SERVPRO of Jonesboro NEA First Responder Hero Day 2023

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Photography by James Bickham

In a world where chaos and emergencies often take center stage, it's the first responders who stand as the pillars of strength and support. These dedicated individuals selflessly rush to the aid of those in need, often risking their own lives to ensure our safety and well-being. To express gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering dedication, SERVPRO of Jonesboro recently hosted a heartwarming event at Judd Hill Farmers' Market, bringing together the community to celebrate and honor our local first responders.

On a sunny Monday morning, the grounds of Judd Hill Farmers' Market were transformed into a hub of warmth and gratitude. The event, organized by SERVPRO of Jonesboro amongst several sponsors, was a beautiful tribute to the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.

The event was a true feast for the senses, featuring a variety of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a mouthwatering assortment of sweets, all generously provided by local sponsors. Attendees were treated to a delectable spread that catered to every palate, creating an inviting atmosphere that encouraged camaraderie and conversation.

The day began with a heartfelt welcome speech from the team at SERVPRO of Jonesboro, expressing their deep appreciation for the first responders who consistently put the community's needs before their own. Their dedication and sacrifice were acknowledged with respect and admiration.

Local firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders, along with their families, enjoyed the festivities, taking a well-deserved break from their demanding roles. The event provided an opportunity for them to connect with one another, sharing stories and experiences that only those in their line of work can truly understand.

A highlight of the event was the heartwarming interactions between the first responders and the community members who turned out to show their support. As each speaker spoke their words of gratitude and encouragement, you could tell they truly had a passion for what was taking place. Throughout the day, gratitude was in the air. Jonesboro Firefighters Bags and Pipes even played the National Anthem and it was spectacular. 

Although it takes a team of dedicated individuals to become successful in putting service above self-daily, awards were presented to outstanding individuals in each department. The recipients include:

• Jamie Seaborn – Police department
• Bill Vacco – Fire department
• Cody Latner – Sheriff’s department
• Billy Brown – Emerson Ambulance
• Hurricane Deployment Team – Medic One

As the event ended, the first responders departed with a newfound sense of appreciation and a community that stands behind them. SERVPRO of Jonesboro's commitment to recognizing the invaluable service of these brave individuals left a lasting mark on the hearts of all who attended.

The event at Judd Hill Farmers' Market was a testament to the power of community support and the importance of showing gratitude to our local heroes. It served as a reminder that, in times of crisis, we are not alone but surrounded by a caring and appreciative community ready to lend a helping hand.

SERVPRO of Jonesboro's gesture of hosting this event for our first responders is a shining example of how a small act of kindness can have a profound impact on our community. It reminds us that, by coming together and expressing our gratitude, we can create a more connected and compassionate society. They are the ones who run toward danger when we run away, and they deserve our unwavering support and gratitude.

Read more about this event in the Jonesboro Sun newspaper!

Back-To-School Season is Here!

8/9/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jonesboro can help make this time of year a little easier. We understand this time of year can be stressful for you and your family.

Back-to-school season is here! This requires a lot from parents, teachers, and students. From school shopping, meal prepping, and regulating your sleep schedule, it’s important to come up with a game plan and stick to it. To ensure everyone’s safe and prepared SERVPRO has created a list of tips and suggestions that you be useful:

• Plan your commute. Leave at a comfortable time to prevent rushing to work so that kids can cross the road safely. Be sure to make complete stops at crosswalks and look both ways.
• Buy reflective patches to go on your kid’s book bags.
• Designate family members to pick up your child in case of an emergency. Give this information to the school’s administration early in the year.
• Have safety talks with your kids periodically so that they don’t forget.
• Get everything ready the night before throughout the school year.
• Don’t just make sure the kids eat breakfast, parents and teachers need it just as much! This can prevent burn-out as you get closer towards hectic times of the year.
• Network in your community to find businesses that sponsor back-to-school necessities and events for free.

Our list is a great start but Children’s Educational Services has created a list of over 100 tips and tricks to help everything run smoothly and efficiently throughout the school year.

How Can SERVPRO Help?

SERVPRO of Jonesboro is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We’re dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster with training, equipment, and experience. We are here for all your emergency services to respond to water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, storm damage, and commercial services. Our trained technicians are in full uniform, and background screened to provide you with a piece of mind so you can focus on seeing your school, home, or business returned to a preloss condition.

