Lightning Safety Tips

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months.  Stay safe with these basic tips:

• Have a safety plan, and cancel or postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.
• If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects (this includes electric wires, fences, etc).  Seek shelter in a substantial building, or a fully enclosed vehicle.
• If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows.  Do not use the telephone, and consider unplugging computers, power tools, and television sets.  Lighting may strike exterior electric or phone lines, and send jolts of electricity to inside equipment.
  
  

If a storm has damaged your house and you need help cleaning or repairing the interior or exterior of your home, don't hesitate to give us a call.  You can reach SERVPRO of Eaton County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 517-541-1170.

What SERVPRO Can Do For You After A Fire

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

What does SERVPRO of Eaton County do for you when your home and family are affected?

1. Within one hour a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will call to arrange for service.

2. Within 4 short hours a professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if so needed.

3. A Project Manager of SERVPRO will review your home with you and address any questions or concerns.

4. The SERVPRO Project Manager will then go through your home starting from the fire and working his way outward to see what is restorable or salvageable. 

5. Next SERVPRO will present to you and your insurance adjuster a plan of action, also known as a "Scope of Work".

6. Your home will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

7. After all of the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction

Water Under Ceramic Tile

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Tile can withstand small quantities of water but if your home has been flooded and you are thinking of leaving the affected tile untouched, there are a few important things you should know. Water that has found its way under ceramic tile can cause mold growth. If that mold is not taken care of it can become very dangerous. Mold spores can lead to health effects and will eventually compromise the structure of the tile itself.  

This is where your insurance company steps in and tells you to call SERVPRO of Eaton County. Our trained professionals will come in, asses all damage and identify potential future problems that you may not have even known to check for. Our Project Manager will work directly with you and your insurance adjuster to repair or replace all damaged areas.  

With 24/7 on-call technicians, we are faster to any size disaster.

517-541-1170

Steps to Take After A Basement Flood

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Few things are more stressful and disgusting than basement flooding. Whether it’s one inch or one foot of water, the effects can be detrimental to your home. And while damage to things like carpet, drywall, and furniture are immediately noticeable, something more serious could be lurking underneath your floors.

Five Things to Do After Basement Flooding

Whether it’s just a couple of inches of water or a few feet, you must respond quickly to basement flooding. Here are a few things you’ll need to do:

1. Kill the Power

If there’s standing water in your basement, then you shouldn’t attempt to walk or wade through until you’ve shut off the power and made sure that open circuits aren’t covered by water. This can obviously be an electrocution hazard and isn’t something you want to mess with.

If you’re unsure of whether the electricity is cut off, can’t get to the circuit board, or simply don’t feel comfortable with the situation, then don’t attempt to go anywhere near the water.

2. Get Rid of the Standing Water

The next order of business is to get rid of the water. The longer the water sits in your basement, the more damage it will cause. Make sure you put on a pair of sturdy shoes or boots and pants that cover your legs. You never know what’s lurking underneath the water and don’t want to risk hurting yourself.

If the standing water is high, your first step is to get a bucket and start manually removing the water (be sure to dump far away from the home’s foundation). Once you extract most of the water, you can use a wet vacuum to suck up the moisture from the floor.

3. Call in the Professionals - Like SERVPRO of Eaton County

Once the standing water is removed, you should call in the professionals to take a look. Depending on the extent of the damage and how meticulous you want to be, this may include calls to an electrician, a flood cleanup crew, and a general contractor.  Fortunately, a single call to our office at 517-541-1170 can handle all of those repairs

Any carpeting or absorbent materials that were affected will need to be ripped up or replaced. If appliances spent any time sitting in the water, they should be looked at by a professional before being used.

4. Call Your Insurance Provider

Once all of the time-sensitive issues have been handled, take a few minutes to call your insurance provider to let them know about the problem. If the flooding happened as a result of one of your home’s plumbing systems, then your home insurance policy may cover some or all of the damage. However, if the flooding was the result of a natural disaster, then you’ll most likely need flood insurance. Regardless, place a couple of phone calls to see what can be done.

5. Protect Your Home

As soon as everything gets repaired and restored, you should begin taking proactive steps to protect your home from similar issues in the future. The ground next to your basement and foundation should slope away from the home. Gutters and downspouts should slope away too while discharging water a minimum of five feet away from the home. All windows and vents should be sealed and your basement walls should be waterproofed with an appropriate product. If flooding is common, consider installing special French drains or even a sump-pump.

Mold Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Does your Eaton County home have mold? Of course it does- Even if it's not visible.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is actually impossible.

 Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

If you notice mold growth in your home, give us a call today at 517-541-1170 and let SERVPRO of Eaton County remediate your mold problem!

SERVPROXIDE

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have been developing and cleaning with the most advance products around. For over 50 years SERVPRO has been at the forefront of extreme fire and water disaster clean ups and restoration. In addition to offering our Certified SERVPRO Cleaned program, where our franchises perform a professional pathogen cleaning on your site, we are now proud to offer SERVPRO's certified disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE. This single product kills most viruses and bacteria and has an extremely low EPA toxicity rating, making it safe for everyday use.

SERVPROXIDE vs COMPETITION

SERVPROXIDE

-kills 99.999% of bacteria

-Requires no dilution

-Non bleach formulated

-No harsh chemicals or fumes

-NSF certified (safe around food)

-Lowest toxicity rating by EPA. 

COMPETION

- Kills 99.999% of bacteria

The facts speak for themselves. Add this to your daily cleaning protocol today!

Document Restoration

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Major water or fire damage can leave you feeling helpless over the loss of important family documents and photographs or books. SERVPRO knows that quick mediation is the key to recovering your damaged property. 

What can we restore?

• paper documents
• books and magazines
• manuscripts and files
• photographs, films, negatives, and microfiche
• x-rays
• blueprints and maps
• parchment

How do we do it?

We use innovative vacuum freeze-drying techniques. Our vacuum freeze-drying process is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA).

With major water damage documents can we exposed to mold and bacteria. SERVPRO uses a gamma irradiation process to safely and effectively sterilize your documents. We are also able to digitize your valuable documents and photographs. It will save you space allow for easy and fast access

Commercial Flood Damage

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

A flood can cause large amounts of damage to a business. It can damage stock, equipment, machinery, furniture, clothing, and many valuable items. Of course there are floods of varying severity and you hopefully won’t suffer anything too serious, but if you do have a flood at your place of business, you will want to deal with it quickly.

Burst pipes, sudden downpours, a copious amount of melting snow, broken gutters, leaky windows, damaged foundation, sudden removal of large trees near your home…there are many reasons how water can flood your basement. Water flows downhill into the lowest areas and it can make its way through even the smallest cracks and openings. Depending upon the age of your home and the region in which you live, your foundation is most likely either poured concrete or stacked concrete blocks. Sometimes the foundation is coated or shielded with a water barrier material, designed to keep water out. Over time homes settle and shift, sometimes compromising the structural solidity of the foundation. Whatever the reason may be, contact us today to take care of your flood needs!

(517)541-1170

SERVPRO of Eaton County makes floods like this (residential or commercial) look "Like it never even happened." 

Michigan and Water

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

When talking about our wonderful state of Michigan, a few things come to mind.

The many large and beautiful lakes make for awesome boating months in our warm summer season and beautiful blankets of white snow cover the ground in winter creating a wonderland for skiing, sledding and ice fishing. It is safe to say that WATER plays a big part in just about everything we do.  

Unfortunately, water also plays the biggest part in Michigan home and business damage every year. 

Knowing this, SERVPRO of Eaton County has assembled the area’s leading team in water restoration. 

Our professionals provide 24/7 emergency services with quicker response times and our efficiency and communication between the customer and insurance adjusters make us a preferred vendor for many nationwide insurance companies. 

The team at SERVPRO of Eaton County has extensive water damage restoration training with an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

We proudly serve both residential and commercial properties.

SERVPRO of Eaton County

517-541-1170

What is The Difference Between a CAT I, II, and III Loss?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

CAT I

A category I loss is when the water is coming from a clean water source and will not cause harm if inhaled or ingested. Examples of this would be a broken supply line or a tub overflow.

CAT II

A category II loss is when the water poses a minimum threat. For example, a toilet overflow with only urine or a dishwasher overflow. 

CAT III

A category III loss involves water that is highly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. For example, water containing silt, pesticides, toxic organic substances, or metals, are all CAT III losses. 

SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained for any category of water loss you may have. Our team is ready and available day or night, 24/7. 

Preventing Water Damage in your Bathroom

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

14,000 US citizens have a water related issue in there home every day. Allot of these issues come from a home owners bathroom. Anything from a leaky or overflowing toilet, a crack in the pipes, or an overflowing sink from faulty valves, can leave a home owner with a major loss on there hands.

These simple suggestions could keep you from being a statistic. 

• Frequently test valves for your toilet, shower, and sink to ensure they are properly working.
• Check faucet supply lines hidden under vanities and replace when needed.
• If you notice a clog in your sink, call in a professional.

Keep an eye out for rust or brown colored stains in the drywall. This may be a sign that something is wrong with the hidden pipes

After The Fire Trucks Leave

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Eaton County has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. What should you do after a fire? Call SERVPRO!

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (517-541-1170)

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO of Eaton County, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO of Eaton County can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO of Eaton County uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Eaton County is Faster to Any Disaster

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt 24/7 - (517) 541-1170

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious bio-hazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO vs. Mold

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that it is actually impossible to remove ALL mold from your home or business? Mold lives everywhere, indoor, and outdoor. Mold spores are microscopic and travel through the air, entering your home through windows, air conditioning units, and doors. They thrive on moisture and can quickly turn into a much larger problem when exposed to water. 

Large mold problems are generally easy to find because it produces a strong musty odor. 

Why chose SERVPRO of Eaton County if you find mold present in your home or business?

FIRST......

We are faster to any size disaster!

SECOND.....

We are highly trained mold remediation specialists. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

 SERVPRO of Eaton County is here for you day or night 365 days a year.

Damage to Your Roof After High Winds

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

We have received a ton of calls for roof repairs after all the high winds we have seen lately. 

If your home has taken a beating from high winds, the damage is not always obvious. Damaged shingles may look fine from the street and the issues may not reveal themselves until after some time has passed. 

Damaged shingles can lead to a leak in the roof. The leak will be small and hard to notice but may make its way through your homes siding or roofs waterproof material. These small areas allow moisture and pests to enter your home.

The wind can also cause the roof decking to lift away from the framing. Even the slightest lift can lead to lose screws and nails. If this happens it may take only one more high wind situation to completely lift the roof decking away from the home. 

The damage your home sustains will depend on several factors. These include:

• Direction of high winds
• Type of home construction
• Materials used for roof and siding
• Age of home

 When you have your home assessed for damaged by SERVPRO professionals, they will look beneath the surface to find the hidden damage.

Did you know that wind damage is often covered by your insurance company? 

Check your homeowner’s policy to learn the details about your coverage. Most policies include reimbursement for roof and siding repairs due to wind damage.

If you suspect you have roof damage, give SERVPRO of Eaton County a call today. one of our Project Managers will meet you at your home, asses the amount of damage and submit an estimate to your insurance adjuster. 

SERVPRO of Eaton County

517-541-1170

There are Thousands of Fires in Michigan Every Year.....

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

only one matters to you!

What does SERVPRO of Eaton County do for you when your home and family are affected?

1. Within one hour a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will call to arrange for service.
2. Within 4 short hours a professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if so needed.
3. A Project Manager of SERVPRO will review your home with you and address any questions or concerns.
4. The SERVPRO Project Manager will then go through your home starting from the fire and working his way outward to see what is restorable or salvageable. 
5. Next SERVPRO will present to you and your insurance adjuster a plan of action, also known as a "Scope of Work".
6. Your home will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
7. After all of the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction

Bathroom Fire Safety

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Bathroom exhaust fan lint is a huge fire hazard! Exhaust fans can be found in most homes and many businesses. The purpose being to help prevent steamed mirrors, moist walls, and foggy windows. It also comes in handy in when you need to get rid of a not so wonderful smell. However, if these vents are not properly and routinely cleaned they can become dangerous. Just like all types of fans, vent fans collect dust or lint. This lint can cause the motor to overheat and ignite the plastic fan and the wood structure. 

These vents are not designed to last forever and it typically tends to be the last thing a homeowner thinks about replacing. Newer vent fans have thermal protection that causes the motor to shut off if they seize and overheat. This type of vent has only been around since the late 70's so there are still millions of older builds that are without this vent safety precaution. 

You should clean your bathroom exhaust fan twice a year. If it starts to make noise or has an odd odor than it is time to replace it. 

If disaster should strike, Call SERVPRO of Eaton County 24/7, 365 days a year!

517-541-1170

Restoration over Replacement

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Restoring instead of replacing can help to save you money and allow you to hold on to the things that you hold closest to you.

Different methods of cleaning your contents include:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County today

517-541-1170

Water Damage Occurs Even After Regular Business Hours

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage events are never scheduled, and they typically occur at the most inopportune time. It may be a busted pipe or a leak in the HVAC unit. Whatever the problem may be, a water incident can threaten the safety and welfare of your employees and customers, as well as sales and revenues.

Quick response times are critical when it comes to avoiding:

- Business interruptions

- Revenue Loss

- Costly Repairs

- Undue Stress

SERVPRO of Eaton County has an ultimate goal to get you back to normal business functions quickly with little to no interruption. Our professionals have been trained to work quickly and efficiently to make it as if "it never even happened".

