on record, with over $300 billion in damages. And then in 2018 and 2019, there was a combined total of $136 billion in damages.

Thunderstorms are becoming more intense and frequent, so as a home or business owner, it’s never too early to take whatever precautions are possible. in order to minimize the damage to your property.

Knowing the risk and taking precautions doesn’t always prevent damage, so it’s nice to know you’ve got friends in the restoration industry whose goal is to recover your valued items and restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

Cleaning That Your Clients Can Trust | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee placing a CSC sticker on building glass If your Atlanta local business has sanitation and cleaning needs, reach out to the SERVPRO of South Atlanta Team.

We’re halfway through 2021 and areas across the country, including Atlanta, are finally starting to experience major turnarounds. That brings the hope of a return to a more normal life.

More customers are now choosing to return to in-person shopping, and as they do, they bring with them new expectations. Armed with a better understanding of how fragile our health can be, customers now want the businesses they patronize to prioritize their health and wellness.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned can help you do that.

The Basics of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned can help to give you, your employees and your customers peace of mind by taking the worries of sanitization and cleaning out of the equation.

There are many companies you can hire to simply clean your business. But the work we do goes well beyond basic cleaning. Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program uses advanced biohazard techniques and technologies.

Let’s consider the three C’s of a Certified: SERVPRO Clean:

  1. Consult - Since SERVPRO of South Atlanta is locally owned and operated, it means we will already be in tune with the intricacies and needs of the area. We put that knowledge to use, and we also meet with you to discuss your business’ specific needs. This will include details about the work you do, your office or retail space and the people who use the facility.
  2. Clean - Once you’re ready, we have technicians on hand 24⁄7 that specialize in this type of cleaning. They come out with proprietary, hospital-grade cleaning solutions you won’t find anywhere else. Using these types of products makes sure that your company is adhering to (or exceeding) the CDC COVID-19 standards. And they provide protection for much more than simply COVID-19; the cleaning technology also clears the space of other viruses and bacteria.
  3. Certify - Once our technicians have completed the cleaning process, you then get to proudly display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your business window. This shield proves to consumers that you have gone to great lengths to protect everyone inside. You’ll also receive a digital emblem to place on your website and any of your social media profiles.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your Atlanta business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

When You Discover Fire Damage, We Are Who You Want to Call | SERVPRO of South Altanta

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowner surveying fire damaged home Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta for 24-hour a day for fire restoration services. We're always open & here to help your family recover after fire damage.

It is true that no one ever wants to discover that a fire has damaged their home, but it is also true that many Atlanta homeowners are faced with this unwelcome reality every year. House fires are extremely common, and while they are always unexpected, there are still smart steps that homeowners can take to make sure they are prepared.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare yourself (aside from having an evacuation plan) is to plan for the aftermath and recovery process. Fires can be traumatic and emotionally taxing, so knowing what steps to take in advance can significantly reduce overwhelm.

Deciding in advance what restoration company to use to mitigate the damage can help you feel more in control of the situation and help you recover more quickly.

Deciding Who to Call for Fire Damage Restoration

Pick a Company That Can Handle Every Aspect of Fire Damage

While the flames of a fire can cause serious harm to a home, in most cases, this is not where the majority of the damage comes from. Fires also produce soot, which can cost nearly any type of surface or material and must be cleaned with special solutions to be fully removed. Additionally, lingering smoke odors can persist long after other damage is addressed, and damage from water or fire extinguishers can cause serious issues as well. It is important that you pick a company like SERVPRO that has experience in all of these elements in order to ensure you are receiving a full restoration.

Pick a Company That Does Not Send Your Call to Voicemail

SERVPRO of South Atlanta understand that when a fire occurs, most homeowners want to act quickly to get the recovery process started—and that is why we are extremely proud of our response time. You can get in touch with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report damage, and SERVPRO of South Atlanta will immediately begin the process of dispatching a team of expert restoration technicians out to you.

Pick a Company That Will Work With Your Insurance

As with any property damage scenario, it is important to work closely with your insurance company to ensure you are getting the maximum amount of coverage possible. Fortunately, SERVPRO of South Atlanta can handle this element for our customers so you do not have to burden yourself with yet another chore during the taxing process of recovery.

If you need help with fire damage restoration, give SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call at (404) 505-1760 are the company to call! Contact us 24/7 to learn more or to receive a rapid response to your damages.

How to Stay Cool During a "Hotlanta" Summer

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

man drinking water and wiping sweat from his head SERVPRO of South Atlanta wants to remind you to stay hydrated during warm weather and summer activities.

Atlanta has earned its nickname “Hotlanta” due to its busy nightlife, bustling economy and hot summer weather. Summer heat in Atlanta can be brutal if you are not prepared for it. That’s why SERVPRO of South Atlanta wants to equip you with the following tips for staying cool and safe over the coming summer months. Beat the “Hotlanta” heat with SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

Dangers of Summer Heat in Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta’s average summer temperature is in the neighborhood of 87°F to 88°F. This probably doesn’t seem like it would cause heat related health risks, but when the human body is unable to cool off, oftentimes heat exhaustion and even heat stroke can set in. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include but are not limited to: Muscle cramps and heavy sweating; Dark-colored urine (early indicator of dehydration); Pale or cold clammy skin; Weakness and/or confusion; Dizziness or headaches resulting in nausea or vomiting; elevated heartbeat. Symptoms of heat stroke are very serious and medical attention should be sought should you experience any combination of the following: Fever of 104°F or greater; red or flushed skin: lack of sweat or cessation of sweating; trouble breathing; fainting or seizures.

Stay Cool in Hot Weather by Beating the Heat

  1. Drink Plenty of Cold Water - Staying hydrated is key to staying cool. Not only will the temperature of the cold water give you much needed relief from the heat but it also replenishes your body so you can create sweat to further cool yourself. 
  2. Avoid Peak Sun Hours -  In Atlanta, peak sun hours are typically between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm (EST). If possible, plan your day to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during these hours, especially on days when it is inclemently hot outside.
  3. Dress Weather Consciously - Wear loose fitting light colored clothing made of materials that allow adequate ventilation and breathability. Hats and sunglasses can offer some protection from the sun’s heat and UV rays.
  4. Cool Down Your Pressure Points - Apply an ice pack, bottle of ice water, or a clean cool damp towel to your pressure points for relief from the heat and to cool your body’s temperature. The following body parts are ideal places to apply cooling actions: 
    • Ankles
    • Behind the knees
    • Elbow bends
    • Neck
    • Temples
    • Wrists
  5. Eat or Drink Something Cold or Hot - Eating a popsicle or drinking a smoothie is a great way to cool down on a hot day. Popsicles have been known to be a great way of cooling down youngsters and toddlers that may not be as conscious of over-heating. As strange as it may sound, spicy food can also help cool you off as well. Spicy foods are notorious for causing people to sweat, which as we know is the way the human body cools itself. 

With these great tips for beating the Atlanta summer heat in mind, we here at SERVPRO of South Atlanta would like to wish everyone a fun and safe summer…and remember if water, fire or storm damage happens to your property, call the restoration professionals that are faster to any size disaster...SERVPRO of South Atlanta!

Fire Safety When It's Hot Outside | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

flames and smoke from a bonfire Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta to learn more.

Every year, the warmer months bring about summer vacations, camping and seasonal celebrations! With warmer weather, we tend to forget that fires are often a part of the warmer months as well.

Did you know that spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? But the good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk.

Here are some areas to pay close attention to:

| The grill | Grills create the perfect combination of flames, heat, grease and gas, which can make things escalate quickly. Make sure you are taking care of the essentials to help prevent a fire. Verify that the grill is in good working condition, have it placed at least three feet away from everything and clean it before each use. Cleaning the grill before each use is particularly important because almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

| Campfire | Keep these tips in mind as you and your family vacation or camp. Never leave your children unattended near a fire pit. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers.

| Chimneys & Dryer Vents | Since most people don’t use a fireplace in the warmer months, this could be the prime time to do the yearly cleaning or maintenance that it needs. It can help avoid a potentially dangerous buildup of ashes. Warmer months also means swimming! Which means lots of towels and other laundry. Make sure you clean out your dryer vent pipe to check for lint buildup.

If you experience a fire, know that SERVPRO of South Atlanta has technicians on hand 247! These technicians are ready and waiting, no matter the cause of fire, to help you have it cleaned up. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta today to talk with a specialist.

Even a Small Fire Can Cause Odors for Years to Come | Fire Restoration

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Craftsman style home after rainstorm at sunrise SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help 24-hours a day. If your home has experienced smoke or fire damage call us at 404-505-1760.

Any fire in your home is a bad situation to have to deal with. But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster twice over. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home and cause odors that may resurface for years.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta fire restoration professionals understand how disruptive fire can be for you and your entire family. For this reason SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals offer 24-hour emergency response, and under normal circumstances, will have trained, uniformed technicians on-site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services (in most cases SERVPRO professionals will arrive on-site within two hours because we know how crucial a speedy response can be to a fire restoration project). By responding quickly with a full line of fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can help you regain control quickly while deodorizing and protecting your home and belongings. 

Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home can create unpleasant and permanent problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residue and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damage is often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves.

Trained and Equipped to Find the Source of Odor and Remove Them

All of your restorable items in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and so much more. SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of odor and remove them.

Deodorization Process

SERVPRO of South Atlanta fire restoration professionals are trained and equipped to find the sources of smoke odor and to effectively eliminate them from your home. Proper deodorization is vital as smoke odors may appear to be gone, only too reappear months later.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Emergency Response Guidelines

  • Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals will contact you to arrange for service.
  • Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of South Atlanta fire restoration specialists will be on-site to start mitigation and fire restoration services. In most cases our team will be on-site within two hours of notification, because we know time can be of the essence when it comes to fire restoration.
  • Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the appropriate person.

*Before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here and one of our loss coordinators will contact you as soon as possible.

Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services | Healthcare and Educational Facilities

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO of South Atlanta to make your workspace look its very best. Our restoration professional will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes benefits like award-winning training, over a decade of experience, and exclusive cleaning products.

Healthcare Facilities

At SERVPRO of South Atlanta our professionals are trained in adhering to the highest sanitation standards. We understand that time is crucial for both your operations and your patients. Our employees know how to handle regulated medical waste and undergo specialized training to work in operating rooms and other restricted areas, always adhering to HIPPA regulations. We also coordinate with environmental and infection control teams to establish containment areas, monitor progress and make sure that all necessary health certifications are obtained prior to completing any job. Our number one priority is to quickly and safely take full responsibility for your cleanup needs so that you are free to focus on your number one priority...the patients.

  • SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s experience in restoring healthcare industry properties has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for healthcare facilities like Medical Office Buildings, Hospitals, Assisted Living and Outpatient Surgical Centers, along with Hospice and Rehabilitation Facilities.

Educational Facilities

SERVPRO of South Atlanta believes learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so.

  • SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s experience in restoring healthcare industry properties has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for healthcare facilities like K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities, Dormitories, Event and Sporting Arenas, Libraries, and Daycares/Pre-K Facilities.

Emergency Ready Program

Most businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place for when disaster strikes, but few have a detailed understanding of how to get back into their buildings following a disaster. To access all of the SERVPRO capabilities, services and additional benefits, visit www.SERVPRO.com/READY or you can click here and one of our business development managers can contact you directly.

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers commercial cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to commercial water damage and even removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your commercial property back to business “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of Atlanta’s commercial services include the following cleaning services:

*If your Fulton County or Atlanta based business is in need of help to recover from a disaster, you can count on SERVPRO of South Atlanta! Contact us today at (404) 505-1760 or to learn more or report non-emergency damages to us 24/7 click here.

Common Indicators of Water Damage in Basements | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

a grey basement showing signs of water damage SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a full restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

If you have lived in a home with a basement, you understand what a great resource they can be for homeowners. Not only can they serve as storage, as a solid storm shelter or as a laundry room, but they can also give you more living space if you are able to finish them out.

For all their good qualities, basements do not come without drawbacks—namely, water damage. Basements have become synonymous with water damage, and while they are certainly prone to it, water damage in the basement does not have to be a fact of life.

As a homeowner, you can educate yourself on what signs of water damage to watch out for so you can tackle any water damage issues that arise in a quick manner. Read on for all of our tips!

Tips for Discovering Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant & Musky Odors - Though the water that is working its way into your basement may not be dirty itself, as it soaks the areas of your basement and then evaporates, it can leave a musty and unpleasant odor behind. Many people think that this is just the way that basements smell, but really, they only do if mold and mildew are present. Even if you can’t find signs of mold in your basement, if you notice these smells, it is best to call the pros to take a look.

Flaking Paint on Masonry or Walls - If you are a savvy, DIY-focused homeowner, solving problems on your own is likely second nature—but water damage is not that easy. Many people have the misconception that waterproof paint will protect their basement from water damage, but that is unfortunately not the case. Water will certainly find its way in, whether it's through another entry point or just through the paint itself. If you notice paint that is bubbling, peeling or coming off the walls, that may be an indicator of water damage.

Foundational Cracks - It is normal for homes—especially older ones—to shift over time, but anything larger than a hairline crack should be taken seriously. Cracks can arise in any surface, from the ceiling to the floor to the walls, and can even let more water in over time. If you notice large cracks anywhere in your basement, it is likely a good time to call the pros.

*If you notice any of these signs in your Atlanta basement, let SERVPRO of South Atlanta take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here and one of our loss coordinators will contact you as soon a possible.

The Threats That Severe Thunderstorms Pose | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

heavy rain coming out of stormy clouds Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta if you experience any storm or water damage. We're here to help 24-hours a day!

Throughout Atlanta, we are used to thunderstorms rolling through regularly during the warmer months, but their frequency does not mean that their dangers should be discounted. While we all hope that every storm will pass without incident, the reality is that they can cause severe damage to people and their property.

Thunder and lightning are the basic prerequisites for any thunderstorm, and you can’t have one without the other. A storm will be upgraded to severe if the winds are blowing at over 58 miles per hour and the hail is over an inch in diameter, making the threat even more imminent.

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Thunder and lightning are always linked together—it is impossible to have one without the other, even if you do not see lightning or hear rumbles. Lightning causes over 300 injuries every year to people, and it can also cause serious property damages by starting fires and felling trees on homes, businesses or vehicles.

Property damage due to hail. Hail is a tricky atmospheric condition, but every thunderstorm has the potential to produce it and every severe thunderstorm is actively producing it in larger sizes. Not only is hail dangerous for those that are caught outside and off guard by the thunderstorm, but it can also fall at over 100 miles per hour, damaging structures, roofs, cars and more. Even small hail can be serious, but larger sizes such as those associated with severe thunderstorms can be extremely dangerous.

Harm from flash flooding. Though flooding is often associated with waterways, flash floods can occur for a variety of reasons during heavy rain. Storm drain backups and overwhelmed tributaries are extremely common, meaning that nearly anywhere can flood if the conditions are right. Floodwaters can knock people off their feet, carry away cars and cause significant injuries or death, so stay far away from any area that has rising water.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us 247 for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Overview of Storm & Flood Services

*If your Atlanta home or business has suffered storm damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today at (404) 505-1760

Recent Severe Storm and Tornado Damage in Atlanta, GA

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services in Atlanta Georgia SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help after major storm events like tornadoes and floods. Call us 24/7 and we can be at your door in no time!

It’s not every day that Atlanta experiences an EF-1 tornado, but this past Monday (5/3/21) South Fulton unfortunately experienced just that. All along Fulton Industrial Boulevard there was evidence of tornado damage. Sever large commercial buildings and logistical centers were severely damaged by the +100 mph winds and torrential downpour. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado was on the ground for approximately 13 minutes, it’s path stretched about 5.8 miles and the width of the path spanned up to 250 feet wide. Trees, power lines and roofs were damaged during the storm. In some places trees were ripped from the ground. Walls were torn away from buildings. HVAC units and shingles were ripped from rooftops and scattered along the ground. Power crews worked hard and around the clock to restore power to hundreds of Atlanta Metro homes and businesses quickly.

The following Tuesday was no easy day in the park, for Atlanta property owners. During most storm damage victims cleanup efforts, a flash flood warning was issued for all of Fulton County. Steady to heavy rain fell for most of the day adding to the already saturated Atlanta water table. Areas of North Georgia experienced rain in excess of 9” of water over the course of Monday and Tuesday, with scattered storms predicted for the next few days. Flash flood warnings and watches will be something home and business owners will need to keep an eye out for over the next few days.

*For more information about the recent storm visit www.11alive.com for more details.

If your home or business was damaged during the recent storms or tornado, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today. We can help make your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Storms can happen at any time, day or night. That's why SERVPRO of South Atlanta has teams of experienced and certified storm restoration technicians available to help 24/7. Our team of storm restoration specialists can be on-site within two hours in most cases (it will never take more than four hours to answer an emergency service call). Ready to start extracting water, mitigating damage, placing drying equipment, and securing your property by tarping and boarding up any structural damage.

Tornado Safety Tips

  • BE PREPARED - Make sure to have a list of important information like telephone numbers, an emergency kit, fresh batteries and battery-operated radio, TV, or internet-enabled devices so that you can monitor up to date emergency weather information. You should also have a tornado emergency plan outlining shelter that accommodates your family, people with special needs, pets, and yourself.
  • STAY AWARE - Pay close attention to changing weather conditions in your area in order to protect yourself and family from possible harm during a tornado. Tune in to local radio or TV stations for weather updates. Signs like dark or green colored sky, large dark low-lying clouds, large hail, or a loud roar that sounds like a freight train are all warning signs that a tornado might be imminent.
  • SEEK SHELTER - Debris will become airborne by high winds during tornadoes. This falling and flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during tornadoes, so seeking safe shelter is crucial to tornado safety. Safe areas typically include basements and inside rooms that do not have windows. Get to the lowest floor possible that has no windows like bathrooms, closets, and center hallways. For added protection seek shelter under sturdy furniture like desks or heavy tables. You can cover your body with blankets or mattresses making special effort to protect your head. Do not stay in a mobile home; they pose major safety risks during tornadoes.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Help’s Atlanta Home & Business Owners

Steven B. of Atlanta, GA - These guys did a great job cleaning up my house! We had a big storm cause some flooding in my kitchen and garage. SERVPRO showed up quickly, explained their procedures, and cleaned up the mess in no time. Highly recommended!”

Diane C. Atlanta, GA - I want to thank Trevon and Juyuan for their professionalism as they attended to our storm related water damage issue. They identified what needed to be fixed and how, clarified next steps, and educated us on the different options. They both updated us throughout the process and answered all of our questions. And thank you for your quick response to our needs.“

Bill D. of Smyrna, GA - Thanks for all your help sorting out my flooded basement and crawlspace. SERVPRO of South Atlanta was right on time, extracted the standing water, and set equipment to dry out our basement and crawlspace. Great job and a great experience having my home cleaned and restored quickly and on budget.”

Brett D. of Marietta, GA - Luke was extremely helpful and solved our problem quickly. I would highly recommend this company!”

The SERVPRO of South Atlanta Advantage

A Fire in One Room Can Damage an Entire Atlanta Home

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Fire Cleanup & Restoration SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help homeowners recover after residential fire damage. Give us a call 24/7 we are always open!

National fire statistics indicate that a residential fire occurs approximately every 90 seconds somewhere in the United States. However, when your home suffers fire damage, only one fire matters to you. Personal belongings are a treasure of life, and a reflection of hard work and achievements. Photographs, books, and other personal items have a value that cannot be put into words. SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professionals have the ability to help restore your belongings.

Regardless of the size of the fire event, a fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout your entire home and cause odors that may last for years. There’s no such thing as an insignificant fire when it comes to our Atlanta, GA customer’s property. So if you’ve experienced a fire loss or need to file a fire claim call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here and one of our loss coordinators will contact you ASAP! We can help restore your property to preloss condition and can make fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals understand how events like fire can affect your life. Concerns may range from the expense of replacing personal belongings to the emotions associated with losing an actual keepsake or family heirloom. Typically restoring an item will save you money versus replacing the item, relieving your concern of losing priceless treasures. SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professionals make up a 24-hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both the home and the homeowner. Our highly trained IICRC Certified and uniformed technicians can be on-site of an Atlanta fire damaged property within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services (in most cases our restoration specialists are on-site in under two hours when responding to an emergency service call). By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals can help you regain control quickly and help protect your home and personal belongings.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Inventory Services 

Content Claims Inventory & Pack-Out Services

  • Emergency Inventory
  • Pre-loss Inventory
  • Restoration and Replacement Cost Data
  • Schedule of Loss-Adjusting Software - Industry Exclusive Access
  • Complete Inventory - Total Loss Items, Questionable Items & Restorable Items
  • Electronic Reporting - Customizable Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Reports Increase Flexibility

Things to DO while help is on the way:

Limit your movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. Keep your hands clean, soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. If the power is off or electricity is out, empty the freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. If the heat is off and it is winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. Wipe down and clean houseplants, being sure to clean both sides of their leaves. Change furnace and HVAC filters, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Things NOT TO DO after fire damage:

  • DO NOT attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a trusted fire restoration specialist like those found at SERVPRO of South Atlanta.
  • DO NOT attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a trusted fire restoration company like SERVPRO of South Atlanta.
  • DO NOT attempt to clean electrical appliances (TV, computers, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • DO NOT consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. They could be contaminated and are not suitable for consumption.
  • DO NOT turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
  • DO NOT send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odors.

Restoration VS Replacement

Restoring your property reduces claims costs and saves you money. In most cases, restoring belongings to preloss condition. Many treasured belongings and keepsakes can be saved. So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the fire damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are proud to provide industry leading fire restoration services to the Metro Atlanta area including East Point, Lakewood, College Park and Atlanta.

Sometimes It's the Water You Don't See That Causes the Most Damage

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Common house hold building materials affected by water damage SERVPRO of South Atlanta is her to help 24/7 and can provide emergency water extraction and drying services anytime day or night!

