Someone Say BASEBALL??

8/15/2024 (Permalink)

Let's Play Ball! SERVPRO Industries has partners with the Atlanta Braves! Truist Park is painted Green with advertisement during all of the home games this season!

Here are some fun facts about baseball:

• The first game: The first baseball game was played in New York City on June 19, 1845.
• The first rule book: The first rule book for baseball was published in 1877.
• The first MLB team: The Cincinnati Red Stockings were the first Major League Baseball (MLB) team.
• The first Black MLB player: Jackie Robinson was the first Black player in the MLB.
• The first female MLB head coach: Alyssa Nakkan was the first woman to serve as an MLB head coach.
• The fastest pitch: Aroldis Chapman holds the record for the fastest pitch in MLB history at 105.1 mph, though he once threw a pitch that may have reached 106 mph.
• The most World Series appearances: Yogi Berra has the most World Series appearances and wins.

Here are some fun facts about SERVPRO®, a family-owned cleaning and restoration company with over 2,250 locations in the United States and Canada:

• Origins: SERVPRO started as a painting business owned by Ted and Doris Isaacson in Sacramento, California in 1967.
• Recognition: SERVPRO has been recognized for excellence in many areas, including:
  • 2022: Ranked in the top 10 of Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 and #1 in the cleaning and restoration industry for the 19th year in a row
  • 2021: Ranked #1 in the Entrepreneur franchise category and in the top 10 overall
  • 2015: Won the Women's Choice Award for America's Most Recommended for Home in the category of Home Restoration

Hurricane vs. Tropical Storm: Understanding the Difference

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Nature has a way of showcasing its immense power through various weather phenomena, including hurricanes and tropical storms. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct meteorological events with varying levels of intensity and potential for destruction. In this blog, we will delve into the key differences between hurricanes and tropical storms, shedding light on their formation, characteristics, and impacts.

1. Formation

Tropical Storm: A tropical storm begins its journey as a tropical disturbance, which is a cluster of thunderstorms with a weak cyclonic circulation. When the wind speeds within this disturbance reach a sustained level of 39 to 73 miles per hour (63 to 118 kilometers per hour), it is classified as a tropical storm. At this stage, the storm is assigned a name from a predetermined list for tracking purposes.

Hurricane: A hurricane, on the other hand, evolves from a tropical storm that has gained further strength. When the sustained winds within a tropical storm reach or exceed 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour), it is upgraded to hurricane status. Hurricanes are categorized on a scale from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest) based on their sustained wind speeds, with Category 5 hurricanes having winds greater than 157 miles per hour (252 kilometers per hour).

2. Structure and Characteristics

Tropical Storm: Tropical storms are characterized by their well-defined, low-pressure centers and spiral bands of thunderstorms. They often have a less organized structure compared to hurricanes, with weaker winds and less intense rainfall. While they can still pose significant threats, tropical storms are generally less destructive than hurricanes.

Hurricane: Hurricanes are more organized and have a distinct eye at their center, which is a region of calm and relatively clear skies. Surrounding the eye, there is a tightly wound spiral of thunderstorms called the eyewall, where the most intense winds and heaviest rainfall occur. Hurricanes are capable of causing widespread damage due to their powerful winds, torrential rain, and storm surge, which is a rapid rise in sea level along the coast.

3. Impact

Tropical Storm: Tropical storms can bring heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding, and strong winds that may result in power outages and damage to buildings and trees. The impact of a tropical storm can vary depending on factors like its size, forward speed, and the topography of the affected area. In some cases, tropical storms can intensify into hurricanes before making landfall, increasing their potential for devastation.

Hurricane: Hurricanes are renowned for their capacity to wreak havoc on a massive scale. Their strong winds can topple buildings, uproot trees, and generate tornadoes. The heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes often leads to widespread flooding, posing a significant threat to both life and property. Additionally, the storm surge generated by hurricanes can inundate coastal areas, causing catastrophic damage.

4. Preparedness and Response

Tropical Storm: While tropical storms are less severe than hurricanes, they still require thorough preparedness and response efforts. Residents in the storm's path should stay informed through weather updates, secure outdoor items, stock up on essential supplies, and be prepared for potential power outages and flooding.

