Storm Season Returns, so SERVPRO Steps Up With Solutions

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm experts were called to a home where a tree came through the roof, causing water and structural damage.

Emergency Planning

Even with insurance coverage, disasters can shake the foundations of even the best-managed companies. Make a business assessment for the survival of your company. Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company’s very survival often depends on being prepared to responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs. Before any calamity strikes, you should know what tasks will need to be performed to get your company running again and who will be responsible for accomplishing them. While there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan, every business’ strategy should include some basics. Laying the groundwork by preparing to handle insurance claims, scouting viable options for temporary operations and considering the implications of various financial alternatives before trouble strikes can make the process of recovery much easier. The impacts from hazards can be reduced by investing in mitigation. If there is a potential for significant impacts, then creating a mitigation strategy should be a high priority.

 https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/5.2.1.0%20Risk%20Assessment%20Process.png

Insurance Considerations

Depending upon the details of the policy that you have selected for your business, commercial property insurance may cover damage or loss of the insured property, time element losses, loss mitigation costs, and loss adjustment expenses. It may also cover costs for public relations, research and development, and other necessities. When a disaster occurs, it is crucial to take the steps that will preserve and maximize your insurance coverage. To ensure that you receive all the benefits that your business is entitled to, familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your policy before any problems arise. Work with your insurance company to create a checklist of your responsibilities after a loss to aid you in meeting deadlines and assembling documentation. Knowing what you are responsible for and being organized will make the recovery smoother and faster.

Making Your Claim

If your business is hit by disaster, set your recovery plan into motion by providing prompt notification of any claim to your insurance company. Be ready to meet any deadlines for filing proof of loss statements. If circumstances make the deadline for these statements unreasonable, get written approval for extensions. Be prepared to meet any requirements for preserving the evidence of your claim if destructive testing or immediate remediation is necessary. You will also want to record your loss mitigation efforts and the reasons that these efforts were needed.

Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company's very survival often depends on responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs.

Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company’s very survival often depends on responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs. SERVPRO of Biloxi has a FREE customizable app that can aid your company recover in a timely manner. 

Timing Matters

Timing is critical in insurance claims. While keeping your insurance company informed is important, you need to understand any time limitations in your policy and their potential consequences. Review your policy to see if there is a deadline for electing a valuation method. See if there is a time limit for rebuilding or replacement. You will also want to check your policy for a suit limitation clause. Most policies contain one, so you will want to be sure that it is conservatively calendared to give you time to maneuver if necessary.

Payment Possibilities

It is not surprising that cash flow is a primary concern for a business working to recover after a catastrophe. While it can take time for a claim to be settled, some insurance policies contain provisions for claim advances or partial payments. Search through your policy to see if these provisions are included and identify how you would invoke them.

Re-establishing Operations

A business impact analysis (https://www.ready.gov/business-impact-analysis) of your business before a disaster will plan and effectively get your business running smoothly again. Before anything bad happens, think about how your business could operate during the recovery phase. This may involve moving to a temporary location or finding storage for undamaged inventory or equipment, so it’s smart to be aware of the possibilities in your area. Make a note to analyze leasing and service contracts if you are forced to relocate so that you can try to tailor them to your business’s specific needs.

Property Considerations

Regardless of where you set up shop after a catastrophe, you will have to decide what to do with your original location. Is rehabilitating or rebuilding the site worthwhile? If you believe that it is, then you will need to arrange for professional remediation, design and construction services. If you decide against rebuilding, then you must figure out how to dispose of that property and acquire a new permanent location. Remember that a new location will still require design and construction services in order to modify it to suit your company’s needs. Don’t forget to review zoning issues for any new property to verify that your business will be able to build appropriate facilities and operate as desired at that location.

Financing Issues

Even with insurance, a recovery may require financing. Depending on your recovery plans, options might include a line of credit, an acquisition loan or a construction loan. In some situations, it may be possible to use legal actions to seek reimbursement from the party responsible for your loss. Weigh all the possibilities carefully and remember to consider the potential tax consequences. Understanding the pros and cons of your options before any problems start will make it easier to make smart decisions when a disaster hits.

When your business needs assistance dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophe, count on SERVPRO of Biloxi; our professionals are prepared to respond, so when a significant event occurs, we be there for you. Whether it is damage from flooding, a fire, a tornado, a hurricane, an ice event or a snowstorm, we have the resources and expertise to help on the Coast.