Your home is your safe haven, your place of rest. But when water begins leaking, even small leaks in areas you can’t see, your home could quickly become a source of stress. The possibility of potentially harmful mold, rot and unseen damage may affect the value of your home and the health of loved ones.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta understands how disruptive water damages can be for your entire family and will help ensure the water is identified, regardless of where it hides. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency service by highly trained, uniformed restoration professionals. With top of the line equipment and time-tested cleanup and restoration techniques, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the expertise to help make your house feel like home again.

After all, when it comes to your home and your family, even a small disaster can feel like huge problems. So if a water damage occurs in your Atlanta home, just call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com/contact/contactus and one of our trained professionals will contact you ASAP! We’ll be there to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Restoration Professionals

A mop and common household cleaning products may not be enough to thoroughly clean unseen water intrusions. SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals are trained to safely clean and restore your home, utilizing following procedures:

  • Identify the Source/Type of Water 
  • Measure Temperature & Humidity for Drying Analysis
  • Survey the Extent of Damage & Inspect the Premises for Hidden Moisture
  • Perform Emergency Water Extraction
  • Move & Block Furniture & Contents
  • Inspect Carpet Pad/Carpet & Provide Service
  • Apply Necessary Disinfectant & Deodorizer Treatments
  • Utilize Advanced Drying & Monitoring Equipment
  • Dispose of Debris

A Small Leak Could Be A Big Problem

There is no such thing as a small disaster, especially when a small leak no could grow into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on subfloors, causing major problems over time. Instead of trusting untrained eyes, help ensure the value of your Atlanta home by calling SERVPRO of South Atlanta today! We have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages set in. To help small leaks from becoming big problems, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com/water-damage-restoration for more information.

The science of drying water-damaged homes can be complicated. When your home is suffering from leaks, even the small annoying variety, you want solutions. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can be your one-stop-shop solution. With the training and equipment to monitor and remediate your water damage, we have the science of drying down to an art form. Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta if your home has suffered even a small water loss, so our professionals can give you the peace of mind of knowing there is no hidden water damage.

Check-Out SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s Great Customer Reviews

Water Damage Testimonials

Lindsey P. of Woodstock, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta did a GREAT JOB for us!!! We came home to massive water damage and called Mandy, who took the reins and made a stressful situation a million times better. The team was great, responsive, professional and trustworthy. I have them saved to my phone in case anyone we know ever finds themselves in the same situation. Thank you Mandy and team!!!!”

Carol G. of Atlanta, GA - “Everyone was great and a good group of workers. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of South Atlanta!”

Phil A. of College Park, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta did a great job helping me out! The crew was polite and courteous. If any of my friends or family have a sewage backup in their homes, I will tell them to call SERVPRO of South Atlanta!”

Tom B. of Powder Springs, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta did an excellent job drying my recently purchased home!”

Seasonal Cleaning & Fire Safety Tips for Your Atlanta Home

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning and Summer Fire Safety Tips with SERVPRO of South Atlanta SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help home & business owners when disaster strikes. If you experience smoke or fire damage call SERVPRO!

With Summer weather quickly approaching, Atlanta is in the full swing of Spring. The weather is getting warmer and the days are starting to get longer. Spring is an ideal time to do some seasonal cleaning and maintenance around your home. From washing baseboards to cleaning or dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures, springtime is a great time to go a little above-and-beyond with your cleaning efforts. Periodically clearing out unused or neglected items prevents build up of clutter and makes for a much more neat and tidy living space.

Spring Cleaning To-Do-List

In every room of your home wipe down or wash the baseboards, doors, window sills, and walls. Vacuum or wash air vents, while window blinds, drapes and other window treatments can be carefully and gently vacuumed or professionally cleaned (window treatments that are delicate, complex or made of special material should probably be professionally cleaned). Sweep, mop and wax applicable flooring. Pack winter items like clothes and decorations to be stored away, after cleaning, washing or dry cleaning the items. Dust or vacuum light fixtures, lamp shades and overhead lights; be sure to replace dead light bulbs while cleaning the lighting in your home. Wash windows inside and out, ensuring a streak free finish. Sweep the front porch and back deck.

In the kitchen cleanout, wipe down and wash both the insides and outsides of the refrigerator and cabinets. Move the refrigerator and clean out behind the unit, also take this opportunity to vacuum the refrigerator coils (always consult and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions). Sweep, mop and wax applicable flooring and wipe down countertops. Deep clean your oven thoroughly then if the oven has a “self-cleaning” function, use this set in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. This is a great opportunity to donate dry goods and canned foods to your local food pantry, but please make sure the food’s shelf-life date has not lapsed. Clean out the pantry and throw away out of date food products.

In the living room, move the furniture so you can thoroughly vacuum the carpet. Dust and polish furniture and fixtures. Wipe down or dust electronics, upholstery, and lamp shades. Carpets should be vacuumed and shampooed. Hard surface flooring like tile, hardwoods, and vinyl flooring should be swept and mopped (waxed if necessary). As long as it is safe to do so, blankets and throw pillows should be washed or steam cleaned. 

In bedrooms move furniture so that you can thoroughly vacuum and sweep the floor (mop and wax where applicable). Flip or rotate the mattress and wall all bedding, including pillows. Purge anything under the bed or in the closet that you don’t want anymore. Consider donating to the local Goodwill, Salvation Army or other local donation center.

In the bathroom, clean and disinfect the tub and shower. Clean grout in tile where applicable using household grout cleaner. Wash and/or replace shower curtains and shower liners. Dust and replace/refill decorative items like potpourri, air fresheners, reading materials, and other items.

Not only can seasonal cleaning make your home look more presentable, but it can also make your home a more safe place. Update your first aid kit and properly dispose of expired medications. Make testing your checking expiration dates on fire extinguishers, replacing smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries part of your seasonal cleaning regime. You can also use this time as a reminder to review and practice your family's fire escape emergency exit plan. If you don’t have an emergency exit plan please be sure to visit our friends over at the www.nfpa.org for more information and direction.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the premier fire restoration company in the Atlanta Metro, call us at 404-505-1760 if your home or business has suffered fire or smoke damage. We are the fire restoration company that is faster to any size disaster and can get the job done right the first time. Let us make your smoke or fire damage claim “Like it never even happened.”

Springtime Fire Safety Tips

Grilling Safety Tips

If you have a propane grill, make sure that the tank is not overfilled and is always stored outside in a well-ventilated area. If your grill has not been used recently, you should make sure it is in good working order by inspecting its hose connections and making sure that the venturi tubes that deliver gas to the burners are not blocked. You should never grill in enclosed areas and keep your grill at least five feet away from any structure. With charcoal grills make sure never to add lighter fluid directly to flames or hot coals, this could cause dangerous flame flare-ups and could even cause the flames to flash back up into the container and explode. When finished grilling make sure that hot coals are properly extinguished and disposed of safely. Douse hot coals with water and stir them to ensure that the fire is out, and never place them in combustible containers made of plastic, paper or wood.

Camping Safety Tips

When building a campfire make sure to take precautions so that it can not spread out of control or get out of hand. Keep campfires to a manageable and reasonable size, ideally no bigger than three-by-three feet. Clear a five-to-ten foot circle around the campfire of any flammable materials. When setting up your tent, you should set it up at least fifteen feet away from the campfire and keep open flames away from your sleeping area. Do not leave a campsite until the fire is completely out and any coals are extinguished. Extinguish campfires thoroughly by drowning them with water or suffocating them with sand or dirt.

General Fire Safety Tips

You should never leave a fire unattended and should always have plenty of water nearby or reliable means of extinguishing the fire like a fire extinguisher. Do not wear loose clothing while tending a fire, and if you have long hair please make sure it is tied back. Keep children and pets well away from the fire, and do not assume they will listen to your warnings. Teach children to never play with matches or lighters, and make sure that everyone knows when to Stop, Drop, and Roll. If someone is severely burned call emergency services or 911.

Restoration of a Water Damaged Office Space in Atlanta, GA (part-2)

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Commercial Restoration - 24/7 Emergency Service SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help water damaged businesses and commercial facilities get back up and running quickly and safely.

This blog is a continuation of our previous blog, “Restoration of a Water Damaged Commercial Office Space in Atlanta, GA (part-1)”. In part one we began outlining the scope of work SERVPRO of South Atlanta performed for one of our commercial clients when they experienced an emergency commercial water loss. The previous blog primarily focused on the drying and restoration of “Zone One”, the lower level of the commercial structure. In this blog, “Restoration of a Water Damage Commercial Office Space in Atlanta, gA (part-2)”, we will primarily take a look at the scope of work for “Zone Two”, the upper level of this commercial facility.

Continuation of Commercial Water Loss - Office Space Scope of Work

*A scope of work is basically a list of line items that encompass each trade or service performed on a given construction project, or in this case, restoration project.

Zone Two: Drying Zone Two consisted of five different areas, including the Staff Break Room, an executive office, a large common area referred to as the cubicle bullpen, a hallway, and a kitchen. The flooring and baseboards in the areas were affected in varying amounts ranging from less than 50% affected up to 100%. Luckily no drywall was affected and the industrial tile carpet squares that cover a majority of the floor in the facility, could be cleaned and restored at our textile restoration facility then reinstalled once the structural drying process was completed.

Hallway - The hallway was 23’ long by 5’2” wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by category-2 (CAT-2) gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 119 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 57 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly (in the interest of effective restoration practices some building materials are more cost-effective to replace than dry, clean, sanitize and restore). The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Three Phoenix AirMax air movers and a low grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifier were strategically placed throughout the hallway to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the hallway was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the hallway.

Cubicle Bullpen - The cubicle bullpen measured 16’ long by 11’ wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall with an attached partitioned space that measured 11’ long by 4’ wide also with 9’ ceilings. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 173 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 17 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The contents of the bullpen were moved and stored on-site in a non-affected area to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Six Phoenix AirMax air movers, two Prochem Triad air movers, and one LGR dehumidifier were strategically placed throughout the cubicles and bullpen area to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the bullpen was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the cubicle bullpen.

Staff Break Room - The staff break room was 8’ long by 7’9” wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 62 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 32 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The contents of the breakroom were moved and stored on-site in a non-affected area to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Two Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed throughout the breakroom to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the staff break room was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the staff break room.

Kitchen - The kitchen was 14’3” long by 7’9” wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The commercial VCT flooring in the room was significantly affected by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy hard surface extraction was performed on over 95 square feet of commercial VCT flooring which was dried in place. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Three Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed throughout the kitchen to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the kitchen was dry and ready to be used. Completing the restoration of the kitchen.

Executive Office - The executive office was 11’4” long by 7’9” wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 88 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 39 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The contents of the executive office were moved and stored on-site in a non-affected area to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Three Prochem Triad air movers were strategically placed throughout the executive office to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the office space was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the executive office.

*For more on this commercial restoration project check out part-1 of this blog!

Restoration of a Water Damaged Commercial Office Space in Atlanta, GA (part-1)

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Commercial Restoration - 24/7 Emergency Service SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help water damaged business 24-hours a day. Let us make your commercial water loss "Like it never even happened."

When water damage happens at a commercial facility immediate action is almost always necessary, not just to protect the property from water damage and mold growth, but also because commercial water losses can significantly disrupt the daily operations of the business. Disruption of the daily operations can cause deadlines to be missed, quotas not to be filled and/or loss of production time, all of which can affect a business's bottom line. That’s why SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers around the clock emergency water extraction, drying and restoration services. We know it’s tough managing a commercial facility or running a small business, so when your business is faced with water damage, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760. Let us handle the mitigation and restoration of your property so you can focus on the operation of your business. Our team of highly trained water restoration professionals will have your business back up and running quickly and safely. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has worked with some of the biggest names in Atlanta like Delta Airlines and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. We are industry leaders in commercial water restoration and we are the company more Atlanta business owners and property managers have come to trust to make their water emergency “Like it never even happened.”    

Commercial Water Loss - Office Space Scope of Work

*A scope of work is basically a list of line items that encompass each trade or service performed on a given construction project, or in this case, restoration project.

Cause of Loss: The cause of loss was an issue with the industrial water heater on the second floor. One of the water heater safety valves burst allowing several hundreds of gallons of water to escape. Water traveled along the second floor affecting approximately 540 square feet of flooring and also traveled to the first floor affecting over 1,500 square feet of flooring.

Zone One: Drying Zone One consisted of six different areas, including the lounge, an administrative office, a large common area referred to as the cubicle bullpen, a hallway, one manager's office, and a file room. The flooring and baseboards in the areas were affected in varying amounts ranging from 10% affected up to 100%. Luckily no drywall was affected and the industrial tile carpet squares that cover a majority of the floor in the facility, could be cleaned and restored at our textile restoration facility then reinstalled once the structural drying process was completed.

Lounge - The lounge was 12’2” long by 8’2” wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by category-2 (CAT-2) gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 100 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 40 linear feet of baseboard was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly (in the interest of effective restoration practices some building materials are more cost-effective to replace than dry, clean, sanitize and restore). The contents of the lounge were moved and stored on-site in a non-affected area to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Three Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed throughout the lounge to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the lounge was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the lounge.

Administrative Office - The administrative office was 12’2” long by 10’ wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 25 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 40 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Two Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed throughout the office to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the administrative office was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the administrative office.

Cubicle Bullpen - The cubicle bullpen was 34’ long by 34’ wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 1156 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 100 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The contents of the bullpen were moved and stored on-site in a non-affected area to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Seventeen Phoenix AirMax air movers and four low grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers were strategically placed throughout the bullpen to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the bullpen was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the bullpen.

Hallway - The hallway was 66’ long by 5’5” wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 179 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 45 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Four Phoenix AirMax air movers and one LGR dehumidifier were strategically placed throughout the hallway to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the hallway was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the hallway.

File Room - The file room was 17’ long by 12’ wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 21 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Three Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed throughout the file room to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the file room was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the file room.

Manager’s Office - The manager’s office measured 17’ long by 12’ wide and the ceilings were 9’ tall. The carpet flooring in the room was significantly contaminated by CAT-2 gray water. Heavy extraction was performed and around 100 square feet of glued down carpet tiles were carefully removed to be dried, sanitized and restored off-site at our textile restoration facility, so that they could be reinstalled once the mitigation and drying process was completed. Around 20 linear feet of baseboards was also removed, bagged and disposed of properly. The contents of the office were moved and stored on-site in a non-affected area to facilitate the drying process. The entire affected area was sanitized and disinfected using SERVPRO’s proprietary antimicrobial treatments. Three Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed throughout the office to create a conducive drying environment. After monitoring the affected area and materials for three days, the manager’s office was dry and prepped for the baseboards to be reinstalled along with the newly refurbished carpet tiles. Completing the restoration of the manager’s office.

*For more on this commercial restoration project check out part-2 of this blog!

Why More State Farm Insurance Customers, Adjusters, & Agents Choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a preferred vendor for State Farm SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a preferred vendor for State Farm restoration claims. Give us a call 24/7 if you need emergency restoration services!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the premier water, fire and mold restoration company in the greater Atlanta area. We’ve provided industry leading service for nearly a decade, and have developed a great working relationship with all of our local insurance agents. SERVPRO and State Farm Insurance have developed a particularly close working relationship over the years through SERVPRO’s network of over 1,800 franchises, cleaning and restoring thousands of State Farm policy holder’s properties. 

State Farm Insurance, their customers and SERVPRO have a symbiotic relationship. When a State Farm Insurance customer experiences a water, fire, or mold loss and chooses SERVPRO of South Atlanta to restore their property, they can rest easy knowing they have the industry leading mitigation and restoration company cleaning and restoring their property. State Farm Insurance knows that they are being treated fairly and that their customer is in good hands, because of State Farm and SERVPRO’s pre-negotiated pricing through Xactimate and standards of service set by the IICRC. SERVPRO benefits by having a reliable source of water, fire, and/or mold restoration customers.

State Farm Agent’s Benefits of Referring SERVPRO of South Atlanta 

Customer Services: SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals will handle each job according to the highest professional standard, interacting with customers in a professional manner to provide excellent customer service. The science of restoration can be a complicated issue, but SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals have the equipment, technology, training, and customer diplomacy for any size disaster.

Customer Retention: Satisfied customers translate to a higher rate of policy retention and renewals. We thoroughly document and communicate each step of the restoration process, because an informed customer is often a happy customer. SERVPRO of South Atlanta also produces the correct claim documentation for fast claim processing.

Additional Product Sales: Satisfied customers who are pleased with the claim handling process are more likely to provide new referrals and to be more receptive to allowing you to offer additional insurance and financial products. If a large-scale disaster or storm strikes, the SERVPRO System has the resources to get to customers quickly. When their needs are met quickly, your relationship has added value.

Limited Warranty - Two Years Labor / One Year Materials: Customers enjoy knowing we will meet expectations, or we will provide re-service at no additional cost for up to two years. We warrant for two years the workmanship of the emergency mitigation service or restoration work performed. We warrant for one year that all materials, furnished by us, are of good quality and free from defects.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's 1-4-8 Emergency Services Guarantee 

  • ONE - Within one hours from notice of loss SERVPRO of South Atlanta will contact the insured to arrange for service.
  • FOUR - Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary). In most cases we are on-site within two hours of notification of loss because we know a quick action is often key to a water and fire claims.
  • EIGHT - Within eight business hours a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the adjuster by SERVPRO of South Atlanta. 

*Agents can SERVPRO of South Atlanta, without making an additional phone call at first notification of loss to State Farm.

Check-Out SERVPRO of South Atlanta Great Customer Reviews

Smith K of College Park, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta has awesome customer service. Sean came out to my home for a mold inspection, where he found no mold. He went above and beyond by explaining common causes of mold and some tips on preventing mold growth. Thanks for the clean bill of health and for the helpful tips! I will definitely call SERVPRO of South Atlanta again should I need their services in the future.”

Sally M. of Atlanta, GA - “Mandy was the first person I talked to at SERVPRO of South Atlanta when I realized that we had a disaster on our hands due to water damage. She answered her phone immediately as she has done every time that I call her, and she is extremely concerned and empathetic, and gets people moving and over to my house promptly as needed. She has been A++++++ to work with!”

Deana M. of Atlanta, GA - “Great restoration company. I have recommenced then to multiple friends, family and coworkers. Definitely give them a call if you ever need any emergency water or fire restoration.”

Betty F. of Atlanta, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a lifesaver! They showed up quickly and got to work just as fast. I would highly recommend them to my friends and family. Very trust worthy and capable service technicians!”

Other Awesome SERVPRO of South Atlanta Customer Reviews

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Commercial Water Restoration Equipment & Training

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta 24/7 Emergency Commercial Water & Fire Restoration SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help Atlanta businesses deal with water & fire damage 24/7. Give us a call at 404-505-1760 today!

Commercial restoration projects often involve several different specialized restoration tools or pieces of equipment. From large loss desiccate machines, commercial dehumidifiers and professional aire movers, to water detection equipment and water extraction tools. Restoring a property after water damage can be a labor intensive and messy job. Having the proper equipment and training is key to any commercial restoration project. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has both the training and equipment to take on any size commercial water, fire or mold restoration project. Our technicians are IICRC Certified and participate in continued education classes through our SERVPRO’s corporate office in Gallatin, TN. With a network of over 1,800 SERVPRO franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is the #1 name in the restoration industry and you can rest easy that there is a SERVPRO nearby no matter where you live!

Unlike residential restoration projects, commercial projects often require expedited timelines and contingencies that allow partial production capabilities or partial use of the facility while the restoration process is underway. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has worked with some of the biggest names in Atlanta like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines to safely get their facilities back-up-and-running as quickly as possible. If your commercial facility suffers water, fire, or mold damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we offer 24-hour emergency services and can help get your facility back-up-and-running. We have the training, experience and equipment to make any restoration project “Like it never even happened.”

Check Out Some of SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s Commercial Drying Equipment

Water Detection Equipment - Moisture detection is a major part of preparing an estimate and scoping a water claim. Scoping involves locating the area of the structure affected by water and defining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Moisture detection devices are also used to verify that an environment has been dried thoroughly.

  • Moisture Sensors like the Dri-Eaz HydroSensor II are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
  • Moisture Meters like the Delmhorst Navigator Pro are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable SERVPRO of South Atlanta to professionally monitor the drying process.
  • Thermohygrometers measure both temperature and relative humidity. Capturing these two readings, SERVPRO of South Atlanta using a psychrometric chart can calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.

Water Extraction Equipment - The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is critical to respond quickly to water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster.

  • Extractors are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following a water loss. Extractors can either be truck mounted or portable, allowing for greater access inside structures.

Air Moving Equipment - Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases. This moisture is then eliminated via the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment - By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damaged structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. SERVPRO of South Atlanta typically uses one of two types of dehumidifiers:

  • Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) Dehumidifiers like the Phoenix R175 LGR  work similarly to air conditioners.

Deodorization Equipment - To remove unwanted odors and smells that can result after a water or fire loss, SERVPRO of South Atlanta uses a couple of different pieces of deodorization equipment to leave our customer property smelling fresh and clean.

  • Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other difficult-to-access areas.
  • Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

When choosing a restoration company, customers should choose a company that is fully insured and is certified in the restoration field like being an IICRC Certified Firm. Oftentimes when customers experience a water loss time is of the essence so choosing a name you can trust is important. Why not choose the name more Atlanta property manager/owners trust...SERVPRO of South Atlanta!

Prepare Your Atlanta Home for Spring Storm Season

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Storm Restoration & Mitigation SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help 24/7. We offer emergency storm restoration and mitigation services to the greater Atlanta area.