Call us today so we can go to work for you and your company.

Water Damage Timeline

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

We all get very busy with our day-to-day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and  time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.

Within Minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery, and other belongings. 

Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.

Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.

After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.

If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly. 

Spontaneous Combustion From Improper Grease Rag Disposal

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that a grease rag thrown into a waste basket can catch on fire?  

"Spontaneous combustion of oily rags occurs when rag or cloth is slowly heated to its ignition point through oxidation. A substance will begin to release heat as it oxidizes. If this heat has no way to escape, like in a pile, the temperature will rise to a level high enough to ignite the oil and ignite the rag or cloth"

Fires that ignite in this manner can spread quickly to other combustibles and cause great loss.  

To prevent this from happening, you need to dispose of the rags in a metal container with a proper sealing lid. Fill the container with water and close the lid. This step prevents the oils from oxidizing. 

If your home or business has a fire, call SERVPRO of Eaton County today! 

The SERVPRO ERP Plan

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your business, having a plan in place ahead of time for what you will do can make all the difference in whether your business survives the event. The majority of businesses that come out stronger on the other side of an emergency are the ones that pre-planned for one. That’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can help give you, your employees and customers peace of mind. You can trust that whatever might happen to disrupt daily business will only be temporary. With our Emergency Ready Plan, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do and what to expect if any-sized disaster strikes. This is important to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Deep Cleaning your Business

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

A janitor is great for every day tidying up, but after months of winter salt and water making its way across the floors of your business and the pollen buildup from the current spring weather, it is time to get on the phone and give SERVPRO of Eaton County a call. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of Eaton County offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air ducts and HVAC
• Carpet and Upholstery 
• Drapes and Blindes
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Biohazard and Sewage 

Contact us Today

517-541-1170

Roof Damage

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

Roof damage is always a major concern when big rain or snow storms come through. Usually, the signs are very evident. Water spots on the ceiling, curled shingles, wet walls or winter ice damage are are all very easy ways to determine if your roof is in need of a little TLC.

Missing shingles are always a sure tell sign but you should also pay close attention to any possible damage done to the remaining shingles. 

Missing flashing at the edges of the roof, vents and chimneys should also be attended too in order to prevent unwanted water from entering your home during the next storm. 

pealing sealant can also cause problems so be sure to look for that as well.

SERVPRO of Eaton County is on call 24/7. We can restore or replace any issues with your roof.

Do not hesitate to give us a call today....

517-541-1170

Water Damage from Contaminated Water

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

What to DO:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

What NOT TO DO:

- Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas. 

- Turn on the HVAC system in there is a possibility of spreading air.

- Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contamination.

-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

          Harmful Waste 

(Sewage, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)

What to DO:

- Stay out of effected areas.

- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.

- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

What NOT TO DO:

- Attempt cleanup of any kind.

- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids. 

Air Quality of Your Business

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Since being back to work have you taken the proper steps to ensure the health of your employees?

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your business.

SERVPRO of Eaton County will inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). 

Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give your employers cleaner air to breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Everyone will be on high alert this year, wondering about every sneeze and cough. Do what you can to eliminate any contributing factors by calling SERVPRO of Eaton County and provide your employees with a safe and healthy work environment.

Smoke Damage on Your Personal Items

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can cause extensive damage to your home and personal effects. The heat radiating from the flames will radiate and cause items to melt or crack. After the flames have been delt with you are left with the devastating after math of smoke damage.

 What Can Be Saved?

It all depends on the extent of the damage as well as the cost involved. Some items will cost more to salvage then to replace. A specially trained SERVPRO professional can assess and determine what items should be cleaned, discarded or replaced.

How Does Smoke Affect Your Home?

Smoke does not affect all materials the same. Also, just how hot the fire got and what it originated from will affect the outcome. The worst way smoke can cause damage is when it sneaks into small cracks. The particles are so fine so they often go undetected for a long period of time, leaving a smoke smell that can last for a very long time. You can remove the smell from your home only by removing or cleaning the affected items and clean your home with special formula cleaner.

How Do You Clean Smoke Damage?

First and foremost, the home needs to be properly ventilated. Next all debris needs to be removed and every surface area needs to be cleaned. The quicker this step is complete the more likely you are to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are porous so smoke particles are often impossible to get out. The floor may have to be refinished or completely replaced.

Clothing

Commercial cleaning detergents should be enough to remove most, if not all of the smoke smell.

Mold and The Health of Your Staff

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

A mold problem can present serious health risks for you and your employees. Mold growth can be caused by the smallest water intrusions, like faulty plumbing or a leaky roof.

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call a SERVPRO Franchise Professional, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Mold and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Mold and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today 

517-541-1170

Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, they will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. They have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition. Learn more about SERVPRO Franchise Professional training and certifications.

Emergency Tips

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

DO:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'T:

-Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

-Turn on the HVAC system if there is still a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

-Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminated areas.

-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Vandalism Damage

DO:

- Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.

-Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery

- Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

DON'T:

-Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.

- Operate damaged lamps or appliances.

-Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain, furniture or art objects.

Harmful Waste 

DO:

- Stay out of affected areas.

- Call emergency service personal if the situation is life-threatening.

- Treat bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

DON'T:

- Attempt to clean up any kind. 

- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

Removal of Smokey Odor After a Fire

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating in so many ways. After the fire is put out, you are left with water damage from a sprinkler system or fire hose, and even worse is the lingering smell of smoke. You need a team of professionals who have certified training in all areas of restoration to help you rid that awful smell and take care of all the damage while you take care of the most important thing, your family.

As fire restoration pros, SERVPRO of Eaton County use 2 primary methods to eliminate odors

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent based deodorants as very small particles

2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to.

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County 24/7 365 days a year.

810-541-1170

Clean Water Damage

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

What to DO:

-Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electric shock.

- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. 

- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

- Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.

- Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpet and floors.

- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

What NOT TO DO:

- Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

-Enter effected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

-Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.

- Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.

-Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

- Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter room where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Eaton County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Mitigation & Restoration

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basement caused by a recent storm

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Eaton County basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 517-541-1170

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Coutnies, Lansing & Holt and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (517) 541-1170

Hiring a Hero

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Our, Blake Darling at his monthly training for the U.S. Navy Reserves

1 in 5 Americans are eligible to serve in the U.S. Military. When I think of our family members, friends, co-workers, and fellow Americans taking that oath, I think of those words running throughout their blood, even after they complete their military service.

We are an organization that understands the character and dedication veterans bring to the SERVPRO family, such as:

• Strong Leadership Qualities
• Flexibility to work strongly within a team as well as individually
• Ability to work efficiently and diligently in a fast-paced environment
• Respect for procedures and accountability
• Strong sense of health, safety, and property standards
• Problem solving skills

Whether active duty, or retired, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt is proud to offer a job, and work around schedules for those who serve, or have served our country. 

Faster to your Water Damage Event

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Calendar of our services!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Fast Response to Fire in Eaton County

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Board up upstairs door to secure the home after a fire

When people think about home and structure fires they often think about the lasting effects of that fire. Their damaged contents and structure being forefront in their minds. Often, because of the panic and the stress of the initial damage they don't think about the initial board up and security that may be needed. That is where SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt comes in. 

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt offers emergency board up and security services. 

If the doors, windows and roof of a home or business aren't damaged from the fire, they may be damaged by the fire department while they are trying to put out the fire and gain access to the house. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can come out as soon as the fire department clears the scene of the fire to board up windows, doors or the roof and to set a lock box. This prevents additional damage from the elements and also unwanted intruders. 

How Do Air Purifiers Remove Mold Spores?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a variety of tools and equipment like this air scrubber to remove mold damage from your home.

A variety of air filtration systems can reduce the presence of mold spores in interior air. Though purification systems work in different ways, they each have features that are helpful for preventing mold growth at a residence.

Filter Type

Fungus spores range in size from as small as 3 microns to as large as 100 microns. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most effective, and have several requirements:

• Remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles
• Filter particles down to 0.3 microns
• Labeled "True HEPA" and not "HEPA Type"

As most spores are larger than 2 microns, you may be able to save money by purchasing a HEPA Type filter. These filtration units will not eliminate smaller contaminants.

Room Size

When choosing a purification system, it is also important to factor in the square footage of the space in which you want to filter air. Here are a few guidelines for selecting an air filtration system:

•  Small room purifiers filter air in spaces up to about 300 square feet
•  Medium-to-large room purifiers filter air in   spaces ranging from about 300 to 600   square feet
•  Large to extra-large room purifiers filter air in spaces up to or over 1,000 square feet

It may be necessary to purchase more than one purifier to use throughout a home. You may also periodically relocate a unit for more thorough filtration results.

Operation and Maintenance

Check to see whether the purifier you are considering contains additional systems. Some units feature antimicrobial treatments or methods for breaking down particles. You should also determine whether a filter can be cleaned and reused or will need to be replaced. 

All of these factors impact the ability of an air purifier to filter mold spores. The right air filtration system can improve air quality and limit mold growth. If mold is already a problem at a residence, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today at (517)541-1170

Do You Live In a FLOOD ZONE?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding.

After seeing the devastating floods in Mid-Michigan, you may be wondering if your home is a high flood risk. One way to know this is to determine if your home is located in a flood zone. Here are a few things you may wish to know about these zones and how they affect your home.

What Are Flood Zones

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding. This may include being at the bottom of a watershed, coastal areas, areas near rivers, and areas that experience frequent storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sets these risk levels and they should be marked on your local communities Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), which you can look at by going to your local zoning office.

Is Flood Insurance Necessary

In the event your home is determined to be at risk by its position in a flood zone, you may be wondering what, if any, addition insurance will be required. The best way to determine this is to talk to your insurance agent about what is included in your existing plan, and if any supplemental plans are available for additional coverage. It is important to note than in many cases flood insurance is considered a separate policy.

How to Deal with a Flood in the Home

If a storm causes flooding in your home, it is best to contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, as we have the tools necessary to move large quantities of water and can also make any repairs your home may need. The restoration team can also check for any additional problems flood water may cause, such as potential mold growth.

As explained earlier flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to a flood. It is important to note that in some cases having a home inside a flood zone can affect your flood insurance coverage.

If your home does experience flooding, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are here to help! Our team has experience with flood damage and we will work hard to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What to do After your Home Floods?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Ready for any size disaster!

After the devastating floods in the Mid-Michigan area, we want to remind you that floods happen unexpectedly and can cause severe damage for your home or business. Storm damage through flooding can lead to property damage and ongoing mold problems, but the team at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt have some tips to help:

SAFETY FIRST: If you have standing water where electricity may be present, make sure that ALL electricity is turned off to the area to prevent electrocution. When in doubt, contact a professional to help disconnect power.

ACT FAST: When you are dealing with water damage, it is important that you take immediate action so that you can rescue as much as you can. Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.

FIGHT MOLD: Getting your space dried out as quickly as possible is crucial to avoiding mold settling in. While things can dry out naturally, this is not guaranteed, and it may not be fast enough to prevent mold. Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem.  

CHECK FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: Sometimes a flood can compromise a building’s foundation. This can lead to bigger problems down the road if not addressed immediately. Contact a trusted contractor to assess your home or business’ foundation after a flood to make sure it is in good condition and make the recommended improvements if necessary.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. We offer 24/7-365 service. We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Hey..Your toilet is overflowing..

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

"Hey, your toilet is overflowing" is one of the scariest phrases to hear as a homeowner.

Overflowing toilets are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. The mess and odors can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. That is why SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are here to help!

A toilet overflow usually occurs when a blockage prevents water and waste from flushing down the toilet drain. This backup prevents water and waste from flowing down the drain and causes your toilet to overflow. If it's not cleaned up quickly, it may cause extensive water damage to your bathroom floor or even leak through the ceiling below. Other common causes of overflowing toilets are sewage backups, septic tank issues, low flow toilets and malfunctioning plumbing.

If your home has water damage from toilet overflow, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt. We are ready 24/7 - 365

Questions, Call! (517)541-1170

Clogged Gutters

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Gutter clogged with leaves

As we move into spring, we all notice the melting of snow and welcome the rains. What you may not notice is the fall leaves clogging your gutters. If your gutters get clogged in the fall or with debris from a winter storm, rain water will push back up onto your roof instead of draining away. This can result in water potentially getting in your home through the roof. This can lead to many problems such as mold in an attic or a collapsed ceiling in a room.

There are a couple of things that you can do to prevent these problems. You can start by checking your gutters regularly, in both the Spring and the Fall, to make sure they are clean. You can also invest in gutter guards or screens. These work well to keep the leaves out of your gutters but will still need to be checked. 

If you notice any water staining on your ceiling be sure to contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to investigate. 

Call us Today at 517-541-1170

How We Handle Mold

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Mold should be taken seriously. SERVPRO wants you to call if you believe your home or business has been infested by this dangerous element.

Mold remediation is a process in which we take very seriously. Here is a look at our step-by-step process that we take.

• It begins with initial contact from a customer requiring emergency services.
• An assessment of damage and inspection is required.
• Next, we take control of the mold so it doesn't spread.
• Then air scrubbers are used to further stop the spread.
• Removal of mold and infested materials is a priority.
• We clean any belongings affected by the mold.
• And lastly, we restore anything that has been damaged from the mold infestation. 

Mold is not something you should just set aside and deal with later. If you think you have mold in your home or business call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt at (517) 541-1170.

We Work With Insurance

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works with insurance companies on a daily. Choose us for your cleanup and restoration!