Hurricane: Hurricanes demand even more rigorous preparedness and response measures. Evacuation orders may be issued for areas in the hurricane's path, and emergency shelters are set up to provide refuge for those in need. Residents are advised to have a hurricane preparedness kit, including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and batteries. Authorities and relief organizations work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.

In summary, while both hurricanes and tropical storms originate from tropical disturbances, they differ significantly in terms of their wind speeds, structure, and potential for destruction. Understanding these differences is crucial for coastal residents and emergency responders to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions when faced with the threat of these powerful weather events. Whether it's a tropical storm or a full-blown hurricane, preparedness, and safety should always be a top priority.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call SERVPRO of Columbus today at 706-568-1934 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

With the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned badge on your window, you are reassuring your employees and customers that you understand the necessity for a new standard of clean. 

SERVPRO is the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.  Partnering with our company to provide professional, proactive viral pathogen cleanup for your building will lend you our decades of experience and expertise.  

Are you ready to get started? 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety for Pets

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Home fires are the most common disaster that the American Red Cross responds to, according to their website – and also, they are the most preventable. According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by fires.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you need a plan for your family in case of disaster, you should also have a plan for your pets.

Did you know?

• The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets.

The best way to protect your pets is to include them in your family escape plan, in case of disaster. Train your pets to go to you when you call their name that way in the event of a fire evacuation, you can leave with them easily and safely.

The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have provided the following tips:

• Be sure your pet is not left unattended by open flames, such as cooking appliances, candles, or fire place. Be sure to extinguish any flame before leaving your home.
• Remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. A stove is the number one appliance involved in your pet starting a fire.
• Invest in flameless candles – these candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle (something cats are notorious for).
• Secure your pets while you’re away – keep them confined in secure areas that don’t present a potential fire hazard.

Some other tips? Keep pets near entrances when you’re away from your home and keep their collars on. Have leashes nearby and ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. You can also affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the cling to a front window. This information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

Pets become a part of our families, and we need to remember that we need to have plans in place for them too when it comes to safely evacuating a home in case of a fire. And remember, if you are victim of a house fire, SERVPRO® of Columbus Georgia can help.

Bonfire Fun!

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Bonfire Fun!

Bonfire Fun!

We at SERVPRO of Columbus have a few tips as we move into the fall grilling and bonfire season. 

Bonfire tips:

1. Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby so that if an ember or spark gets outside the firepit that you are able to put it out.
2. NEVER leave a bonfire unattended.
3. Make sure everyone stays at least 3 feet away from the fire. 
4. When you are done with the bonfire, make sure the entire fire is put out.  Use water to spray the area down. 
5. Make sure to walk around the yard before going inside for the night. Check for any sparks or embers. 

Fun times can turn quickly into a catastrophe. We hope you have a fun and safe time having bonfires this Fall.  As always, we at SERVPRO of Columbus are here to help you in the event you have a fire or water damage.

deep frying turkey

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Be careful when you fry!

Safety Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey 

Be sure to be safe this Thanksgiving

With a dark, crispy skin on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat on the inside, deep-frying turkey has become a Thanksgiving favorite. With that in mind, deep-frying a turkey can be dangerous and the process can cause a fire quickly. SERVPRO of Columbus Georgia would like to offer these tips and hope you make safety a priority when deep-frying your turkey this Thanksgiving.

Location, Location, Location

Set the deep fryer on level ground a good distance away from any structure. Don’t put it on a wooden deck or under a tree. The center of a level driveway, away from vehicles is a good location.

Completely Thaw the Turkey in Advance

We’ve all heard that oil and water don’t mix. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it goes anywhere near the fryer. If not, when the cold ice hits the hot oil, it could cause the oil to rapidly boil over and cause a large fire.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

Due to the potential for fire, you will want to have a fire extinguisher close by. A Fire can start and spread quickly, and you probably won’t have time to run inside to retrieve one fast enough.

Easy on the Oil

A easy way to know how much oil you will need is to place the turkey in The empty fryer, then fill the fryer with water. Then take the turkey out and notice the water line. The oil should be filled no higher than that line to make sure that it does not boil over when you add the turkey.

Slowly Place the Turkey in the Oil

Be very careful with the turkey, since it will likely be slippery. If you accidentally drop the turkey in the oil too quickly, the oil could splash or overflow, possibly burning you and creating greater risk for a fire. Lower the turkey in the oil slowly.