Springtime can bring unpredictable weather patterns and events. Planning and being prepared  for severe weather is important because they often bring dangerous conditions that could pose risk for serious injury and even death. Here in Georgia temperatures oftentimes will ping-pong back and forth from temperately warm to frigid. Rainy or stormy forecasts can be pushed out and replaced by beautiful sunny days, and visa versa. Famous writer Mark Twain was once quoted in saying, “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

Thunderstorms are the cause of a majority of the springtime severe weather. They almost always bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. When warm and moist air collides with cooler more dry air, this creates the perfect conditions for thunderstorms. Spring and summer are the most common times for thunderstorms in Atlanta, GA, so it’s important to pay special attention and be prepared for adverse weather conditions during these seasons. Planning for severe weather like lightning, tornadoes, and floods calls for specific safety measures to be taken. 

Spring Weather Preparedness Planning

  • Keep an emergency first aid kit on hand. The first aid kit should be well stocked. When choosing a first aid kit keep in mind how many people are involved in your living situation (family, roommates, neighbors, etc.) and be sure to account for any preexisting health conditions that might need to be addressed. 

According to the American Red Cross a First Aid Kit should include:

  • non-latex gloves
  • assortment of adhesive bandages
  • antibiotic ointment
  • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • absorbent compress dressings
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • adhesive cloth tape
  • aspirin packets (81 mg each)
  • first aid instruction booklet 

*NOTE: Customize your first aid to meet your individual and family needs.

  • Keep a battery-operated flashlight, NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries or battery backup for these and any other essential electronic devices like cell phones, laptops or ham radios.
  • Make an emergency evacuation or shelter plan that includes a map to safety from each room of your home, and create specific plans for each type of severe weather emergency.
  • Create a list of Important personal information like phone number of neighbors, family members, and friends. You should also have your any important medical information or insurance and property information like a copy of your insurance policy or deed to your home. Also keep contact information for local utility companies, emergency services, and your preferred restoration service provider...SERVPRO of South Atlanta.
  • Sleeping bags or blankets, personal hygiene items, and a 3-5 day supply of potable drinking water and nonperishable food should also be included in your preparedness plan.

If your home or businesses suffer storm damage our team at SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help!

We offer 24-hour emergency storm mitigation, restoration and cleanup. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has highly trained technicians in the field and on call 24/7, so that when you call we can be faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is an IICRC Certified Firm with the experience and equipment to make your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Don’t take our word for it...see what our storm damage restoration customers have to say about working with SERVPRO of South Atlanta:

Matt B. of Atlanta, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a great restoration company. Easy to work with and flexible. They were prompt, professional and on time (even called ahead of appointments). I recommended them to a friend for a water damage situation and they did a great job drying out her property. I highly recommend SERVPRO of South Atlanta.”

Anne J. of Atlanta, GA - “Great weekend response time. A very friendly knowledgeable technician arrived within an hour on a Saturday afternoon and took care of everything! I highly recommend this company.”

Diane C. of Atltanta, GA - “I want to thank Trevon and Juyuan for their professionalism as they attended to our storm related water damage issue. They identified what needed to be fixed and how, clarified next steps, and educated us on the different options. They both updated us throughout the process and answered all of our questions. And thank you for your quick response to our needs.”

Steven B of Atlanta, GA - “These guys did a great job cleaning up my house! We had a big storm cause some flooding in my kitchen and garage. SERVPRO showed up quickly, explained their procedures, and cleaned up the mess in no time. Highly recommended!”

*Check out our A+ Rated & Accredited Business profile with the BBB or visit our Google My Business page for more satisfied customer reviews!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Flood & Storm Restoration Services in Atlanta, GA

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Storm & Flood Damage Restoration & Mitigation SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help home and business owners cleanup and restore storm and flood damage 24-hours a day, 7 days a week!

In Atlanta, Georgians face many perils when it comes to storm and flood damage. From urban development to sprawling homes in the suburbs, just about any Atlanta home or business could experience storm damage or water intrusion into their property. That’s why SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help make flood and storm damage “Like it never even happened.” We have been Atlanta's premier storm, fire and water restoration service provider for many years. Our technicians are highly trained and are equipped with the latest in water extraction and drying technology. Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta if your home or business suffers storm or flood damage, we are here to help!    

When a storm hits Atlanta homes or businesses, we’re faster to any sized disaster. Customers need immediate help and our quick response will help prevent unnecessary secondary damage and help reduce restoration cost. We are highly trained storm damage specialists with advanced training, expertise, and a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. Our storm damage restoration technician’s specialized training allows them to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is fully insured and completes storm mitigation and restoration services quickly and safely. We believe in active customer communication, defining our work processes, and complete documentation so there are no surprises. Our highly trained staff will provide regular updates on progress, minimize customer interruption, and complete the job properly by restoring our customers property to preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Storm Services Include

The SERVPRO of South Atlanta Experience

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's performance is a result from the best people, training and resources in the industry. We are the restoration company with the resources and experience to be an Atlanta industry leader in cleaning and restoration. 

When you call SERVPRO of South Atlanta, you can expect:

  • Fast Response...Highly trained and uniformed technicians will arrive on-site usually within a couple hours of notification (never longer than four hours).
  • Damage Containment…Timely response can mean the difference between restoring property and replacing it.
  • Extensive Experience…The SERVPRO franchise system has been a leading provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration for over 50 years. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a locally owned and operated business that is an IICRC Certified Firm with highly trained IICRC certified technicians.

Our Goal: To make you feel “Like it never even happened.”

Customer Testimonials & Reviews

Smith K. of College Park, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta has awesome customer service. Sean came out to my home for a mold inspection, where he found no mold. He went above and beyond by explaining common causes of mold and some tips on preventing mold growth. Thanks for the clean bill of health and for the helpful tips! I will definitely call SERVPRO of South Atlanta again should I need their services in the future.

Bill D. of Smyrna, GA - Thanks for all your help sorting out my flooded basement and crawlspace. SERVPRO of South Atlanta was right on time, extracted the standing water, and set equipment to dry out our basement and crawlspace. Great job and a great experience having my home cleaned and restored quickly and on budget.”

Dominique B. of East Point, GA - “Betty Marchan and her team took care of my home for myself and my 3 year old daughter after a fire. They were very professional, nice and cleaned very well. We feel much better coming back into our home after such a tragic event. Thank you so much Betty!!”

Sandy B. of Atlanta, GA - I have recommended SERVPRO of South Atlanta to many of my friends, clients and family members. Great customer service and reputable company. I highly recommend SERVPRO of South Atlanta.”

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is an A+ Rated & Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Check out our Google Reviews!

What To Do When Your Atlanta Home Suffers Water Damage?

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Water Damage Restoration & Mitigation SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call so we can help make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

If your Atlanta, GA home or business experiences water damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We have technicians in the field 24-hours a day and on call to perform emergency water extraction and drying services. Our highly trained water restoration technicians will be on-site within two hours of notification (in most cases) and can start the drying process immediately. A fast response is key to any successful restoration project. In order to start our emergency and restoration services our customer must sign the “Service Authorization Form.” This allows us to take action immediately. 

*During emergency services, sometimes we do not know our customer insurance coverage prior to communicating with their adjuster or agent; therefore it is impossible for us to know exactly what your insurance will cover. It is important to understand that as our customer, you are financially responsible for our services. Customer’s insurance deductible is payable before we start work. If for any reason insurance coverage cannot be verified at the time of our emergency service, an additional deposit may be required. 

The following steps may be completed in the emergency service, as determined to be applicable by SERVPRO of South Atlanta:

Identify Source 

  • Stop the Source
  • Check for Contaminated Water

We will check for the source of moisture in our customer’s building. The source must be stopped before any restoration or drying of the building can be successful.

Identify Type of Water 

  • Clean Water  
  • Gray Water  
  • Black Water 

We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure we restore our customer’s property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration processes we use.

Survey Extent of Damage and Inspect the Premises 

  • Survey Damage
  • Complete Safety Inspection

An IICRC Certified Restoration Technician will inspect and test the damaged area to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, we will inspect for safety concerns which may be evident. If there are any safety issues that our customer is aware of like building materials that contain asbestos, please bring them to our attention before our arrival.

Identify Signs of Visible Mold Growth 

  • Identify Mold Growth Present in the Structure
  • Identify Odors or Musty Smells

Visible mold growth and moldy, musty odors may indicate the source of a moisture or water intrusion. If extensive mold is evident, we will need to consult our customer’s adjuster or property manager before completing additional work.

Furniture Moved & Blocked in Place

  • Block Furniture

We move furniture and property contents and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet. When we “block” furniture and other items that means that we place them on small foam blocks to prevent water damage and allow the drying process to take place.

Emergency Water Extraction

  • Remove Excess Water

We remove as much excess water as possible from affected areas using powerful portable extractors or commercial vacuum systems mounted in our service vehicle.

Carpet Pad

  • Inspect Carpet Pad
  • Remove Carpet Pad if Needed

We check whether the carpet pad should be removed to save or protect the subfloor.

Treatments

  • Apply Deodorize, Disinfectant, and/or Antimicrobial Treatment

Our process may utilize deodorizers as odor treatments or EPA-registered disinfectants as antimicrobial treatments. Treatment with antimicrobial restoration products help ensure no future mold growth takes place.

Disposal

  • Remove Refuse

We will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from our customer and their adjuster. Removing wet, unrestorable materials helps facilitate the drying process.

Floor & Wall Inspection

  • Inspect Floors
  • Inspect Walls

We check the extent of wet flooring, subfloors and walls. This ensures that the entire water issue is addressed and gives our technician a better understanding of the affected area.

Carpet

  • Inspect Carpet
  • Remove Carpet if Needed

We examine carpet for damages and remove damaged carpet with guidance from our customer and their adjuster. Our goal is always to clean and restore our customer carpet but in some cases removal is a more cost effective restoration plan.

Measure Temperature/Humidity for Drying Analysis

  • Measure Temperature
  • Measure Humidity

We monitor the temperature and humidity levels to make sure conditions are conducive for drying. To dry a structure safely and efficiently monitoring and adjusting drying conditions is crucial. 

Equipment

  • Utilize Drying Equipment
  • Utilized Monitoring Equipment

Strategically placed drying equipment removes moisture and brings the relative humidity level back to normal. We monitor moisture in the wet materials until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

If you’ve experienced water damage or have questions about water damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here and we can contact you!

*Check out our A+ Rate & Accredited Business profile with the BBB or some of our Google Reviews!

Residential Duplex Fire Restoration Project in Atlanta, GA (part 1)

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers fire and smoke cleanup, mitigation & restoration Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta 24-hours a day for fire and smoke damage restoration. We are here to help!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta received a call from a property manager concerning a single level duplex rental property that suffered a fire loss on Sunday 12/27/2020. The property was a one story home with a crawlspace. The rental property was damaged due to an electrical fire that started in the master bedroom which spread throughout the home. The fire department extinguished the fire using water, thoroughly soaking fire damaged areas to insure that the flames were put out. Upon initial inspection SERVPRO of South Atlanta documented heavy fire damage throughout the home, as well as water damage in pretty much every room. Four windows were damaged and would need to be secured and boarded up. Due to extensive fire damage SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s scope of work included, boarding up services to secure the damaged windows, restoring and cleaning the property’s ductwork and furnace, removing all of the carpet, under-laminate flooring, drywall and insulation. With the property completely gutted, our fire restoration specialist utilized HEPA vacuums to clean all exposed framing, joist systems, and exposed surfaces then followed the HEPA cleaning by wet cleaning all mentioned surfaces as well as electrical wires to ensure no soot particles remain. As part of the deodorization process, SERVPRO of South Atlanta performed a thermal fogging and placed several air scrubbers in the main living areas. Finally our fire restoration specialist sealed and encapsulated all building materials, exposed studs and joist using SERVPRO’s proprietary professional fire restoration products.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Scope of Work

Emergency Boardup/Tarping Services & Supplemental Power: Once the property was deemed safe to enter by the fire department, one of SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s fire restoration project managers started documenting the fire loss and put together a game plan to restore the rental property to preloss condition. Our project manager scoped the loss and secured the property by boarding up four windows which had been broken in the process of extinguishing the fire. The project manager also coordinated with our equipment manager to have a 75 Kilowatt generator delivered to the work site so that equipment could be placed to start the mitigation and restoration process.

Master Bedroom: The master bedroom floors, walls and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke, and soot. 163 square feet of underlayment, carpet, and pad were removed, bagged and properly disposed of due to contamination by category 3 water damage. 58 linear feet of baseboards and trim were torn out, bagged and disposed of due to contact with category 3 water damage. 640 square feet of drywall and 200 square feet of insulation were removed, bagged and property disposed of due to category 3 water damage. Light fixtures and an interior door were also removed and disposed of due to extensive fire and soot damage. The subfloor, studs and roof joist were cleaned using dry chemical soot sponges and HEPA vacuums then were wet cleaned using SERVPRO proprietary restoration and cleaning products leaving the building materials free of all soot and smoke particles. The final step in the mitigation of this restoration project was to treat the entire master bedroom with hot thermal fog to remove any remaining fire or smoke odors.

Bedroom: The bedroom floors, walls and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke, and soot. 167 square feet of underlayment, carpet and pad were removed, bagged and properly disposed of due to contact with category 3 water damage. 61 linear feet of baseboards and 47 linear feet of trim were removed, bagged and disposed of due to category 3 water damage contamination. 668 square feet of drywall and 225 square feet of insulation was removed, bagged and disposed of properly due to category 3 water damage contamination. A ceiling fan and an interior door were also removed and disposed of due to extensive fire and soot damage. The subfloor, studs and roof joist were cleaned using dry chemical soot sponges and HEPA vacuums then were wet cleaned using SERVPRO proprietary restoration and cleaning products leaving the building materials free of all soot and smoke particles. The final step in the mitigation of this restoration project was to treat the entire bedroom with hot thermal fog to remove any remaining fire or smoke odors.

Hallway: The hallway floors, walls and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke, and soot. 74 square feet of underlayment, carpet, and pad were removed, bagged and properly disposed of due to contamination by category 3 water damage. 25 linear feet of baseboards and 69 linear feet of trim were torn out, bagged and disposed of due to contact with category 3 water damage. 280 square feet of drywall was removed, bagged and property disposed of due to category 3 water damage. The subfloor, studs and roof joist were cleaned using dry chemical soot sponges and HEPA vacuums then were wet cleaned using SERVPRO proprietary restoration and cleaning products leaving the building materials free of all soot and smoke particles. The final step in the mitigation of this restoration project was to treat the entire master bedroom with hot thermal fog to remove any remaining fire or smoke odors.

If your home or business has suffered fire damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760, or click here and we will contact you!

*If you would like to continue reading about this fire restoration project check out part two

Residential Duplex Fire Restoration Project in Atlanta, GA (part 2)

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta 24/7 Fire Restoration Services SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help Atlanta property owners recover if fire damages there homes or businesses. Give us a call today!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta received an emergency service call from an Atlanta property manager earlier this year concerning a duplex rental property they manage. The rental property had experienced a pretty extensive fire event and required immediate attention. We immediately dispatched one of our fire restoration project managers to secure the property, document the loss, and put together a remediation plan for the home. 

The house was heavily damaged by smoke and soot. During the process of extinguishing the fire, pretty much every room was saturated by water to insure that the fire was completely out. The contents of the home, flooring, drywall, and ceilings would have to be demolished and removed from the premises. Four windows were also broken while extinguishing the fire and would have to be boarded up to secure the property.

Due to extensive fire damage SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s scope of work included, board-up services to secure the damaged windows, restoring and cleaning the property’s ductwork and furnace, removing all of the carpet, under-laminate flooring, drywall and insulation. With the property completely gutted, our fire restoration specialist utilized HEPA vacuums to clean all exposed framing, joist systems, and exposed surfaces then followed the HEPA cleaning by wet cleaning all mentioned surfaces as well as electrical wires to ensure no soot particles remain. As part of the deodorization process, SERVPRO of South Atlanta performed a thermal fogging and placed several air scrubbers in the main living areas. Finally our fire restoration specialist sealed and encapsulated all building materials, exposed studs and joist using SERVPRO’s proprietary professional fire restoration products. 

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Scope of Work

Kitchen: The kitchen floors, walls and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke, and soot. Due to contamination from category 3 water, 141 square feet of vinyl flooring and underlayment were removed, bagged and disposed of properly. 45 linear feet of baseboards and shoe molding were also removed due to contact with category 3 water. 35 linear feet of trim and door casings were removed due to smoke damage. 501 square feet of drywall and 111 square feet of insulation was removed and disposed of due to water and smoke damage. Both upper and lower cabinets were also removed and disposed of due to contact with category 3 water and extensive smoke damage. Appliances and building materials were assessed and removed based on cost effective mitigation like the light fixtures, plastic laminate countertops, double sink, garbage disposal, refrigerator, dishwasher, range and range hood were removed and disposed of properly. Once the kitchen was effectively gutted our team of fire restoration specialists cleaned and restored the fire damaged property using dry chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums to remove soot particles from the subfloor, studs and roof joist. The subfloor, studs, and roof joist were then wet cleaned using SERVPRO’s proprietary restoration and cleaning products leaving all of the building materials free of soot and smoke particles. Finally the fire restoration team treated the entire kitchen with a hot thermal fogging to remove any remnants or odors of fire and smoke damage.

Laundry Room: The laundry room floors, walls and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke and soot damage. Due to contact with category 3 water, 48 square feet of vinyl flooring and underlayment were removed, bagged and disposed of properly. 29 linear feet of baseboard and trim were also removed and disposed of due to contamination by category 3 water. 279 square feet of drywall and 160 square feet of insulation was removed and disposed of due to contact with category 3 water and extensive smoke damage. Appliances like the washing machine and dryer were assessed for restorability and disposed of in the interest of cost effective mitigation. Once the laundry was reduced to the framework and exposed studs, our team of fire restoration specialists cleaned and restored the fire damaged property using dry chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums to remove soot particles from the subfloor, studs and roof joist. The subfloor, studs, and roof joist were then wet cleaned using SERVPRO’s proprietary restoration and cleaning products ensuring all of the building materials were free of soot and smoke particles. Finally the fire restoration team treated the entire laundry room with a hot thermal fogging to remove any remnants or odors of fire and smoke damage.

Living Room: The living room floors, walls, and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke, and soot damage. 185 square feet of carpet, pad, and underlayment were removed, bagged, disposed of properly, due to contact with highly contaminated category 3 water. Over 80 linear feet of baseboards, trim and window/door casings were removed and disposed of due to water and fire damage. 589 square feet of drywall and 262 square feet of insulation was also removed due to contact with category 3 water and smoke/soot damage. One interior door and a ceiling fan/light fixture were disposed of in the interest of cost effective restoration. Once the living room’s framework and studs were exposed, our team of fire restoration specialists cleaned and restored the fire damaged property using dry chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums to remove soot particles from the subfloor, studs and roof joist. The subfloor, studs, and roof joist were then wet cleaned using SERVPRO’s proprietary restoration and cleaning products making sure all of the building materials were free of soot and smoke particles. Finally the fire restoration team treated the entire laundry room with a hot thermal fogging to remove any remnants or odors of fire and smoke damage.

Bathroom: The bathroom floors, walls, and ceiling were 100% affected by water, smoke and soot damage. 55 square feet of vinyl laminate and under-laminate were removed due to contact with category 3 water. 48 feet of baseboards, trim and door casing were removed due to water and smoke damage and disposed of properly. 302 square feet of drywall and 98 square feet of insulation was removed, bagged and disposed of due to contact with contaminated water and smoke damage. The sink, bathtub and toilet were detached and set to the side to be cleaned and reinstalled during the reconstruction phase. Countertops, vanity, light bar, mirror and interior door were also removed and disposed of in the interest of cost effective restoration measures. Once the bathroom’s framework and studs were exposed, our team of fire restoration specialists cleaned and restored the fire damaged property using dry chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums to remove soot particles from the subfloor, studs and roof joist. The subfloor, studs, and roof joist were then wet cleaned using SERVPRO’s proprietary restoration and cleaning products leaving all of the building materials free of soot and smoke particles. Finally the fire restoration team treated the entire bathroom with a hot thermal fogging to remove any remnants or odors of fire and smoke damage.

If your home or business has suffered fire damage call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760, or click here and we will contact you!

*If you would like to continue reading about this fire restoration project check out part one

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Emergency Water Damage Process Overview

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Water Damage Mitigation & Restoration SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help 24-hour a day. We always have technicians on call and in the field. Give us a call today!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is proud to serve the Atlanta, East Point, and College Park area. We are the restoration company  that can make any water damage "Like it never even happened." If you experience a water loss or need to file a water damage claim call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here so that a SERVPRO team member can contact you!

ONE HOUR:

Within one hour from notice of  loss, a SERVPRO of South Atlanta loss coordinator will contact you to arrange for service. You'll know help is on the way!

FOUR HOURS:

Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of South Atlanta water mitigation and restoration technician will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your water damage.

DETAILED EXPLANATION:

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

PRETESTING:

A SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the water damage outward.

EIGHT HOURS:

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

CLEANING & RESTORATION:

SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a water damage event has taken over. They will use state -of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH:

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is an IICRC Certified Firm

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is an IICRC Certified Firm SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help 24-hours a day. Call us at 404-505-1760 for immediate help with water extraction or drying services.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta team members are some of the most experienced and highly trained water restoration professionals in the Atlanta area. Not only do they have extensive knowledge of the water, fire and mold restoration industries but they also have years of experience working with insurance companies and insurance adjusters on home and commercial claims. We are the restoration professionals you can call when you want the job done right, the first time. From our initial Employee Certification Training program and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility, to independent certification through the IICRC, our staff is undoubtedly ready for whatever happens. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can make water damage "Like it never even happened."

What is the IICRC?

