Recent Posts
SERVPRO Is Ready After a Fire!
3/27/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is faster than any other to help you when you are in need!
A lot of different disasters can threaten your property, and each one can create different kinds of damage. Fires, however, can be completely destructive even when they stay on a small scale.
Cleaning up after a fire might leave you wondering where to even begin and feeling completely lost. The good news is that you have a team of professionals right in your backyard that is always ready to help.
SERVPRO of Jonesboro is locally owned and operated, and we can respond the moment you need us.
Our Initial Move
If you experience a fire in your home or business, your first priority has to be getting to safety. Secure your family, and then make your next move by calling our experts and getting the cleanup started.
We are available to take your call at any time of day or night, and when we do, we will get as much information as possible in order to start forming a unique plan that will cover your entire restoration process. As we do, we will also get a team headed toward your property with all the necessary equipment.
When the team gets on the ground, they will perform an assessment of your entire property. Smoke and soot can spread quickly and affect rooms well beyond the initial burn area, so it is crucial we have a full picture of all the damages.
Time to Get to Work
After an inspection, we will start working to ensure no more damages are done to your home or business. This can include securing your property from the elements by tarping your roof or boarding up windows.
With top-of-the-line equipment and industry-leading techniques, our next step will be removing smoke and soot stains from any walls, carpets, and ceilings they may have penetrated. Once we take care of all the surface damage, we can start sanitizing to kill odors and prevent them from returning.
The Most Crucial Step
After the cleaning and sanitizing are complete, we can move to the restoration phase of the process. Whatever needs to be done in order to put your home back to just as it was before the fire, our team is ready to handle it. We will hang drywall, lay carpet, and other floorings, and paint as many rooms as required.
If your home or business had a part of the property that was damaged beyond repair and required a total teardown, we can handle the reconstruction. Our SERVPRO team has all the team and experience to carry out everything required to get your life back on track fast.
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Jonesboro! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
Winter Everywhere You Look
3/20/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience winter adversities, SERVPRO can come to the rescue, whether it's snowing or raining, we will be there for you 24/7.
Winter starts on Dec. 21, but it will look different according to where you are in the nation. In our area of Arkansas and other regions near us, we generally experience a mild winter with only slightly lower temperatures. Other regions splash into the season with heavy snow that lasts all season.
Wherever you are, winter comes with its own set of severe weather threats that could damage your home and send your family into the cold (or rain… fog…or well you see).
When you know everything that winter could bring, you can get your home ready and lower the risk of potential damages and keep your family safe all season.
Winter Around the Nation
Moderate, rainy, frigid, and snowy are adjectives that have all been used to describe this year’s winter season across the two halves of the nation.
The Midwest and some parts of the East Coast will see temperatures in extreme lows and snowstorms throughout the season. On the West Coast, things will be mild with some warmth and rain.
These predictions will be slightly different regionally, but we should prepare for the worst to lower the overall possibility of damages.
Winter Around Jonesboro
In Jonesboro, we enjoy a mild winter with lows that don’t often dip lower than the 30-degree range and a minimum amount of precipitation. This year is predicted to be colder than normal, with the coldest air blowing in towards the end of the season.
Snow and ice cannot be ruled out, along with a couple of freezes. Because our weather can be unpredictable, the more prepared we are, the safer we can keep our property and our families.
Get Prepared
To reduce the fear of weather-related damage, you should do a few things ahead of winter. The first would be to learn all the different kinds of storms that could affect our neighborhoods in Jonesboro.
Next, you should have at least two forms of devices that can receive weather alerts, including one that doesn’t require external power in case a storm kills the power.
Building or updating an emergency supply kit is another step you should take to prepare your home for the winter season. Keep your kit in a location near an interior room, and take a look at the contents regularly to keep it appropriate for each season. Pack one for the car to be prepared for unexpected situations.
Even if we don’t see very cold temperatures this winter, weatherproofing your windows and door frames can prevent damaging moisture and help with your electricity bill. Put a cover over any faucets outside before the cold does hit our area so your pipes don’t freeze.