SERVPRO is very knowledgeable about insurance paperwork and processes because we work with it on a daily basis. 

It is very important to get these things done in a timely manner to speed up your job and turn-around time. 

Why should you pick SERVPRO for your cleanup and restoration?

Simple, we are very reliable and are determined to make sure your insurance claims go smoothly.

For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Call for details at (517) 541-1170

Highly Trained Employees

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO staff is more than qualified to do your job, and go above and beyond to educate themselves to help you out!

Why should you pick SERVPRO to do your home's cleaning and restoration?

At SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt our employees have the best training a homeowner could ask for.

Employee Certification Training is voluntary, but almost all of our employees choose to do this training to ensure they are as educated as they can be. This is only one of many reasons SERVPRO is more than qualified to restore your home.  

Another reason you should choose SERVPRO is that we also offer our employees credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. These improve the knowledge of emergency mitigation and prepares them for any challenges.

If you would like to speak to our highly trained cleaning and restoration staff please call us at (517) 541-1170.

Historic Building Repairs

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt on site of one of Lansing's Historic Landmarks.

On March 4th, 2021 the team at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt assisted the Historic Hollister Building with water damage they recently experienced.

If you are ever considering using our services take this into account when deciding. SERVPRO is so trustworthy that the managers at the Hollister Building have the confidence in us to repair and restore their treasured architecture.

Water damage can be difficult to manage and repair, especially when one-of-a-kind and rare architecture is involved. Use SERVPRO to help with your water damage to guarantee a thorough and splendid restoration.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties can help you at: (517) 541-1170

Here Whenever You Need Us

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

24/7 emergency storm damage assistance is available at SERVPRO.

Storms do not check to see what our schedule is like, nor do they check the clocks. They often come at the most inconvenient time. This is why SERVPRO is a 24/7 business. We do not pass up the opportunity to help in case of emergency.

Whether the storm is a winter snowstorm or a spring thunderstorm we are ready for action during or after hours. This is very important to us because these types of damages and repairs require immediate attention. A quick response is critical in limiting a secondary loss during a storm event.

With any type of storm, water is present and wreaks havoc on one's home or business. Response time is one of our top priorities to ensure water does not become a bigger issue than it already is.

Call SERVPRO at (517) 541-1170 if you experience storm damage.

Feeling Helpless? Here Are Some Things You Can Do

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you are feeling helpless, don't wait! CALL!

When a flood occurs inside a home, most homeowners want to jump right in and start the cleanup themselves, and others have no idea what to do. If you are feeling helpless and want to start the cleanup before SERVPRO arrives here are some things to consider.

Safety is your top priority. Ask yourself these questions.

1. Is the structure of the building compromised?
2. Is there any electrical that has become a hazard?
3. Are you confident in your abilities to do your own cleanup safely?
4. Are there any contaminants in the water?

DO

• Eliminate remaining water.
• Prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Wipe down furniture.

DON'T

• Use electricity such as TV.
• Stay in rooms where the structure is compromised.
• Use a vacuum to remove water.

If you are feeling the need to do some work we hope you consider the things listed above. We also hope you choose SERVPRO to complete the process for you!

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt's number is...

(517) 541-1170 

Clean Up After a Fire

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides cleanup and restoration after fires.

Fire can create all kinds of devastation to homes and businesses. Many things require attention after a fire loss including cleanup, deodorization, drying, and restoration. These are all things SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt can provide for you in the event of a disaster.

One important thing that should be cleaned up after a fire is the HVAC systems. Without these things cleaned, even if you experience a small fire, you are potentially exposing yourself to dangerous fumes, residue, and nasty lingering smells that are left in your ducts. Good thing SERVPRO can take care of that for you!

Alongside HVAC cleaning services, SERVPRO can also provide deodorization. Can you imagine the smell of burnt carpet and paint? That is not something you want to be smelling once your repairs and restoration are complete. Here at SERVPRO, we are dedicated to completing your cleanup as thoroughly as possible. This includes not only cosmetic work and clean-up but also ensuring your home or business smells as normal as it could be.

If you have a fire, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt to take care of your disaster and leave your home or business smelling fresh as ever.

Our number is (517) 541-1170

Over Insulation Can Cause Mold

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing a mold problem we can help.

Insulation in your home is a huge necessity. But did you know you can go a little overboard with it? Over-insulating your home can cause some major issues. Not only insulation installment but also the location in which it is put can be a deciding factor in whether or not SERVPRO services will be in your future.

Excessive Insulation in a home will cause moisture to get trapped within the walls. Without any way for this moisture to escape it creates a great breeding ground for mold. If you believe you have mold in your home please call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt and we can help you out.

Here is what the Mold Remediation Process looks like:

1. Emergency Contact -(517) 541-1170
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

Advanced Technology Benefits

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is determined to help you during your water loss.

When you experience water, fire, mold, or storm damage we hope that you would choose SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt to do your cleaning and restoration, but why should you? Here is why.

We offer cleaning services that utilize advanced technology. This technology includes machines that do moisture detection and measurement which can help determine the spots within the building that are completely dry or still wet and need to be taken care of. The technology that we have on-site is very helpful to ensure that all of the job is done, and it is done to its best ability.

Additionally, industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers will help dry out every bit of moisture remaining in the home. This equipment is absolutely necessary during water damage restoration to completely dry out the home or business and keep the floors, walls, and furniture from warping and swelling.

Instead of trying to dry out your home or business yourself call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt to avoid further damage and receive great results.

Our number is (517) 541-1170. Give us a call!

Commercial Covid-19 Cleaning

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Facts about our cleaning product SERVPROxide

At SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt, we know that commercial businesses have been struggling with all the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. We are determined to help our local businesses stop the spread by providing access to our Covid Cleaning process.

In order to properly clean your business, we use a SERVPRO product, SERVPROxide. This is the product that we have been advised to use by our SERVPRO Corporate office in conjunction with the recommendation by the CDC. This product is used as advised on the product label sheets and all of the exposed flat surfaces are wiped down. This includes but is not limited to desk/table/countertops, phones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, and light switches.

If your business experiences a Covid outbreak a great option to ensure the rest of your employees are safe is to utilize SERVPROxide through SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt.

Contact us for cleaning at (517) 541 - 1170

The Calm Before the Storm

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

When damage strikes, you can be ruined or you can be ready!

When weather experts are forecasting a large snowstorm, many people venture out of their homes and to the store to gather essentials. These essentials include food, water, and heating supplies that are needed in the event that power or other tragic events do not hinder their survival. As a commercial business, you have the opportunity to seize the “calm” before the storm.

At SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt, we offer “our essentials” in the form of an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). The ERP allows us to collect your companies contact information to ensure YOUR business's survival. By having this profile plan available, we are able to have all the emergency contacts, locate water and gas shut-off points, map out directions to exits, determine the amount of equipment and staff needed in a given loss event, and collect any other useful information in case of emergency. 

Benefits

How does this prepare your business? 

1. Creates a quicker response time to speed up the mitigation process
2. Quicker response time = prevention of any further loss
3. Eliminates time discussing important information over the phone which would already be covered in the ERP
4. Ensures the RIGHT people are contacted with updated data
5. Establishes what crew and equipment from OUR team will be necessary to provide the best service BEFORE the loss occurs

We hope that you never have to experience any type of loss, but with access to our amazing Emergency Ready Plan, both parties can be prepared BEFORE the storm hits. 

What YOU can do 

To prepare as a commercial business your first step is to: 

Visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com OR Download our “Ready Plan” app on your mobile device.

Lastly, to follow up and complete your ERP, contact Jim at (517) 541-1170.

Ryan Hollister Racing

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

"Thank you SERVPRO and the Kelly family for your support" -Ryan Hollister Racing

Thank you Ryan, for dropping off some pretty amazing photos of your race car as a thank you for our continued sponsorship! We look forward to continuing our support for the 2021 season and beyond! 

Reasons We Don't Recommend Carpet Shampooers

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Reasons we don't recommend carpet shampooers After you buy or rent a personal use carpet shampooer and use the recommended soap/detergent, your carpets might appear to have come clean. Unfortunately, you have to wait out the long (sometimes several days) drying process to see the full results of your efforts. Extra unfortunately, those results never seem to last more than a few days, and those pesky spots and stains have seem to come back worse than before!

WHY IS THAT?!

There's a lot playing into this common carpet cleaning cycle, but most of it can be blamed on the use of soap and the aggressive beater-bar style machine.

Here at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, we offer several cleaning methods for various carpet and upholstery types that will take significantly less time to dry, and give you a longer lasting clean and overall better result.

If you'd like a quote for a carpet cleaning, give us a call! (517)541-1170

Avoiding Mold Growth in your Eaton County Commercial Property

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

We may be a locally run operation, but we have resources across the nation to assist you with whatever disaster strikes your commercial property.

A professional mold remediation company, like SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can address mold issues in homes and businesses as well as help property owners. However, if mold growth does occur, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt should be called immediately to minimize any damage and stop the mold from spreading.
Increase the Heat
One way to prevent commercial mold from growing is to increase the heat. When the walls on a property are too cold, moisture particles in the air condensate, creating a damp film that leads to mold formation. In the summer, keep the thermostat on a low heat setting, and insulate the walls on the property.
Reduce Steam
Steam is a common cause of commercial mold damage. To reduce steam, business owners should: • Not allow standing water to sit in the sink or a drinking glass.
• Install and use an extractor fan in the bathroom to clear the steam after a hot shower or bath.
• Put wet clothes outside on a clothesline to dry instead of indoors.
• Run the ventilation fan on the range hood to suck up steam from liquids boiling on the stove top. Maximize the Air Flow
An easy way to keep commercial damage from the mold at bay is to open the windows and let cold air circulate inside the property. Open windows keep surfaces dry and push mold spores outdoors. To further increase the air flow and reduce hidden pockets of air, pull furniture away from walls. If mold is spotted behind furniture or curtains, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can help eliminate it.
More Mold Prevention Tips
There are other ways to prevent commercial damage from mold. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt recommends that business owners and homeowners: • Fix any leaks from dripping pipes and water overflows from eavestroughs.
• Keep the roof in good repair, especially if the roof is flat.
• Throw away mold damaged items such as books and rotting food.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. We are proud to be an active member of the community and want to ensure everyone stays happy. When mold or water damage occurs Eaton County, we have the resources and trained personnel to help. Call us today! (517) 541-1170

So, You Want to Kill Mold?

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Let the trained professionals of SERVPRO of ECGLH tackle your newly discovered mold the right way

So, you want to kill mold? Don’t use bleach!

Usually, when most homeowners notice mold, they get out the bottle of bleach thinking a few sprays will solve the problem.

It’s no wonder.

Some of the most popular blogs continue to perpetuate the myth that spraying bleach will take care of your mold problem.

Even information on The Center For Disease Control (CDC) website still suggests using bleach to kill mold.

The truth is, using chlorine bleach to kill mold is probably one of the worst things you can do.

As a matter of fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stopped recommending the use of bleach for dealing with mold problems. And, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated their guide as well, removing the suggestion to use bleach to kill mold.

The problem is, it’s true that bleach can kill some mold in some places some of the time.  But, bleach only works to remove mold on hard, impermeable surfaces like bathtub and shower surrounds or tiles. However, on porous surfaces like drywall or hardwood floors, it won’t work to kill mold or keep it from coming back.

Why?

Because mold spreads its roots (called mycelia and hyphae) deep into porous surfaces.

Simply spraying a bleach solution on the surface won’t kill mold spores at their roots.

So, here are 9 Reasons Why you should NOT to Use Bleach to Kill Mold

1. First, bleach encourages toxic mold growth on porous surfaces because it provides excess moisture.

Bleach contains about 90% water. When you apply bleach to a surface, the chlorine quickly evaporates leaving behind a lot of water. Then, when the water soaks into porous surfaces like wood, it encourages mold growth. So, bleach can make your mold problem worse.

2. Bleach only removes the color from mold.

After you spray bleach, only the surface appears clean. But the problem is, the mold’s roots, or hyphae, continue to grow.

3. The EPA and OSHA specifically advise against using bleach for mold remediation.
4. Chlorine bleach is extremely harmful to surfaces.

For example, when you use bleach on wood, it starts to weaken it by breaking the fibers. When you spray bleach on metal, it starts to corrode it almost immediately. Thus, using bleach to kill mold creates problems with the structural integrity of a home.

5. Bleach is extremely corrosive.

When you spray bleach and it evaporates, it releases chlorine gas. It irritates and eventually causes damage to the skin, lungs, and eyes.

6. The corrosive nature of bleach is even worse when it’s mixed.

Bleach should never be mixed with acids, because it causes dangerous fumes.

Remember: Mixing cleaning compounds containing ammonia with bleach produces deadly gasses that can kill with just a few breaths.

7. Bleach doesn’t work as a sanitizing agent when it’s mixed with organic material.

To be a successful sanitizer, bleach must be used on clean materials and surfaces. That’s why bleach products get used in the laundry after the wash cycle. Light and heat compromise the sanitizing properties of bleach. Even though the chlorine odor lingers for a while after you use it, bleach loses strength so quickly it doesn’t have a residual effect. That is, it doesn’t prevent future bacterial or fungal growth.

8. Most bleach products are not registered with the EPA to be used as antimicrobial agents.
9. And last, but not least, you don’t want to use bleach to kill mold because there are many antimicrobial alternatives readily available.