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is a non-profit organization that publishes standards, certifies, and trains cleaning and restoration specialists. Established back in 1972 as the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Inc. (IICUC), the IICRC has been a global operation that has certified more than 60,000 IICRC Certified Technicians and over 6,000 IICRC Certified Firms. Fifteen industry leaders serve as the governing board that oversees and augments the policies and procedures set by the IICRC. They act as it’s impartial managing body that shapes industries and maintains the IICRC high standards.

Why is IICRC Certification Important?

Not unlike certified plumbers, mechanics, or even doctors, lawyers, or accountants that hold certifications from organizations like the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association, to set themselves apart through training, experience and comprehensive testing. Holding an IICRC Certification aids consumers by easily identifying technicians and businesses committed to providing industry leading service through skill, dedication and training.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s IICRC Certifications

  • Water Damage Restoration (WRT): The Water Damage Restoration Technician training and certification is designed to teach restoration personnel how to perform remediation work and give them a better concept of water damage, it’s effects and techniques for drying of structures. This certification and training gives residential and commercial maintenance service providers the background to understand the procedures necessary to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold. (3 day course - 19 hours)
  • Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD): Completion of WRT training is a prerequisite for this certification. The IICRC-approved ASD training and certification is designed to teach the effective, efficient and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents, using comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, in order to facilitate appropriate decision making within a restorative drying environment. (3 day course - 21 hours)
  • IICRC Certified Firm: IICRC Certified Restoration Firms are businesses that have been vetted, trained, and certified by the IICRC. These firms are recognized for their commitment to high standards set by the IICRC and agree to operate their businesses in accordance with IICRC standards. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is an IICRC Certified Firm. Click here to see SERVPRO of South Atlanta featured in the IICRC’s Certified Firm database.
  • Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation (RRP): In the state of Georgia, businesses that perform services on residential properties or child-occupied facilities built before 1978, are required to be a Georgia-Certified Renovation Firm and Georgia Certified Renovators. Georgia-Certified Renovation Firms are certified and vetted by the EPA and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Georgia Lead-Based Paint Renovators complete an eight hour initial training from an accredited training provider like T&C Safety Training Institute and must undergo a minimum of four hours of refresher training every three years.
  • Employee Certification Training Program (ECTP): The Employee Certification Training is a program designed to better prepare SERVPRO employees for water restoration situations and provide them the knowledge and experience to take on any sized water claim. The course is completed by each SERVPRO technician over the course of fifteen days. The ECTP is a hands-on course that sets the foundation of the SERVPRO Training Program. This course covers many restoration topics like: Fire Restoration; Water Restoration; Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning; Mold Mitigation. (15 day course - approx. 120 hours)  

*For more information on Water Restoration or other related restoration services check out some of our previous restoration projects: “SERVPRO of South Atlanta Restores Water Damaged Atlanta Home”; ”Water Damaged Restoration Project in Atlanta, GA - Kitchen”; “Mitigating Water Damaged Vinyl Flooring in Atlanta, GA”; “Water Damaged Bathroom and Tile Floor”; “How SERVPRO Saves Hardwood Floors in Atlanta, GA”; “Water Damage Restoration Photo Gallery

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Helps Atlanta Businesses Recover After Water & Fire Damage

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta helps commercial facility recover after a water & fire loss SERVPRO of South Atlanta is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. If your commercial facility is damaged by water or fire give us a call we can help!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help after your business suffers a water or fire loss. We have trained professionals on call 24-hours a day, that are ready to answer your call and come to the rescue. Our water extraction and restoration technicians can mitigate damages caused by the water/fire event and get your operation back up and running ASAP. From fire damaged office spaces to flooded warehouses, and anything in between, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has you covered and can make commercial water and fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Water Mitigation & Restoration Services

Commercial water damage can cause many issues for Atlanta businesses. Loss of productivity can cause logistical nightmares and getting your business back up and running falls directly on the facility engineer or property manager’s shoulders. Let SERVPRO of South Atlanta take that load off your back with our commercial water mitigation and restoration services. Our highly trained team of IICRC certified restoration and drying specialists not only restore your property but your piece of mind and reclaim order in a hectic situation.

Our crews can extract water from your commercial facility and start the drying process quickly so that you can get back to production or back to regular operation as soon as possible. Even if your facility has been significantly damaged, SERVPRO of South Atlanta can work with your operation team to implement alternative daily operations so that your business can continue to operate and conduct business while the facility undergoes the drying process.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a locally owned business so we know how crucial it is to get back up and running as soon as possible. Every day that production or operations are interrupted, affects your business's bottom line. Don’t let water damage ruin your business’s good name, call the pro’s that are faster to any size disaster and can get the job done right the first time.

Commercial Fire Mitigation & Restoration Services

Commercial fire damage can cause your entire business to grind to an abrupt stop and if not handled efficiently and effectively can cause major damage to your business plans. Choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta, the professionals that more business owners and property managers trust to restore their commercial facilities. Hundreds of locally owned Atlanta businesses call SERVPRO of South Atlanta for commercial fire mitigation, restoration, and cleanup services every year. That’s why SERVPRO of South Atlanta has offered 24-hour emergency fire restoration services for over a decade.

If your facility suffers a fire loss our fire restoration professionals can secure your property using our boardup and tarping services. This will protect your property from exposure to the elements, and prevent additional damage or theft. Our team of fire restoration specialists will clean up the fire damage, complete any necessary demolition, remove any remnants of smoke or soot residue, and restore your fire damage property to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about SERVPRO of South Atlanta training and certifications.

*Has your commercial facility been affected by water or fire damage? Need help? Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at 404-505-1760 or click here and one of our job file coordinators will contact you!

Related Commercial Services

  • Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning program geared toward the prevention of viral pathogens. This service lets your customers and employees know that your business is committed to a higher standard of clean...Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!
  • Commercial Mold Remediation - Left untreated, mold can quickly spread throughout your property. If you suspect that your property has a mold problem call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today. 
  • Commercial Storm & Major Events - Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to the operations of a business. Don’t let storm damage jeopardize your business. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We’re here to help 24/7!
  • Commercial Cleaning - When grime, odors, or moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are the cleaning professionals that can do more than just merely clean your property. We can restore it to pre-damaged condition. 
  • Building Services - SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers a full suite of commercial building services. Let our Reconstruction Department make your commercial water or fire loss “Like it never even happened.”
  • Disaster Recovery Team - The Disaster Recovery Team is part of SERVPRO’s Commercial Large Loss Division which is made up of the best of the best in the restoration industry. The Disaster Recovery Team can help mitigate and restore your commercial property after any number of disaster events like tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards or floods.

Commercial Customer Testimonials & Reviews

Robert B. of Atlanta, GA - “This is a great company to work with! I've known them for years and they are always quick to respond and stand behind their work. There is no one else I would trust to mitigate and restore the properties I manage.”

Demitry C. of Atlanta, GA - “Fred was great, took the time to explain the process in detail. Great job SERVPRO of South Atlanta!”

John B. of East Point, GA - “SERVPRO did a great job drying my building. I am a commercial property manager in the Atlanta area and SERVPRO of South Atlanta is my go to choice for emergency water removal and drying. I highly recommend their services!”

More Customer Testimonials & Reviews

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Major Water Damage in Cobb County, GA

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta gutter tips Clean and inspect your gutters regularly to prevent water damage to your home!

Owning a home is part of the American dream. Having a place you can call your own. People work hard to afford their homes and invest their hard earned money, blood, sweat, and tear into them. Don’t let clogged gutters ruin all that you have worked for. Clogged gutters can happen many different ways but SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here with some tips to prevent clogged gutters and water damage.

Common Causes of Gutter Related Water Damage

  • Common Debris - Throughout the year, leaves, sticks and other debris can build up in gutters making it difficult for water to drain. Homeowners should regularly check and clean gutters to prevent water from pooling in gutters or on rooftops. Consider outfitting gutters with screens or grates to prevent leaves and sticks from building up.
  • Snow & Ice - The additional weight from snow and ice buildup on roofs and gutters can cause water intrusion issues from leaks to full on roof/gutter collapses. Water expands when it freezes, causing cracks and seams to expand. The repeated freezing and thawing cycle can cause small cracks to develop into larger ones that allow water to intrude into the structure of the building.
  • Ice Dams - During winter months, sometimes snow or ice can buildup along roof ridges, valleys, and in gutters. Ice Dams can form when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes at the edge of the roof near the eaves causing a blockage. This blockage prevents water runoff from melting snow from draining off the roof. Standing water on a roof can leak through shingles causing significant water damage to the ceiling and walls inside.  
  • Installation Issue or Maintenance - When gutters are hung improperly or are not angled properly, water can pool in the gutters and seep into homes. Over time even properly installed gutters can begin to sag or pull away from the side of the house. This can also throw-off the slope of the gutters causing drainage issues and water intrusion into the home.
  • Drainage Issues - Water drainage issues are one of the most common causes of water damage, as it relates to gutters. Downspouts running from the gutters should discharge water away from the structure, preventing water from intruding into home. Discharge water can also cause ground erosion, washout, or gullies. Most water drainage issues related to gutters can be fixed by diverting, containing, or redirecting the water drainage via downspout extensions or by grading or reshaping the landscape in the area. 

The best way to prevent almost all of these common gutter issues is to regularly inspect and clean your gutters. Some homeowners choose to have mesh-screen caps or “gutter guards” installed on their gutters to prevent leaves and other debris from creating clogs. You can also prune or trim nearby trees or shrubs that could be contributing to the debris building up in your gutters. As for ice dams and snow built up on your roof, you can use several methods to safely remove these winter related issues. Try liberally salting the snow or ice to encourage it to melt more quickly. You can also have a professional de-ice your roof using pressurized steam. No matter what type of gutter issue you face, it’s very important to resolve them in a timely manner to prevent water from damaging your home.

Have Storm Damage? Call (770) 424-0400 or Click Here & SERVPRO of East Cobb will contact you!

SERVPRO of East Cobb Credentials, Reviews & Testimonials 

Customer Testimonials

Bill D. of Smyrna, GA - Thanks for all your help sorting out my flooded basement and crawlspace. SERVPRO of South Atlanta was right on time, extracted the standing water, and set equipment to dry out our basement and crawlspace. Great job and a great experience having my home cleaned and restored quickly and on budget.

Matt B. of Atlanta, GA - SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a great restoration company. Easy to work with and flexible. They were prompt, professional and on time (even called ahead of appointments). I recommended them to a friend for water damage situation and they did a great job drying out her property. I highly recommend SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

Diane of Atlanta, GA - I want to thank Trevon and Juyuan for their professionalism as they attended to our storm related water damage issue. They identified what needed to be fixed and how, clarified next steps, and educated us on the different options. They both updated us throughout the process and answered all of our questions. And thank you for your quick response to our need.

Steven B. of Atlanta, GA - These guys did a great job cleaning up my house! We had a big storm cause some flooding in my kitchen and garage. SERVPRO showed up quickly, explained their procedures, and cleaned up the mess in no time. Highly recommended!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is Looking for Sales & Marketing Representatives

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is now hiring Become part of the SERVPRO of South Atlanta Sales & Marketing Team!

Now Hiring! Do you love educating and working with people? If you want to be a leader in a great company, then don’t miss your chance to join our SERVPRO of South Atlanta as a new Sales/Marketing Representative! In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make water, fire & mold damage “Like it never even happened.” We are looking for a candidate that is comfortable meeting new people, who has excellent communication skills, has follow-through, and who is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you will thrive in this work environment. Our idea of the ideal candidate is one who is proactive, is experienced, truly enjoys providing superior service, and loves taking ownership of a project. Are you highly dependable and excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then, you may be our perfect SERVPRO Teammate! As a valued SERVPRO of South Atlanta employee, you will receive a competitive pay rate, with lots of opportunity to learn and grow.

Did you know here at our SERVPRO locations that 72% of our employees have been here a year or longer? It is our ultimate goal to make this a great place to work and the better we are at helping our team achieve their goals the more successful we become! That being said we are hiring for a dynamic Marketing Representative, to help Matt and Marianne take it to the next level! If you are looking for some motivated teammates, don't be shy and go ahead and click here to apply!

Primary Responsibilities

  • Meet or exceed assigned sales quota by executing the sales cycle, setting up closing appointments, maintaining assigned contact lists, participating in professional associations, hosting lunch-and-learns, and promoting continuing education (CE) courses
  • Support online marketing departments through customer review procurement, contribute content on social media platforms, and assist in creation of blog materials related to the restoration industry.   
  • Complete Emergency Ready Profiles (ERPs) and discuss benefits of emergency event preparation
  • Conduct objective-to-objective daily marketing contacts, build customer relationships and rapport by educating them on the reasons SERVPRO® is the best cleaning and restoration company in the world, compile and maintain center of influence information., identify “Target 25” (Top 25 contacts to develop into clients)
  • Provide owners and marketing managers with one-on-one meetings (closing appointments) with COIs to encourage SERVPRO® referrals
  • Increase sales territory revenue by consistently achieving sales territory goals

Click Here to Apply 

Position Requirements

  • A minimum two years of progressive and responsible business-to-business sales experience
  • Experience with sales and marketing within the service territory 
  • Superb sales, customer service, administrative, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Strong business and financial background and process-and-results-driven attitude
  • Experience in the commercial cleaning and restoration or insurance industry is desired
  • Working knowledge of current business software technologies is required
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business or equivalent experience
  • Ability to successfully complete a background check subject to applicable law

Pay Rate

Competitive base plus commission and increases based on merit.  

For more information on this opportunity and to Apply - CLICK HERE

Why Being Prepared for Natural Disasters is Important for Businesses

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Services Commercial Water & Fire Loss Clients SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here 24-hrs a day to help your business recover after a natural disaster or any other type of disaster event.

If the recent polar vortex in Texas has taught us anything, it's that natural disasters often occur with little to no warning and have the potential to cause severe damage to your property in ways you might never imagine. Being prepared, ahead of time is especially crucial when you are a business owner. Every moment you have to be closed for repairs and reconstruction after a natural disaster hits your bottom line.

Thankfully SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help. SERVPRO is one of the leading names nationwide in commercial property storm cleanup and restoration. There is no job too big or too small for SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s IICRC Certified restoration technicians and specialists. We’ve become the restoration company more property owners and managers know and trust to return their commercial facilities to preloss condition and get their businesses back up and running quickly and safely. 

Commercial Client Testimonials

Lee F. of Jonesboro, GA - “We have been using SERVPRO of South Atlanta for multiple units and Mrs. Smith has been a pleasure to work with on scheduling technicians to come out and making sure that they are on time.” 

Demitry C. of Atlanta, GA - “Fred was great, took the time to explain the process in detail. Great job SERVPRO of South Atlanta!”

John B. of East Point, GA - “SERVPRO did a great job drying my building. I am a commercial property manager in the Atlanta area and SERVPRO of South Atlanta is my go to choice for emergency water removal and drying. I highly recommend their services!”

Robert B. of Atlanta, GA - “This is a great company to work with! I've known them for years and they are always quick to respond and stand behind their work. There is no one else I would trust to mitigate and restore the properties I manage.”

More Customer Testimonials & Reviews

We are here to help things go right when natural disasters strike and make everything go wrong. SERVPRO of South Atlanta offers every business in the South Atlanta area a complimentary Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). By establishing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile with an immediate action plan, you can minimize the interruption your business would face. 50% of businesses never reopen after disaster. Knowing what to expect and what to do are key in minimizing how water and fire damage affects your business.

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

  • No-cost assessment of your facility - This service will not cost you a single dime and will better prepare your facility in the event of a natural disaster.
  • Concise profile/document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency - Completion of the process will only take a small amount of time but will save you lots of time should you ever need to act due to a natural disaster.
  • Guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster - By having an immediate plan for action the ERP minimizes “down time” of your business.
  • Establishes SERVPRO of South Atlanta as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider - You will have a relationship and lines of communication established with one of the industry leaders in the Fulton County area.  
  • Identification of the line of command for authorizing remediation work to begin - It saves time to have an ERP in place so we can begin the mitigation process immediately, which can save your business time and money.
  • Provides facility details such as shut-off valves locations, priority areas, and priority contact information - Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Call us today to schedule one of our professional team members to stop by and prepare an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. 

*If you enjoyed this blog or would like to read more blogs like this one check out some of our other Commercial Restoration Blogs: “SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Commercial Restoration Services”; “SERVPRO of South Atlanta Document Restoration”; “Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?”; “Atlanta Hotel and Resort Fire and Water Restoration Services

Protecting & Preventing a Pipe Freeze in your Atlanta Home

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta - Storm Damage Mitigation & Restoration SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here 24-hrs a day to help your Atlanta home or business recover after storm damage and pipe freezes.

In recent weeks, Texas has shown us what can happen to homes and businesses when freeze events and power outages strike areas not accustomed to subzero temperatures. Without electrical power many homes and businesses were at the mercy of the elements and suffered major damage due to snow, ice, and pipes freezing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas facing this adversity and the community responders that are working to restore electricity and heat to thousands of homes and businesses throughout the South that are struggling during the polar vortex.

SERVPRO has mobilized hundreds of restoration specialists to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana areas to help these states recover from this once in a lifetime freeze event. Our highly trained professionals are equipped to quickly and safely take on any size restoration project and have the backing and support of over 1,700 SERVPRO franchises nationwide. SERVPRO water restoration specialists are accustomed to these types of “storm events”. SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Teams have traveled from state-to-state restoring customer’s properties for decades and have all the training and practical experience to return any type of storm damaged property to its preloss condition.  

What’s Going on with Winter Storm Uri?

How many people were affected by Uri?

  • Winter Storm Uri is an extreme cold weather event brought on by changes in the polar vortex. Over 170 million Americans were affected, ranging from the Pacific Northwest all the way to the Southern and East coasts. In Texas alone, 5 million Texans experienced power outages or blackouts for several days.  

What is a “Polar Vortex”? 

  • When you hear the term polar vortex you probably can gather that it means cold weather is imminent. A polar vortex (as it relates to the United States) is basically a cold front of Arctic air that is pushed south by the jet stream. This can bring frigid subzero temperatures to areas of the US that typically don’t experience such extreme cold. The National Weather Service defines a polar vortex as, “an area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles...The term "vortex" refers to the counterclockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles.” 

What happens when your home’s pipes freeze?

  • A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals are faster to any size disaster, bringing the latest equipment and training to help make your water damage “Like it never even happened.”

What is an “ice dam”?

  • Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas. SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals can help mitigate water damage caused by ice dams and help you get your structure back to preloss condition.

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather

  • Allow warm air to circulate around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open during cold spells.
  • Allow faucets to slowly trickle water, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
  • Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off .”
  • If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
  • Regular maintenance and cleaning of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puff-backs.
  • Make sure that your gutters are clean and secure. Debris and leaves can accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters. This often leads to roof problems and water damage.

Storm Restoration Client Testimonials

Matt B. of Atlanta, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a great restoration company. Easy to work with and flexible. They were prompt, professional and on time (even called ahead of appointments). I recommended them to a friend for a water damage situation and they did a great job drying out her property. I highly recommend SERVPRO of South Atlanta.”

Anne J. of Atlanta, GA - “Great weekend response time. A very friendly knowledgeable technician arrived within an hour on a Saturday afternoon and took care of everything! I highly recommend this company”

Diane C. of Atlanta, GA - “I want to thank Trevon and Juyuan for their professionalism as they attended to our storm related water damage issue. They identified what needed to be fixed and how, clarified next steps, and educated us on the different options. They both updated us throughout the process and answered all of our questions. And thank you for your quick response to our needs.” 

Steven B. of Atlanta, GA - “These guys did a great job cleaning up my house! We had a big storm cause some flooding in my kitchen and garage. SERVPRO showed up quickly, explained their procedures, and cleaned up the mess in no time. Highly recommended!”

More Customer Testimonials & Reviews


*If you enjoyed this blog or would like to read more blogs like this one check out some of our other Storm Restoration Blogs and Before & After Photos: ”Pay Attention to Atlanta Storm Warnings”; “What To Do If Your Atlanta Home Experiences a Flash Flood”; “Preferred Service Providers for Storm Restoration Professionals in Atlanta”; “SERVPRO of South Atlanta Can Help You Recover After Storm Damage”; “Atlanta Home Roof Damage Tarping Service

SERVPRO of South Atlanta: Fire, Biohazard & Vandalism Cleanup Services

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is one of the most trusted restoration companies in all of Atlanta. The bottom line is when Fulton County home and business owners need their property restored to preloss condition, on time and on budget, the company they turn to is SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are a full service, one-stop-shop when it comes to mitigation and restoration services for the greater Atlanta area. We handle water and fire claims every single day and can help home and business owners make informed decisions when it comes to restoring their property. Our goal on every restoration project, whether it's a small toilet leak to a major fire restoration project, we strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO isn’t just for Water & Fire Claims!

While SERVPRO is proud to be recognized as the industry’s leading name in residential water restoration, we also pride ourselves on offering a wide array of specialized services that allow us to better help our customers mitigate and restore their property after just about any type of storm disaster, fire claim, bio-hazardous or vandalism cleanup situations. With SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s ability to handle any size disaster, you can rest assured that you're in good hands and that your property will be returned to preloss condition.   

Fire & Smoke Damage

*Here are some “Do’s and Don'ts” for fire and smoke damaged properties. Remember SERVPRO always advises home and business owners that have suffered smoke and/or fire damage to consult a licensed and insured fire restoration specialist.

Things NOT TO DO while waiting for help to arrive:

  • Attempt to clean carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a restoration professional at SERVPRO of South Atlanta
  • Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without contacting a restoration professional at SERVPRO of South Atlanta.
  • Attempt to clan any electrical office equipment such as computers, printers, phone systems, etc. All units should be powered down until inspected by a restoration professional from SERVPRO of South Atlanta.
  • Operate any electrical fixtures (lights, plugs, etc.) that has been exposed to water from the loss.
  • Launder/dry clean towels, gloves, uniforms, or any other garments. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odors or stains.
  • Allow food or drinks stored in vending machines or other areas that were near the fire or exposed to heat to be consumed.