SERVPRO of Biloxi services Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, Pascagoula, and some surrounding areas. It’s best to call us directly 228-396-3965 Emergency Services available 24 hrs. a day. 

Fire Damage Facts: SERVPRO Experts Share Structure-saving Information

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO experts arrive to a badly damaged structure that endured a large fire.

Fire Damage can Occur in 30 Seconds

A combustion or burning in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke is known as a fire. Fires can occur in homes and outdoors, due to many causes.

Some interesting facts about fire:

1. There is a house fire every ten seconds in the United States. 

2. House fires can spread in as little as thirty seconds. 

3. Create and practice a fire escape plan. 

4. Cooking is the leading cause of house fires

5. More then 15,000 fires a year are started by cloths dryers

6. 21% of fires are caused by Arson

It is very important that if there is ever a fire GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP! Fires can cause severe damage, it is important to practice safe steps when preparing for a potential fire. 

If you ever are presented with fire damage, call SERVPRO of Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport at 228-396-3965

SERVPRO Qualifications Make Our Team Your Best Choice For Emergency Services

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Biloxi restoration expert heads into a commercial structure after an overnight, emergency call was placed,

SERVPRO of Biloxi/Ocean Springs/Gulfport provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

 Have Questions? Call Us Today – (228) 396-3965

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, or Pascagoula commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we has the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Water Damage Can Cause a List of Problems

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

There are few things worse for the structure of your home than untreated (or unnoticed) water damage.

Damage due to moisture can lead to unsightly stains, cosmetic issues and mold buildup, and it can also eat away at the structural elements of your home and cause significant issues if it is not quickly addressed.

With a little bit of knowledge for what to look for, all homeowners can be empowered to check for water damage around the house on a regular basis. Insurance claims are often over $10,000 for water damage, but the earlier you notice it, the more quickly you can have it restored.

How Can I Check for Water Damage in My Home?

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Because walls and ceilings make it easy to spot water damage, they are a good place to start. Unusual stains, softened drywall or bubbling paint can all be signs of water damage, whether it is a result of weather or a leaky pipe. It is also wise to pay extra attention to window frames and doors, as these are common damage hotspots.

Don’t forget to look down. It is not uncommon to find water damage that shows itself in the floor, since they are the lowest spot in every room. Water can pool and begin to saturate the subfloor, not causing surface issues but instead showing up with warped floorboards, buckling or a general smell of mildew which should always be checked out.

Inspect your roof. To prevent any water damage related to weather, you want to make sure your roof is doing its job as your first defense against rain. Check with binoculars for signs there may be issues, such as loose or twisted shingles or flashing that is not sealed. During the next bout of rain, you can also go out and verify that your gutters are pitched properly and draining away from your foundation correctly.

Pay close attention to the basement. While people used to think that damp basements were just a given, it does not have to be that way. Check your basement for any signs of moisture on a regular basis. A general damp feeling can often be fixed with a dehumidifier, but it can also be indicative of a much bigger problem in some instances. In any case, watch out for wet foundation walls, musty odors or water stains just in case.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration exper

Fire Damage Can Be A Devastating Event

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Once your property has been impacted by a fire, hiring a high-quality fire damage restoration service is important. To ensure that you can get the professional service you need and deserve, browse through these tips and tricks outlined in this quick reference guide courtesy of SERVPRO.

Request a Referral From Your Insurance Company. The best way to find the ideal fire damage restoration company is through a referral. Who has dealt with these restoration companies more than your insurance company? Ask your agent or adjuster for a referral and chances are SERVPRO will be at the top of the list. Past experiences of cooperation and coordination of the fire damage restoration process make the project easier to expediently complete while keeping costs down. If a claim is involved, we can provide an estimate complying with insurance industry guidelines. This step is also advantageous because it ensures that SERVPRO and your insurance provider can work together throughout the remediation process, which alleviates stress for you through a difficult time.

Ensure that the Fire can handle your needs. After a house fire, water pooling from the extinguishing efforts could be causing secondary structural and furnishings damage in your home. Standing water must be extracted immediately before, during, and after the assessment of damages has been provided to you, if the level of damage is extensive.