These antimicrobial agents are registered with the EPA specifically for killing mold. Some are formulated to be friendly to the environment, your family and your pets. In addition, they are cost effective, easy to use, and, they have a true residual effect. That means they prevent bacteria and mold from regrowing.

Finding mold in your home or commercial property can be scary. Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for an inspection and clean-up quote
(517) 541-1170

3 Threats Associated With Standing Floodwaters | SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any storm damage, contact SERVPRO of ECGLH. Our goal is to help make it "Like it never even happened."

3 Surprising Threats Associated With Standing Floodwaters

A flood can be one of the most devastating natural disasters you will experience during your lifetime. Floodwaters have the potential to completely devastate any area they pass through. At their worst, floods can lift homes off their foundations and crash through walls. Even a small flood can cause damage to your home by saturating your flooring and wall materials with water.

All homeowners need to be aware of the dangers that floodwaters pose so that they can take action to protect themselves in the aftermath of a flood. Standing floodwaters come with a variety of damages and threats. Learn about three surprising threats you should be mindful of as you assess the damage to your home following a flood.

1. Electrocution

One of the deadliest risks associated with floodwaters is electrocution. Water is a powerful electrical conductor. When floodwaters come into contact with any electrical outlets or wires inside your home, the water has the potential to become electrically charged.

If you step into a pool of this standing floodwater or any exposed part of your body comes into contact with the water, the electrical charge stored in the water could pass through your body and cause serious harm.

Utility companies will typically shut down the electrical grid in any areas affected by a flood, but you should never assume that there is no electrical power to your home. Only a restoration professional with advanced training should enter your home to verify that the power is off at the breaker box and no electricity is circulating through your home.

2. Explosions         

If your home is equipped with any appliances that rely on natural gas as a power source, the risk of explosion is present after a flood. Floodwaters can dislodge the pipes that feed natural gas into your home. This creates gas leaks that can trap a buildup of gas inside your residence.

The smallest spark could cause the gas to explode, causing further damage to your home and putting the life of anyone inside the residence at risk. Experienced restoration professionals can detect gas leaks before they begin working to clean up the mess left behind by a flood.

You can take the necessary precautions to address the gas leak, allowing you to maximize your safety after floodwaters recede. Never enter your flooded home if the possibility of a gas leak is present.

3. Disease

Another serious risk associated with floodwaters is disease. The transmission of many communicable diseases can be facilitated by standing floodwaters. Some of these diseases include cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, and West Nile virus.

The water that floods your home during a natural disaster can also become contaminated with raw sewage. Bacteria and other pathogens thrive in the standing water, which makes your flooded home a serious health hazard.

Because of these potential diseases, it's important that you don't come into contact with floodwaters without the proper safety gear. A company that specializes in restoring residential properties following a flood will have the experience and products needed to eliminate the threat of flood-related disease from your home.

A restoration specialist can use powerful chemicals that will disinfect and sanitize all of the surfaces within your home once the flood water has been removed. These same chemicals can also prevent mold growth in your home.

Floods are inherently dangerous, but the dangers don't stop once the active flooding subsides. Standing floodwater in your home can increase the risk of electrocution, explosions, and disease transmission following a flood.

Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot counties, Lansing & Holt to handle your restoration needs after a flood so that you can avoid any associated dangers created by standing floodwaters.

What to Expect During Water Damage Restoration | SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

A water disaster can create issues that you may not be aware of. If you experience water damage of any kind, give SERVPRO ECGLH a call (517)541-1170

What to Expect During Water Damage Restoration 

Whether you have a leak in the basement, water in the attic, or a burst pipe in your wall, water can lead to one of the more stressful types of damages you will have to deal with as a homeowner. You can alleviate some of the stress by knowing what to expect during the water damage repair process so you can prepare accordingly.

Address the Cause

It does little good to repair damages if they will simply occur again. Generally, a broken pipe or leaking foundation will lead to water in the basement, whereas water in the attic is generally from roof damage or poor ventilation. Water elsewhere in the home is most likely from a plumbing leak. HVAC systems can also develop condensation along the ducts, which can lead to water damage in the ceiling.

Once you know the cause, you can contact a plumber, roofer, or another suitable contractor to fix the leak and stop the flow of water.

Pro Tip:

If you can't find the leak and you aren't sure who to call, contact a water damage restoration company. They may offer leak detection services or be able to refer you to one of these professionals.

Assess the Damage

Water damage can go much further than just what you see. Even after the surface moisture dries, wet conditions can persist out of sight. Mold may also have taken hold in hidden areas. Stains, warped materials, and damage to carpets and furniture can also be present. The restoration technician has a variety of tools at their disposal to accurately assess the extent of the damage.

Pro Tip:

Don't attempt to do any sort of assessment or cleanup on your own if you suspect that the water is contaminated. Leaks from exterior flooding or a broken septic line are the most likely sources of contamination.

Dry Out the Home

Before restoration can progress, all of the moisture has to be removed. The technicians will pump out any standing water that is still present, and then they will use water extractors and large industrial fans to speed up the drying process. If the relative humidity is high, portable dehumidifiers may also be used.

Pro Tip:

Don't delay drying out the home. Mold can begin growing in as little as 48 hours, so call the water damage service immediately so that the drying process can commence.

Clean Up the Damage

Cleanup techniques depend on the type and extent of the damage. Technicians will remove wet objects, including furniture, personal effects, and carpeting, to a dry location. Things that can't be repaired, such as sodden wallboards, will be removed and disposed of. The technicians may also take apart some items, such as baseboards, so that they can be dried thoroughly.

The cleanup stage is also when deeper cleaning is addressed, such as mold removal and hazardous waste sanitation. Often, this is the most time-consuming restoration stage.

Pro Tip:

If you can safely enter the wet area, you might be able to rescue papers, books, and photographs in advance of the restoration crew. Place these items in sealed plastic bags and store them in a frost-free freezer. The freezer prevents mold and deterioration until the damage techs can dry out the paper.

Repair and Restore

The final stage is the repair stage. Wallboards are patched or replaced, ceilings are repaired and repainted, and the carpeting is either thoroughly cleaned or replaced entirely. Woodwork may require sanding and refinishing if a replacement isn't necessary.

Restoration also applies to your personal belongings, including furniture. The technicians will focus on repairing everything that they can so that there will be minimal replacements necessary.

Pro Tip:

If you are on the fence about keeping your carpet, then consider these basic rules. If the carpet was exposed to contaminated water, have it replaced. Further, if it took longer than 48 hours to find and address the water damage, consider replacement of the pad and a professional biocide treatment of the carpeting. 

Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to discuss your water damage restoration needs today.

Norovirus in your Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Business

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

While Noroviruses are around all year long, winter is the most common season for outbreaks.

The Norovirus is highly contagious and can tear through classrooms, cruise ships, nursing homes, and other crowded spaces, leaving vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps in its wake.

Norovirus spreads easily through food and drink and can have a big impact on people's health. The CDC estimates that noroviruses are responsible for more than half of all food-borne disease outbreaks each year.

Noroviruses thrive in close quarters, such as restaurants, day-care centers, and nursing homes, because they are hardy and highly contagious. They can survive temperature extremes in water and on surfaces.

How to Prevent Norovirus Infection
Good hygiene is the key to preventing a norovirus infection, especially when you are close to a lot of other people.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Alcohol-based cleansers are not as effective as soap and water.
* Carefully throw away any contaminated items (such as dirty diapers).
* Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook oysters and other shellfish before eating them.
* Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to thoroughly and effectively clean contaminated surfaces.

If your workplace or commercial property has experienced a norovirus outbreak, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can come clean and disinfect the common areas to prevent further illness due to Noroviruses.
Call our professionals today at (517) 541-1170

Smoke & Soot Damaged Contents

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you have smoke or soot damage after a house fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt

A house fire is never planned for, or expected. Many of our favorite and most treasured items are the once that are irreplaceable. Some examples are pictures, handmade items and antiques. Good thing for our customers, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in cleaning all types of contents.

Many times some of the things, like photos, that get wet and stick together and seem like they are a loss, can actually be saved. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt has the knowledge, expertise and training to clean and restore all of your property after a house fire.

Generally fire affected contents will be wet as well from the fire department putting out the fire. This can cause extra issues as well but these items can usually be still be saved. We make it our priority to clean and restore your contents as if they were our own.

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to clean your smoke or fire damaged contents at 517-541-1170

Fire Damage in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage can stop production at your commercial property

Fires in Commercial buildings can devastate operation and severely impact your bottom line. To say nothing about threatening the safety of your employees and customers. While fire damage in any form can be stressful and overwhelming, we strive to make the clean up process run as smoothly and quickly as possible.

While we all are very diligent in our fire prevention preparations, accidents and surprises do happen. A quick call to SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can make all the difference. The faster you make that call, the faster we can be onsite to help. We can pack out the affected contents for cleaning, clean and repair the structure and we even offer emergency board up services for security. No job is too big or too small!

Please contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for your commercial fire damage restoration (517)541-1170

Attic and Basement Mold

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Mold problems can spread via spores that float in the air, which is one reason experts recommend immediate mold remediation as soon as possible. Still, it may seem like an odd coincidence if mold shows up in both your attic and your basement.

Whether the two mold problems are simultaneous or consecutive, you should know that they could be related in one of several different ways. Here are four ways that mold in your attic and mold in your basement could be related.

Both Mold Problems Could Result From Gutter Issues
Did you know that problems with your rain gutters can cause erosion, mold, rot, leaks, and even foundation damage? Gutters can cause moisture problems in your basement if they spill water down your walls or allow it to waterfall over the gutter's edge to the ground rather than carrying it away down the downspout.

If the gutter is too small for the amount of rain, it could leak quite a bit of water down towards your foundation with every heavy rain. Other gutter problems that can cause this include a gutter that can't catch the rain because it's misaligned and a gutter that's bent or deformed, allowing water to escape.

But rain gutters can also cause moisture problems in your attic. For instance, if the gutters are clogged with leaves, the wet debris holds moisture in place so the air pulled in by your roof's soffit vents may be very high in humidity, allowing condensation to build up on the roof deck until mold appears.

Basement Air and Humidity Could Rise to the Attic
Another way basement mold problems can relate to attic mold problems is through sharing air. Air, which may carry mold spores and extra moisture, can transfer between the basement and the attic. Stairwells, wall cavities, and other open spots may allow air to travel upwards through your home in a stack effect.

Roof Leaks Could Trickle Down
You'd expect that a roof leak could cause moisture problems in the attic, since that's the first stop for anything that leaks through the roof. However, a leak could potentially affect the basement as well.

Some roof leaks, instead of dripping down into your living space, sneak down along the supporting beams of your home, and gravity pulls the water downwards all the way to the basement. Moisture problems can develop wherever the leak ends up, meaning you could have mold growing not only in the attic and basement but inside your walls as well.

Pests Could Be Involved in Both Areas
Pests can be either a cause or an effect of moisture problems. For example, damp wood termites love to infest wood that's already wet and rotting, so they could show up throughout your home after moisture problems develop. On the other hand, pests such as bats and raccoons can sometimes be the cause of a moisture problem in your home.

One way pests can cause moisture problems is simply by living in your attic or basement. Their waste products could increase humidity and allow mold to develop. But large pests such as raccoons, or pests with powerful teeth such as rats, can also let the elements in while trying to access these areas of your home.

To keep mold problems from deteriorating the structural integrity of your home, you'll need to not only remove the mold but also eliminate the conditions that caused the mold to grow. A professional mold restoration service can help you with both of these objectives.

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today to discuss the mold remediation services we offer. We can help you salvage damaged materials, clean off mold, and remove excess moisture from the air. We can also help you get to the bottom of why the damage occurred in the first place so you can resist the damage next time.

Restoring your Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Commercial Property After Water Damage

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Let us take care of your commercial water damage

It is the nature of this industry that Fire and Water damage situations are a surprise and always come when you least expect it. No matter how much you prepare and plan ahead, an emergency loss can stop production and prevent your company from moving forward. That is where SERVPRO comes in.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt has serving commercial properties just like yours for 14 years and counting. It is our goal to help you return to full functionality as soon as possible. No matter how large or how small your loss may be, we can help!

From massive pipe breaks to a small amount of smoke smell, we will handle your loss with professionalism and understand.

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for your commercial loss today at 517-541-1170

Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Smoke & Soot Cleanup

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Soot isn't just dirty, it can leave behind odors if not thoroughly cleaned

Smoke and soot are very invasive, and can penetrate various cavities within your home. This causes hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:
Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt (517) 541-1170

When Storms Hit, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are Ready

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 517-541-1170
Photo Caption: Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Eaton County

Outdoor Faucets

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Outdoor faucets can freeze and break during the winter without you knowing

One of the leading causes of water damage in the Spring, aside from the weather of course, is outdoor faucets.
CHECK FOR LEAKS
The best way to check for leaks, is to have one person stand outside to turn the water on, and have a second person observe the pipe inside the home.
IF YOU NOTICE A LEAK
Be sure to turn the water off at the outdoor faucet, as well as your indoor water mane, and call a plumber.
The pipes leading to your outdoor faucets can freeze and burst in the winter but, because the water is off, you won't notice these breaks until the spring. If you discover a burst pipe, or a leak that has gotten out of hand, we are available 24/7 to take your call.
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt (517) 541-1170

IICRC Firm

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Surprise Water Damage in Winter

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

This Eaton County home had a pipe break witch caused the basement to completely fill with water

Winters in Michigan can be brutal and many in the area like to vacation to warm weather or even fly south for the whole winter. If you fit into this category, it is very important to make sure your Mid-Michigan home is ready to withstand the weather you are leaving behind.