Your roof takes care of your house year-round, so check it before winter sets in to repair anything necessary. Trim trees that are close to your home, and consider adding insulation to your attic to keep your house warmer and ensure your home can survive any storm.
Winter can be a season full of magic that feels like a fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate when you have protected your home. Put SERVPRO in your contact list and take advantage of our round-the-clock availability to get back to all things comfy fast after a disaster.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
Keeping Your Decorated Home Fire-Safe
3/13/2023 (Permalink)
Keep your family safe, and take preventative measures to insure their safety at all times.
Can’t you just picture this…riding down the street and viewing the lovely glowing lights, walking in the house and smelling sweet baked goods, and hearing soft music floating through the air everywhere you go? It’s also time for so many events like the downtown JoyFest that bring our community together.
The holidays are such a magical time of year, but they are also a time of year when fire risks run high.
Take the time to decorate your home safely this season so you can enjoy every moment of community events, family time, and the sweet cozy feelings the season has to offer.
Top Seasonal Hazards
Every year, there are an average of 790 structure fires started due to seasonal decoration misuse.
Items hung too close to a heating source are a primary starter of these fires. Candles and Christmas trees of any variety are another risk factor for winter blazes that can leave your home in complete devastation.
If you decorate with a real tree, make sure it is watered regularly and any needles that have fallen on the ground are swept up. Artificial trees should include a fire-resistant tag, so if your tree was one that came from Grandma’s house, consider upgrading for the most safety. Don’t overload your outlets and make sure you always turn everything off at night.
Take Preventive Measures
Make the line “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” one of your personal mottos while you decorate and avoid self-made fire hazards by hanging decorations away from any open flames.
That evergreen-scented candle might make your house smell like the season, but candles are to blame for an average of 20 house fires a day. Burn candles in an open space, and always blow them out before you leave the room.
If your home has a fireplace, make sure it is cleaned and inspected every year.
Any decorations you intend to put outside should be rated appropriately to handle the weather. Make sure lights are hung snugly with outdoor-rated nails to avoid brush fires and check your area for outdoor decorating guidelines in order to protect the safety of your community.
While you decorate with care, check your smoke detectors. Replace batteries as needed and make sure you have one near every sleeping area of your home.
Walk everyone in your house through your emergency plans and add SERVPRO to your contacts list. We can start restoration fast if your home is damaged in a fire so you can get back to enjoying the season.
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
The Damage Water Can Do to Your Business
3/6/2023 (Permalink)
Don't let rotten wood ruin your day, allow SERVPRO to save the day.
Commercial water damage can have an incredible impact on your business.
A burst pipe in the employee kitchen, a leaking roof, or a sewage backup can ruin your flooring, destroy inventory, and shut down your business for an undetermined amount of time. Even a broken sprinkler system can damage a whole floor.
Exterior sources of water, like natural causes, can also be extremely detrimental to your business. We have seen repeated flooding in several of our neighborhoods in Jonesboro from heavy rains and thunderstorms. Craighead County also has multiple parks and creeks like Higginbottom Creek that are at risk for overflowing when the rain picks up.
With so many risks surrounding our homes, it is essential to prepare before a flood can occur.
Know Your Building’s Layout
Getting to know the layout of your building is a great first step in preparing your property. Familiarize yourself with water shutoff locations and make sure you know how to turn off the main water source as well as the fire sprinkler system.
Let several people know where these shutoffs are, and ensure there are multiple people who can react quickly in the event to mitigate as much damage as possible.
Know the Types of Water Involved
If you do experience a water event in your building, it is crucial to know the kind of water you are dealing with in order to handle it appropriately.
White water. White water is the kind of flooding that originates from issues with your plumbing. This kind of water is not considered dangerous or contaminated and can be handled on your own in small amounts.
Gray water. When a sink or toilet tank overflows the water is considered gray water. This kind of water is contaminated, but it is not considered dangerous to handle.
Black water. If the sewer backs up or a storm creates flooding that enters your building, it is considered a blackwater flood. Black is toxic and should only be dealt with by a professional.
