Tips for Staying Healthy as COVID-19 and Flu Season Converge

9/21/2023 (Permalink)

The CDC continues to recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged business owners and homeowners alike to find ways to live and work without exposing themselves or others to this highly contagious virus. Now, the approaching flu season is set to complicate that challenge even further. To help control the threat that the one-two punch of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu presents, SERVPRO® of Saginaw / Bay City urges everyone to be extra vigilant about following cleaning and disinfecting protocols this year.   

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believe both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu spread primarily by droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. While not as frequent, it is also believed adults and children can contract COVID-19 or the flu by touching a surface or an object that has virus particles on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. The CDC continues to recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses, but experts also emphasize the importance of cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily to help mitigate the potential spread from contaminated surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.  

To limit exposure and control the spread of these double threats, SERVPRO® recommends you wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol, keep your hands away from your face, and wear a mask to protect others. For effective daily, routine cleaning at home or at work, we recommend first removing surface grime and dirt with soap and water, then following up with a disinfectant. It is easier to feel comfortable about limiting exposure at home where you can control how clean your surroundings are. It is more difficult out in public; but this year especially, it is important to be aware of the space you are in. You need to learn to recognize spaces where cleaning is – or is not – a priority so you can adjust your behavior accordingly.  

For those home and business owners who have specialized cleaning requirements or who simply want the peace of mind that a professional cleaning service can offer in this stressful time, SERVPRO® of Saginaw / Bay City can help. While we remain a leader in disaster cleanup and remediation situations, we also provide that same ‘deeper level of clean’ for everyday residential and commercial cleaning. In addition, SERVPRO® offers their "Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned" program, developed for businesses in response to the pandemic. The high level of confidence that a professionally cleaned space provides offers welcome reassurance to patrons as the flu season intersects with COVID-19.  

SERVPRO® specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO® of Saginaw / Bay City please call 989-752-8644.

Structural Drying

9/15/2023 (Permalink)

There is never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business.

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There is never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, SERVPRO® will be there fast with the help you need.  

Time is Money  

As a leader in water damage restoration, we know fast mitigation is the key to limiting business interruption. With an unmatched national footprint of over 1,800 franchises, SERVPRO®’s Disaster Recovery Team can provide trained crews faster to any size disaster and can be on-site within a few hours to help reduce the future damage that water can cause. We have the right equipment, procedures, and training to help ensure the structure is dry the first time, saving you time and money.  

Specific Tasks to Include:  

• Containment of damaged areas to reduce in-flow of water.  
• Shrink-wrapping of structures to control inflow of mixture.  
• Water Extraction – to remove excess water from a structure.  
• Moisture Mapping – to determine impacted areas of a structure.  
• Selective Demolition – to remove wet building materials that cannot be economically dried in place.  
• Containment – to ensure potential contaminants do not spread.  
• Evaporation Enhancement – to remove moisture content from building materials.  
• Dehumidification – to remove excess water vapor from the structure.  
• Temperature Control – to assist in dehumidification and to prevent the onset of mold growth.  
• Post-Drying Cleaning – to remove any potential contaminants from dried building materials.

Sewage Back Up Tips

9/10/2023 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous.

Water damage in your home is devastating, especially cleaning up areas of your home after flooding and sewer damage. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.  

If you ever face a sewage backup in your bathroom, there are a few things that are helpful to know to speed proper cleanup and ensure a safe and sanitary home for your family.  

• Call for Help - If you suspect you have damaged sewer lines, call your sewage company to schedule an inspection. To protect your home from future mold or rot issues after a toilet overflow, call flood damage remediation experts. Only with the help of professional water removal specialists can you rest assured that floodwater has not crept into places you cannot see to wreak havoc.  
• Dry the Area - Though you may be tempted to sanitize your bathroom immediately after a toilet overflows, you should not do so before you start drying out the affected area. Whether you are dealing with a flooded toilet or an entire flooded basement, the first thing you should do is utilize heavy duty vacuums, drainage systems and fans to remove all the water.  
• Sanitize - After drying the area, sanitize it as best you can. Floodwater resulting from sewer damage can be toxic, so be thorough in your cleaning processes. Once the area is dry from the first round of sanitizer, you should plan to disinfect it one more time.  
• Dehumidify - The presence of excess water in a bathroom often welcomes lingering humidity, which only encourages mold growth in spaces affected by sewer water. During the process of drying, sanitizing, and restoring, you should be sure that a dehumidifier is always running.