-You should make sure your furnace is in good working order before you leave. Have it inspected by a professional and change the filters

-Make sure you shut off the water to the house- if for some reason the furnace fails, your pipes could freeze and burst. The water being off will prevent water from continuously running and damaging your home until you return.

-Have your home winterized. You can do this yourself or hire a plumber. If there is no water in the pipes to freeze, they wont freeze and burst.

-If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time ask a friend or family member to check on your home frequently while you are gone. This way you can catch and potential problems.

If you find any water damage in your home this winter be sure to call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt at (517)541-1170

Smoke and Soot after a Small Fire

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ECGLH knows the steps to follow after a fire of any size.

Taking Care of Smoke and Soot After a Small Fire

If you had a small house fire, then you may be wondering why you need to leave your house for some time. After all, if the rest of your house wasn't damaged by the fire, it may seem excessive to stay at a hotel.

However, smoke and soot left behind by the fire carry potential health risks. Learn why you may need to evacuate for some time and how to take care of smoke damages when you return home.

Let Professionals Assess the Smoke Damage

You may need to evacuate your home so that professionals can properly assess the fire and smoke damage. Your insurance company needs to evaluate who was at fault and how the damages will be covered.

Professionals at restoration companies also need to assess what work needs to be done and figure out when it's safe enough to do so. For instance, the restoration professionals may need to properly ventilate the house before they can make repairs.

Although you may think you just have smoke damage, a restoration professional may find other issues. For example, you may have water damages from firefighting efforts, meaning that they will have to make sure the house doesn't have mold or structural damage.

Once the professionals have assessed the damages, they can proceed to make it safe for you to enter the house again.

Remove Lingering Odors When It's Safe to Return

Once you get the go-ahead to return to your home, you may find that while other restorations are underway, there are still odors from the fire. You shouldn't take care of large damages since they can put your health at risk, but you can help eliminate poor air quality.

Products with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) are great at reducing smoky odors on upholstered furniture, clothing, and curtains. Make sure that you check your fabrics for care instructions. Remember that TSP can be caustic, so make sure that you wear a mask and gloves and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Purchase dry-cleaning sponges to wipe off any soot or smoke stains on the walls. If there are still loose soot particles on the floor, use a shop-vac to remove the debris. Also consider installing or renting a HEPA air purifier to catch any lingering particulates in the air.

Lastly, talk with a professional from a restoration company to see what they cover in their services. Some places will clean up the odors along with their restorations.

Contact us at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt if you need help with any restorations.

(517)541-1170

Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any damage after a storm, contact SERVPRO of ECGLH at (517) 541-1170

What You Need to Know About the Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage

Do you think that post-storm water damage dries without help? If you do not treat this potentially serious issue immediately, take a look at what you need to know about the long-term effects of water damage.

Flooring Failure

Water that seeps into your home and floods your flooring can sink through carpets and padding. The result is a damp rug that is slow to dry. But what happens if the rug feels dry to the touch?

In some cases, you can dry and restore storm-damaged or flooded carpeting. This does not mean you should attempt to save your carpets without help. Failure to properly dry the carpets or the padding underneath can cause additional problems for what lies underneath.

Your regular home vacuum can't pull water from under the carpet's surface. Likewise, a fan or other type of similar drier will not reach beneath into the padding. This means what may feel like a completely dry carpet can hide a wet, moldy, or dirty pad. If you have wood flooring under your carpets, a damp pad could cause serious damage over time.

The longer the moisture sits on the wood floor, the more likely the cellulose fibers in the material will soak up excess water. This can warp the wood and cause permanent damage. While other types of flooring, such as tile, may not warp, the constant presence of water can still cause problems.

To prevent warping and other related issues, contract a professional storm damage restoration company as soon as possible. If you do wait, the professional may still have ways to treat the area and restore your home's flooring.

Faulty Furniture

Your flooring is not the only part of your home that is subject to the long-term effects of storm-related water damage. If water sits on your furniture, it can also cause permanent damage. The type of damage your furniture sustains after a flood or storm depends on what it is made from.

Hard, non-porous plastic surfaces are relatively easy to clean and dry. Provided no evidence of mold growth or bacterial contamination exists, you can wipe the item with your choice of household cleaner and dry it with a towel. But if the furniture in question is made of wood or is upholstered, you will need a professional restoration expert's help.

What happens if you wait to call this professional? Like with carpeting, the water could soak through upholstered items and into the padding underneath. This can result in internal mold growth or damage wooden support frames. This destroys the integrity of the item and can cause complete failure.

Again, like with wood floors, wooden furniture can soak up water and warp. Water can also cause spotting on the surface or swelling. Even though the initial water damage may have happened days or weeks ago, a storm damage professional may still have the ability to restore these items.

Weak Walls

Water damage can extend from the floors and furniture to the walls of your home. Like with other types of water damage, the longer moisture sits on your walls, the higher the likelihood that your home will have permanent problems such as mold growth, warping, or other similar issues.

Like with flooring, a dry wall surface does not always mean everything underneath is free from moisture too. Long-term water exposure can result in seepage through drywall or plaster. The underlying wood and other building materials can warp or rot. This can cause serious or extensive structural issues. A restoration professional can evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan.

Do you need restoration help after a storm? Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County for more information.

Trust your nose! Identifying water damage before it's visible

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth from a slow leak behind the dishwasher

You can’t always see water damage, but you can almost always smell it. Most water damage odors are hard to ignore and alert you that there is damage in your home. Odors from water damage can be noticeable immediately or can occur sometime after the water is removed. Here are some common odors:

Muddy smell: If outdoor flooding has entered the home, you may notice an earthy smell associated with lakes.

Sewage smell: If water damage in your home is a result of a backed-up sewer, you will immediately notice the odor of raw sewage.

Musty odors: Musty odors occur after the fact. This is a sign that mold is growing in your home.
The sooner you notice the problem, the sooner we can help. A highly trained SERVPRO professional can access the degree of your damages.

The assigned crew will identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Our drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage.

To get rid of the odor in your home, our trained and certified professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor from your home.

If mold is growing in your home, we will work to control and remove mold contaminants.

If you suspect water damage in your Eaton County, Clinton or Gratiot, Lansing or Holt home or business, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt at 517-541-1170

Water Damage? Four Things You Should Do Right Away

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

if you experience any water damage or are in need repairs down after a storm, contact SERVPRO of ECGLH

Water damage in a home is usually caused by leaking pipes, malfunctioning appliances, sewage backups, heavy rains, or flooding. No matter how a home sustains water damage, it is certain to cause plenty of frustration for the homeowner.

Even in cases of extensive water damage, it's important for homeowners to realize that a water damaged home can be repaired and restored.

If you have water damage to your home, here are four things you should do right away.

1. Stay Safe
Your safety is of utmost importance. This is why you should take certain precautions when dealing with water damage in your home. If your home is flooded, you may want to wear protective gloves or a mask to optimize safety.

If you have standing water in your home and notice the smell of gas, you should leave right away. The smell of gas could indicate a gas leak, which might result in an explosion. You should also be aware of the dangers of being electrocuted. Be careful when handling electrical appliances or gadgets. If you notice damaged electrical wires, you should leave.

2. Assess the Water Damage
If your home poses no immediate dangers, you can start to assess the damage. Knowing what kind of water damage your home and personal belongings have sustained helps your insurance adjuster process your claim.

Look for signs of external damage, which includes the roof, exterior walls, and your front and backyard. You will also want to assess the interior damage. Pay particular attention to the attic, walls and ceiling of each room, and the foundation of your basement.

Closely inspect all your personal belongings, as well. This includes:
Appliances
Furniture
Cabinets/dressers
Carpets
Paper products including books and photographs
Electronics and digital media

Some of your personal belongings will be damaged beyond repair. You will need to decide what things to get rid of and what things can be repaired. Any contaminated food should be thrown out immediately. This includes canned goods that were immersed in water.

3. Start Drying Out
If possible, you should start drying out your home as soon as you can. Starting the drying process helps to decrease the amount and severity of the water damage. You should begin by removing any standing water. You can do this by using a wet/dry vacuum. You can also push water out the door with a floor squeegee. Using a mop is a tried and true option as well.

If you have a lot of standing water, especially in the cases of flooding, the water could be polluted. For this reason, you may need to call professional water extractors. Once all the water has been removed, you should begin the drying out process.

Some ways to do dry out your home include:

Air drying. This can be done by opening doors and windows and using floor fans and exhaust fans.

Dehumidifying. Using a dehumidifier removes hidden moisture and decreases humidity levels, which helps to dry out faster.

Freezer drying and vacuum freeze drying. These drying methods use freezing temperatures to dry out books and other paper products.

Removing moisture from your home and your belongings will reduce the chances of bacterial and mold growth.

4. Begin Cleaning
Once your home has been dried out, you should clean and sanitize the places in your home that have gotten wet. This includes cleaning and sanitizing your floors and walls. If your home's flooring or walls are damaged beyond repair, you will most likely have to replace them.

If your home has received extensive water damage, contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt. We're a professional water damage repair and restoration company. Besides assisting homeowners with drying out their home, they also help clean the home and detect hidden moisture.

What is the IICRC, and why does it matter?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

14 Potential Fire Hazards in Your Home

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless everyday necessities.

Are you guilty of these bad habits that could start a fire in your home?

Misusing Electric Blankets: A warm and cozy electric blanket is a welcome comfort in the winter but, it also poses a potential fire hazard. Never allow pets to snuggle on top and don't pile extra covers over the electric blanket. Excessive heat build-up may lead to a fire. Never bend the coils, always keep your blanket at its lowest setting and always turn it off in the morning.
Piling up dirty rags: A wood stain may be the perfect finishing touch on a DIY project, but later on, that pile of oil-soaked rags you tossed in the corner could trigger the perfect storm. Those rags are a very real fire hazard if left unattended. The rags could oxidize and spontaneously combust, causing a house or building fire. Two proper ways to dispose of oily rags are to lay them flat outside to dry or to put them in a metal can filled with water and a tight fitting lid.
Neglecting appliance recalls: Home appliances have caused an estimated 150,000 fires each year, just during the last decade! A significant number of these were caused by faulty appliances. You can visit www.recalls.gov or register your appliance with the manufacturer to keep on top of recalls and prevent disaster.
Lingering dryer lint: We're sure you know emptying the lint screen increases your dryer's efficiency, but did you know that lint is flammable? The combination of lint buildup and excessive heat is a recipe for disaster. Make sure to clean the interior of the dryer frame as well as the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly to clear away lint and clogs and to reduce the risk of fire.
Letting your laptop overheat: If you own a laptop, you know how hot it can get. Leaving your computer on your bed, chair, rug or another soft flammable surface, you increase the risk of restricting airflow through the cooling vents. This can cause your laptop to overheat and possibly catch fire. Keeping your laptop on a desk or table will help prevent fires.
Choosing the wrong wattage: If you've ever thought "It's okay to use this 60-watt bulb in this 40-watt socket" you're not alone. However, you are putting your home at risk. A leading cause of electrical fires is using a light bulb with a wattage that is too high for a lamp or light fixture. Always check the light fixture's maximum wattage and never go over the recommended rating.
Using too many extension cords: Extension cords are meant to be a temporary response to a lack of electrical outlets, not a permanent solution. The reason why is this: connecting a large number of cords for a significant amount of time causes an overload that will lead to a short circuit - which could start a fire. Hiring a qualified electrician to install additional outlets could help you avoid this problem altogether.
a Americans will spend about $200 billion fixing up their homes this year and nearly a fifth of that will go toward DIY projects. Jobs involving electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC units should never be completed without a qualified professional. Gas leaks and electrical sparks result from improper installation and are a common cause of house fires. Hire a licensed professional instead of attempting dangerous DIYs on your own to avoid putting your family and home at risk.
Disregarding dust: Built-up dust can be a fire hazard if it collects in and around electrical sockets, electronics, and even floor heaters. Vacuuming regularly, especially behind electronics, will significantly reduce the chance of dust particles catching fire.
Improperly storing batteries: Storing 9-volt batteries in your kitchen junk drawer might be putting your home and family at risk. When loose batteries roll around with other metals such as paper clips or screws, the two terminals could short out, possibly generating enough heat to ignite flammables nearby. If storing the batteries in the original package isn't an option, place a piece of electrical tape over the terminal to prevent this possibility.
Ignoring unwanted guests: Rodents like mice and rats like to chew on electrical wires to control the length of their teeth. Over time, they can remove the sheathing; this leaves the wires exposed. The electrical current traveling through the wire generates heat and if the wire is exposed this could lead to sparks, which in turn could ignite the surrounding surface. Call an exterminator if you suspect you have rodents.
Forgetting the chimney sweep: There are common causes of chimney fires, such as dead birds, raccoon nests, cracked mortar, and built-up creosote. The National Fire Protection Assoc. recommends a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. Also, when building a fire in your fireplace, never light it with kerosene. Always use an approved fire starter.
Overlooking the range hood: Ovens and cooktops are the most common sources of kitchen fires. But, range hoods are also a potential threat. Grease builds up over time and can drip down onto the cooktop, possibly starting a fire. These flames could easily reach your cabinets and before you know it your kitchen could be engulfed. Regularly clean and maintain your range hood to keep your kitchen out of harm's way.
Unwisely arranging furniture: Furniture placed too close to a wood stove could spontaneously ignite. Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of a combustible item. This occurs when an object is continually exposed to a heat source and dries out. This leading, yet seldom considered, cause of fires doesn't even require a direct flame. It only takes heat and time.