Take Action Quickly
The faster you are able to respond when water starts flowing, the better the end results will be. Get to the water source and shut it off quickly.
Open windows and doors all around the flooded area in order to promote drying and airflow. Let everyone in the building know what has happened so that they can stay away from the area.
Once you have completed all of these steps, take pictures of and jot down notes about any visible damages. This will speed up the claim process with your insurance agency, but it can also help you create a plan to reinforce areas of your building as needed.
Remember to Be Patient
Water damage you can see is generally only the start. As you walk your building, keep an eye out for hidden signs of damage like framing that has molded, soaking wet wall studs, or buckled floors. These are all red flags that should be addressed right away.
When water damage occurs in your building, call SERVPRO of Jonesboro to get your recovery started quickly. We are available night and day with highly trained professionals and industry-leading equipment to get your business dried out fast.
Drying out can be a long process, so it is important to exercise patience during the week or a longer process of sanitizing and cleaning. We will make you aware of every step of the plan and walk with you to get your business rolling once again.
When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!
Choose SERVPRO and Choose Your Neighbors
2/27/2023 (Permalink)
Allow us to utilize our years of extensive experience and training to help you through your restoration needs.
There are a lot of reasons to choose SERVPRO as a partner for your restoration needs. When you choose to work with us, you are getting a company that carries detailed training, certifications, and experiences in restoring fire, storm, and water damage.
We also handle mold remediation if you discover spots in your home or business. We are certified to get things taken care of quickly before structural damage sets in. We can also take care of specialty cleanup needs such as removing graffiti or handling biohazard spills.
The best reason to choose SERVPRO? We are a locally owned and operated business and our staff is your neighbor.
Reasons Being Locally Owned Is a Difference-Maker:
When you need a restoration on your property, you want to partner with a company that is highly regarded and trustworthy that will care for your home as you would. But you need a company that is located somewhere nearby because timing is essential to recovery.
1. We Can Respond Fast
When a disaster damages your personal spaces and belongings, you want to get back to normal quickly. When restoration starts or runs slowly it can make things worse as further damages set in and everything gets more expensive to fix.
SERVPRO of Jonesboro can respond 24⁄7 to any disaster your home or business may face. We are located in your community, which means your wait time will be low and work can begin right away.
2. We’re Prepared for Local Weather Conditions
When severe weather starts moving into our area, our team is watching the news with you. We live in your neighborhoods, and we are preparing our own homes while we are also gathering resources to start recovery for the community the moment the storm moves on.
Because we are locally owned and operated, we know what to expect out of our weather in this part of Arkansas. We have cleaned up after tornadoes and heavy rains that left behind flooded roads.
We know our springs and summer can be very volatile, and that our milder winters can still mean deep freezes and frozen pipes. We have dealt with everything that has come our way, and have the experience to clean it all up.
3. We Know Jonesboro Front and Back
A single online search will return several restoration companies, but the majority of them likely operate from a central location that may be towns or states away from our area. When they come to our neighborhoods, they won’t have a clear picture of where to go or who can help.
Our staff has lived in Jonesboro for a long time, and we are familiar with how to get around. We know being known as the city of churches often means when someone gives directions it is going to include church names instead of street names. We love our suburban home and its many parks.
We also know city hall and the processes necessary to obtain needed permits in order to keep your project moving forward.
4. An Extra Benefit
Most of the time when our area faces a disaster it can be handled with our local crew, but working with SERVPRO gives you the extra benefit of being backed by a national brand.
When our community experiences a large-scale disaster, we can call neighboring SERVPRO locations and have extra assistance in town within a few hours. We have the experience and help to get our community back to normal fast.
When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!
Protect Your Home From Lightning
2/20/2023 (Permalink)
Mother nature can be a pain, but SERVPRO can nurture your home back to safe conditions.
When you have the right fire safety equipment and a solid plan, you can feel assured that your home is protected from fire. Mother Nature, however, often has other ideas.