SERVPRO of Biloxi offers for fire damage restoration:
• HVAC system cleaning: removal of smoke odor and soot as well as moisture.
• Debris removal: burnt or water-logged debris. Cleaning of items, and possessions on location or at our facility. Our IICRC certified technicians will provide you with the high quality fire damage restoration services you require with empathy.
• Extensive drying: water extraction by pumps, and wet-vacs, air movers, and dehumidifiers finish the drying, then checked with meters, final documentation that the structure is dry to help prevent mold growth.
• Structural rebuild: restore fire damaged building materials when possible, replace when necessary. Keeps the cost and repair time down. 

SERVPRO of Biloxi is Locally Owned, with National Resources.

We are proud to be an active member of these gulf coast communities. SERVPRO of Biloxi is locally owned and operated so we’re nearby and ready to help residents with any size smoke and fire damage emergencies. Call us 24/7 for help. (228) 396-3965.

A Few Reasons Our Customers Depend On SERVPRO

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

Why Choose Us for Water Damage Restoration | SERVPRO® of
Biloxi/Ocean Springs/Gulfport
Water damage is something that no one ever wants to discover in their home or commercial
property, but if it does happen to you, having a plan in advance is key. Water damage can occur
suddenly due to plumbing issues or flooding, or develop with time in the case of leaks or
rainwater seeping in—but regardless of the cause, acting quickly is key.
If left to fester, even relatively minor water damage can develop into a far more serious issue.
Water can quickly become contaminated, give rise to mold growth and even impact the
structural elements of a building, so quickly calling a reputable restoration company is a must as
soon as you discover it.
Why Consider SERVPRO® for Water Damage Restoration?
We Will Always Respond Quickly
As discussed, swiftness is a key component for dealing with water damage, which is why we are
here 24 hours a day and will always respond quickly when you give us a call. Regardless of the
size of your job, the extent of the water damage or the hour of the day, you can depend on us to
get to your home or business and get to work as quickly as possible.
Our Technicians Know Exactly What to Do
While we have helped hundreds of Biloxi-area residents with water damage over the years, it is
still true that no two instances of water damage are the same. That is why we invest heavily in
our technicians’ training, educating them both on the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and
Restoration Certification standards as well as our internal training tools. This ensures that no
matter what scenario they are faced with, they are able to handle it.
We Have the Equipment to Handle Damage
Water damage is about more than what you see, which is why we have the equipment to deal
with all the water damage present in your home instead of just some of it. We have the
technology to detect damage behind walls, under flooring and in other hidden crevices, so you
can be certain that we treat every bit of the damage before we leave.
If your home or business has water damage, you can depend on us for restoration. Contact us
today to learn more or receive a rapid response to address your damages.

Storm Season Isn't Over Just Yet

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that storms are not set  to a specific schedule, that is why all SERVPRO franchises keep their doors open 24/7/365. We have the resources to handle any size disaster with a quicker response time than any of our competitors. Roof damage caused by thunderstorms is a major problem for homeowners, here are some tips to prevent roof damage to your home:

• Trim trees and remove dead branches so they will not damage your home if they fall because of wind.
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris. As the leaves fall, make sure they are not building up in the gutters. 
• Check for any roof damage. Pay attention to surface bubbles, areas with missing gravel on flat roofs, damaged or missing shingles or tiles on sloped roofs.
• Check the flashing on the roof to make sure it is in good condition to help prevent water from seeping through.
• If your rood needs replacing, consider impact-resistant roofing materials, especially if you live in an area where hail storms are common.

Remember SERVPRO is always here to help. Call your local SERVPRO storm response team at 228-396-3965 for all your storm remediation needs!

Emergancy Planning Is A Must

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Even with insurance coverage, disasters can shake the foundations of even the best-managed companies. Make a business assessment for the survival of your company. Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company’s very survival often depends on being prepared to responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs. Before any calamity strikes, you should know what tasks will need to be performed to get your company running again and who will be responsible for accomplishing them. While there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan, every business’ strategy should include some basics. Laying the groundwork by preparing to handle insurance claims, scouting viable options for temporary operations and considering the implications of various financial alternatives before trouble strikes can make the process of recovery much easier. The impacts from hazards can be reduced by investing in mitigation. If there is a potential for significant impacts, then creating a mitigation strategy should be a high priority.

 https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/5.2.1.0%20Risk%20Assessment%20Process.png

Insurance Considerations

Depending upon the details of the policy that you have selected for your business, commercial property insurance may cover damage or loss of the insured property, time element losses, loss mitigation costs, and loss adjustment expenses. It may also cover costs for public relations, research and development, and other necessities. When a disaster occurs, it is crucial to take the steps that will preserve and maximize your insurance coverage. To ensure that you receive all the benefits that your business is entitled to, familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your policy before any problems arise. Work with your insurance company to create a checklist of your responsibilities after a loss to aid you in meeting deadlines and assembling documentation. Knowing what you are responsible for and being organized will make the recovery smoother and faster.