If you find yourself in need of restoration after a fire, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt. We are available 24/7-365
517-541-1170

Saving Items After a Kitchen Fire

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of ECGLH is ready to help guide you through the restoration process

A small house fire can lead to extensive problems. A kitchen fire, for example, contained in the area around a stove, may only burn a small area. However, the smoke smell and the soot from the fire will fill the entire room. To save money and preserve the items you love, learn what you can do in the event of a kitchen fire.

Clean Recipe Books

Modern cooks often find their recipes online, but many homes still have treasured family recipe books and paper recipes handwritten by relatives. The books have the sentimentality of an heirloom item, and homeowners may feel their loss will take away the personality of their kitchen.
Clean books carefully by using a cloth dampened with a mild detergent and water to wipe down solid covers. A dry sponge wiped along the ends of the pages can help to remove soot along the edges. Clean the exteriors as much as possible before opening the book because it is possible to spread soot-covered fingerprints across the pages.

Place any books with water damage from fire sprinklers on a table in a well-ventilated room. Open to the first damp page and keep a fan blowing across the book until the page dries. Do each page of the books individually and thoroughly to prevent mold growth from damp pages.

Some services offer ozone chambers that remove the soot and smoke smell. The process can often return the book to its pre-fire condition. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of this restoration service for valuable or irreplaceable books.

Clean Soft Materials

Curtains and kitchen towels absorb smoke odors easily, and a few trips through a washing machine do not always remove the smell or the soot. A soak overnight in a washing machine with baking powder and detergent may remove the offensive odor and soot for mild-to-moderate fabric damage. More severe damage may require professional restoration help.

Wash the Dishes

Clean all dishes thoroughly to make them shine again and to remove the toxins in the soot. Start by wiping away as much soot as possible. A dry-cleaning sponge can remove dirt and soot with no water. The sponges sell at art supply stores, home repair stores, and through online retailers.
Soak the dishes for 30 minutes or more in a pan of hot, soapy water after wiping thoroughly with the dry sponge. Use a good-quality detergent that cuts through grease. Replace the water and soap after soaking and wash the surfaces thoroughly. Towel dry the dishes and check for any odor. Repeat the process for dishes that still smell like smoke.

Sort the Groceries

Throw out any food that was open or may have had contact with water or soot. Only the food in sealed containers made from a non-porous material like glass, plastic, and metal are safe after a fire. Throw out the food in the refrigerator if the power was out for over four hours and clear the freezer if the refrigerator was off for 48 hours or more.

Do not keep any open or uncovered food like potatoes in a bin or the items in a fruit bowl. Throw away any food product close to the heat of the fire. Containers that heated too much may look acceptable from the outside, but the products inside may have cooked fully or partially in the jar.

As a homeowner you may have a lot of questions after a fire takes place. Everyone wants to preserve as many of their belongings as possible. At SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, we can offer advice and help to clean and restore your home and belongings.

Contact us to learn more about the cleanup and restoration services we offer or call any time 24/7/365 for our emergency services.

The Do's and Don'ts to Follow After a Serious Storm

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

After a serious storm contact SERVPRO of ECGL&H, we will help guide you through the restoration process.

Should you break out the boots and trudge through the post-storm flood in your home? Even though the rising water may tempt you into some DIY cleanup, this strategy could cost you unnecessary time and money. If you have storm damage, take a look at the do's and don'ts to follow first.

Do Wait for the Go-Ahead

Is your home structurally sound or safe to re-enter? Whether your ceilings sag, the lights spark, or your home has another potential risk, you need to stay out and away — at least for now.

Before you re-enter your property, wait for the go-ahead from a professional. In some cases, this may mean you need a green light from multiple experts. These could include an electrician, utility worker, EMS personnel, restoration contractor, or engineer. Provided it's safe to go home again, read on for information on the next steps to take.

Don't Take Risks

Even though the experts may say your home is safe to re-enter, that doesn't necessarily mean you can move back in completely. It's likely you'll need to hire a water restoration contractor to mitigate the damage before you resume daily life in your home. If you're not sure whether it's safe to stay, contact a contractor as soon as possible for a professional evaluation.

While you wait for the contractor to assess, treat, and restore your home, steer clear of standing water, weak floors, and other obvious areas of damage.

Do Take Photos

Your insurance company may not send someone to immediately assess the damage. But that doesn't mean you should start the repairs without documentation. If it's safe to re-enter and walk through your home, photograph the damage. This may include pictures of carpeting, walls, ceilings, appliances, and anything else that has a visible post-storm problem.

If you're not exactly sure what type of damage to document, ask the restoration contractor. They can help you to determine what the insurance company may need to see in order to make a claim. Along with the contractor, talk to your insurance agent. The insurance adjuster may need to see specific types of damage or may want views of details you hadn't thought of.

Don't Remove Water-Logged Items

This may seem like the opposite of what you should do after a storm. But if you don't have experience handling water damaged furniture, flooring, or other items, you can cause more problems than you fix with a do-it-yourself approach.

Wait for a damage and restoration contractor to evaluate the situation before you touch anything inside your home. Even though the water may look fresh, it could harbor microorganisms or pose a health risk — especially if the damage happened days ago.

Do Replace Some Items

Even though you shouldn't remove water-damaged items, the contractor should. Along with any standing water, the contractor may remove some items from your home. In some cases, it's possible to restore furniture, flooring, and other home accents. The ability to restore or repair these items depends on the extent of the damage, potential contamination, and the time or cost it will take.

Expect to replace some items — especially anything with severe damage, visible mold growth, or other issues that prevent a full restoration. If the damaged piece of furniture (or other item) is old, low value, worn, or has other damage, you may save time, money, and headaches with a replacement.

Talk to your insurance agent about what this means for your claim. It's possible the insurance company will pay for a replacement. But you shouldn't assume they will without verifying what your policy does and doesn't cover first.

Do you need help with water damage restoration after a storm? Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for more information.

4 Homeowners Insurance Terms You Need to Know

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of ECGLH will work with your insurance company to make sure things get back to the way they were.

Owning your own home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. Not only do you have to constantly maintain your home, but there are risks you can't control, such as flooding and fire. For this reason, if you own a home, you need homeowners insurance, which will cover some or all costs of covered disasters. To better protect your home, check out these four insurance terms you need to know.

1) Peril
A peril is anything that could risk damage to your home, and it's one of the main reasons to have homeowners insurance because the insurance company may pay some or all repairmen/replacement costs. Not all perils are included in most homeowners insurance policies. In general, however, they cover the most common types of perils, such as theft or fire.

If you live in an area with frequent flooding, you may be able to purchase additional insurance to protect against flood damage. Most general policies exclude flood damage unless the damage was sudden and unexpected, such as a new washing machine that fails and floods your laundry room.

2) Catastrophe
Flood insurance is actually a type of catastrophe insurance. A catastrophe is a disaster (man-made or natural) that causes significant damage. It can be one major event or a handful of events that devastate your property. Catastrophes are not usually covered under your standard insurance policy, but they may be necessary if you live in an area with lots of earthquakes, flooding, tornadoes or hurricanes.

Catastrophe insurance comes in many forms. If you really want to protect everything you own from flooding or terrorist attacks, you can get a policy that will cover the property and everything inside. For a cheaper premium, however, you can also choose a policy that only covers the house and nothing inside.

3) Actual Cash Value
When your insurance carrier reimburses you, they may give you the actual cash value (sometimes referred to as market value). This will provide money to repair or replace the damage after considering depreciation. For example, if your deck is destroyed, but it was getting old anyway, the insurance carrier will take the age into account. In other words, they may not give you enough to actually cover the total replacement.

If the deck was brand new, however, there is less depreciation, so you may not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses. In this case, the insurance carrier would give you the replacement value. Regardless of what type of coverage you have, however, they will only provide money for similar materials and quality. You can't have the insurance carrier replace your damaged asphalt roof with a tile shingle roof.

4) Exclusion
Every insurance policy has exclusions. Exclusions are disasters and instances when the insurance carrier will not reimburse you. Exclusions usually include any damage that was related to maintenance issues or damage that was easy to control. Even if you take great care of your home, parts need to be replaced. Insurance will not cover these routine repairs.

In most cases, the policy will have an actual section detailing all the exclusions (all-risk policies), so you can immediacy know what is and what is not covered. A peril-specific policy, which only covers a handful of disasters, will list what is covered. Anything else is considered an exclusion.

Don't gamble with your property by neglecting to purchase or have enough homeowners insurance. It can be the difference between losing your home and repairing it after a disaster.

How SERVPRO Ranks Your Water Damage

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC Classes of Water Damage

The ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration is the gold-standard for the cleaning and restoration industry.  It presents practical guidelines and procedures based on science and extensive experience. 

Let's cover the degrees of leaks, spills, and water intrusions and their potential for damage.  The IICRC divides them into four “classes.”  It doesn’t giving any specific amounts of water, as many other variables go into determining the proper water restoration measures.

Class 1

This class involves the least amount of water.  It’s defined as affecting only part of a single room, with minimal wet carpet and affecting only low-permeable materials such as plywood and concrete sub-flooring.  Resulting from things such a roof leak and rowdy kids in the bath tub, there’s minimal absorption and little moisture remaining after bulk water removal.  So after mopping and blotting a natural slow rate of evaporation may be acceptable.  Lifting carpet speeds drying and lets you determine if the sub-floor is excessively damp.

Class 2

Here there’s more water, and more gets absorbed by building materials.  It’s defined as affecting an entire room or resulting in large areas of wet carpet, with water wicking upwards in walls at least 1 foot (but less than 2 feet) and moisture reaching structural materials.  Class 2 water intrusions require bulk water removal, surface water extraction, and dehumidification for faster evaporation.

Class 3

With the most water and greatest absorption involved, Class 3 water restoration requires the fastest evaporation to head off deterioration.  It’s defined as having flooring, sub-flooring, walls, and insulation saturated.  With a source above the ceiling, that may be saturated as well.  Advanced drying and dehumification methods via specialized equipment are critical.

Class 4

This last class is a special situation, typically the result of heavy natural flooding.  There’s been enough water and time to saturate materials such as stone, concrete, brick, and hardwood.  Highly aggressive methods to maintain very low specific humidity for longer periods than usual are required.  Or the affected rooms may be considered a total loss if the structure has been severely compromised.

If you have water damage in your Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt home or business, call the highly trained professionals of SERVPRO at 517-541-1170

Seasons Cleanings!

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let this be you when it's time to turn your furnace on!

Have you turned your heat on yet? It's about that time of year when we start closing up our homes and cranking the heat. If you'd like to rid your home of dirt, dust, odor, and possible allergens before Old Man Winter comes to town, give us a call!

The highly trained technicians at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt can get your home in tip top shape, just in time for the Holiday Season.

Call our office today to schedule a technician to come out and give you a quote! In some cases, a home visit isn't even needed for an accurate quote, so WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Fall Storms in Michigan

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

Some storms can leave damage to the exterior and interior of your home

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm and preloss condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit our area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 517-541-1170

What happens when you call SERVPRO after a storm hits your Michigan home or business?

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt's steps to help home or business owners after a storm damage: 

(517) 541-1170

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

When you call, our representative will guide you through several questions that will help the SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Professional respond to your water emergency more quickly and efficiently. This initial contact is an important part of a fast, effective restoration.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

They carefully inspect your property’s water damage, determining the type of water damage and the areas affected. This is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

Typically, hundreds or thousands of gallons of water are removed using our powerful pumps and vacuums during the water removal process. The SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Professionals start this process as soon as possible to minimize further damage and to help prevent mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

After the bulk of the water has been removed, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Professionals use specialized equipment to target the water that’s harder to access. They use less intrusive, scientific drying methods to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage also affects your belongings, like furniture, clothing, and personal items. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can clean restorable items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. They also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6 - Restoration

The last step is restoring your home or business back to its pre-water damage condition. The restoration step can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels, or could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding entire rooms of a home or business.

Eaton County Commercial Property Loss

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our resources are unlimited. No job is too big for the highly trained crews at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

Our unlimited resources give us the ability to not only help the homeowners in our communities after a fire or water loss, but the business owners as well.

We understand that 40% of businesses who experience a loss never reopen their doors, and of the 60% who do, 25% will close their doors permanently within the first year. 

Time is always of the essence when it comes to a commercial loss, so our certified crews of SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt use our training an expertise to create a plan that works around the needs of the business we're helping, while keep any businesses down time to a minimum. 

They say "time is money" and nobody knows that to be more true than a small business owner. So if your business experiences a fire or water loss, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt at 517-541-1170 to ensure a fast response time, and to help get your doors reopened.

The Bath-Shroom

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

He looks like a fungi (get it), but not someone you want hanging out in your bathroom.

Ladies & Gentlemen, I present to you, the not-as-uncommon-as-you-might-think...

"Bath-Shroom."

Humidity and heat create suitable growing conditions for fungi in bathrooms. Mushrooms that sprout up in your bathroom are a cause for concern. Even though many mushrooms are harmless on their own, the presence of mushrooms indoors is indicative of a significant moisture problem that may lead to more serious mold infestations.