Things TO DO until help arrives:

  • Wash hands often and consider wearing a respirator as smoke/soot can be hazardous to breathing. 
  • Secure critical and/or sensitive documents.
  • Make sure access is available to all entry and exits around the building
  • Begin prioritizing critical areas to be addressed and cleaned.
  • Limit movement in the property to prevent the spread of soot particles.
  • Shut down all air handlers in the affected areas and consider shutting down units that border the affected area to limit the spread of soot and odor.
  • Ensure all computers, printers, and other electronics are shut down to prevent soot particles from being pulled into the units and increasing damage to devices.

Vandalism Damage

*Here are some “Do’s and Don'ts” for Vandalized properties. Remember SERVPRO always advises home and business owners that suffer property vandalism to consult a licensed and insured vandalism restoration specialist.

Things NOT TO DO while waiting for help to arrive:

  • Attempt to clean spills like ink, towner, paints, etc.
  • Operate equipment or appliances damaged by vandalism.
  • Allow employees or the public to track though any wet or dry spills.
  • Discard items from the damage until SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration specialists have inventoried and photo documented the damage.

Things TO DO until help arrives:

  • Evaluate damaged areas and determine priority for restoration.
  • Make a list of damages, lost products, etc.
  • Save containers that reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cleaning products, paints, etc.
  • Sweep or vacuum broken glass from flooring or furnishing where possible.

Harmful Waste (Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.)

*Here are some “Do’s and Don'ts” if your property requires biohazard cleanup and/or disposal of hazardous materials. Remember SERVPRO always advises home and business owners to leave biohazard clean up to licensed and insured bioremediation professionals to avoid unneeded health risks.

Things NOT TO DO while waiting for help to arrive:

  • Touch or handle items that might have been in contact with pathogens or otherwise contaminated.
  • Attempt clean-up of any kind.

Things TO DO until help arrives:

  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a smoke or fire damage emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. There is no substitute for training and experience. As fire and water damage specialists, our business is built upon fire and water restoration expertise. We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition. We take pride in being a part of the Atlanta community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Fire Restoration, Vandalism & Biohazard Cleanup Customer Testimonials

Alison P. of College Park, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta really helped me out in a time of need. My house was still smoking when they showed up. They boarded up my fire damaged home and started working on it the very next day. It was a matter of a few short weeks and we were able to return to life as normal with brand new hardwood floors and a fresh paint! I would highly recommend them and will refer my friends and family to SERVPRO of South Atlanta.”

Carey P. of Marietta, GA - “Very pleased with my experience working with SERVPRO of South Atlanta!”

Patrick E. of East Point - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta did a great job cleaning up my kitchen fire. They cleaned and deodorized the entire house, and their construction team did an awesome job remodeling the kitchen and dining room area. Very highly recommended!”

Angela H. of Atlanta, GA - “Thank you to the team for working hard on my mold remediation and packing of my home. My job has been on hold with insurance and when I reached out to SERVPRO of South Atlanta, they sent me to Tiffany and she contacted insurance and got approvals right away for me. Happy Holidays!”

Where is the nearest SERVPRO?

Check Our Online Reviews


*If you’d like some more information on fire restoration or cleaning services check out the following links: “SERVPRO of South Atlanta Treats Your Home Like It's Our Own”; “Why Homeowners Choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta”; “Different Classifications & Types of Water Damage”; SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s Fire Restoration Photo Gallery; SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s Before & After Restoration Photos; SERVPRO of South Atlanta Can Help Your Business Safely Reopen

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Treats Your Home Like It's Our Own

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here 24/7 to help you recover after distaster strikes. Let us make your water or fire claim "Like it never even happened."

At SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we understand that small issues and even minor damage can seem like a big deal when it comes to your home. Your home is truly a reflection of you, your tastes and your personality. Suffering damage to your home can feel like a part of you has been damaged as well. We recognize that water damage or fire losses can make you feel vulnerable, invaded or robbed of part of your life. Your restoration needs are unique. How the damage occurred, the extent of the fire or water damage, and the emotion you experience are all unique factors to take into account when developing a restoration plan of action. When water, fire, or mold damage affects your home, you want it to be restored to preloss condition. You cannot afford to let the value and marketability of your home be affected. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has helped the Fulton County community recover after water, fire or mold damage for years and has professionally restored hundreds of Fulton County residents' homes and businesses.

The SERVPRO of South Atlanta Experience

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a locally owned and operated Atlanta based company with the resources, experience, and backing of the nation's leading cleaning and restoration franchise system...SERVPRO! SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the trusted choice for hundreds of insurance companies, because they know SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the experience to do the job right the first time. We are proud to serve our local communities in College Park, East Point, and the greater Atlanta area.

When you contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta you can expect:

  • Fast Response...Uniformed technicians will arrive on-site usually within 2 hours of notification.
  • Damage Containment...Timely response can mean the difference between restoring property and replacing it.
  • Extensive Experience...SERVPRO of South Atlanta has been a leading provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration for over seven years.
  • Vast resources...SERVPRO of South Atlanta has large loss capabilities and can handle any fire or water damage-no matter how big.

Performance that results from the best people, training and resources in the business!

“The SERVPRO Advantage”

  • Insurance protection & safety compliance
  • Exclusive products & equipment with extensive training programs
  • Defined work processes, active customer communication, & complete documentation with no surprises
  • Fast, thorough, & safe work completion

Our goal is to make you feel “Like it never even happened.”

We Do Mitigation & Restoration Right!

  • Minimize customer interruptions
  • Complete the job properly
  • Provide regular updates on progress
  • Restore the property to preloss condition *where applicable

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Fire Damage Restoration Customer Testimonials

Sally M. of Atlanta, GA - “Mandy was the first person I talked to at SERVPRO of South Atlanta when I realized that we had a disaster on our hands due to water damage. She answered her phone immediately as she has done every time that I call her, and she is extremely concerned and empathetic, and gets people moving and over to my house promptly as needed. She has been A++++++ to work with!”

Maggie M. of Smyrna, GA - “SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the best customer services!”

Betty F. of Atlanta, GA - “SERVPRO is a lifesaver! They showed up quickly and got to work just as fast. I would highly recommend them to my friends and family. Very trust worthy and capable service technicians!”

Deana M. of Atlanta, GA -  “Great restoration company. I have recommenced then to multiple friends, family and coworkers. Definitely give them a call if you ever need any emergency water or fire restoration.”

Check Our Other Online Reviews

*If you enjoyed this blog or would like to read more blogs on this subject check out SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s Related Restoration Blogs: “Why Homeowners Choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta”; “Frequently Asked Questions About the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program”; “SERVPRO of South Atlanta...Not Just Water!

Different Classifications & Types of Water Damage

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Water Mitigation and Restoration Services - woman inspecting piping SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help and can make water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 404-505-1760

Dealing with water damage can be such a stressful situation. Not knowing how to handle or who to call is a common issue when water losses happen to both new homeowners and people who have owned homes for many years. Understanding what kind of water damage occurred can help determine what kind of water damage service you need. Acting quickly to mitigate the damage is crucial, which is why it’s important for all homeowners to know the common causes of household water damage and to know when it’s time to call in reputable water restoration professionals like your friends at SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

Water damage can occur due to internal incidents such as pipe leaks, appliance malfunctions, or leaks stemming from water fixtures and drains like those found in sinks, toilets, showers and tubs. Water damage can also occur when external incidents happen such as sewage backups, roof leaks, flooding or storm damage like when a tree falls through the roof or when high winds force water intrusion along windows and doors. No matter what causes the water damage in your home SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help. We specialize in both types of water intrusion events and have trained professional standing by 24-hour a day seven days a week to help make your water damage event “Like it never even happened.”

Classification of Contaminated Water   

Category One (CAT1) is sometimes considered the least harmful class of water damage. Thought of as clean water, or water that doesn’t pose health concerns or threats to humans. This damage affects only part of a room, with materials that include particle board, plywood, structural wood, vinyl composition tile, and concrete. Often caused by broken or leaking appliances or sinks.

Category Two (CAT2) is often referred to as greywater and may cause sickness if ingested due to microorganisms. Has a fast rate of spread. This faster rate means that carpets and textiles are affected quickly. The seepage of water up a wall is less than 24 inches, and moisture is held within structural materials. Often caused by broken toilets, malfunctioning sump pumps, and clogged or leaking HVAC drainage lines.

Category Three (CAT3) is commonly known as “blackwater” and is unsanitary due to bacteria and other organisms that can cause sickness and other health issues. Has the fastest rate of evaporation. Damage may come from faulty sprinklers or other ceiling sources that can soak the walls, furniture, carpets, ceilings and the subfloor. A wide-spread water event.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s team of loss coordinators that field customer phone calls are well trained and well versed in dealing with water restoration claims. They will ask pertinent questions about your specific water loss so that they can dispatch our water highly trained water restoration technicians along with the proper equipment to your home or business quickly and safely. When communicating the nature and extent of the incident you’ve experienced, you need to specify the source of the problem, the affected area (including the type of structure and building materials affected) and the urgency of which you feel you require service. Here are some tips to help prevent your home from flooding, avoiding secondary or additional major damage and could save you thousands of dollars:

Water Damage From Clean Water

While waiting on help to arrive, DON’T:

  • Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water and can not be safely powered off.
  • Enter rooms where ceilings are sagging and retaining water.
  • Attempt to operate equipment exposed to water.

While waiting for help to arrive, DO’S:

  • Shut off the source of the water, if possible, or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
  • Shut down power to the affected areas where access to the power distribution systems is safe from electrical shock.
  • Instruct people to avoid/limit access to wet areas to prevent the tracking of water and the risk of slips and falls.
  • Place any available wet floor signage you have to prevent people from entering affected areas if possible.
  • Identify high-value paintings, furniture, office equipment, etc. and report them to your SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professional as quickly as possible.
  • Identify critical or important work areas, and prioritize where you would like cleanup to begin.
  • Identify any critical or important documents that were damaged, and inform the SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professionals.
  • Ensure all electronics such as computers, printers, and toner cartridges are off of the floor and not sitting in water.
  • Wipe moisture from wood furniture surfaces, mop wet floors, etc.

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

While waiting on help to arrive, DON’T:

  • Attempt to dry out or place air moving equipment on contaminated surfaces.
  • Attempt to use household or industrial cleaning agents to decontaminate surfaces.
  • Allow foot traffic in contaminated areas.
  • Remove contaminated items from the building.

While waiting for help to arrive, DO’S:

  • Wash hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.
  • If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. *consult your local health department or physician
  • Avoid contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
  • Consider shutting down air handlers to the affected areas of the building to prevent spread of odors and contamination.
  • Place barriers to prevent access to contaminated areas of the building.

If you ever need water damage restoration contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta. Acting quickly to mitigate water damage is crucial which is why it’s important for all households or businesses to know the common causes of water damage. SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s staff is well trained, punctual, and always has our customers best interest at heart. We understand that water damaged flooring can be a time sensitive situation and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We also offer professional residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, storm damage cleanup, and many other disaster related restoration services. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is faster to any sized disaster and can get the job done right the first time. 

Check out some awesome Before & After Photos from past Water Restoration Projects: “SERVPRO of South Atlanta Restores Water Damaged in Kitchen Caused by Dishwasher Leak”; “SERVPRO of South Atlanta Can Help You Recover After Storm Damage”; “Drying Office Space and Cubicles After Fire Sprinkler System Malfunction”; “Office Space Cubicles Flooded During Sprinkler Malfunction”; “How SERVPRO Saves Hardwood Floors in Atlanta, GA”; “SERVPRO Injectidry System Drying out Hardwood Floors

SERVPRO of South Atlanta - 2020 Thanksgiving Restoration Newsline Contest

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's 2020 Thanksgiving Restoration Newsletter Read this blog and head on over to SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Facebook page for a chance to win a FREE Honey Baked Ham!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta would like to announce our 2020 Thanksgiving Restoration Newsline Contest! This contest was created to help educate the Atlanta community on the perils of home fires, and what you can do to help prevent both residential and commercial structure fires. One lucky participant will win a FREE Honey Baked Ham courtesy of SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

CONTEST RULES:

  • Comment on the SERVPRO of South Atlanta 2020 Thanksgiving Restoration Newline Contest post with the answers to following questions (this post will be pinned to the top of our page for your convenience or you can click here for a direct link).
    • What is the leading cause of residential fires?
    • On average, how many structural home fires occur every year?
    • Who can restore your home or business to preloss condition once the fire has been extinguished and smoke has cleared?
  • Tune in for our Facebook Live drawing to see if you’ve won!

2020 Thanksgiving Restoration Newsline

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As the holiday season begins and you find yourself in the kitchen more often while friends and family, fire precautions should be top of mind.

A property owner experiences a flood of emotions when a fire ravages their business or home. Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about the future of the property and their livelihood can be overwhelming to the property owner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared. After the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, Let SERVPRO of South Atlanta help you restore it to its preloss condition. Combining rapid response, the utmost professionalism, and open communication throughout the entire job process, we strive to restore not only the home or business structure, but the customer’s peace of mind as well.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following eye-opening statistics on structure fires:

  • Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes:
    • Cooking
    • Heating
    • Electrical distribution & lighting equipment
    • Intentional fire setting
    • Smoking materials
  • More than one-quarter (27%) of reported fires occur in homes within the last year.
  • Even worse, 79% of fire-related deaths were caused by home fires.
  • On average, U.S. Fire departments respond to an estimated average of 354,400 home structure fires per year, resulting in $6.9 billion in direct property damage.

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes your home or business, give the experts at SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call at (404) 505-1760 or visit SERVPROsouthatlanta.com for more information. We will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher

A portable fire extinguisher can be a life and property saving tool when used correctly. In order to operate a fire extinguisher, the NFPA suggests remembering the word PASS.

  • Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Encourage your family members and co-workers to do the same. Remember, Extinguishers do have their limitations! It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your home or facility. Refer to the next section of this blog to learn more about the different classes of fire extinguishers and the types of fire each are designed to extinguish.

Choosing the Appropriate Class of Fire Extinguisher

  • Class A: This is the most common extinguisher and can be used to put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.
  • Class B: Used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil
  • Class C: Designed for fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment electronically energized or plugged in.
  • Class D: For use on flammable metals; often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found in factories and commercial applications.
  • Class K: Intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. Generally found in commercial kitchens.

*If you’ve enjoyed this blog feel free to check out some of SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s Previous Restoration Blogs: ”Most Common Causes of Fires in Atlanta”; “Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Tips”; “What To Do Until Help Arrives: Fire Restoration”; “SERVPRO of South Atlanta's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines”; “SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Fire Restoration Process

Why Homeowners Choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

carpet cleaning and water extraction Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta any time day or night...We are here to help 24-hours a day, 365 days a year!

At SERVPRO of South Atlanta we have the knowledge, experience, equipment and expertise to restore your home, business or commercial building after you suffer a loss. No job is too big or too small for SERVPRO. Our professional team is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Our goal is to help get your life back to normal, quickly restoring your property to preloss condition. From the beginning stages all the way to the final construction, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help every step of the way. 

When disaster strikes, you know who to call, the professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. 

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your locally owned and operated franchise, backed by the nationally recognized name you have come to know and trust in the restoration and cleanup industry. SERVPRO has over 50 years of experience and has built a rock solid reputation of being the leader in water, fire, mold and storm cleanup and restoration.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta hires only the best! Our team members are some of the most highly trained and experienced water restoration professionals in the South Atlanta area. Along with being IICRC certified, our professional team of technicians have extensive knowledge of the water, fire and mold restoration industry. 

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster! We have a team on-call at all times of the day and night to respond to your water, fire and storm emergencies. Our certified professional technicians will arrive at your home or business within our 2 hour guaranteed response time. Oftentimes, we are on scene within an hour. Our trucks are fully equipped with everything needed to start the job upon arrival. Including truck mounted and portable water extraction machines and state-of-the-art drying equipment. Arriving fully equipped with all of the essential tools is crucial and can make the difference in a small water cleanup or a major restoration job. 

Our track record of results and doing the job right, the first time, has earned us the reputation of South Atlanta's premier restoration company.  SERVPRO is the preferred vendor of almost every major insurance company. We have built professional working relationships with many of the insurance adjusters and agents in the Atlanta area. SERVPRO of South Atlanta will work hand and hand with you, your adjuster and your insurance company, walking you through every step of the way. We are here to make the restoration process run as smoothly as possible for our most valued client, you. 

We understand this may feel like a confusing and stressful time. At SERVPRO of South Atlanta we get phone calls every single day from home and business owners just like you, and we are here to help. Our experts will give you the guidance and reassurance through every step of the cleanup and restoration process. Always treating you, your property and your belongings with the utmost respect. From the very first call to the last day of final construction, SERVPRO is on your side. You will receive nothing but the top notch professional service that SERVPRO is recognized for nationwide.

*Check out some of our other Why SERVPRO of South Atlanta Blogs:"SERVPRO of South Atlanta...Not Just Water!"; "Frequently Asked Questions About the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program"

Frequently Asked Questions About the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program info table topper If your interested in a proactive cleaning plan call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today! We can help you reopen your business safely.

As your favorite stores and businesses are beginning to open up their doors, we are offering them an additional step to help ensure your confidence with a higher cleaning standard, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond the standard cleaning protocols we know your business is implementing, take an additional step to make sure all your locations have received a higher cleaning standard with the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. Show employees and customers you've chosen the highest level of cleaning. Our new Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program is a weekly viral pathogen cleaning service, designed just for your business. For details and registration, CLICK HERE

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC) program is designed to provide our communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized and disinfected to minimize harmful pathogens. If a structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left at the structure as well as a separate window decal which should be dated by the franchise to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected. This can be scheduled as a one time or a recurring service. 

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the CSC program:

  • What is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned? 
    • Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning process that SERVPRO franchises nationwide are beginning to offer to our commercial and residential clients. 
  • Can you explain the process of proactive cleaning?
  • How often do I need cleaning performed?
    • That will vary by location, foot traffic, and activity of occupants. We can set up a recurring cleaning schedule to fit the needs of any location.
  • When can you perform these services?
    • Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned crews are available 24/7. Our job file coordinator will ask you for some basic information and can schedule a time that is convenient for you and fits your schedule.
  • How much does proactive cleaning cost?
    • Our pricing for proactive viral pathogen cleaning is based on square footage. For a quotable price, we can schedule one of our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned crews to visit your location and create an accurate estimate.
  • What type of cleaning products are you using?
    • We only use EPA registered disinfectants for proactive pathogen cleaning.
  • How long is a proactive cleaning effective?
    • After a structure is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, maintaining that level of clean is dependent on occupants in the structure and how closely they follow health and safety protocols. We can schedule a recurring cleaning regimen to ensure that your location maintains that level of clean going forward.
  • What are your safety protocols?
    • Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned crews follow all safety protocols and social distancing guidelines dictated by local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all involved individuals.
  • How long will it take to perform the proactive cleaning?
    • Service time varies on size and complexity of the structure. We can dispatch one of our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned crews to your location. Once on site, they will be able give you a better sense of how long it will take to perform the cleaning.
  • Is there anything I should do in between scheduled Certified: SERVPRO Cleanings?
    • Continue with your regular janitorial services. If you would like, we can change your recurring schedule to better accommodate your unique needs or can change the frequency of cleanings.
  • Is it safe to be in the structure when it is being cleaned?
    • We recommend that the structure is empty when we perform the cleaning.
  • How long do I have to wait to return to the structure?
    • Our EPA registered disinfectants have a dwell time of about 10-15 minutes. After that dwell time, it is completely safe to reenter the structure.

The world has changed what it means to be clean, so let customers and employees know that SERVPRO of South Atlanta, Georgia’s best choice in cleanup and restoration, has sanitized, disinfected and treated highly touchable surfaces at your business. SERVPRO of of Marietta West wants you to feel comfortable in your place of business. That’s why the nation’s #1 choice in water restoration, can now provide you with proactive cleanings, a higher cleaning standard for the recent trying times everyone is adjusting to. Look for the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal outside all participating locations, and you can rest at ease knowing the facility has been cleaned, disinfected and sanitized by the best in the business. For more details, visit www.SERVPROsouthatlanta.com/contact/contactus

*The CSC program is also available for residential service

Check out some of our previous blogs about the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC) program:

What To Do Until Help Arrives: Fire Restoration

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

House fires have the ability to be devastating, both financially and emotionally. Fortunately though, not every fire causes total destruction to your home and belongings. No matter how large or small your fire, the clean-up process can be a daunting task. Even a small kitchen grease fire has the ability to not only damage your kitchen but also the potential to spread smoke damage throughout your entire home. At SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we are the experts in fire clean-up and restoration. We receive calls, every single day, from concerned homeowners, just like you. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help so you don’t have to face this alone. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760! Our expertly trained team, will arrive at your home, as soon as possible, with all of the necessary equipment, to begin the clean-up and restoration process immediately, getting you back to life as normal, as quickly as possible. Our professional team will walk you through the entire process, from beginning to end, working hand and hand with you, your insurance company and your adjuster. At SERVPRO of South Atlanta we get the job right the first time! 