Making Your Claim

If your business is hit by disaster, set your recovery plan into motion by providing prompt notification of any claim to your insurance company. Be ready to meet any deadlines for filing proof of loss statements. If circumstances make the deadline for these statements unreasonable, get written approval for extensions. Be prepared to meet any requirements for preserving the evidence of your claim if destructive testing or immediate remediation is necessary. You will also want to record your loss mitigation efforts and the reasons that these efforts were needed.

Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company's very survival often depends on responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs.

Regardless of the cause of the catastrophe, a company’s very survival often depends on responding quickly and efficiently, so a carefully constructed disaster recovery plan is one asset that every business needs.

Timing Matters

Timing is critical in insurance claims. While keeping your insurance company informed is important, you need to understand any time limitations in your policy and their potential consequences. Review your policy to see if there is a deadline for electing a valuation method. See if there is a time limit for rebuilding or replacement. You will also want to check your policy for a suit limitation clause. Most policies contain one, so you will want to be sure that it is conservatively calendared to give you time to maneuver if necessary.

Payment Possibilities

It is not surprising that cash flow is a primary concern for a business working to recover after a catastrophe. While it can take time for a claim to be settled, some insurance policies contain provisions for claim advances or partial payments. Search through your policy to see if these provisions are included and identify how you would invoke them.

Re-establishing Operations

A business impact analysis (https://www.ready.gov/business-impact-analysis) of your business before a disaster will plan and effectively get your business running smoothly again. Before anything bad happens, think about how your business could operate during the recovery phase. This may involve moving to a temporary location or finding storage for undamaged inventory or equipment, so it’s smart to be aware of the possibilities in your area. Make a note to analyze leasing and service contracts if you are forced to relocate so that you can try to tailor them to your business’s specific needs.

Property Considerations

Regardless of where you set up shop after a catastrophe, you will have to decide what to do with your original location. Is rehabilitating or rebuilding the site worthwhile? If you believe that it is, then you will need to arrange for professional remediation, design and construction services. If you decide against rebuilding, then you must figure out how to dispose of that property and acquire a new permanent location. Remember that a new location will still require design and construction services in order to modify it to suit your company’s needs. Don’t forget to review zoning issues for any new property to verify that your business will be able to build appropriate facilities and operate as desired at that location.

Financing Issues

Even with insurance, a recovery may require financing. Depending on your recovery plans, options might include a line of credit, an acquisition loan or a construction loan. In some situations, it may be possible to use legal actions to seek reimbursement from the party responsible for your loss. Weigh all the possibilities carefully and remember to consider the potential tax consequences. Understanding the pros and cons of your options before any problems start will make it easier to make smart decisions when a disaster hits.

When your business needs assistance dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophe, count on SERVPRO; our professionals are prepared to respond, so when a significant event occurs, we be there for you. Whether it is damage from flooding, a fire, a tornado, a hurricane, an ice event or a snowstorm, we have the resources and expertise to help on the Coast.

SERVPRO  services Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, Pascagoula, and some surrounding areas. It’s best to call us directly 228-396-3965. Emergency Services available 24 hrs. a day. 

Thunderstorms can cause major damage

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

With the frequency that thunderstorms occur at during the warmer months of the year, it is easy to discount them as just another weather event that can be disregarded. This is quite dangerous however—every thunderstorm poses the potential for serious threats due to high winds, potential for flooding, lightning strikes and more.

Any time a thunderstorm is in the forecast, it is important to take it seriously.

All storms must contain thunder and lightning to be classified as thunderstorms, and every thunderstorm will always contain both. A thunderstorm can evolve into a severe thunderstorm if it becomes volatile enough to produce large hail over one inch and winds greater than 58 miles per hour. As the name implies, severe thunderstorms are even more dangerous.