If you notice a "Bath-Shroom," or any of its relatives (Living-Shroom, Bed-Shroom, Dining-Shroom, Kitchin-Shroom etc.), Give us a call. Our highly trained and professional staff can help you to identify the underlying problem, and fix the damage it has caused.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS: Emergency Tips for Water Loss

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Living Room Water Loss

When you have a water loss in your home, it's easy to want to take action before help arrives. It's good to know what to do, and what to avoid doing before a SERVPRO professional arrives. Here are some helpful hints to get you through the first couple hours of your water loss. 

What to do:

* If safely accessible, shut off water source.
* Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
* Remove and prop up upholstery cushions for even drying.
* Place aluminum foil under all furniture legs to minimize stains.
* Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
* Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
* Keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

What NOT to do:

* Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
* Do not use ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
* Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpeting.
* Do not move affected furniture or expensive paintings to a non-affected area.

Remember: These tips are for clean water situations only, and should not be applied to sewage backups or any other dirty water losses. Proper emergency response to a loss significantly reduces further damage and replacement costs. Let a trained and certified crew from SERVPRO of Eaton County Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt help make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Fire Damage Tips for Homeowners

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

When you have a fire loss in your home, it's easy to want to take action before help arrives. It's good to know what to do, and what to avoid doing before a SERVPRO professional arrives. Here are some helpful hints to get you through the first couple hours of your fire loss.

To Do:

* Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
* If the electricity is turned off, empty freezers and refrigerator, and prop doors open.
* Wipe soot from chrome on all kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances, then protect them with a light coating of lubricant.
* Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.

What NOT To Do:

* Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO Professional.
* Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
* Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without first consulting a repair service. 

Remember: Proper emergency response to a loss significantly reduces further damage and replacement costs. Let a trained and certified crew from SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt help make it "Like it never even happened."

The Fire Damage Breakdown: What To Expect

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

For any fire damage needs, Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. In many cases, your property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. With our emergency fire damage process, we can get your property back to pre-fire condition.

Although fire and smoke damages all differ depending on they cause and type of fire/smoke, the basic process is the same.

One Hour:

Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way!

Four Hours:

Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

Detailed Explanation:

A trained, uniformed, and prepared SERVPRO professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

Pretesting:

We will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

Eight Hours:

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization:

We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. We use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

Final Walk-Through:

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Coutnies, Lansing & Holt are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Water Damage

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Debris in your gutters will prevent proper water flow.

Not all disasters are preventable, but there are some precautions you can take to be sure your home is at a lower risk of water damage. Here are some ways you can make sure water stays outside of your home this spring.

While you're out pulling weeds, planting flowers, or laying mulch, look for low spots near the foundation of your home. Low spots can lead water into your basement or crawl space, and also act as a breeding ground for insects. These low spots can be filled with compacted soil to ensure water doesn't pool up around your foundation.

While making your rounds, you can also check for any cracks in your concrete areas near your home (sidewalks, patio areas, etc.) and have them filled. Water should always flow away from your home, and sometimes cracked or damaged concrete can lead water in the wrong direction.

Lastly, you can check your gutters for holes or excessive amounts of debris. Improper gutter drainage may lead water to travel into walls, crawl spaces, and basements.

If you notice any signs of water damage in your home, or would like more information on how you can keep water from entering your home, please call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt at 517-541-1170

Commercially Owned Apartment Repairs

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

It was important to us that the tenant had a clean safe space to come home to.

There are no guarantees in owning commercial properties, and especially properties with rental units. You never really know what kind of loss may occur. You cannot control whether a tenant is always on site to monitor any potential loss.

Here at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, we are always available to help. The rental unit you see in the photo was managed while the tenant was out of State. We assisted in tracking down a cause of loss, cleaning up any mess and even doing demo and repairs remotely. The customer was able to sign forms, authorized repairs and picked out new materials remotely. We successfully handled all the stress of the situation without the customer needing to come home. 

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt today for all of your commercial cleaning & restoration needs!

517-541-1170

Midland County Flood 2017

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

2017 was a hard year for Northern Michigan. Not only was Isabella County struck with floods that happen once in hundred years but Midland and Bay Counties were affected as well. SERVPRO was honored to be a part of the storm team, disaster relief that was able to provide assistance to these counties in Michigan.

On Wednesday, June 28. In Midland County, the second hardest-hit of the four counties, roads and bridges sustained about $13 million in damage, county officials said.

The Tittabawasee River, which was cresting Saturday afternoon at 32 feet -- the second-highest flood stage reached since recording began, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Local states of emergency were declared in Midland, Isabella and Bay counties, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley declared Isabella and Midland counties disasters, setting the stage for state and federal relief for recovery from the flooding.

Midland and Isabella counties received roughly 4 to 7 inches of rainfall overnight Thursday-Friday of June 22nd and 23rd

Midland Flood 2020

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

The water level in midland reached record levels.

Thousands of Michiganders have been evacuated and relocated between May 18th and May 21st.

Water breached the Edenville and Sanford dams -- which normally contain the Tittabawassee River to create two separate lakes -- gave way north of Midland on Tuesday, May 19th after days of heavy rain.

This is was a particularly difficult time to relocate thousands of Michiganders from their homes, as the "Shelter-at-home"order was still in place. 

SERVPRO was able to send storm relief crews to help with the initial clean up after the water started to recede. 

How Do Air Purifiers Remove Mold Spores?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a variety of tools and equipment like this air scrubber to remove mold damage from your home.

A variety of air filtration systems can reduce the presence of mold spores in interior air. Though purification systems work in different ways, they each have features that are helpful for preventing mold growth at a residence.

Filter Type

Fungus spores range in size from as small as 3 microns to as large as 100 microns. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most effective, and have several requirements:

• Remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles
• Filter particles down to 0.3 microns
• Labeled "True HEPA" and not "HEPA Type"

As most spores are larger than 2 microns, you may be able to save money by purchasing a HEPA Type filter. These filtration units will not eliminate smaller contaminants.

Room Size

When choosing a purification system, it is also important to factor in the square footage of the space in which you want to filter air. Here are a few guidelines for selecting an air filtration system:

•  Small room purifiers filter air in spaces up to about 300 square feet
•  Medium-to-large room purifiers filter air in   spaces ranging from about 300 to 600   square feet
•  Large to extra-large room purifiers filter air in spaces up to or over 1,000 square feet

It may be necessary to purchase more than one purifier to use throughout a home. You may also periodically relocate a unit for more thorough filtration results.

Operation and Maintenance

Check to see whether the purifier you are considering contains additional systems. Some units feature antimicrobial treatments or methods for breaking down particles. You should also determine whether a filter can be cleaned and reused or will need to be replaced. 

All of these factors impact the ability of an air purifier to filter mold spores. The right air filtration system can improve air quality and limit mold growth. If mold is already a problem at a residence, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today at (517)541-1170

Do You Live In a FLOOD ZONE?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding.

After seeing the devastating floods in Mid-Michigan, you may be wondering if your home is a high flood risk. One way to know this is to determine if your home is located in a flood zone. Here are a few things you may wish to know about these zones and how they affect your home.

What Are Flood Zones

Flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to flooding. This may include being at the bottom of a watershed, coastal areas, areas near rivers, and areas that experience frequent storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sets these risk levels and they should be marked on your local communities Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), which you can look at by going to your local zoning office.

Is Flood Insurance Necessary

In the event your home is determined to be at risk by its position in a flood zone, you may be wondering what, if any, addition insurance will be required. The best way to determine this is to talk to your insurance agent about what is included in your existing plan, and if any supplemental plans are available for additional coverage. It is important to note than in many cases flood insurance is considered a separate policy.

How to Deal with a Flood in the Home

If a storm causes flooding in your home, it is best to contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, as we have the tools necessary to move large quantities of water and can also make any repairs your home may need. The restoration team can also check for any additional problems flood water may cause, such as potential mold growth.

As explained earlier flood zones are areas that exhibit geographic qualities that make them more prone to a flood. It is important to note that in some cases having a home inside a flood zone can affect your flood insurance coverage.

If your home does experience flooding, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are here to help! Our team has experience with flood damage and we will work hard to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Hey, your toilet is overflowing...

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

"Hey, your toilet is overflowing" is one of the scariest phrases to hear as a homeowner.

Overflowing toilets are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. The mess and odors can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. That is why SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are here to help!

A toilet overflow usually occurs when a blockage prevents water and waste from flushing down the toilet drain. This backup prevents water and waste from flowing down the drain and causes your toilet to overflow. If it's not cleaned up quickly, it may cause extensive water damage to your bathroom floor or even leak through the ceiling below. Other common causes of overflowing toilets are sewage backups, septic tank issues, low flow toilets and malfunctioning plumbing.

If your home has water damage from toilet overflow, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt. We are ready 24/7 - 365

??(517)541-1170

What To Do After Your Home Floods

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Ready for any size disaster

After the devastating floods in the Mid-Michigan area, we want to remind you that floods happen unexpectedly and can cause severe damage for your home or business. Storm damage through flooding can lead to property damage and ongoing mold problems, but the team at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt have some tips to help:

SAFETY FIRST: If you have standing water where electricity may be present, make sure that ALL electricity is turned off to the area to prevent electrocution. When in doubt, contact a professional to help disconnect power.

ACT FAST: When you are dealing with water damage, it is important that you take immediate action so that you can rescue as much as you can. Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.

FIGHT MOLD: Getting your space dried out as quickly as possible is crucial to avoiding mold settling in. While things can dry out naturally, this is not guaranteed, and it may not be fast enough to prevent mold. Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem.  

CHECK FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: Sometimes a flood can compromise a building’s foundation. This can lead to bigger problems down the road if not addressed immediately. Contact a trusted contractor to assess your home or business’ foundation after a flood to make sure it is in good condition and make the recommended improvements if necessary.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. We offer 24/7-365 service. We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Faster to your Water Damage Event

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of ECGLH provides 24/7 Water Mitigation and Restoration services 365 days of the year.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt 24/7 - (517) 541-1170

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious bio-hazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt - 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Services

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

This Lansing home flooded while the residents were out of town

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today -(517) 541-1170

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Eaton County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Mitigation & Restoration

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

This Eaton County home and residential area flooded due to heavy rain

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Eaton County basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 517-541-1170

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Coutnies, Lansing & Holt and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (517) 541-1170

SERVPRO of Michigan Scholarship

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

These are the first students to win the annual SERVPRO of Michigan Scholarship

We are very happy to be able to hand over annual SERVPRO of Michigan Scholarships at Olivet College. All of the SERVPRO of Michigan franchises are invited to donate. Of the two shown recipients, one of them was in our franchise area. The other student was from Marshall and was awarded her scholarship from SERVPRO of North Calhoun County. In order to be eligible for the scholarship students must be majoring in Insurance, maintain a good GPA, be a Junior or a Senior, and be a resident of Michigan.

Olivet College has 100% placement for its Insurance Program and is commited to the success of its students. It is very important to us to encourage and support the next generation of the Insurance Industry. Congratulations to both recipients this year! 

Hurricane Harvey

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

This Hurricane Harvey hit homeowner is using humor to lift spirits as this residential area rebuilds

Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast at the end of August 2017. Coastal communities were devastated by a storm that just refused to quit. 

Harvey made landfall near Rockport, TX as a Category 4 hurricane and dumped 41-60 inches of rainfall in Texas and Louisiana. 

Thousands of water rescues we done by authorities and civilians that traveled from all over the U.S. to help with efforts. 

Our crews were dispatched to help with storm clean up with thousands of calls coming into the Storm Team daily. 

Our crews were dispatched to the Dickinson, TX area and stayed for 4 weeks helping with cleaning and drying out of homes. 

It will take years to rebuild the affected areas but we were happy to do our part to help out.

Fast Response to Fire in Eaton County

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Board up and lock box at Eaton County residential fire

When people think about home and structure fires they often think about the lasting effects of that fire. Their damaged contents and structure being forefront in their minds. Often, because of the panic and the stress of the initial damage they don't think about the initial board up and security that may be needed. That is where SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt comes in. 

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt offers emergency board up and security services. 

If the doors, windows and roof of a home or business aren't damaged from the fire, they may be damaged by the fire department while they are trying to put out the fire and gain access to the house. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can come out as soon as the fire department clears the scene of the fire to board up windows, doors or the roof and to set a lock box. This prevents additional damage from the elements and also unwanted intruders. 

Hiring a Hero

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our very own Blake Darling, with others, at drill

1 in 5 Americans are eligible to serve in the U.S. Military. When I think of our family members, friends, co-workers, and fellow Americans taking that oath, I think of those words running throughout their blood, even after they complete their military service.

We are an organization that understands the character and dedication veterans bring to the SERVPRO family, such as:

• Strong Leadership Qualities
• Flexibility to work strongly within a team as well as individually
• Ability to work efficiently and diligently in a fast-paced environment
• Respect for procedures and accountability
• Strong sense of health, safety, and property standards
• Problem solving skills

Whether active duty, or retired, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt is proud to offer a job, and work around schedules for those who serve, or have served our country. 

Commercial Water Damage in Eaton County

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Thankfully, the sprinkler system was working, and stopped the spread of the fire. SERVPRO was able to extract and dry the floors with no problem.

A very small fire in this empty business caused the sprinkler system to go off and flood the entire building. Thankfully, the property was in the process of being sold and was empty of all contents. The fire was so small that even though the fire department was right across the street, they did not know there was a problem until they saw the ice start to build up outside the building from the sprinkler system. 

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt was able to be onsite immediately and begin mitigation. We began extracting water and removing the affected carpet right away and we were able to provide temporary power and heat to properly dry the structure. 