Oftentimes, homeowners want to know what they can do while they wait for help to arrive. Here is a list of easy to follow tips and guidelines to help the cleanup process begin, and prevent any additional damage, to your property: 

  • In an effort to prevent further damage to your home and to keep soot from being embedded into things such as carpet, drapes or upholstered furniture, limit movement in the affected area.
  • Touch as little as possible and make sure your hands are clean of soot, so that you don’t spread soot particles to clean items or further damage items such as furniture, clothing, drapes and walls. 
  • Lay dry towels or old but clean linens, that you don’t mind getting damaged,  over rugs, upholstered furniture and in high traffic areas, to help reduce further damage, during the cleaning process. 
  • If your home is without power, save your perishable items in your refrigerator and freezer, by moving them to a cooler.  After clearing out the appliances, remember to leave the doors propped open to prevent odor from developing. 
  • If your home is without power and the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, be sure to winterize your plumbing to prevent what could become additional costly repairs. To do so, pour RV antifreeze into your sinks, toilets and tub drains to keep them from freezing. 
  • Turn off your HVAC system and leave it off until a professional can inspect it. This will stop the transfer of smoke throughout your home and minimize soot particles moving through the HVAC system, distributing themselves in other areas of the home. 
  • If your ceiling is wet be sure not to turn on ceiling fans, as this may cause injury and additional damage, to your home. 

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the trusted name you want on your side, with over 50 years experience and quality work. While it may be tempting to clean your walls, shampoo your carpets, clean your drapes and furniture yourself, these things are best left to the fire cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We will come to your home with the proper tools, materials and knowledge to make this as seamless and stress free as possible. We know how to do the job, and we know how to do it right the first time. So keep calm and call the pros, SERVPRO of South Atlanta, faster to any size disaster. 

*For more related fire restoration blogs check out the following links: “Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Tips”; “Different Types of Smoke and Smoke Damage”; “Most Common Causes of Fires in Atlanta

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Can Help You Reopen Your Business Safely

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician cleaning & wiping touchable surfaces SERVPRO technicians can clean and disinfect your office/workspace, reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC) Standard Service is centered around limiting the survival and spread of emerging viral pathogens. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is not aiming to replace your company's current cleaning crew or janitorial services, but rather working to supplement your current cleaning efforts. Our highly trained and certified technicians will apply EPA registered disinfectants to touch points described below. *This application of disinfection excludes inventory or retail merchandise. 

Step 1

Long before SERVPRO of South Atlanta receives your call, we are preparing for the first step in the CSC program by completing an exhaustive training program and familiarizing ourselves with the disinfectants that will be utilized to disinfect your facility, like SERVPROXIDE DisinfectantBenefect Botanical Disinfectant, and Sporicidin Disinfectant Solution to name a few. Our technicians will have specifically reviewed safety precautions and requirements related to the cleaning process, including protocols for any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), application methods, and needed product dwell time to insure effective application.

Step 2

SERVPRO cleaning crews and trained technicians will don all the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, tyvek suits and respirators to protect themselves during the cleaning process from pathogens like virus and bacteria that might be present. An N-95 respirator, disposable gloves, coveralls/gowns, and goggles are a minimum level of PPE. This level of PPE is sufficient when applying disinfectant with a saturated towel or a trigger sprayer and towel. Other application methods, such as utilizing a ULV mister or electrostatic sprayer, will require additional respiratory protection such as an air purifying respiratory (half-mask or full-face mask) with organic vapor (OV) cartridges

Step 3

SERVPRO will apply disinfectant to touch points. This can be accomplished with a towel saturated with disinfectant or a utilizing equipment to deliver disinfectant such as a trigger sprayers, pump sprayers, ULV misters, electrostatic sprayers, airless sprayers, foam applicators, or another equivalent effective dispersion technology. Our highly trained technicians will strictly follow product label directions to insure successful application and disinfection. Depending on the listed product dwell time and the application method, the disinfectant may be able to be applied once or it could require multiple treatments to keep the surfaces wet for the minimum time. We will carefully assess the surfaces to prevent the product from streaking or running while keeping the surface wet for the recommended contact time. 

  • Door knobs, pulls, and locks, as well as 1 square foot around the knob or pull, door jambs 
  • Push doors 
  • Stair handrails, elevator car and controls 
  • Light switches, switch covers, and accessible outlet covers 
  • Counter tops, tabletops, vanity tops, and desktops. Disinfect accessible surfaces without moving contents. Prevent over-spray and potential damage (i.e. paper products, electronic devices, personal property). 
  • Chairs. Avoid over wetting upholstered surfaces. Concentrate application on arms, backs, height/swivel controls. 
  • Faucets, sinks, soap dispenser, towel dispenser, dryer, water fountains, napkin dispenser 
  • Cabinet door and drawer exterior, door and drawer pulls/knobs 
  • Toilets, urinals, bathroom stalls around locks and handrails, handrails, bathroom fixtures (i.e. toilet paper dispenser), diaper changing stations, fitting room stalls around locks and handrails 
  • Telephones, computer equipment, shared office equipment, sales registers, point-of-sale equipment. 
  • Exterior of shelves,?racking, displays,?bookcases, file cabinets,?lockers,?or other fixtures. Disinfect accessible surfaces without moving contents. 
  • Operational/occupational equipment and controls (i.e. kitchen equipment, fitness equipment, laundry equipment).

Step 4

SERVPRO professionals will inspect the surfaces that have been disinfected. Wipe clean surfaces to eliminate product streaking and/or residues if needed. 

Step 5 

After step 4 technicians will perform end-of-visit cleanup. Once all work activities are complete, we will return all products, supplies, and tools to the work vehicle, bag all trash such as disposable towels and disposable PPE according to hazmat disposal procedures when necessary, and load bags into the work vehicle(s). Before leaving, walk through the work site one final time to ensure that the work site is clean and ready for your employees to return to the facility. 

Step 6 

Finally our technician will place a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window cling, complete with date of service, so that your employees and customers alike can rest easy knowing that your facility is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.


For more information about our cleaning services and the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program check our our previous blog “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - a defensive cleaning program

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

dinning room flooded by dishwasher SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help you recover after a water loss. If you experience water damage give us a call at 404-505-1760.

We here at SERVPRO of South Atlanta have always prided ourselves on being faster any size disaster. Meaning that no matter what size water, fire, mold, or cleaning project you have on your hands, be it commercial or residential, you know that help from SERVPRO of South Atlanta is on its way and will be there quick, fast and in a hurry. Our trained professionals will come equipped with all the equipment needed to stabilize water damaged areas and are ready to extract standing water with their powerful water extraction tool if necessary. SERVPRO has developed a set of Service Response Guidelines to ensure that all SERVPRO franchises are able to respond to our customers's needs in a swift and timely manner. 

Service Response Guidelines

1 Hour – Within one hour of notice of loss, one of SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s loss coordinators will contact you to arrange for service.

4 Hours – Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary). 

8 Hours – Within eight business hours, we will initiate a verbal briefing of the scope of damage and needed mitigation efforts.

*While these guidelines are a good way to ensure that all of our customers are taken care of properly, SERVPRO of South Atlanta strives for greatness and averages less than a two hour turn-around-time when responding to emergency water or fire service requests.

Let's take a look at the first part of our Service Response Guideline, “Within one hour of notice of loss, one of SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s loss coordinators will contact you to arrange for service.” What does this mean? This means that no matter what time you call, day or night, your call will be answered by a SERVPRO of South Atlanta team member, and that technicians can be immediately dispatched to your location ready to start extracting water, mitigating damage, and restoring your home or business. Our loss coordinator will gather information about your water loss like: Is there standing water on-site? How many levels are affected? What type of flooring is affected? What year was the structure built? Are utilities like electrical power and water available on-site? We gather this information to better prepare our highly trained technicians and allow them to equip their service vehicle with the appropriate equipment.

The second part of the Service Response Guideline, “Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).” This section is pretty cut and dry. Within four hours of notification of the loss, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be on-site to stabilize the affected area(s) and start the remediation/restoration process. SERVPRO of South Atlanta likes to point out that our average response time is well under the four hour guideline and in most cases, response time is actually less than two hours. Should our customer choose to delay our initial service call, our loss coordinator can help them schedule a more convenient time for our initial visit. We always advise our customer that the longer water damage sits unmitigated, the more likely it is to cause additional damage. The sooner SERVPRO of South Atlanta can stabilize affected water damaged areas, the better!

Finally we have the third part of our Service Response Guideline, “Within eight business hours, we will initiate a verbal briefing of the scope of damage and needed mitigation efforts.” This is the step in the Service Response Guideline that gives you some solid information on what it is going to take to return your property to preloss condition and explain how SERVPRO of South Atlanta can make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of South Atlanta does not use scare or high pressure sales tactics. We prefer to work with customers that are well informed and understand the restoration process. This is why SERVPRO of South Atlanta provides estimates and a scope of work to explain what it will take to restore your property, before performing services.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s highly trained and professional restoration team will help you navigate all of the twists and turns that can come with restoring your home or business after water damage and can help you regain control of the situation. Upon notification, SERVPRO of South Atlanta can have technicians on-site within an hour in most cases, ready to start the drying process so that your life can get back to normal. If your home or business has suffered water damage, give SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call today! We are approved and preferred vendors for most insurance companies and have a great working relationship with local insurance adjusters. If you happen to be a State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Auto Owners, or The Hartford insurance customer, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a preferred provider of these carriers making the process simple for our customers. Taking all of the guesswork out of filling out insurance paperwork, scheduling with adjusters, and documenting your claim.


Check out some of our related Water Restoration Blogs: "Water Restoration Classifications of Water Damage"; "How to Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement"; "How SERVPRO Dries Hardwood Floors in Atlanta Georgia"; "What To Do When Your Atlanta Basement Floods"

Pay Attention to Atlanta Storm Warnings

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

flooded streets with stranded vehicles Atlanta home or business suffered flood or storm damage? Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta (404)505-1760. We can make it “Like it never even happened."

When severe weather strikes preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing the impact to you, your family and your home. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is proud to serve and support Atlanta and the greater Fulton County community after storms damage their property. We offer emergency services like emergency flood water extraction, board up and tarping services for damaged roofs, windows and compromised walls.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare for severe weather:

  • Make sure you are familiar with the location of the manual release for your garage door in case of power outages.
  • Have flashlights nearby with plenty of batteries.
  • Unplug any unnecessary electronics.
  • Keep trees and branches, near your home, trimmed.
  • Before severe weather hits, be sure to secure any loose items outside.
  • Be weather ready. Check your local forecast frequently to stay up to date.
  • You may want to invest in a NOAA Weather Radio .
  • Have an emergency plan ready now, so you are prepared when bad weather strikes.

Severe weather has the potential of causing damage to your property and belongings. SERVPRO of South Atlanta specializes in storm restoration and cleanup. When your property suffers the devastation from Mother Nature's wrath make sure you call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We understand the stress and confusion that comes from  such an experience.

It is very important to pay attention to your local forecast and stay up to date with storm warnings in your area. Tornadoes, high winds, hail and flash flooding can sneak up, sometimes with very little warning and take us all by surprise. 

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters. During a flash flood, waters from rivers, creeks and streams may rise rapidly, making for a potentially deadly and hazardous condition. Always be sure to heed all warnings from the National Weather Service and take them seriously. If you are in the path of a flood here are a few safety tips:

  • TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! Did you know that just 6 inches of moving water can knock you to the ground? It only takes one foot of moving water to quickly sweep your car away. Additionally, stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
  • Move to higher ground. If you are in a multiple story home or building, move to a higher floor.
  • If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

After the flood waters have receded and it is safe to return to your home, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • If you were evacuated, only return to your home after authorities have deemed it safe. Always use caution, when entering any structure, after a flood. 
  • When safe, turn off the electricity at the main breaker, only turning it back on after your home has been inspected by a certified electrician. Any time water is involved, the possibility of electrocution is a real and serious hazard.
  • Mold can develop within 24-48 hours of a flood. This is one of the reasons it's crucial to begin the cleaning and restoration process quickly. When you contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we will arrive right away to begin the water extraction and restoration process, saving your home from further damage and additional costly repairs. 
  • In an attempt to avoid additional damage, remove any items not affected by flood water. At SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we offer professional pack-out services. Our pack-out professionals will safely manage the move of your belongings, taking a complete and thorough inventory. Your belongings will be safely stored and if needed, cleaned, in our climate controlled, video-surveilled warehouse, while your home is being restored. When your home is back to its pre-flood condition we will deliver your items to you, in a timely fashion. 
  • It is important to have a thorough understanding of your insurance policy. Be sure to call your insurance agent, to discuss whether or not you need flood insurance. Having the proper coverage, can make all the difference in any disaster. SERVPRO is the prefered vendor for almost every major insurance company, making us the trusted professionals you want, when disaster strikes.

Once the storm has passed and it's safe to evaluate the damage, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are recognized, nationwide, for our emergency response and support of regions devastated by natural disasters. With over 50 years in the storm restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the name you can trust. We  are your local restoration and storm recovery professionals. We proudly serve East Point, GA, College Park, GA, and surrounding areas, offering 24-hour emergency response, including holidays. We are always, just a phone call away. 
*For more related Storm Restoration Blogs check out the following links: “Preferred Service Providers for Storm Restoration Professionals in Atlanta”; “Atlanta Home Insurance Storm Claims: Frequently Asked Questions”; “Disaster History in Atlanta, GA

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Table tent signs describing the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program on top of a wooden table. Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today at (404) 505-1760 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

What To Do If Your Atlanta Home Experiences a Flash Flood

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

flooded commercial buildings Floods happen, that’s why there is SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We’re here to help you recover after flash flood and storm damage.

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year, than any other weather related disaster. A flash flood can develop quickly or slowly and may come with little, to no warning. SERVPRO of South Atlanta receives emergency water damage calls, every single day. We understand that this can be a stressful time and we are here to help! We are the professionals you want on your side restoring not only your home, but your peace of mind, as well. 

What to do when flash floods damage your home?

Every flood, whether large or small, has the potential to cause major damage and devastation, to your home. After the storm, flood waters may be receding, however many dangers still exist. Here are a few tips to keep in mind after a flash flood:

  • Avoid moving water. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep you off your feet, and one foot of moving water has the ability to wash your vehicle away. 
  • If you evacuated, only return to your home after authorities have deemed it safe. Always use caution when entering any structure, after a flood. 
  • When safe, turn off the electricity at the main breaker, only turning it back on after your home has been inspected by a certified electrician. The possibility of electrocution is a real and serious hazard, any time water is involved.
  • Mold can develop within 24-48 hours of a flood. This is one of the reasons it's crucial to begin the cleaning and restoration process quickly. When you contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we will dispatch technicians right away to begin the water extraction and restoration process, saving your home from further damage and additional costly repairs. 
  • In an attempt to avoid additional damage, remove any items not affected by flood water. At SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we offer professional pack-out services. Our pack-out professionals will safely manage the move of your belongings, taking a complete and thorough inventory. Your belongings will be safely stored and if needed, cleaned, in our climate controlled, video-surveilled warehouse, while your home is being restored. When your home is back to its pre-flood condition we will deliver your items to you, in a timely fashion. 
  • It is important to have a thorough understanding of your insurance policy. Be sure to call your insurance agent, to discuss whether or not you need flood insurance. Having the proper coverage, can make all the difference in any disaster. SERVPRO is the preferred vendor for almost every major insurance company, making us the trusted professionals you want, when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO is recognized nationwide for our emergency response and support of regions devastated by natural disasters. With over 1,700 franchises nationwide, you are never more than a phone call away from the best restoration company, in your area. Our technicians are highly trained and certified professionals.We are the water restoration specialists, that have the ability to clean up any size disaster. Contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760, your local water restoration and storm recovery professionals. 

*For more safety and preparedness tips check out our friends at ready.gov/floods or if you enjoyed this blog, check out some of our related Storm Restoration Blogs: “Disaster History in Atlanta, GA”; “Preferred Service Providers for Storm Restoration Professionals in Atlanta”; “Atlanta Home Insurance Storm Claims: Frequently Asked Questions

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Fire Restoration Process

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

house fire in need of emergency restoration Call SERVPRO of South Cobb 24/7 for emergency fire and water restoration at 404-505-1760!

At SERVPRO of South Atlanta we receive every single day from home and business owners who have experienced the devastation of a fire loss. We have earned the reputation of the premier fire and smoke restoration company in the Atlanta area, as well as nationwide. The process of clean-up and restoration is complex and best left to the experts. When your home or business suffers damage from smoke or fire, you need professional help quickly! At SERVPRO of South Atlanta  we are dedicated to responding as quickly as possible and we are here to help. SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster. 

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the preferred vendor of most major insurance companies. Our team will work hand in hand with you, your adjuster and your insurance company. We will utilize our state of the art odor, smoke and soot removal equipment and our innovative cleaning techniques to quickly and safely remove every bit of fire damage from your property, just “Like it never even happened.” Our team of highly trained technicians have extensive fire damage and restoration knowledge and expertise, bringing only the best to the table. We are dedicated to providing you with superior customer service and going the extra mile to get the job done right, the first time. 

The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) states that the number one cause of home fires is cooking. The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. It is important to never leave a kitchen unattended when preparing food. The NFPA is a great resource for fire prevention and safety. 

  If you find yourself facing the daunting task of clean-up after fire or smoke damage, call the professionals that you want on your side... 

Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760

*Although each fire damage loss is unique and requires its own specific plan of action, the general process remains the same. Here is a brief overview of our fire and smoke damage restoration process: 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process first begins when you call and speak to a member of our team. Our loss coordinator will ask you a series of questions regarding the details of your fire event, allowing us to dispatch our technicians to your home quickly., ensuring they arrive with the proper equipment, materials and resources needed to begin the clean-up and restoration process immediately upon arrival. 

Step 2:  Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

The more prepared we are for your unique situation, the better plan of action we can take. Once we arrive on-site, our team will carefully inspect your home and conduct testing to determine the extent of the fire, smoke and soot damage. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Services

To ensure that your structure does not endure further damage, we will board-up any exterior, missing walls or windows and place tarps on your roof, if damaged.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

Oftentimes there will be water damage to a home from firefighting efforts. If there is water present, the water extraction and removal process will begin immediately. We will then set all the necessary equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers to complete the drying process.          

Step 5:  Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surface

We will use our advanced, innovative cleaning techniques and equipment to remove smoke and soot from all surfaces including walls, ceilings, countertops and other surfaces.      

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will work hard to save your valuables and restore your items and structures that were damaged by smoke and/or fire. We will clean, sanitize and disinfect using a variety of cleaning techniques, to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. Additionally, we are equipped to remove the odor of smoke and fire, using industrial , dry sponges, air scrubbers and fogging equipment. 

Step 7: Restoration

We will now begin the final restoration process, getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may require the removal of drywall, baseboards and flooring. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a full service restoration company. We not only provide mitigation and restoration services, we also have a complete construction team available to rebuild and restore your home or business. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is strategically located to respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage event. When a major fire or disaster event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

We proudly serve East Point, GACollege Park, GA, and surrounding areas.

If you would like more information about fire restoration or blogs like this check out some of our other blogs like "Most Common Causes of Fires in Atlanta" or "Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Tips"

Water Restoration Classifications of Water Damage

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

technician inspecting water damaged sink No matter what type of water damage your home or business has suffered, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the restoration company that you can trust.

When you experience a water loss and have standing water or water pouring into your home, time is of the essence. One of the first things that needs to be addressed is accessing and turning off the water source, if at all possible. If you are unable to safely shut off the water coming into your home, contact a professional immediately, in order to avoid any further damage to your property. The next thing you want to do is call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are the leading experts in water, fire, mold and biohazard restoration/cleanup for both residential and commercial customers. If you’ve got a mess on your hands, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help! 

Contact us immediately, we will dispatch our professional water technician team to your home. We will be there in a fast and timely manner and will walk you through every step of the process. Our goal is to get you back in control while also keeping your home and valuables safe during and after a water loss.You are going to want a name you can trust, with a proven track record within the industry of superior workmanship, professionalism and the best water technicians in the area! You want SERVPRO of South Atlanta! Contact us today!

There are three basic types of contaminated water and at SERVPRO of South Atlanta we are experts in handling all of them. Understanding which type of water you are dealing with is critical in ensuring proper cleanup. Here is what you need to know:

Classifications Of Contaminated Water 

Category 1 (Cat 1): A cat 1 water loss refers to what is considered to be “clean water.” This type of water does not pose a substantial threat to humans. Common examples of a cat 1 water loss include a tub or sink that overflows or a broken water supply line.

Category 2 (Cat 2): A cat 2 water loss refers to water that is considered to be “grey water.” Cat 2 water may contain a significant amount of chemical, biological or physical contaminants. Grey water from a Cat 2 loss can be harmful to humans if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Examples of contaminated water from a Cat 2 loss include sump pump failure, toilet bowl overflow and water leaking from dishwashers or washing machines.   

Category 3 (Cat 3): The water from a cat 3 water loss, is categorized as “black water.” Cat 3 water is considered to be grossly unsanitary, containing harmful bacteria and fungi harmful to humans. Common examples of a cat 3 water loss include a sewage back up, toilet overflow and ground water coming into your home from rising flood waters in rivers or streams.

A cat 2 water loss that is not promptly taken care of can become a cat 3 when it sits unmanaged and becomes stagnant. 


No matter what type of loss you have experienced, we know that it can be devastating to you and your Atlanta home. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is committed to providing you with a stellar experience every step of the way. To minimize the damage caused to your home from water loss Call us today! SERVPRO of South Atlanta is faster to any size disaster, any time, day or night!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta's Commercial Restoration Services

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

commercial cleaning services SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help your business recover after water, fire, storm, or other natural disaster disaster. Give us a call today!

There is never a good time to experience fire, water or mold damage to your place of business. However at SERVPRO of South Atlanta we handle situations, just like this, every single day. We have the training, experience and equipment to handle your commercial water or fire damage emergency, no matter how big or small. Whether you are a large company with a massive warehouse and office space, or a small commercial office building, we have the resources to respond quickly. We will mitigate the damage and manage the restoration process from start to finish, getting your business back up and running, as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO Is The Leading Restoration Company For Commercial Loss

There are three major losses you may experience, within your company and at SERVPRO of South Atlanta we are experts in all of them. We understand that a fire, water or mold loss can be devastating to your business. We are here to help minimize the damage and to make everything right again, “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Water Restoration: When you call SERVPRO of South Atlanta we will dispatch our team of professional and knowledgeable water restoration technicians to your business. Immediate extraction of any standing water is the critical first step along with the drying process of any affected area. This will minimize structural damage and prevent the growth of mold. Our knowledgeable technicians will extract all of the water and then set equipment such as air movers, fans and dehumidifiers in order to begin the drying process.  