How Thunderstorms Can Lead to Damage and Injury

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Because every thunderstorm contains lightning, the damage that a lightning strike can cause is a threat every single time a thunderstorm impacts the area. Over 300 injuries occur every single year as a result of lightning striking people, and it can also cause damage due to fallen trees or building fires as well. It is vital to remember that you do not have to see lightning for it to be a threat.

Property damage due to hail. Hail is an interesting phenomenon, as it can fall even when the surface temperature is quite high. Not only is hail frightening due to the noise that it makes, but it is also extremely dangerous. Large hail can cause injury to anyone who is without shelter when it comes through, and it can also dent cars and cause water damage to homes by impacting roofs and creating vulnerabilities in siding.

Harm from flash flooding. Though there are many misconceptions about where flooding can occur, it is really best to assume that it could happen anywhere, as flash flooding often does. Flash flooding can occur due to backed-up ditches, overwhelmed drains and more—and this can quickly lead to hazards. It only takes a few inches of water to carry cars away or knock an adult off their feet, making driving or crossing floodwaters a major hazard.

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 ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Just A Few Reasons You Need A Fire Extinguisher On Hand

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

You could save your home from fire with a fire extinguisher at your ready.

Close your eyes and imagine. You’re at home, or maybe in the office, and you smell ... smoke? Definitely smoke. Fire! You don’t panic, because you’re not the type and you’re prepared. You grab the nearest fire extinguisher, find the flames. You get ready, aim.... and suddenly realize you don’t know how this thing works.

Fire extinguishers can be the first line of defense if fire breaks out in your home or business, but they won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to use them or have the wrong extinguisher for the job. When it comes to fire, plan, prepare and remain calm. Knowing how, when and why to use your fire extinguisher—not to mention which fire extinguisher to use—will increase both your safety and peace of mind knowing you can protect you and your belonging from fire damage.

When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Home or office, when a fire breaks out you have moments to decide: fight or flight? If you feel even the slightest doubt about handling it yourself, move everyone to a safe place and call 911. Ditto if you don’t know how to use your extinguisher or aren’t sure it’s the right class for the fire you’re fighting; better to let the pros handle it than to try to navigate the learning curve mid-fire.

If you decide you can safely put out the fire, grab the extinguisher and get busy, after you locate a safe way out. If you spot a clear exit but it doesn’t look to stay clear long, get out now.

What Kind of Extinguisher to Use
Home- and business owners can choose from five types of fire extinguishers:

• Class A: for a fire involving normal combustibles and flammables, including cloth, paper and wood
• Class B: for a fire involving flammable liquids like gas, oil, paint, paint thinner and solvents
• Class C: to fight a fire involving electrical equipment/appliances that are plugged in and receiving power—electric drills, table saws, computer equipment, televisions, wiring and fuse boxes, for example
• Class D: to put out a fire involving combustible metals—magnesium, sodium, zirconium, etc. (Note: Don’t try to fight this kind of fire unless you’ve been specifically trained for it!)
• Class K: for fires typically found in restaurants, involving cooking oil and commercial-grade cooking equipment

Some fires involve several or all of the above. Fortunately, fire extinguishers are labeled not only with the types of fire they’re designed to fight, but with the types of fire you should avoid using them on. Example: Never use a Class A extinguisher on a Class B or C fire—the results could be deadly!

Fire Extinguisher How-to

1. Stand six to eight feet away from the flames.
2. Make sure you have a clear exit, in case the fire spreads or flames out of control.
3. Pull the pin to unlock the operating lever.
4. Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
5. Press the lever located above the handle to release the agent.
6. Use a back-and-forth sweeping motion to saturate the base of the fire until the flames are extinguished.
7. Continue the process if the fire re-ignites.
8. If the fire doesn’t go out or spreads, get to safety.

Extinguisher Safety Tips

• Install fire extinguishers in areas where fires are likely to break out, including kitchens and break rooms.
• Check periodically to make sure all fire extinguishers are fully charged.
• Show every family member or employee where the fire extinguishers and fire alarms are located.
• Train yourself, your loved ones and your co-workers to use the equipment properly.

Even with a fire extinguisher, some fire damage will occur. When this happens, call your local SERVPRO (228)396-3965. They live and work in the local community just like you and they can help make it, "Like it never even happened."