There were 70,000 lightning damage claims in 2020, and it is estimated that lightning strikes nearly 6,000 times each and every minute. Facing that kind of risk means that the more we can do to mitigate damages, the better.
What Is Lightning?When a current of energy between the air and the ground creates a giant spark, it is called lightning. Lightning occurs in thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and even heavy snowstorms.
Lightning is not just a threat during severe weather, either. Dry lightning occurs when there is no rain and is particularly risky as it can quickly spark a wildfire.
While there may be different threats during different seasons, it is wise to prepare your home for strikes year-round.
Protecting Your Home From Lightning FiresIf lightning strikes your home, you are bound to see a great deal of damage and are at high risk for fire. Fire can start from the heat of the strike or after a surge charges through the wiring in your house.
You may not immediately be alerted if a fire does begin, but you will hear the strike hit your home.
If you experience a bang loud enough to rattle the windows, check the attic and walls for black marks and the smell of smoke. Call the fire department if you do notice any signs, and once they have given you the all-clear, let an electrician check your home’s wiring to ensure it is safe to turn your power on without another threat of fire.
One of the best forms of prevention for your home is the addition of a lightning rod. This pole will divert the heat of the electrical current of a strike into the ground rather than through your home.
A whole-home surge protector is another great addition that will protect the wiring in your house when a surge happens. This can not only save your appliances, but it can also help prevent fire and keep the lights on longer.
When Lightning Strikes NearbyAn average of 9,000 wildfires are started by lightning each year, and due to the extreme heat that comes along with a strike, these fires threaten wide areas as they burn hot and fast.
Protect your home from the outside by keeping your yard clear of dead or dry vegetation. Look into creating defensible zones with your landscaping as well, as this can divert fire away from structures should one start.
Put a smoke detector in every bedroom and on every level of your house to ensure that you can move to safety as quickly as possible no matter where you are.
If your home is damaged by a fire, call SERVPRO right away. We have industry-leading equipment and years of experience to complete your recovery quickly and completely.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.
Stop Flood Damage on Your Property
2/13/2023 (Permalink)
Damage can occur quickly, and SERVPRO can take the stress off your shoulders.
Everyone should take steps to protect their property from flooding. As little as an inch of water can cause a good deal of damage and leave you with an incredibly high repair bill.
If you are not in an area that has an extreme risk of flooding, you may not qualify for funding from either your insurance or other federal resources, which means the more damage mitigation you can do, the better.
Protecting your home means understanding your risks. Over the years, we have seen substantial flooding in our area.
Our springs typically bring volatile weather that can include heavy thunderstorms, tornadoes, and torrential downpours that lead to flash floods. This means the more we can protect our homes, the safer we can stay.
Protecting Your Home From the OutsideEven when the skies seem blue, an unexpected rain can pop up that leaves your gutters overflowing and your yard soggy. When you prepare your home outside and in, you lower your risks and can rest a little easier.
Your gutters serve as the first line of defense, and when they are clear of debris, you can be assured that water will roll away from your home. An extended downspout can be an inexpensive way to keep water flowing and avoid ponding around your home.
Landscaping is another great way to prevent water damage. Gardens pull water down through the soil and help prevent puddles. Mulch and other organic materials added in a sloping pattern near your home can also help keep water moving away, which protects your foundation and prevents water in your basement.
There are also a few upgrades you can make to your home, including moving your electrical outlets up and anchoring fuel tanks. These investments can be costly, but even an inexpensive rain barrel that catches water directly from your gutters can aid in flooding prevention and provide a free source of water for your gardens.
Flood Protection From the InsideThe best form of protection for your house from external sources of water will always be a firm foundation and a well-sealed basement.
A sump pump can also be effective in preventing water damage. Upgrading to a battery-operated pump can mean you are protected even when there is no power.
Protecting your home from floodwaters that are not from a natural source only requires a little simple maintenance.
Pipes are the top source of flooding from within, so keep a close eye on toilets, showers, sinks, and other plumbing sources. Stop leaks as soon as they start and consider adding a leak sensor. This device will let you know when water is somewhere it shouldn’t be and can often be added to your home security package for a little extra peace of mind.