Commercial Fire Restoration: We are the experts you want on your side and we are here to help! SERVPRO of South Atlanta specializes in commercial fire damage restoration including smoke and soot clean up. Our top priority will be to you and minimizing the financial impact that a fire loss will have on your commercial facility. We understand that each hour of each day that you are closed, has an impact on your bottom line. Once on site, our team will walk you through each step of the fire restoration and clean up process. We have the equipment and knowledge to restore not only your structural facility but many of your items as well. We will use a variety of methods to ensure that smoke and soot is cleaned and removed from everything affected. We will also clean your hvac system and ductwork, in order to remove soot and the smell of smoke, in your facility. 

Commercial Mold Removal and Remediation: At SERVPRO of South Atlanta we understand the impact and serious health risk that mold in your facility can cause to your business. We are the mold professionals and we are here to guide you through every step of the process. When left untreated mold can spread quickly throughout your building. Upon calling SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we will arrive quickly and work to contain the infestation, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. We will then begin the remediation and removal process, working safely and effectively, to manage the process from start to finish.

Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup: When the storm waters rise, raging winds blow, or flames run wild, know that SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help in your time of need. Tornadoes and hurricanes can cause devastating damage, to your home or business. Whether your basement is flooded or you have a warehouse with tornado damage, call the storm restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, for emergency storm restoration and mitigation services. Our highly trained and certified technicians can be at your door within two hours, in most cases, with all the equipment needed to dry and restore your storm damaged property. SERVPRO of South Atlanta also offers emergency boardup and tarping services, in the event that your roof, windows, or wall are compromised, as a result of storm damage.  

Disaster Recovery Team: When it comes to disaster recovery, there’s no job that is too big or too small for SERVPRO of South Atlanta. With the backing of over 1,700 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has both the resources and man-power, capable of mobilizing to provide much needed relief to regions devastated by storms and other natural disasters. SERVPRO of South Atlanta cares about the Atlanta community and is here  365 days a year, to help our fellow Atlantians recover after any size disaster.


In addition to fire, water and mold restoration, SERVPRO of South Atlanta also offers biohazard and commercial cleaning services.When your commercial business experiences an emergency, make sure you contact SERVPRO of South Atlanta by clicking here, or give us a call at (404)505-1760. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are equipped to handle any size job, big or small. We have over 50 years of experience and will work diligently and efficiently to get you back in control, as quickly as possible.

Spring and Summer Bring an Increased Risk of Fires

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

summer forest fire If your property is damage by forest fires SERVPRO of South Atlanta is only a phone call away!

Many people think the risk of fire decreases in the summer, but the risks for natural and accidental fires remain the same. In the summer, the most common types of fires are caused by people using things like grills, smokers, and fireworks. In spring, there is an increase of tree, grass and brush fires, or naturally occurring fires. No matter what time of year it is, if you’ve experienced fire damage, it’s a good time to call SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

Spring Fires Risks

During Spring, winds are stronger, humidity is lower and flowers are starting to bloom. Now that the sun is shining on the ground with its full strength, it will heat up the soil and dry out old grass and leaves. This makes them a much greater fire risk than in colder months because dry grass and leaves are far more combustible and can result in fast moving fire with intense heat and smoke. People also tend to get more active and explore the outdoors in the springtime, to take advantage of the warm weather by camping, cooking out, and sometimes even yard work.

Springtime is also a good time of year to perform some spring cleaning around your home or place of business. When cleaning, make sure to pay special attention to items and areas that do not receive regular cleaning or attention; such as clearing dryer vents, sweep fireplaces, deep clean stove tops and ovens. This is also an opportune time to replace smoke alarm batteries and make it easy to remember to change batteries annually. Replace any old cooking utensils that may have become fire hazards due to frequent use like singed oven mitts or appliances with frayed electrical plugs or missing grounding prongs.   

Common Springtime Outdoor Fire Risks 

  • Wildfires - About a third of all reported wildland fires occur during the three month period of springtime (wildland fires encompass tree, brush, and grass fires). 
  • Cookouts & Camping - With warm weather comes cookouts and camping. On average, cookouts and grills caused around 4,500 structure fires and a reported 5,700 fires outdoors (or unclassified) per year, a majority of which occur in the springtime.
  • Controlled Burning -  Oftentimes landowners will conduct controlled burns to prevent massive forest fires before the summer months, when they have a tendency to be more intense and difficult to extinguish or control.

Summer Fires

In the summer, there is an increase in the numbers of fires over all. Common causes of summertime fires are again natural occurrences like lightning and man-made causes like grills, fireworks, arcing power lines, and general carelessness. Fires peak around July 4th due to trees and other foliage being ignited by fireworks and grilling festivities during annual 4th of July celebrations. 

Grilling poses some very real fire risks during the summer months. Always remember to never leave your grill unattended, not even for a short amount of time. Only grill outside and make sure to have a fire extinguisher close by. Grills should be kept a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures and foliage including your home, deck railings and trees.  Pets and children should be kept 3 feet away for safety reasons.

  • If you have a gas grill, check the tank hose for leaks using a light soap and water solution.  If your hose has a leak, you will see bubbling and will need to have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • For charcoal grills, using a chimney starter will allow you to safely start the charcoal using newspaper.  If you use starter fluid, always use charcoal starter fluid and never add it to an open flame.

With the increase of thunder storms in Atlanta during the summer, the risk of fires caused by lightning increases also. During a lightning storm, stay off computers and other electrical equipment.  Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Also, stay away from windows, doors and concrete.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is Locally Owned with National Resources

We live and work in this community, we are probably your neighbor!  We are proud to be part of the Atlanta community. SERVPRO of South Atlanta  is close by and ready to respond to your fire emergency. 

Let SERVPRO of South Atlanta Be Your Trusted Fire Restoration Company

Our team of certified technicians are here to help you regardless of the amount of damage to your home.  We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you get back to pre fire condition. From the beginning stages to the final construction, we want to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (404) 505-1760 or click here to have our knowledgeable staff contact you.  


*If you enjoyed this blog check out some of our related Fire Restoration Blogs: “Different Types of Smoke and Smoke Damage”; “Most Common Causes of Fires in Atlanta”; “Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Tips

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Document Restoration

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

water damaged letters being restored Let SERVPRO of South Atlanta help your business recover crucial documents and paper work in the event they are damaged by water, fire, or mold.

As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Atlanta knows timely mitigation is the key to reducing and recovering damaged items. Paper that has been damaged by fire or water can deteriorate rapidly. Valuable files and irreplaceable documents can be lost forever, without proper handling. Our technicians are trained to use the latest, most advanced technology available for document recovery. We use the same techniques recommended for drying water damaged books by The Library of Congress.  

With our custom drying chamber, SERVPRO of South Atlanta restoration professionals use vacuum freeze-drying technology to vaporize the water in affected items.  Often, this process can recover even the most delicate items, such as photographs, x-rays, business archives and family bibles.

Why Choose SERVPRO of South Atlanta?

Document Restoration Services SERVPRO Offers

Vacuum Freeze Drying is the process of freezing moisture damaged documents using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation. Sublimation by definition is the direct conversion of a solid into a gas without going through a liquid stage.

Digitizing is the process of changing paper records into digital documents. Digital documents are quickly becoming the standard in many, if not all, industries. Digital documentation along with a back-up system is eliminating the need to have large file storage rooms and minimizing the chance of loss of important documents in a disaster situation.

Gamma Irradiation is a process that is used for cleaning, disinfecting and decontaminating documents and other goods. In a CAT 3 loss, documents are not only deteriorating but also infected with all types of bacteria. This is most common in sewage backup or storm situations.  

Certified Destruction is unfortunately, many times necessary when dealing with contaminated documents. SERVPRO of South Atlanta will guarantee certified destruction, giving you peace of mind, should the need for this arise.  We understand the importance of protecting proprietary information and brand image. You can rest assured in SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s ability to protect your business and documents.

Document Restoration FAQ’s

  • Do we have to provide our own transportation for the documents?
    No. We are able to arrange shipping regardless of the size and location of the job.
  • What is the cost to ship documents from our location to you?
    The cost of the truck varies depending on your location, however; we estimate those costs for you so you are aware, upfront, of the cost.
  • Do we need to create our own inventory?
    Yes. We use the iCat system to create our own internal, independent inventory, however; we recommend you have your own as well.
  • Will the documents be in the same order they were packaged in?
    Yes, we do not rearrange any of the files or paper.
  • How long does the process take?
    The average time of completion is 30-60 days, however; every job is different. We will be able to provide a timeline of services based on your specific needs

*For more information about SERVPRO’s document restoration services click here!

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is Here to Help During This Time of Need

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help We can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning! We’re trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Contact us today for a proactive cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today

– SERVPRO of South Atlanta (404) 505-1760 –

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Different Types of Smoke and Smoke Damage

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

active building fire If you or someone you know has recently suffered fire damage to their home or business, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta.

No two properties that are damaged by smoke are the same. There are many different categories of smoke damage that are caused primarily by two different types of smoke, wet and dry. The type of smoke you have in your home, will determine the type of soot residue that is left behind after a fire and subsequently the techniques and types of cleaning products used to restore your property. 

SERVPRO of South Atlanta’s employees are fully trained and have ample experience in fire cleanup and restoration. They will help you make the best educated decisions concerning the restoration of your property and will explain the SERVPRO’s processes every step along the way. We understand the different types of smoke damage and how to properly handle each one. Before we begin the restoration process, we will assess the damage to your home and determine what type and extent of smoke damage is present. We will also survey the various types of materials that have been damaged, as each one will require a different type of cleaning and/or restoration. The following are a few lesser known facts about smoke damage that you may not be aware of:

  • Smoke will flow around plumbing pipes traveling through different floors of your home.  
  • Hot smoke will find cooler areas of your home, so you may have smoke or soot damage in areas that you might not think are affected.
  • Smoke will settle on surfaces, particularly horizontal surfaces, and touching soiled or soot covered surfaces can cause smoke smudging which can be difficult to clean.
  • Limit travel in-and-out of areas affected by smoke damage to limit secondary transfer and limit non-affected area exposure. 
  • If you are going to attempt to clean smoke damage start in an inconspicuous area in case your attempt is unsuccessful.

Various Types of Smoke Damage

  • Wet Smoke Damage: This smoke has a low heat, it smolders, has a pungent odor, is sticky and will smear easily. It will create “smoke webs” which are harder to clean. Examples of materials that can produce wet smoke include plastics and rubbers.
  • Dry Smoke Damage: This type of smoke is fast burning and has high temperatures. Examples of materials that will produce dry smoke include wood and paper products.
  • Protein Fire Residue: This residue is not produced by the actual fire, but from materials that have evaporated.  It is virtually invisible but will discolor varnishes and paint. A protein fire has a very pungent and recognizable odor.  

How to Choose the Appropriate Fire Extinguisher for Your Home

Make sure you are aware of the location of each fire extinguisher in your home. They should also be easily accessible and well maintained. This list will help guide you in determining which specific type of fire extinguisher you may need in different parts of your home.  

  • Class A - This type of extinguisher is the most common. It can be used to put out ordinary fires that involve items such as clothing, paper, wood, rubber and many plastics.
  • Class B - This type of extinguisher is used on flammable liquid fires, such as grease, oil and gasoline.
  • Class C - This type of extinguisher is used for fires that involve any type of electrical equipment, such as tools, tv’s or appliances.  
  • Class D - This type of extinguisher is used on flammable metals. These are typically found in factories.
  • Class K - These extinguishers are generally used in commercial kitchens. They can be used to put out fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils or any other cooking oils and fats.  

*For more information on choosing the right fire extinguisher check out this related article form the U.S Fire Administration “Choosing and Using Fire Extinguishers”

Regardless of the type of fire and/or smoke damage you may, unfortunately, have in your home, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be there to assist you along the way. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Let us be your trusted restoration company to restore your home “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today

Preferred Service Providers for Storm Restoration Professionals in Atlanta

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

storm damage atlanta city streets When storm damage strikes call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We help both commercial and residential clients recover after storms damage their property.

Heavy thunderstorms, lightning, snow with ice, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes can all bring storm damage to your home or business in ways no one can be fully prepared for. Whether a tree, that you have been meaning to cut down for years falls on your home. Shattering glass and wreaking havoc throughout several rooms of your home. A single limb with ice building up on it that can’t take any more weight from the winter ice storm and crashing down on your roof; SERVPRO of South Atlanta can handle cleanup, from top to bottom. Our homes are supposed to be where we feel most safe. So when these unforeseen disasters happen, don’t go it alone! Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta

Here at SERVPRO of South Atlanta, it is our goal to be your “one stop shop” in a time of need. We can provide homeowners with emergency roof tarping and board-up services, all hours of the day or night. We also have a team of qualified technicians and customer service representatives to help guide you, every step of the way, through the claim process and answer any questions that you may have.  

Since natural disasters commonly,unexpectedly occur, it’s important to be prepared before they happen. Heavy thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, often cause major damages to a building’s exterior and interior. These natural disasters can result in unsafe structures and an expensive mitigation and repair bill. Rest assured, making one call to SERVPRO of South Atlanta we will make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of South Atlanta works hand in hand with Insurance companies like State Farm, American Family Insurance, Metlife, and The Hartford. to make sure that all steps are taken, to get your home back to normal. We also have a great working relationship with our local insurance adjuster and claims agents.

Mother nature can really cause some damage! Most roof damage is due to a weather-related event, from hail and high winds, to trees or other structures. After a storm is over, be sure to have a professional check the severity of the damage, don’t be fooled into getting on your roof. Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta, one of our trained customer service representatives will dispatch a technician, to your home, to inspect the damage.  We offer various emergency services, such as tarping and board-up and tree removal.    

Once we determine what services need to be performed, with homeowner approval.  If the interior of the home has been damaged as well, we will assess the severity and place the necessary equipment, such as dehumidifiers, air movers and fans, as well as extract any water that is in the home.  SERVPRO of South Atlanta is also equipped to perform any demolition, if required, to any areas that cannot safely be dried. We are IICRC certified, you can feel secure in our knowledge and expertise.  

The next step, after the mitigation process is successfully completed, is to get your home back to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of South Atlanta, has expertly skilled project managers ready to get the rebuild started.  

Regardless of what caused the damage to your home, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has the knowledge and expertise to get you back “Like it never even happened.” Call us today! (404) 505-1760

How to Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

emergency water extrraction and clean up SERVPRO of South Atlanta is open and can help your home or business with emergency water extraction and cleanup 24/7.

There is no better way to remove standing water from your basement when it floods, than with a sump pump. Many homeowners will wisely choose to call in professionals like SERVPRO of South Atlanta, others sometimes take on this job themselves in hopes of saving a little dough. Installing a permanent sump pump is often the best option for basements and crawl spaces that routinely flood. DIY projects around the home, are very popular and with resources available, such as helpful youtube videos or the DIY Network, homeowners are tackling all sorts of jobs on their own. 

Unfortunately, sump pumps don’t last forever and have an average life expectancy of about 10 years. With the average age of homes in the U.S. being over thirty years, and the average age of commercial buildings around fifty years old, you can see why this is a common issue among homeowners and property managers, alike. So, if your sump pump is aging or starting to malfunction, it may be time to install a new one before disaster strikes. 

H1>Here is a basic step by step plan, for installing a new sump pump:

Tools and Materials: 

Step 1: The first thing you want to do is identify the lowest point, in your basement and dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate your new sump pump. If your basement floor is concrete use a sledge or jackhammer to break through and then continue digging, until the hole can fit the pump basin. 

Step 2: Prior to setting the pump basin into the hole, wrap its exterior base with felt fabric, to prevent sludge from clogging the pump motor. In order to establish a stable platform for the sump pump basin, place 2 to 3 inches of gravel into the hole and then place a paver over the top of the gravel. Now, place the sump pump into the hole and back-fill, around its perimeter, with excavated dirt, until the unit doesn’t wobble. 

Expert tip: If your sump pump doesn't already have weep holes, take the time now to drill them yourself. Weep holes are perforations that allow water to enter from the sides and from beneath.  

Step 3: Before going any further, you will need to check the float valve. Move it up and down, to ensure there is nothing blocking it. The next step is to run a flexible discharge hose between the valve and the home exterior, being sure that it channels the water away from the sump. Now, where the output meets the basement wall, you will want to drill a hole just big enough for the hose to run through. Once you have run the hose through the hole, use weatherproof caulking, to fill in any and all gaps. 

Step 4: It is now time to give your sump pump a test run. Inspect all connections for leaks and place the lid over the basin. To do so, plug it in, fill the basin with water and the float should rise. The pump should turn on and pump water out. 

Step 5: The very last step is to fill in the hole surrounding the pump with concrete. Mix up a small batch of concrete, spread it to fill in and conceal all but the sump pump lid.

We hope this blog has been helpful and informative. Completing DIY projects can give you a real sense of accomplishment and can even save you a few bucks. As with any DIY project, there are definite risks involved with taking on plumbing repair by yourself. If at any point you don’t feel capable, need advise, or feel unsafe, call a licensed plumber that you trust.

There you have it! In half a day, you have tackled a major home project saving you money and protecting your home from flooding. In an ideal world, your basement or home would never flood, however; If you experience a water emergency, call the leading experts in the water and fire restoration business, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here to provide us with your contact information and one of our experienced representatives will reach out to you.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

water in lobby on commercial water loss Let SERVPRO of South Atlanta help your business recover after any size or type of disaster!

Successful business owners take the necessary steps to make sure the business runs as smoothly as possible.Once thing that often gets overlooked is a preparedness plan for natural and accidental disasters. As many as 50 percent of companies may never recover, following a disaster. Of the ones that survive, an overwhelming majority had a plan in place.  Pre planning can serve as an insurance policy, aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance, is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.  An ERP will help you be “Ready for whatever happens”.   

Working with SERVPRO of South Atlanta to develop your personalized ERP, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural,  man-made or accidental disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

What is a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan?

An ERP serves as a no cost, quick reference report of important building and contact information that can be a very important tool in the event of a disaster. Your SERVPRO of South Atlanta marketer will assist you by working with your maintenance team, if available, to develop a plan that is personalized to your business. The information gathered by our mitigation specialist will be neatly organized into an easy to use ERP information packet that you can keep on hand at your facility in case of disaster. The information gathered will also be available in digital format via the SERVPRO ERP READY App so you can literally take this information with you anywhere you go (available for free on both apple and android devices app stores).  

  • We will Locate and document all of the following, if applicable:
    • Gas, electric and water shut off valves.  
    • Fire escapes
    • Hazardous materials
    • Computer equipment
    • Battery back-ups
    • Emergency stairwells 
    • Smoke alarm Systems
    • Fire alarm systems
    • Carbon monoxide detection systems
    • Burglar alarm systems
    • Important documents
    • Back up generators
    • Blueprint locations
    • Sprinkler systems
    • Servers/IT systems
  • Take pictures of all of the important places and possible documents that would need to be saved first, in the event of a disaster.  
  • Generate a report, either electronically, manually or both, for you and your employees to have on hand, at all times, in case of a disaster.
  • Identify the company line of command, should you need to authorize any emergency services.
  • Identify and document all utility company emergency phone numbers, helping have a reference should you need to call them quickly. 
  • Assist SERVPRO of South Atlanta to know what steps to take  first, when we arrive on scene. Such as where to park, which entrance to the building and which elevator to use.  
  • Establishes SERVPRO of South Atlanta as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  • Can help minimize the amount of time your business could be inactive.

By clicking here you can contact your local SERVPRO of South Atlanta marketing representative to set your ERP today. We will have one of our experienced and knowledgeable marketers set up a time that works best for you and your business.

Atlanta Home Insurance Storm Claims: Frequently Asked Questions

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO umbrella If your home or business is suffers storm damage, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We will make your storm damage "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of South Atlanta always receives a substantial influx of calls after a major storm passes through the Atlanta area. Many customers have suffered some type of storm or water damage due to the storm and would like some direction on how to move forward with repairs. Some homeowners have a crawlspace or basement that has been flooded and needs to have water extracted from the area and drying equipment brought in, to dry the structure. Some have roof damage, from fallen trees and need an emergency roof tarping, to prevent additional damage, to their home or business. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is one of the leading emergency storm mitigation and restoration companies in the Atlanta area and can be at your home or business in no time at all, with just a phone call (404) 505-1760.

Storm and Flooding Related Emergency Services

Flooding and Emergency Water Extraction

Heavy rains can cause a host of issues to both residential and commercial properties. Floods and flash floods are two of the top contributing events when it comes to water damage claims. If you experience a water loss or flash flooding, don’t worry, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has you covered. Our team of highly trained water restoration and drying specialists can restore your property to preloss condition.    

Frequently Asked Flooding and Emergency Water Extraction Questions

  • What will be covered under my National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policy? 

NFIP policies typically offer two types of coverage, building coverage and contents coverage. Individual insurance policies can vary greatly, so you should always be familiar with your individual policy. Contact your insurance provider or agent for more information or clarification on your coverage. Click here to see if you are eligible for NFIP benefits.

  • What is not covered by a flood insurance policy? 

Flood insurance will most likely only cover losses that are a direct result of a formally recognized flood event. Damage not directly caused by a flood event, will most likely not be covered by a flood insurance policy. 