How To Prepare For The Hottest Month Of The Year

7/1/2023 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe this summer by maintaining your home before inclement weather approaches.

Preparing for Independence Day is not the only thing you should be planning for. As the hottest month of the year approaches, you should consider your home too. Don’t know where to start, SERVPRO can help with that.

Maintenance Is Key

Always check to ensure appliances are working properly such as your fridge, freezers, and air conditioners. A leak or default can happen at any time. Maintaining repairs during cold winters is just as important in the summer. Ensure insulation is up to par. This will keep the cool air in and more hot air outside where it belongs. You can always add insulation with the insulation you already have in place.

Fourth of July Preparation

According to The Zebra, over 18,000 fires are started due to fireworks. SERVPRO understands that accidents happen when you’re having fun with your family. Firecrackers can malfunction and cause property damage. Having a fire extinguisher handy as well as a bucket of water can help you avoid possible incidents. To use a fire extinguisher correctly, PASS:

• Pull the pin
• Aim low at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle slowly
• Sweep the nozzle side to side

Smoke damage from a firecracker going through a window? No problem! SERVPRO specializes in fire damage, water damage, mold restoration, and storm damage. It’s best to get the damage assessed as soon as possible.

 Call 870-934-0501 if you have any questions.

AC Running More Frequently, Is It?

6/12/2023 (Permalink)

Heavy usage on your AC unit can cause long term problems if the system is not checked regularly.

Have you had to run your AC more frequently to keep you and your family cool this summer? You are not alone! It’s common for this to occur as temperatures increase. This can cause several problems if your system must cool your home several degrees.

So, What’s The Problem?

As a result of over usage, your AC system essentially works extremely hard. The more your AC runs to keep your cozy home cool enough for you and your family, the more energy it utilizes. In turn, this leads to more wear and tear on your AC system.

The constant running of an AC reduces pressure in the evaporator until it freezes over. The freezing of the coil can cause liquid refrigerant to flood back into the systems compressor and damage it. This damage leads to water damage. If the water damage is left untreated, it will result in a mold infestation as well.

What can SERVPRO do about it?

SERVPRO has highly trained technicians that specialize in water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, storm damage, and commercial services. Our team has an extensive fleet of vehicles specifically equipped to tackle the job. Once the water is extracted, we dry your property quickly, and finish with professional-grade cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products.

How Do I Prevent This?

Having a preventative maintenance plan in place can save you thousands of dollars. Check your system before the summer approaches as well as frequently throughout the summer. Your specialist can maintain the filters, inspect the line for leaks, and more. This allows you to catch any problems before more time passes allowing the issue to get worse.

Call SERVPRO at 870-934-0501 if you have water damage from your AC unit, as well as any other restoration needs you may have.

The Mayor's New Plans for Jonesboro, Oh My!

5/15/2023 (Permalink)

Mayor Copenhaver has big plans for Jonesboro.

Being affiliated with Rotary Club of Jonesboro, SERVPRO gets the opportunity to be a part of an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, help build goodwill and better friendships, eradicate polio, and more. As we meet once a week and become more involved in the community, speakers come and inform members about current events and other organizations.  

Mayor Harold Copenhaver spoke earlier this month and delivered an encouraging speech on his plans for Jonesboro. Mayor Copenhaver served as a member of the Board of the Jonesboro Rotary Club. The club was thrilled he was able to clear his schedule for a moment.

The mayor started his speech by discussing the proactivity that Jonesboro has been focusing on regarding the topics that have been predicted for the upcoming presidential election. Security and crime are the two main topics that Jonesboro is prioritizing to create better living in Jonesboro.

There will be a shift in how many days police officers get off work due to working long hours. We need officers well rested and alert to keep Jonesboro safe.

So far, Mayor Copenhaver has dedicated over $3 million to technology and infrastructure upgrades to provide more safety and lower crime. This includes installing more sky cops to help solve crime quickly, traffic count, pedestrian safety, and more.

More than 70% of students do not have the technology to continue their education at home. Ritter Communications donated $4.5 million to make sure this is no longer the case. Banks and other organizations have also donated over half a million dollars to fund future projects in Jonesboro.