Regardless of how the flood starts, water will damage any paper goods and photographs it comes into contact with instantly. Keep irreplaceable items stored on a high shelf, and make sure you know where your emergency plan is. Keep SERVPRO listed as one of your contacts too, so you can call us 24⁄7 to get your restoration started faster.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.
Types of Damages Storms Can Cause
2/6/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO can be at your doorstep as quickly as lightning to help you in the midst of a storm.
A severe storm can cause anyone a headache, but when you own a home, you have the added stress of wondering if your property will be damaged. Many modern homes are built to withstand extreme levels of weather, but sometimes storm damage just can’t be stopped.
Different seasons bring different storms, but the lightning, wind, rain, and snow that can come along with those storms all present a threat to your home.
The kind of threat will vary according to the storm moving in, the location of your house, and even the kinds of materials used to construct your home. And sometimes, whether your property ends up damaged comes down to simple luck.
Living in Arkansas means being prepared year-round for thunderstorms, but we also have to prepare for tornadoes as the weather warms up. We can also experience strong winds and hail when storms roll through.
Staying prepared is always the best way to ensure protection over your property and your loved ones. The more we can learn about the most common types of storm damage, the more we can do to be prepared.
Wind
Wind damage begins to set in when buildings are hit with gusts at high velocities. This kind of wind is always in tornadoes and hurricanes, but even a thunderstorm can have winds that blow up to 100 mph and leave behind damage.
When winds get strong, they can pick up small items and throw them into vehicles or other areas of your property. To stay safe, make sure your shelter in an interior room away from windows or doors. Debris moving at this speed can break glass or pierce walls quickly.
You can take some steps to help prevent wind damage. Walk your property and remove any loose limbs or rocks. Take down any overgrown greenery or trees, especially if they are no longer healthy.
Anchor your outside furniture as well. The more you can do to ensure things stay where they should, the safer your property will stay.
Water
Damage caused by water is one of the most common kinds of storm damage. Even a mild storm can carry a large amount of rain that leads to accumulation outside your home. These puddles can seep in through window seals or doors.
When there is a substantial amount of water, the foundation of your home is at risk for ground seepage. This can damage the structure of your home.
Just as with wind damage, there are steps you can take to limit the damages that water can do to your property. Your landscaping can serve as the first line of defense when it forces water to run away from your home.
You can also install a rain garden, which is both beautiful and highly effective at absorbing water before it can create a problem.
Your gutters are also a great guardian of your home when they are clean and fully functioning. If they are blocked, water can begin to pool on your roof, which can cause a leak that leaves damage on every level of your home.
Impact
Another common kind of damage that different storms can cause is impact damage. This can be devastating, as it typically involves fallen trees. Anything that can be knocked over or picked up in the wind and then make an impact on your house or property can be the source of this kind of damage.
In order to avoid impact damage, it is extremely important to trim trees and remove any dying ones. Take them away from your home before Mother Nature attempts to plant them on it.
Weather can create an enormous amount of damage across the United States, and in 2021 alone, it left behind over $145 billion. This is why it is essential to take the time to prepare your property for as many different kinds of damages as possible. It not only protects your home and yourself, but it will also save you money in costly repairs later.
If your property does experience damages, call SERVPRO of Jonesboro, day or night. Our experts have the training and the industry-leading equipment to get your restoration started right away. We are ready for any disaster, 24⁄7.
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.
Why SERVPRO Should Be Your Restoration Pro
1/30/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO team handling a job on site.
Here at SERVPRO, we are locally owned and operated, which means like so many of you, we understand how much of a struggle each day of running a business can be. With everything you have on your mind on a normal day, a disaster is the last thing you want to have to consider.
The good news is that while you cannot prevent or oftentimes even predict a natural disaster, you can prepare for one. And because disasters don’t just strike at the office, this means being prepared at work and at home.
In order to get yourself prepared for disasters, you should start with an emergency plan. The American Red Cross is an awesome resource for general disaster-related knowledge. They have compiled data from events that happen across the nation you can use to prepare yourself.