Post Construction Services

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it is time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate.

SERVPRO® helps ensure your finished projects always look their best.  

Post Construction Cleaning  

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it is time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate. SERVPRO® can provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.  

Dehumidification and Drying  

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture issue, rely on our professionals to provide the help you need to eliminate moisture and prevent the potential for mold growth.  

Final Cleaning  

You want the facility to look its best when the doors open. SERVPRO® provides cleaning services to give the building that extra shine. Services include:  

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep, and finish  
• Ceiling, walls, and fixture cleaning  
• Air duct cleaning  
• Debris removal (if necessary)  
• Window cleaning  

The last thing you need is a fire intrusion, water intrusion, or mold growth slowing down or stopping the completion of one of your projects. SERVPRO® provides 24-hour emergency mitigation, cleanup, and schedule quickly. In addition to fast response, our crews utilize industrial grade equipment, training, and electronic communication to help ensure the job is done right the first time, saving your time and money. 

Vacuum Freeze Drying

8/19/2023 (Permalink)

Vacuum freeze drying is a process in which an item containing moisture is frozen and dried using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation.

As a leader in the restoration industry, we know timely mitigation is the key to reducing severity and recovering damaged items. Water-damaged paper can rapidly deteriorate. Without proper handling, valuable files, and irreplaceable documents could be lost forever. Let our team help you recover your damaged paper goods before it is too late.  

About Vacuum Freeze Drying  

Vacuum freeze drying is a process in which an item containing moisture is frozen and dried using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation.  

• Sublimation is the direct conversion of a solid (ice) into gas (water vapor), without passage through a liquid stage.  
• An example of sublimation is dry ice. Dry ice is made of carbon dioxide, not water. When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, it begins to sublimate, turning from its solid stage into its gaseous stage, bypassing the liquid stage.  

Always Prioritize Safety as You Grill

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

It is convenient to place your grill in a spot close to your home but giving yourself plenty of surrounding space is important in case of flare-ups.

For us, enjoying summer is all about getting outside with family and firing up the grill, but safety is key to making sure this stays a fun activity. Grilling dangers are something many people do not discuss, but as with any open flame, the risk of a grill fire is there every time you light yours up. Fortunately, a bit of prevention goes a long way. 

The U.S. Fire Administration reports grill fires occur at least 5,700 times every year, making them more prevalent than many realize. But grilling can be a fun and safe activity if you follow the proper fire safety protocols when you do it.  

Keep Grilling Fun, Safe and Fire-Free  

• Create a safe zone around your grill. It is convenient to place your grill in a spot close to your home but giving yourself plenty of surrounding space is important in case of flare-ups. Three feet is the recommended distance to have around your grill, free from wood, siding or any other flammable materials.
• Clean your grill grates often. By keeping your grill grates clean, you can keep the temperature inside your grill steadier and reduce the chances of a sudden fire starting. Built-on food particles can get extremely hot when the grill is in use, even suddenly igniting in some cases. A quick scrape after each grill session can go a long way in reducing this danger.
• Never leave the grill unattended. There is no safe way to ever leave a grill unattended, even if the lid is closed. Fires only take a second to start, so your best bet to circumvent damage is by always being nearby with a fire extinguisher just in case. Even for a quick break, it is best to have someone take over your grill station to keep a vigilant eye out.
• Inspect the grill regularly. The components of a grill are not made to last forever, and even if you are using yours regularly, you never know when something could finally give out. Before you ever light your grill, do a visual inspection to make sure everything looks like it is in good shape and there are no areas that could lead to a gas leak on your connectors.

Protecting Your Garden During Rainstorms

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to protect your garden during heavy storms.