SERVPRO Supports Teacher Appreciation Week!

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO loves our teachers!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our hardworking teachers that work diligently to provide education to those in the community.  Each year SERVPRO® selects schools to provide lunch for in support of Teach Appreciation Week.

This year, SERVPRO decided to support Nettleton High School, University Heights School of Medical Arts, and the Health, Wellness, & Environmental Studies Magnet School.

SERVPRO of Jonesboro was able to feed over 170 teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Nettleton High and UHSMA were provided hearty pork steaks, warm baked potatoes, baked beans, and more delicious treats provided by Sammy Lewis BBQ Catering. HWESMS was served mouthwatering Jimmy John's sandwiches, a variety of chips, and assorted cookies.

SERVPRO has been doing this tradition for several years. This is one-way SERVPRO of Jonesboro displays its gratitude to teachers within the community. Our team values the work teachers put forth. Without educators, our communities would be deprived of growth and development. We demonstrate admiration for our teachers consistently for everything they do, thank you.                                            

Watch Your Appliances for Leaks to Prevent Water Damage

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

Have water damage in your home from an appliance? SERVPRO of Jonesboro is always on call ready to help.

The fresh smell of clean laundry, the crash of newly formed ice cubes, clean dishes warm from the dishwasher…the list of appliances in our home that make our lives easier can go on and on. While the benefits from appliances are great, they can also lead to extreme water damage.

Water problems are a common cause of damage in homes, especially with the variety of ways the issues can originate. When an appliance leaks, it can be challenging to catch quickly, which means it could cause serious damage.

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can find and correct problems before they lead to the need for costly repairs. All while still enjoying a cold cup of water.

Regular Maintenance

In order to prevent water damage, you have to find it. Checking for it often is the best way to correct issues, and that can be as easy as running your hand around appliances when you walk by to watch for excess moisture.

Refrigerators and dishwashers can often have leaks underneath them, so always note unexplained water drops or soft spots on the floor. Pull both of these appliances out at least once a year and clean around them. Look for mold growth on the walls surrounding them as another indicator that there is a problem.

You should have your HVAC professionally serviced at least once a year and check for signs of hidden leaks regularly. Watch vents for water droplets or excess moisture, and look for puddles around the unit itself. These are both signs there could be a larger leak somewhere in your home leading to mold or structural damages.

Remember to take care of the water heater just the same as the rest of your appliances. This is a common source of leaking issues. Check it often to catch and correct issues.

Yearly or Long-Term Maintenance

Weekly or even monthly maintenance goes a long way in protecting your home, but long-term care is also crucial for preventing extreme damage. Check your appliances’ manufacturer guidelines and schedule professional maintenance as needed, and take some steps on your own as well.

Visually look at and feel hoses on your refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher. If they are kinked, peeling, or have holes, you should replace them with quality materials in order to extend their overall lifespan.

Plan to upgrade your appliances every 10 to 15 years in order to have the safest items in your home.

Appliance leaks can seem small and unimportant, but they can quickly lead to extreme damage and costly repairs. Get used to watching for water issues regularly, and maintain your appliances often. Enjoy the simple luxuries of life and rest easy knowing your home is safe.

Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.

Fire Extinguisher Tools You Need to Teach Your Staff

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Jonesboro is your local restoration expert.

You might not be able to imagine a true emergency happening at work, but when you are ill-prepared for them, the outcome can be much worse. If your commercial building were to catch on fire, you need to know that there is a plan in place to ensure the best possible response.

There are some basic fire safety tools and techniques you should be teaching every member of your team, including how to use a fire extinguisher. An alarming number of people have never been trained on how to handle one of these, but with a few simple steps, you can create a much safer environment.

Start With the Fundamentals

In every business facility, there should be proper fire safety equipment. [OSHA requirements] state that if you have a fire extinguisher, you are also required to offer training to your staff in order for them to learn how to use it.

A good rule of thumb is to not only give your employees the basics on how fire extinguishers work but also to make sure they understand the different kinds of extinguishers they may need to use.

The best place to start is with the basics, so show your team how to hold and aim an extinguisher. Once they are able to securely hang onto it, then show them how to pull the pin and squeeze the handle. Flames should be extinguished with a sweeping motion, and make sure your crew knows to stay six to eight feet away as they fight the fire.