Emergency Roof Tarping

Falling trees, high winds and hail are just a few weather events that can cause damage to your home or business's roof. If your roof has been damaged or compromised, many insurance providers will allot for an emergency roof tarping service. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can protect your property by placing an emergency tarp on your roof after one of these types of events occurs, preventing additional damage to your belongings and the structure of the home or building. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A tree fell on my roof. Will my insurance cover it? 

Yes. In most cases, when a tree falls on your home and causes structural or cosmetic damage, your homeowners policy would cover this type of loss. Individual insurance policies can vary greatly, so you should always be familiar with your individual policy. Contact your insurance provider or agent for more information or clarification on your coverage.

  • Hail and/or wind damaged shingles. Will my insurance cover it?

Yes. In most cases, when wind or hail causes structural or cosmetic damage to your home, your homeowners policy would cover this type of loss. Individual insurance policies can vary greatly, so you should always be familiar with your individual policy. Contact your insurance provider or agent for more information or clarification on your coverage.

Cold Weather Events

When temperatures drop, a home's plumbing system can freeze, and when pipes freeze, water damage can occur. During winter months, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature and pay special attention to pipes that are in unheated areas or exposed to the outdoors.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will my insurance cover damage from a pipe freeze?

Yes. In most cases, when a pipe(s) freeze causes structural or cosmetic damage to your home, your homeowners policy would cover this type of loss. Individual insurance policies can vary greatly, so you should always be familiar with your individual policy. Contact your insurance provider or agent for more information or clarification on your coverage.

  • Will my insurance cover damage caused by an ice dam on my roof?

Yes. In most cases, when an ice dam, on your roof, causes structural or cosmetic damage, your homeowners policy would cover this type of loss. Individual insurance policies can vary greatly, so you should always be familiar with your individual policy. Contact your insurance provider or agent for more information or clarification on your coverage.

Disaster Cleanup

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes are just a few natural disasters that can result in damage to your home or business. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to help home and business owners cope and recover, in their times of need, after any type of natural disaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should I contact for natural disaster relief?

Because we live in a great country, like the USA, the government is here to assist you when natural disasters strike. You can contact your local emergency management agency like Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more information on disaster relief.

  • What should I do if my home is damaged in a natural disaster?

First things first, make sure you and your family are both safe and unharmed. Anyone injured or feeling unwell should immediately seek medical attention. If safe to do so, it is a good idea to document damages for federal/state relief and insurance purposes, by taking photos or video of your home and property damage.

Have Water or Flood Damage? 

Locally Owned and Operated Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Metro Atlanta community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today! (404) 505-1760

SERVPRO of South Atlanta is a preferred service provider for most major insurance providers like State Farm, American Family Insurance, Metlife, and The Hartford. We also have a great working relationship with our local insurance adjuster and claims agents.

Disaster History in Atlanta, GA

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Atlanata Georgia Storm Restoration Have storm damage? Need flood water extracted? Call SERVPRO of South Atlanta today! We can make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Atlanta faces many types of disasters on a fairly regular basis.  These disasters include tornadoes, severe storms, floods and winter storms.  There are also man made and disease threats that Atlantans and all Americans face.  Most of the time these happen quickly and with little to no warning. It is important that every Altantan knows what to do in case of emergency.

Tornadoes

Over the last 50  years, more than 1,450 tornadoes have been reported in Georgia.  Even though these storms can occur at any time of the year, March, April and May are traditionally the most active months.  

  • In March 2008, Metro Atlanta was hit by a tornado damaging the CNN Center, the Georgia Dome, Georgia World Congress Center, and multiple other downtown buildings.  This tornado caused a half a billion dollars in damage to the city.  There were also a confirmed 45 tornadoes over a 24 hour period from eastern Alabama to the Carolina coast but most of the concentration was over Metro Atlanta.  

Severe Storms & Flooding

Severe storms are the most common types of natural disasters that affect the Metro Atlanta area.  They have the potential to cause extreme damage, potentially resulting in flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages.   

  • In 1998, severe storms hit the entire state, bringing flooding to 119 counties in Georgia, Atlanta included.  
  • In September 2009, extensive, continuous rain affected several counties in Georgia, concentrating in the Metro Atlanta area.  This rain resulted in 500-year floods. The flood claimed at least 10 deaths and caused $500 million in damages. Twenty-three counties received Federal Disaster Declarations and over 20,000 homes, business and other buildings were affected.  

Winter Storms

Mostly affecting North Georgia, these winter storms are responsible for blocked roads, downed power lines and extreme cold.

  • In 1993, the “Storm of the Century” was a blizzard hit the Atlanta area.  It dropped more than four inches of snow and shut down the entire metro area for almost 3 days. 
  • A blizzard nicknamed “Snowmageddon” hit Atlanta in 2014, paralyzing most of North Georgia.  It left thousands of Georgians stranded in their vehicles for more than 20 hours. According to the Georgia State Patrol, more than 1500 auto accidents and 180 injuries were caused by the storm.  
  • Just 2 weeks after “Snowmageddon” another more powerful storm ravaged north and central Georgia, bringing heavy snow and record amounts of ice and left more than 200,000 residents of Georgia without power. 



Terrorist Attacks on Atlanta

Although Atlanta has not experienced a large scale terrorist attack, it is still at risk.  These attacks typically occur without warning.

  • A bombing occurred at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Olympics hosted in Atlanta.  It resulted in 4 deaths and 111 injuries. In the year following, the same man bombed an Atlanta area health clinic and a night club.  In 2005, the bomber, Eric Rudolph, eventually pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison which he is currently serving.
  • In June 2019, a Georgia Tech student was providing material support for a terrorist organization and was convicted of his crime and is now serving 13 years in federal prison.

Pandemic Flu

When a pandemic outbreak occurs there is usually little to no time to fully prepare.  These outbreaks spread rapidly and oftentimes without even realizing a person is spreading the virus.

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) declared H1N1 influenza as a pandemic in 2009.  Almost 50 people died and more than 800 were hospitalized in Georgia as a result of this virus. 
  • In 2020, COVID-19 a novel strain of the Corona Virus was declared a pandemic.  This rapidly spreading virus infected an unknown number of Atlantans as well as people all over the world.  


Throughout these different types of powerful storms, SERVPRO of South Atlanta has been there to assist the residents of Atlanta and North Georgia.  With our extensive knowledge and IICRC certifications we remain the #1 choice for disaster relief in Georgia as well as nationwide. We continue to be there to help you get back to your pre-disaster state, “Like it never even happened.”

How SERVPRO Dries Hardwood Floors in Atlanta Georgia

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

drying hardwood floors SERVPRO of South Atlanta is available 24/7. We are always on call and can be at your home or business in less than two hours!

One of the most common questions associated with water damage we hear at SERVPRO of South Atlanta is, “Can my hardwood floors be saved?” While we can not save every set of hardwood floors we come across, SERVPRO of South Cobb has become a leader in the floor restoration industry and have had great success when it comes to restoring hardwood floors. If your hardwood floors are damaged, before you have them replaced, give SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call at (404) 505-1760.

Wood floors cannot absorb large amounts of moisture without warping, bowing, or cracking. One of the most important factors in the success of drying your wood floors is to have water extracted as soon as possible. Another important factor is the humidity level of the home. In most cases, to dry hardwood floors we want to lower the overall humidity level of the affected area. We do this by placing specialized drying equipment throughout the affected area. If there is wet carpet and padding installed in your home, it should be removed or dried as soon as possible. Finished wood flooring sometimes returns to their original shape after drying, eliminating the need for costly replacement. 

Three common problems that occur when hardwood flooring gets wet:

  • Cupping - This is when the wood bows to a concave shape with the edges slightly raised. This can oftentimes be sanded out and restored without replacing the floor..
  • Crowning - This is when the wood bows in a convex shape, with a hump in the middle. This in general is not possible to sand out and replacing the floor is typically the most cost effective repair. 
  • Cracking - This is when cracks appear in the board themselves or between boards due to swelling. This in general is not possible to sand out and replacing the floor is typically the most cost effective repair.  

To minimize the damage, your wood flooring should be dried from the top and bottom when possible. SERVPRO of South Atlanta can use the Dri-Eaz Mat Drying System along with any number of additional air movers, dehumidifiers, and/or desiccant drying machines to dry your hardwood floors. The Dri-Eaz Mat Drying System is one of the most effective and efficient pieces of floor drying equipment on the market. Let's take a look at how the Dri-Eaz Mat system works:

First, we will ensure that any standing water has been extracted/removed from the floor thoroughly. We then clean the hardwood floors with SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning products, removing any dirt or debris by gently wiping with cleaning cloths.  It is important that any dirt or debris is removed, if left on the surface it will retain moisture and create drying issues. 

Next the Dri-Eaz Mat System is used with an air mover to create a vacuum seal to the floor that speeds up the drying process by moving air from the sub-floor to the surface. Combined the system utilizes high pressure to draw evaporated moisture out of damaged areas.

Mats can be used singly for quick spot drying or several can be used for larger areas. The mat system also has customizable configurations, so matter what your layout is, the Dri-Eaz Mat System can handle the job. 

Drying time can vary depending on many factors, the amount of water the floor was exposed to, the length of time that the water was on the flooring, the thickness and quality of the finish.  SERVPRO of South Atlanta uses the most advanced techniques to make sure that your wood floors will be dried out properly and saved whenever possible! 

Just remember that minutes can count when it comes to water damage! Just give us a call and our dispatch will have a team of SERVPRO of South Atlanta professionals on the way in no time. Our staff is well trained, punctual, and always has our customers best interest at heart. We understand that flooring, damaged by water, can be a time sensitive situation. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so no matter what time of day or night, we will be there to serve you. We also offer professional residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, storm damage cleanup, and many other disaster related restoration services. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is faster to any sized disaster and can get the job done right, the first time.

SERVPRO of South Atlanta...Not Just Water!

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

technician talking with homeowner SERVPRO of South Atlanta is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Give us a call today (404) 505-1760!

You probably already know SERVPRO of South Atlanta handles water restoration, but did you know we offer other services such as fire and smoke damage restoration, emergency storm damage mitigation, biohazard cleanup and mold remediation?  

SERVPRO of South Atlanta has been in the restoration business for over 55 years. We not only have the certifications but the years of experience to help serve our customers and our community in some of the most hectic and unnerving times of their lives.  

What do I do if I have a house fire?

A house fire is a very scary event that can shake even the most prepared homeowner. It's important to know what to do if it ever happens to you. Obviously, you should first call 911 and get yourself and your family checked out by medical personnel. Your second call should be to the leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Atlanta.You will also want to take as many pictures and videos as you can to document damages. These will be helpful for your claims adjuster, should you need to file a claim, as well as the content department of SERVPRO of South Atlanta to restore your belongings back to their pre-fire state.  

What do I do if my home experiences storm damage?

Emergency service is what we do! As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to minimize the damage after it happens. That is where we come in to help!  We are experts in the first steps of storm damage relief. From the initial board-up step, to the clean up process, to getting you back to normal through our construction department, we are the leading experts in the country!

What do I do if I see mold in my home?

You see mold in your home, your first inclination is probably going to be to clean it right? Did you know you may be spreading it throughout your home by doing that? Mold spores are airborne, so if you don't contain it, you could be spreading it! That’s why contacting SERVPRO of South Atlanta would be the best option for you. We will come out to your home to do an inspection and put together the best course of action to help you deal with the situation, regardless of whether you involve your insurance company or not. After all, we are one of the leading SERVPRO’s in the Atlanta Metro area when it comes to mold remediation!

What is Biohazard Cleanup?

Bio-hazardous waste includes any waste product that is at risk of carrying pathogens of any kind that could be harmful to humans, animals, or the environment. According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, bio-hazardous waste is "any waste containing infectious materials or potentially infectious substances such as blood. As an industry leader in bio-hazardous cleanup SERVPRO of South Atlanta adheres to all industry standards to effectively decontaminate and clean up these types of situations. Whether you are facing an unattended death, blood spill or other trauma cleanup, SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be there to assist you in the most professional manner possible.  

Should you or anyone you know ever find yourselves in a situation where you need any type of emergency services, we hope that SERVPRO of South Atlanta will be your go to restoration company.  We will be happy to assist you in any way possible and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Most Common Causes of Fires in Atlanta

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

technicians cleaning fire damage ceiling Our technicians have years of experience in the fire and water restoration industry and are IICRC certified!

Per the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) statistics, household fires caused an estimated 2,000 deaths and 7,500 injuries in 2018. Out of the total estimated total of 379,600 fires, over 50% were caused by cooking accidents. The remaining 50% household fire accidents are spread out over heating devices, accidental, electrical malfunction and open flame, just to name a few. No matter what the cause, once the flames have been put out, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We will help you file your fire claim, should you choose to involve your insurance provider, and manage your claim until the job is complete and the fire damage is “Like it never even happened.”

There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a house fire.  

Smoke Alarms

  • Make sure you have properly working smoke detectors in your home. Replace faulty smoke detectors immediately, and only purchase reputable and reliable devices. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) advises that homeowner’s choose smoke detectors that include CO2 detection capabilities, and models that are interconnected so that if one device sounds all will sound.
  • It is recommended that you place smoke detectors on every level of your home making sure they are outside of bedrooms, at the top or bottom of stairways and close to, but not inside the kitchen. By having smoke detectors in these recommended areas you can ensure occupants of the home will be notified in the event of a fire. 
  • Monthly testing of these smoke alarms is imperative and changing the batteries once a year, at a minimum is recommended. You can use the time change in the fall, as a reminder to change those batteries! There is an exception to this, however, if you have a newer model smoke detector with a lithium battery it may not need to be changed every year, always check the owners manual to see the recommended guidelines for your specific model. Dead batteries account for about a quarter of all smoke detector failures.

Plan your Families Escape

  • If your family does not have an escape route planned, put one together ASAP!  Make sure to go over a few practice runs with every member of your family, especially the little ones.  Don’t forget to make sure everyone knows to stay low to the floor when escaping!
  • Check all your windows to make sure they are not painted or nailed shut, especially if your home is older!
  • Consider purchasing escape ladders if you have a home with more than one floor.  

What to do while Escaping

    • If you are trying to escape a room with a closed door, make sure to check the temperature of the door with the BACK of your hand.  If you were to burn your fingers on a door it would make the rest of the escape harder to do with burnt fingers!
  • If the door is hot
  • Do not open the door!  Escape through a window if possible.  If you cannot get out of the window, hang a light colored or white sheet or article of clothing out the window so first responders know you are there!
  • If the door is cool
        • Slowly open the door, but check to make sure there is not fire or heavy smoke that you cannot get through.  If your path is blocked, close the door and use a window to escape.
  • If possible, close the doors behind you
      • Limiting air movement can help slow the spread of the fire, buying you and your family precious time to escape the fire safely.
  • Be ready to crawl!  Heat and smoke rise as do poisonous gasses.  
  • If you or your clothes catch fire, remember, stop, drop & roll.

After the Fire

  • Once you are out, do not go back in and call 9-1-1, if you haven’t already.
  • Call your trusted and locally owned fire restoration company, SERVPRO of South Atlanta. We are here to help 24-hours a day seven days a week and have years of experience working with house fire victims and first responders mitigating and restoring both residential and commercial properties.


*For more information on Georgia home fire statistics check out the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA).

What To Do When Your Atlanta Basement Floods

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

pipe leak behind wall If you have a pipe burst, a sewage backup, or even experience water damage due to a flash flood...give SERVPRO of South Atlanta a call today!

Whether you have 2 inches or 2 feet of water in your basement, flooding can pose a serious safety and health risk for your family and home if not addressed immediately. When you find yourself in an unexpected in-ground pool you don’t remember building in your basement, you are going to want the experts and professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta on your side! Our number one goal is to return your property to preloss condition and make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the restoration company that you can trust with your most valuable investment, your home. With roots in the Atlanta community and an impeccable track record of standing behind our warranties and work, the choice is easy.

SERVPRO is never more than a phone call away. Contact us today! We are ready to answer your call day or night, 24/7. When you call SERVPRO of South Atlanta you will be greeted with a knowledgeable, professional and caring member of our team who is there to help and walk you through the entire water restoration process. We will dispatch our highly trained professional water technicians to your home in a timely manner. In most cases our technicians can be on site within an hour, and never longer than two hours for emergency services. You will always be treated with the best customer service and utmost professionalism. So, when disaster strikes, don’t go it alone. It’s time to call the professionals that know how to get the job done right the first time, at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. 

There are many reasons your basement may flood. Whether you have experienced a pipe burst, leak, sewage backup, toilet overflow or outside water coming into your basement from a storm, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help. We will make everything right again, just “Like it never even happened.” When your basement does flood, it is best practice not to enter the water as it may be hazardous and contain harmful bacteria, especially  if the basement flood is caused by a sewage backup. Also if there is any exposed electrical wiring you could be at risk of shock. To avoid a potentially dangerous and hazardous situation the first thing you should do is call the trusted water, fire and mold mitigation and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Atlanta. You can rest assured that we will be on top things and will handle your home and valuables with the utmost care, respect and professionalism that SERVPRO is known for.

SERVPRO has been the trusted professionals in the industry for over 50 years. We are here to help when you experience a water, fire or mold loss in your home. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help things go right and we are the trusted brand in the Atlanta community. When you find yourself in an unforeseen water, fire or mold emergency don’t go it alone. Call the water restoration company with the trusted name and the most  knowledge in the industry, call SERVPRO. We are here to help, day or night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Atlanta Hotel and Resort Fire and Water Restoration Services

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Atlanta Commercial Restoration Help SERVPRO of South Atlanta is here to help restore your commercial property 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Call us today at (404)505-1760!

When you experience a fire or water loss in a commercial building such as a hotel or resort, time is of the essence. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is the leading, Atlanta area professionals here to help you with your fire and water remediation. We will be on site, many times, within an hour of you calling us, helping to save valuable time and money. 

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get your Atlanta hotel or resort back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, as well as electronics restoration and document drying. So when the sprinklers in your hotel business center or banquet room unexpectedly flood a portion of your hotel, there is no need to worry, we are the professionals you want on your side! When your guests are awakened in the middle of the night by a blaring fire alarm, who do you call to take care of the aftermath of the fire? You call the most knowledgeable, timely and professionals in the business, you call SERVPRO of South Atlanta

While your guests are your most important clients, you are ours. We will work with your management and team to minimize the effects of a water or fire emergency for your guests. Time is money and we understand that you want to be back up and running as soon as possible. Whether you are a family owned hotel or a large national resort chain, we are here to help. No job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of South Atlanta!

Fire or water damage can be especially devastating for a hotel or resort. In the case of a fire you will not only have fire and smoke damage, you potentially could also have significant water damage from firefighting efforts and possibly fire suppression systems. In the case of a water loss, you may experience water in rooms occupied by your guests. We understand that every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-damage condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We will work diligently to get you back in business, as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are the experts in the business and we are here to help!  If you experience a fire or water loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of South Atlanta and we will respond immediately, to get you back to business.

In addition to water and fire restoration, SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your company's best resource in mold mitigation. If you find mold growing in one of your rooms, we are the mold specialist for you. No matter what type of loss you experience, we are here to help. We handle commercial business losses, just like yours, every single day. We are the professionals you can trust, not only for your residential homes but for your commercial hotels and resorts, as well. SERVPRO of South Atlanta will get you back up and running and restore your property in a timely and professional manner, “Like it never even happened.”

Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Tips

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

smoke detector If your home or business experiences a fire loss call SERVPRO of South Atlanta, we can make it "Like it never even happened."

What if we lived in a world with no warnings or emergency services? How could one possibly know when danger is coming? That is why smoke detectors and other fire safety alarms are imperative to have in your home or business. SERVPRO of South Atlanta is dedicated to help you through the process of fully understanding smoke and fire detectors.

In today’s world, we have the capability to have various types of smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms installed in our homes. These devices play an important role in protecting us while we are away or in the safety of our own beds.  

Smoke and Fire Alarms

  • Ionization smoke alarms continuously emit a low level, electrical current that senses if smoke particles enter the current. It then triggers the audible alarm.
  • Photoelectric alarms detect smoke using a light beam and sensor.  Usually, the light beam points away from the senor.  If smoke particles scatter the mean, it redirects some light to hit the sensor, triggering the alarm.  This type of alarm will detect larger fire particles quicker than ionized alarms. 

*Click here for more information on Ionization and Photoelectric alarms.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Biomimetic sensors detect carbon monoxide using a combination of color-changing liquids.  This sensor can last for up to 3 years.
  • A metal oxide semiconductor uses wired circuits to monitor carbon dioxide levels in the air.  This type of detector can last for up to 10 years.
  • Electrochemical sensors are the “best in class'' when it comes to home protection.  These detectors work by generating currents that detect the amount of carbon monoxide through scientific combination.  
  • Optochemical sensors use a color changing pad that changes when carbon monoxide is detected.  This is the most cost effective option, but is known to offer limited protection.  They only monitor the presence of the poisonous gas, but cannot detect levels, so danger could be closer than known.

No matter your situation having a fire alarm that sounds, strobes, or has voice evacuation, everyone is capable of having a life saving alert. 

A few tips with keeping your fire detectors up to date:

  • Perform routine, monthly tests.  Each smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, has a test button to make this easy for every homeowner.  
  • Check the battery annually. A good tip is to change the battery as time falls back in the fall season.  If you are to have a smoke detector that has a non-replaceable battery then it is recommended to change them every ten years. Each detector also has a battery fail-safe. If it ever starts to chirp, that is an indicator that your battery power is low and should be changed immediately! 

Here at SERVPRO of South Atlanta we want to educate you in all things fire safety and are dedicated to help in any way possible.  Our customer service representatives here 24/7 to help in any way possible. SERVPRO of South Atlanta has certified technicians and ongoing administration educational classes to keep the entire SERVPRO of South Atlanta team up to date on the latest safety, emergency guidelines and services.


Should you ever find yourself in a house fire tragedy, call us to restore your home, “Like it like it never even happened.” We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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