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Today for all of your water damage mitigation needs at 517-541-1170

Eaton, Clinton, Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Today  517-541-1170

Restoring Your Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot, Lansing & Holt Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage events present a unique set of challenges. Let the professionals at SERVPRO take care of your commercial property water loss.

Flooding and water damage events at Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

What to Expect: Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Fire Damage

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

This entire house was affected by soot, so everything will need to be cleaned... down to the studs.

This family’s Eaton County home suffered from a fire caused by an electrical malfunction. It’s always devastating when a family experiences a house fire, but SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt worked hard to recover the structure and contents. We were able to remove the soot and even the smell of the smoke from the home, so that the family returned to a safe, clean space. Our goal is always to make your home “Like it never even happened.” 

What To Expect: 

When we visit your home after a fire loss, we will scope the affected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your home, call us right away at 517-541-1170. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt will treat you and your family with empathy and respect, and your property with care.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Hire Experienced Commercial Cleaners

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

There is no shop too dirty for our SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt crews!

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt is so much more than just Fire and Water Restoration. We offer commercial cleaning as well. Whether you need general weekly clean up or large industrial cleaning annually, we can handle it. 

It can be overwhelming, stressful and not very cost effective to have you employees stop production to do general janitorial work or even larger industrial cleaning. 

Call Today For Your Commercial Cleaning Estimate at 517-541-1170

Clogged Gutters

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Although beautiful, fall leaves can cause issues with your gutter's effectiveness, causing water damage.

As we move into spring, we all notice the melting of snow and welcome the rains. What you may not notice is the fall leaves clogging your gutters. If your gutters get clogged in the fall or with debris from a winter storm, rain water will push back up onto your roof instead of draining away. This can result in water potentially getting in your home through the roof. This can lead to many problems such as mold in an attic or a collapsed ceiling in a room.

There are a couple of things that you can do to prevent these problems. You can start by checking your gutters regularly, in both the Spring and the Fall, to make sure they are clean. You can also invest in gutter guards or screens. These work well to keep the leaves out of your gutters but will still need to be checked. 

If you notice any water staining on your ceiling be sure to contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to investigate. 

Call us Today at 517-541-1170

Flooding in Isabella County

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in Isabella County causes sections of roadway to wash out

In June of 2017, Isabella county and the city of Mt. Pleasant received a record amount of flooding, recording over 8 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. This prompted the quick response storm team of SERVPRO to provide the necessary equipment in helping to resolve these extreme circumstances.

Flood damage to Isabella County, public and private property is close to $90 million, according to a initial assessment announced Wednesday, June 28.

The damage to homes and roads appeared to be hit hardest in Isabella county among the four counties that have declared states of emergency in the wake of heavy rains and flooding

In Midland County, the second hardest-hit, roads and bridges sustained about $13 million in damages, county officials said.

Gladwin and Bay counties also reported damage to roads, but to a lesser extent than Midland County and especially Isabella County.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a large loss of crops, with a financial bearing on farmers and the agriculture economy of an estimated $21 million.

The total damage estimate in Isabella County so far is $87 million. More damages will be reported and updated as additional information is received.

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt was able to provide a quick response and was able to assist in storm damage clean up.

Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Commercial Services

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

When opening a new business it is important to start with a clean and organized work space. Did you know that SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt offers free cleaning estimates? We are committed to helping your business get started on the right foot by helping you prepare your work space. Whether its just some commercial carpet cleaning or cleaning the entire building, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can handle it.  There is no job too big or too small! 

Some things that we can help with that you may not know about:

-Carpet Cleaning

-Commercial Structure Cleaning

-Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Including Hood Cleaning

-Ceiling Tile Removing and Replacing

-Painting

-And much more! Just ask!

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today for your free estimate. 517-541-1170

Fire Safety Tips

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

A house fire isn't anticipated, but some can be prevented if you keep in mind these simple tips

You may not always be able to prevent fire but here are some tips for Fire Safety:

-Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home. Make sure they are inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 

-Test your smoke alarms every month. If they do not work, change the batteries or replace the whole alarm if needed. 

-Make an escape plan with your family members. Talk about how everyone will get out and where you will meet once outside. Practice the plan twice a year. 

-If you notice any flicking lights or electrical outlets sparking do not use them. Shut the power off to that area of the home and have an electrician come out and check the wires. 

-Make sure all small appliances such as toasters, space heaters and even heated blankets are unplugged when not in use. 

There are many other things you can do to help prevent fires in your home. Be aware of how your home functions at its best so you will automatically notice if something is out of the ordinary. 

House Fire Caused by Small Appliances

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

This is what was left of the personal Dehumidifier that caused this house fire

There are a myriad of things that can cause house fires. It can seem impossible to prevent all the fire hazards in your home. Smaller appliances such as toasters, space heaters and dehumidifiers can pose great risks if not properly used, maintained and monitored.

-Be sure to check the appliance regularly. Any irregularity in the unit or the power cord could be a potential fire hazard. 

-Be sure that the wall outlets you are plugging your appliance into are working properly. If you notice any flickering lights or sparks shut the power off and contact an electrician. 

-Unplug the appliance when not in use. An unused toaster sitting on the counter can easily be accidentally turned on.

-Make sure the appliance is far away from any potential fire hazard such as blankets, papers or even water which can cause the unit to spark. 

Many appliances have safety features on them that are supposed to shut the unit off when they tip over or malfunction in some way but this is not fool proof. Never leave them running unattended. 

GOT MOLD?

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

This mold was found in a foreclosed home

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Pets are Family Too

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Charlotte Fire Department

Disaster can strike at any time without warning. In the case of a fire, the most important question? "Is everybody out?" This is a question where some in your home may not be able to shout out "I'm here!" 

A pet's reaction to an emergency such as a fire can vary. Naturally, due to our four-legged friends being close to the ground, they are in the zone with the most fresh air. So they are safe, right? Not always the case. As we practice our fire safety plan with our family, we decide and make routine of the safe way to escape. Our pets however, tend to resort to a 'fight or flight' survival, which leads them toward having to hide in hopes to survive. 

As the firemen arrive and start to put out the flames, they will try to search for your pets if you tell them that they are still inside. Unfortunately, pets are very good at hide and seek, which makes the search difficult, and sometimes it's too late by the time they are found. But there is some hope for a pet that is found and still hanging onto life.

Pets breathe the same air we do, and can breathe the smoke as well as we can. And just as we need concentrated oxygen if we breathe in smoke, they do too...

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt has been helping communities in need with this, and giving hope for our four-legged friends. We have been donating WAG'N O2 Fur Life Pet Oxygen Masks to local fire departments who do not have this tool in their tool box of life safety. The O2 Fur Life kits have three sizes of masks that are designed for a dog and cat's face, and are completely reusable! These kits help the fire departments to have tools that may not be very high on their lists of immediate needs, based on their budget.

If you would like to know if your fire department has a pet oxygen mask, give them a call. If they don't, give us a call so we can contact them and ask if they would like a kit. We at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt understand and respect the value of life and property, and are here to help in every way possible, including making sure that your four-legged family members have the best chance in the worst time!

Winter Storms in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Ice Build up can cause water damage

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm? Call Today 517-541-1170

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Services
• Highly Trained Winter Storm Restoration Specialists 
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

Frozen Pipes

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.

Regardless of the Winter Storm, They Can Help

Cold weather and winter storms can cause significant damage with little warning. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt can handle any size disaster. 

• Cold temperatures
• Heavy snowfall
• Ice storms and freezing rain

Conditions in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Right for Mold

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Call us anytime! 517-541-1170

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 517-541-1170

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for mold remediation services.

Mold Surprises in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

This mold was hiding behind furniture in a basement that had a small water damage.

While many of us in Michigan use our basements daily, some of us never go down there at all. Whether it's a Michigan basement that just holds a furnace or a fully finished basement that just doesn't get utilized anymore, all basements are susceptible to water damage and mold. 

Sometimes when a water damage happens the homeowner may not be aware. This can happen from being on vacation or just not going downstairs often. A water damage that isn't cleaned up and dried out properly can lead to the perfect conditions for mold to grow. 

• It is important to check basements regularly
• Check all of your basement appliances to make sure they are functioning properly and have no cracks or leaks. i.e. Sump pump, hot water heater, water softener, etc. 
• Keep stacked contents away from walls.

Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today for a mold estimate at 517-541-1170 

Storm Damage - Why we are a 24/7 company

3/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt always has a crew on-call and equipment ready for any size disaster

Restoring storm and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your Westland property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

This is important because in many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. We arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.

If you have storm damage call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt anytime at 517-541-1170

Fire Safety & Your Pets

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

Pet Oxygen Mask Bags - donated by SERVPRO of Eaton, Clinton, and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

It's important to include your pets in your fire evacuation plan. After all, they're family too! In the event of a fire, you will likely have your mind set on getting your family, and yourself, safely out of your home. To ensure your entire family (pets included) gets to a safe spot quickly, here are a few tip to make sure nobody gets left behind.

 *KEEP COLLARS AND LEASHES AT EXIT

Animals, like humans, can get disoriented and scared when a fire happens. The combination of loud alarms, smoke, and flames in their home can make even the most calm pet panic. Be sure to keep all members of your family close and safe.

 *KNOW WHERE YOUR PETS ARE AT

Knowing where your pets are at all times helps to decrease the time it takes to get them out of the house safely. In the evenings, be sure your pet is in his/her crate, or barricaded into a room. Sometimes animals will hide when they get scared, so keeping them in a designated safe place will make your rescue mission a lot easier.

 *INCLUDE PETS WHEN PRACTICING EVACUATION DRILLS

We all know, after making an exit strategy for house fire, or what to do in the event of a tornado, we should practice. Don't forget to practice with your pet. Designate a family member to retrieve your animal(s) and PRACTICE WITH THEM! This helps to reduce any confusion on who should be doing what in the event of a real emergency.

SERVPRO knows that the safety of your pets is important following a disaster, so we've done our part in outfitting our community's local fire departments with pet oxygen masks. This ensures that all beings in the home have access to clean oxygen after potential smoke inhalation. Stay safe neighbors! And remember, practice makes perfect.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our roadside spring cleaning is complete!

SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot counties, Lansing & Holt has been a part of Adopt-A-Highway since 2008. We proudly maintain a 2 mile stretch of rural highway from spring to fall every year.
Adopt-A-Highway and SERVPRO share a couple common goals that can be summed up by the 2 SERVPRO slogans.

• SEE GREEN, THINK CLEAN - Not only does this refer to our brightly colored service vehicles, but also to the sides of our roadways. We like to see clean, green grass as we travel to help our next customer.
  
  
• "Like it never even happened." - Not only do we strive to make your home or business "Like it never even happened," but we also like to make our roadsides look the same. We do our best to get your home or business back to its original condition previous to the loss, and clean up our roadsides to their pre-manmade litter conditions as well.

Holiday Fire Safety!

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Make safe choices while decorating

The Holiday Season is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. It is important to follow safety measures when decoration to ensure a safe and happy Holiday. 

1. When decorating with candles, be sure to keep them out of the reach of children, pets and other decorations. 

2. As much as you may want to mingle, don't walk away while cooking and baking. Set timers check your oven and stove regularly while in use. 

3. When putting up your Christmas Tree be sure to put it away from heat sources and exits. Be sure to water real trees daily and choose flame resistant artificial trees and decorations. 

4. Make sure you smoke alarms are installed and working correctly and never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended.

5."The stockings were hung by the chimney with care"

But don't light the fireplace! 

6. Be sure to keep flammable materials away from anything that gets hot such as heat sources and fires. 

7. Check strings of lights for worn out or broken cords and loose bulbs. 

We wish you a safe and merry holiday season! 

Grand Opening Celebration in St. Johns

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

The set up for our Celebration!

In October we started construction on our new addition to the exsisting building in St. Johns. We needed the space to better serve our Clinton & Gratiot Counties franchise but, this additional will allow to better serve all of our coverage areas and beyond. We were very excited to hold our Grand Opening celebration this past weekend during the 32nd Annual St. Johns Mint Festival. We had many fun activities going on. These activities included a SERVPRO bounce house, a hot dog cook out and give aways. We also had the Team Beacon #T3 SERVPRO Modified Racecar on display for visitors to sit in and take pictures with. The St. Johns Fire Department also stopped by to eat and to show off their brand new truck. All in all it was a great way to connect with the community and get started at our shop!

CBC

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

Our banner in the outfield

We are very proud to have been able to donate to CBC for the 3rd year in a row. The Charlotte Baseball Club teaches kids, ages 9-16, the fundamentals of America's favorite pass time on competitive, travelling teams. Good Luck CBC!!!!

St. Mary Parent Club Jr. Color Run

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties. Lansing & Holt, we love to get to work and get dirty. It was only natural when we heard about an opportunity to support a Color Run that benefits the St. Mary School in Charlotte, we had to help! 

This Sunday, June 12, you too can have your chance to exercise, help a wonderful school, and GET COLORED!! With so many benefits in one event, why wouldn't you want to help out? 

The Jr. Color Run will begin at 1pm, and concessions will be available beginning at 12:30pm. The cost to participate is $20/child, $25/adult, or $100/family which includes 2 adults and up to 4 children. This cost includes a T-shirt and sunglasses for each participant. 

The event will be held at:

 807 St Marys Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813

Phone: 517-543-3460

Come run and have a blast getting dirty for a cause!!!!