You may want to instruct your employees to use the acronym PASS as a way to remember the steps involved when it comes to fire extinguishers. Provide basic training for everyone who accesses your building once a year so that everyone has the opportunity to learn and relearn just how to respond.

While you should give everyone the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of fire safety, consider creating additional training for assigned staff members so that you can widen your response area in a disaster. When you have a reliable team that knows where to go you can get control of a situation much faster.

There’s a Time and a Place

As you put together your emergency strategy, you need to consider any unique circumstances your location or the industry your business is in could create. If your building is at a higher risk for a certain scenario, make sure that is highlighted in your training.

That might mean taking the team down to the warehouse to discuss potential chemical fires, or assuring that there is a grease fire response plan in the kitchen. There are different fire extinguishers that should be used in different situations, so it’s important to be prepared to use all of them properly.

Your safety training should also include when and how to get out if a situation warrants it. Fire extinguishers are powerful tools that can save lives and protect your property from extensive damage, but flames can quickly become out of control even with the smallest fire. It is crucial to understand when to stay and fight and when to evacuate.

Provide your staff with a communication plan and how it will be activated in the event of an emergency. This will ensure that the response time from outside help is just as fast as what is happening inside your building.

A general fire safety strategy can offer you a lot of peace of mind when it comes to protecting your employees and your assets. Once your team has the basics down, expand your plans to cover a multitude of situations and create the most effective and safe business in any emergency.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.

Flooding Showers and Spring Flowers

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jonesboro team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away!

For some, the best time of year is rapidly approaching. Spring brings with it the excitement of switching out warm clothing and planning to spend the days in the sun. While you look forward to the season, make sure you also start preparing your house for lots of rain.

Just as you spring-clean the inside of your home, it is important to use the changing seasons as a time to clean up the outside of your home. Help your house shake the winter dust off and prevent damage from a disaster.

The Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Buildings

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Experiencing water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Jonesboro can help you dry the incident quickly.

When a building is damaged, water is often to blame. Something as simple as a leaky toilet can lead to a ton of destruction.

If you own or manage a commercial building, there is a good chance that you already have a full plate and the thought of trying to catch every drip can feel pretty daunting. Get to know the most common causes of water damage so you can easily stay on top of preventing damages and keeping work going.

3 Common Sources

There is never a good time for an unplanned interruption in your business. Having to shut down a business after receiving water damages can lead to missed income and thousands of dollars of necessary repairs to get things running again.

Start regularly checking the areas of your building that are most likely to be the source of water damage in order to stop problems before they become extreme:

1. The roof. When your roof leaks, you can end up with damage on every single level of your building. Roofs can be damaged during a weather event, or a slow leak can form in a weak spot that has developed over the years. Clean out your gutters often throughout the year, and check your roof quarterly for aging. You should also inspect your roof after strong winds or ice.

2. Bathrooms. Commercial buildings lose 15% of their water in bathrooms. Toilets and sinks can leak from tiny holes that can be hard to detect. Check your plumbing regularly for dripping or standing water to correct any issues quickly.

3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Large appliances are always at risk for water leaks. Clogged drains or loose pipe connections are common causes of problems for appliances that have water lines or create condensation. Look for puddles near your heating and cooling units, and pay attention to water pressure changes. These are all signs that you have an issue that needs to be addressed quickly.

Take Preventive Steps

No one can control natural disasters that create flooding issues in buildings, but most other water issues can be controlled when you know how to respond. Take the time to prepare yourself, your building, and your team so you can mitigate your losses when an event occurs.

Build a maintenance plan for your building that will keep a close eye on your plumbing regularly. Work with us at SERVPRO to create an Emergency Ready Plan that will break your process down into simple steps so your entire team knows what to do after a disaster.

Make sure you are covering every fixture in your building when you plan, including any kitchen or hand washing stations your building might have. Find your water shut-off valves and train some of your crew to respond and turn off the water fast in the event of an emergency.

The faster you move, the better your results will be when it comes to water damage. Respond fast to the situation and secure a safe place to call us at SERVPRO. We are available around the clock to start your recovery process so you can keep business moving forward.

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.