Preventing the Flames: Tackling Common Causes of House Fires with Expert Help

3/27/2025 (Permalink)

After effects of fire, such as smoke odor and soot, can be hard to remove. Let us restore your home to pre-fire condition.

House fires remain one of the most devastating and preventable risks faced by homeowners. Two of the most common causes include electrical faults and unattended cooking, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. Electrical faults, such as overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or malfunctioning appliances, are often silent hazards that can lead to sparks and ignite surrounding materials. These issues are especially common in older homes, where wiring may not meet modern safety standards.Regular inspections by a licensed electrician can identify and address these problems before they escalate.

Meanwhile, unattended cooking is another leading cause of residential fires, particularly in kitchens where grease, oils, or flammable materials are present. A momentary distraction, like stepping away to answer a phone call, can allow flames to spread rapidly. To mitigate these risks, homeowners should never leave the stove or oven unattended, and they should keep flammable items like towels or curtains away from cooking appliances. Additionally, having a fire extinguisher within reach and knowing how to use it can make a critical difference in containing small fires. Beyond these measures, installing smoke detectors and maintaining them with regular battery checks adds an essential layer of protection.

Educating all household members about fire safety, including the dangers of electrical faults and unattended cooking, fosters a shared responsibility for preventing fires. By addressing these common causes head-on, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk and create a safer living environment for their families.

At SERVPRO, we understand how devastating a house fire can be and the importance of acting quickly to address the damage. Our fire damage restoration services are designed to focus on assessing the extent of the damage and implementing effective mitigation strategies. Whether it's fire damage caused by electrical faults, unattended cooking, or any other mishap, our experienced team is ready to step in and restore your peace of mind. Let us help you protect your home and recover from the unexpected with care and expertise.

From Flood to Fresh: A Step-by-Step Guide to Water Damage Restoration

3/27/2025 (Permalink)

Any amount of unexpected water can cause a lot of damage, fast. We're ready to deal with your water damage emergency day or night.

Water damage can disrupt your home or business in an instant, but with the right approach, recovery is within reach. The water damage restoration process involves several crucial steps to ensure your property is thoroughly dried, cleaned, and restored to its original condition. At SERVPRO, we specialize in this process, providing expert mitigation services tailored to your needs.

The first step is assessing the extent of the damage, including identifying the water source and classifying the contamination level. This evaluation helps determine the most effective restoration strategy. Next comes water extraction, where specialized equipment removes standing water to prevent further damage. Once the water is removed, the focus shifts to drying and dehumidification. High-powered air movers and dehumidifiers are used to eliminate excess moisture, even from hard-to-reach areas like walls and under flooring.

After drying, the property undergoes cleaning and sanitization to eliminate contaminants and prevent mold growth. This process includes disinfecting surfaces and salvaging items whenever possible. Finally, the restoration phase focuses on ensuring the property is fully prepared for use by addressing and resolving any remaining concerns and optimizing its readiness for future needs.

At SERVPRO, we’re here to guide you through every step of this process. Our team of trained professionals acts quickly to minimize damage and ensure your peace of mind. From water extraction to full restoration, we’re committed to helping you recover and protect your property for the future. Contact us today for trusted water damage restoration services!

My house is flooded, help!

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO Deals with Flooding on a Regular Basis

Most homeowners either know someone who has experienced flooding of their property, or they have encountered it themselves. This is a serious issue which can be stressful, frustrating, very messy and it can also end up costing a lot if you do not arrange for repairs right away.

The thing to remember about flood damage in a home or commercial property, is that it can come from many different places. The easiest way to prevent it is to keep up with routine maintenance. Keeping gutters clean, inspecting pipework regularly, and investing in plumbing services can make sure that your home stays protected.

Keep reading to learn more about flood damage and what happens when SERVPRO is brought in to deal with the aftermath.

What Happens When a House Floods?

Well, the answer is different in all situations. It depends primarily on the severity of the damage and how much water has intruded into the property. Usually, the first item to be compromised is the flooring. Carpets absorb liquid until they are saturated, and any backings or adhesives begin to come loose.

Drywall bows and warps, while wood is prone to swelling because it is more porous than other materials. If not dried and cleaned quickly, it starts to rot. Our technicians perform a visual inspection as soon as they arrive onsite, in order to identify the most vulnerable items and single them out for priority treatment.

Is It Safe When the Standing Water Is Gone?

Extraction of the standing water is only part of the process. Without thorough drying, the materials in your home are not safe from further damage. After 48 hours, mold becomes a risk, and organic substances degrade quickly.

After removal, SERVPRO implements a carefully controlled system of dehumidification and humidity monitoring. Fans, air movers, and powerful dehumidifiers are used in combination to create optimal drying conditions. It prevents the air from filling up with moisture and causing secondary water damage to furniture and other possessions.

How Long Does the Drying Process Take?

Once again, it is different for every home. The two biggest factors are the size of the affected area and the amount of water that has caused the problem. The balance of porous to non-porous materials has an impact on how long it takes to complete the drying process.

The more porous items that become saturated with liquid, the longer it will take to draw the water out. Usually, an average-sized home gets remediated in around 2-4 days, but there are no certainties when it comes to internal flooding. The goal is to complete repairs as quickly as possible, but without compromising on quality.