Although our gardens love a nice rain shower, too much rain can be harmful to all the plants. After all the hard work you have done to manage your garden, do not let heavy rainstorms ruin it! Follow these tips to protect your garden during heavy storms:  

Before Rainstorm:  

• Remove damaged limbs and shoots – Removing dead limbs and shoots from your plants will help make them more streamlined and will reduce snapping and tangling.  
• Add compost and mulch – Adding a couple of inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil will help with drainage.  
• Support taller plants – Push wooden or metal support into the ground and tie taller plants to it. This will help keep them stable against rain and strong winds.  
• Drainage – Make sure there is a proper runoff that tilts away from your garden and make sure it is not blocked. Water collecting in your garden can be damaging to your plants, possibly drowning them.  

During Rainstorm:  

• Cover your most delicate plants – Use a waterproof tarp to cover your most fragile plants during heavy rainstorms. Make sure that the covering is not blocking water from draining because it can cause other plants to drown.  

After Rainstorm:  

• Check your vegetable roots – Once the rainstorm has stopped, make sure there are no exposed roots following soil erosion. If there are exposed roots, cover them with soil or compost before they dry out.  
• Check your pots and planters – Pots and planters can easily become flooded if the drainage is blocked. Check them before, during and after rainstorms. You can always cover pots and planters if necessary.  
• Pull weeds up by hand – The moist soil after rain means you are much more likely to retrieve the whole root without it snapping or breaking.  

Need more tips? Go to The Plant Guide for more information on maintaining your garden during severe weather. 

SERVPRO® Insider – July 2023

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

Our new quarterly newsletter is here!

Our new quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO® Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO® Team Miller has been up to!   

After a residential fire, homeowners can have a lot of questions. What belongings can be salvaged? How long does the construction process take? How do contractors work with their insurance company? SERVPRO® has you covered. Our project managers can help answer all of your questions throughout the restoration process. Take a sneak peek at what some of those answers to commonly asked questions are! 

Summer is here which means summer storms are on their way. We have some tips on how to prevent water damage in your home and a helpful reminder to get your carpets cleaned so they’re looking their best for your customers. We’re also sharing some fun photos from events our team has done in the past few months! 

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO® offers. The service of this quarter: Mold Remediation. It can take less than 72 hours for mold to spread throughout your property, so being proactive is the best course of action. Our trained technicians run tests before starting the remediation process to ensure a safe and healthy form of restoration on your property. 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

Fireworks and Your Home

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if your property suffers from fire damage as a result of using fireworks.

We all love watching fireworks light up the sky to celebrate the 4th of July, but sometimes during all the fun, we forget that fireworks have the potential to cause serious damage. To prevent your property from suffering fire damage this holiday season, follow these tips! 

• Follow your state’s laws. Before purchasing or lighting fireworks off in a residential area, check to make sure that you aren’t breaking any state laws. 
• Keep safety gear close by. Have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher on standby in case of a fire emergency.  
• Watch the weather. Don’t light fireworks during a drought or dry weather conditions. One stray spark can potentially cause a major fire that could impact your property. 
• Watch for children. When lighting off fireworks, keep a close eye on children to make sure they aren’t handling anything dangerous or in harm’s way.  
• Dispose of fireworks safely. Always douse burned fireworks with water before throwing them away. If a firework doesn’t go off, do NOT attempt to light it again.  

Accidents can still happen, even when you use precautions. If your property suffers from fire damage as a result of using fireworks, SERVPRO is the team to call.  

Create an Impact

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

You only have one chance to make a great first impression with your customers.

You only have one chance to make a great first impression with your customers. Using safe and biodegradable products, SERVPRO can create a clean, fresh, and long-lasting impression.  

Ways to Impress Your Customers 

• Clean dirty and stained ceilings.  
• Scrub lobby, furniture and draperies.  
• Establish maintenance plans for furnishings, carpets and draperies.  
• Clean HVAC and air duct systems.  
• Clean carpets and hard floors.  

Improve the Air Quality of Your Business 

When addressing air quality, inspecting the ductwork is the first order of business. Dirty ducts can work to circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout the building.  

Our franchise professionals use proven Portable Ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep removing years of dust and grime.  

The SERVPRO Difference 

• Reduce potential for mold growth.  
• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold.  
• Restore peak energy efficiency.  
• Eliminate offensive odors.  
• Free written inspections and estimates.