For local information on the kinds of events we most commonly see here in Arkansas, keep our state emergency management page bookmarked. You can also use our county’s webpage before, during, and after an event for up-to-date information.
No matter where a disaster may strike, the sooner you are able to respond to the damages, the better your results will be. Fast response means extensive damage can be limited. That is why you should keep SERVPRO’s number in your back pocket at all times.
Why Choose SERVPRO?We are ready for any situation. At some point, just about every town will suffer damages that require restoration, but no two scenarios will be alike.
Flooding is a great example of a disaster that is often widespread but never results in the same kind of damage. Every year, 14 million homes are at risk for flooding, but each home that takes on the water will require a completely unique approach to repair the damages. We have extensive training for every possible situation and can create an individualized plan that will be right for each property.
We are ready 24⁄7. When it comes to damages caused by any kind of disaster, response time will always be the most important piece of recovery. Acting fast means more of your home and property can be saved, and it means you are back to normal faster.
If your home takes on floodwaters, damages to furniture, fabric, and painted items will start immediately. Water that is allowed to sit for any amount of time will result in mold and mildew growth that can affect the structure of your home. That is why we are always ready to respond when you call, 24⁄7, 365 days a year.
Our services give you more. We don’t simply clean up the immediate damage caused by a disaster—we take on the entire project and see things through to completion.
That can mean helping you pack up your home, working with your insurance agent, and even tarping your roof if it needs it. We are ready to assist you with anything you need in order to make your recovery process as smooth and pain-free as possible.
Regardless of the kind of disaster you experience, SERVPRO of Jonesboro has you covered. We have years of training, experience, and expertise at our disposal, and our experts use industry-leading equipment that will leave your home back to preloss condition faster than you could have imagined.
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.
Home Heating Safety
1/25/2023 (Permalink)
This heater can cause fire damage if it is covered or if it is not plugged directly into the wall.
While it may not have seemed like it until recently, the winter season is here in full force, and you likely have flipped on the heat for the last time for at least a month or two. Flipping between heat and air is something we are all accustomed to this time of year, but if you haven’t been taking care of your heating equipment you could be setting yourself up for a fire disaster.
You should be able to be warm and comfy all season long, so take steps now to keep your family safe.
<h3basics">Furnace Basics
Since we live in a warmer climate than most, many of our homes are equipped with an HVAC/furnace combo that either runs on electricity or gas. These units can tolerate our changing temps well and are fairly economical choices, but they do need regular maintenance to run long-term.
Clean your unit regularly to ensure there isn’t an excessive amount of dust allowed to accumulate, and change your filter. It’s recommended to change filters every 90 days, but you may want to switch yours out more often if you are in and out a lot or have four-legged friends at home. The change of seasons is a great reminder to install a fresh filter.
The air filter is particularly crucial in our environment to help maintain the moisture level in your home, as well as cut down on allergens.
<h3safety">Fireplace Safety
You may not get to use that beautiful fireplace often, but it still needs some attention to avoid being a fire hazard. By taking care of it regularly, regardless of how cold the season actually gets, you can enjoy the dance of the flames whenever you want.
Clean and inspect it every season. And hey, you can always turn the AC on after you have enjoyed a toasty fire!
Wood-burning fireplaces should have ash and soot cleared out, and the chimney should be inspected to ensure there are no blockages. Artificial fireplaces should be dusted often, including any removable logs, screens, and fireplace tools.
<h3heaters">Portable Heaters
When the weather is sharing every season in one day, space heaters are a great choice to warm up a chilly morning. Space heaters are also a common cause of fires in our area though, so use them wisely.
Give your space heater at least three feet of the room away from any materials, and keep it on a flat surface. Plug the unit directly into the wall to avoid electrical fires that using an extension cord or surge protector can cause.
Make sure your whole family understands the risks of all of your heating equipment, and keep a close eye on the little ones and furry ones. Most house fires are the result of a quick and simple accident. Enjoy blanket season without worry by keeping your home safe.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Jonesboro for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
24/7 Emergency Service