SERVPRO of Statesboro high-quality restoration is a guarantee. We have access to sophisticated drying equipment, and our technicians are very skilled. Call us 24/7 at (912) 764-9542.

"Like it never even happened."

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

When it comes to your commercial property, we mean business. You need a company that can act quickly to minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results. If you need emergency water restoration services, SERVPRO of Statesboro has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Listed below are different services that we can offer. If you have any questions, please give us a call!

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

If you need these services, please call SERVPRO of Statesboro at 912.764.9542.  We are standing by 24/7 and are always ready to help! 

Tornado Watch Or Warning? Know the Difference.

1/2/2022 (Permalink)

Multiple tornadoes have hit different areas in South Georgia over the last week, leaving homes destroyed and losing loved ones. How should one prepare for such a dangerous situation? 

You should know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.

Be Prepared!

According to www.weather.gov,  A Tornado Watch means that "tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area." You should be prepared with supplies and a plan of safety with a safe room.  

Take Action!

A Tornado Warning means that "a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  There is imminent danger to life and property." You should be in the lowest level of your home, away from windows. "If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris." 

You should wait as long as possible after you no longer hear the wind noises before you move away from your safe space. You cannot fully know how safe the area is so be extra cautious while leaving your safe area. 

Safety First When Frying Turkeys During the Holidays

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Each year, many people are severely burned and their homes are damaged from fires caused by frying turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are some safety tips from Elizabeth Ardness, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Services found on www.georgiahealthnews.com.

Many times accidents are caused by misused equipment and overfilling. 

1. Misused equipment: unstable fryer stands

2. Uninsulated pot handles

3. Fry Pots Overfilled with oil

To prevent overfilling, drop the turkey in the pot before marinating.  Add enough water to cover 2" above the turkey.  Remove the turkey and mark the water level. Once you have dried the pot, you can add oil to the waterline mark.  Marinate your turkey and add back to the pot once the oil reaches 365-375 degrees Faranheight.  This will take 45 minutes to an hour.  

It is also important to kill all harmful bacteria.  According to www.butterball.com, you must measure the temperature of the turkey in several places. Once the temperature has reached 180 degrees Fahrenheit at the thigh, and 170 degrees at the breast your turkey should be ready to enjoy!

Also, be sure that your frying area is at least 10 feet away from your home and on level ground. 

Happy Holidays to you and yours! 

Toys For Tots!

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Won't you help us make the children smile on Christmas Day?

It's that time of year again!  SERVPRO Statesboro asks for your offices to help support our local children in need through the Toys for Tots program. We have two boxes at our Joe Kennedy Boulevard office in Statesboro to fill up.

In 1947, Diane Hendricks, the wife of Marine Corps Reserve Major Major Bill Hendricks, had several hand-crafted dolls and asked her husband to deliver them to an organization that supports needy children.  Major Hendricks had no luck finding any such agency, and when he returned home and shared that information with Diane, her response was simple. She told him to start one! That year, Major Hendricks and his Reserve unit in L.A. distributed 5000 toys!

Seeing how successful that year was, the following year Major Hendricks directed all Marine sites to implement the Toys for Tots campaign transitioning it to a National Community Action program in 1948. 

Walt Disney was a personal friend of Major Hendricks and he designed the original Toys for Tots poster with a miniature 3 car train that we are all familiar with today. 

96.7% of all donations are given directly to children in need with the remaining 3% being used to partially cover fundraising expenses.  No donations are used to cover any salaries. 

With our help, The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation donates 18 million toys to 7 million needy children each year. 

Please call our office if you have any donations.  We will be glad to pick them up and bring them back to our office.  Can you or your company help us make some children smile on Christmas day?

How to Minimize a Large Loss at Your Commercial Business.

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

Whenever a leak happens in your business, do you trust that your employees know exactly what to do? Do they know where each valve for the water is located? Do they know who can be there to help remove the water? Lucky for you, they don't have to. With our Emergency Ready Plan, they will just call us, and we know the answers to all of these questions! 

As many as 50% of businesses may never fully recover following a disaster, according to industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile 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, fire, sewage, and mold damage can affect your business.

Contact our office today at (912) 764-9542 for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

SERVPRO of Statesboro is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you in the event of a loss! 

A Few Tips on Getting Prepared for Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared for Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

• Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms.
• Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights, and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm.
• Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches.
• Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home.
• Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods.
• Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.
• Put together an emergency preparedness kit
• Water—one gallon per person, per day
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation & personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family & emergency contact information
• Extra cash

When a Storm Hits

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it is a Category 5 hurricane or a bad thunderstorm rolling through, homeowners should be prepared for any storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Any type of heavy winds can cause roof shingles, natural debris, or unnatural debris to occur. After the storm is over, take precautions when going outside because there could be debris such as nails, sharp wood, or other potentially dangerous items that are around your home.

Photograph the Damage

If it is major or minor, take pictures IMMEDIATELY. You may not realize that something damaged your home until after you have moved it, so take pictures just in case!  Insurance companies will need to see before pictures of the damage.

Contact your Insurance Company… and SERVPRO!

A homeowner must call their insurance company so an adjuster can be sent out to examine the damage so payment can be made... Don’t forget to call your favorite restoration and mediation company, SERVPRO of Statesboro. We work around the clock to ensure happiness in our community! We will send a team out as quickly as possible to begin work for your home if disaster strikes!