Wear Safety Gear

Hot oil is prone to splatter, causing burns, blisters and ruined clothing. Be sure to wear goggles, gloves and an apron, and don’t any stand closer to the deep-fryer than you need to be.

Use a Thermometer

Using a thermometer throughout the entire cooking process is a good idea. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you begin, but do not allow it to become too hot. Cook the turkey until it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the oil and immediately turn off the fryer.

Preparing For Holiday Travel

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready for Holiday Travel?

Preparing for Holiday Travel

The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays are quickly approaching. When leaving Columbus for vacation, few people consider prepping their homes against water damage. You go through your checklist of turning off the coffee pot and stove and locking all the doors, but what happens if you have a leak and need a water pipe repair while you are away? A broken pipe can do a lot of damage, especially if it is left unattended for several days. 

Prepping Your Home

Before leaving for an extended vacation, check your home for leaks. Examine the pipes under the sink and the water heater for any cracks or rust. Inspect the hoses that connect to any appliances. Insulate any exposed pipes if you are leaving in the winter. A pipe that burst due to freezing needs water pipe repair immediately. Ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they can check in on your home periodically. If no one can check on your home, turn off the main water and drain the pipes. 

Preventing Floods

It is important to not only prep your home to prevent damage from a leak but also from a storm. Make sure your gutters are cleaned and water can flow freely through them. Check your sump pump. Clear out any debris you see. Test it by filling the sump pit and turning on the pump. Check your window seals and your roof for any leaks. All of these checks are especially important if any heavy rains or storms are expected in your area.

Returning from a vacation to find your house flooded can be devastating. Standing water can cause real damage to your home. A simple water pipe repair can escalate into a big problem if no one is there to address the issue. Take the time to prep your home against intruding water before you leave. That way you can enjoy your time away without worries.

If you have water damage call SERVPRO of Columbus at 706-568-1934.

g, Christmas and New Year’s holidays are quickly approaching. When leaving Columbus for vacation, few people consider prepping their homes against water damage. You go through your checklist of turning off the coffee pot and stove and locking all the doors, but what happens if you have a leak and need a water pipe repair while you are away? A broken pipe can do a lot of damage, especially if it is left unattended for several days. 

Prepping Your Home

Before leaving for an extended vacation, check your home for leaks. Examine the pipes under the sink and the water heater for any cracks or rust. Inspect the hoses that connect to any appliances. Insulate any exposed pipes if you are leaving in the winter. A pipe that burst due to freezing needs water pipe repair immediately. Ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they can check in on your home periodically. If no one can check on your home, turn off the main water and drain the pipes. 

Preventing Floods

It is important to not only prep your home to prevent damage from a leak but also from a storm. Make sure your gutters are cleaned and water can flow freely through them. Check your sump pump. Clear out any debris you see. Test it by filling the sump pit and turning on the pump. Check your window seals and your roof for any leaks. All of these checks are especially important if any heavy rains or storms are expected in your area.

Returning from a vacation to find your house flooded can be devastating. Standing water can cause real damage to your home. A simple water pipe repair can escalate into a big problem if no one is there to address the issue. Take the time to prep your home against intruding water before you leave. That way you can enjoy your time away without worries.

If you have water damage call SERVPRO of Columbus at 706-568-1934.

Fall Safety Tips

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Now we know that it still feels like summer here in Columbus, GA, however, we are coming upon Fall/Autumn starting September 23. 

Here are some helpful safety tips:

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (when you turn back your clocks for Daylight savings time).
• Yardwork/holiday decorations - use extra caution when climbing ladders 
• Check and replace fire extinguishers if they have expired
• Before turning on your furnace or starting that 1st fire of the year in your fireplace make sure to check to see if there is any buildup that may lead to smoke or fire damage

SERVPRO of Columbus, GA is always here for your restoration or emergency services. Give us a call if you are in need of our services. Enjoy your fall and hopefully some cooler weather. 

Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Our Safety Tip for the Month of July:

Protecting yourself from heat stress. Heat illness can be a matter of life and death. Workers die from heat stroke every summer and every death is preventable. 

Here are the signs:

Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms

• Headaches
• Dizziness or fainting
• Weakness
• Wet skin
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Nausea or vomiting

WARNING: If you feel FAINT, CONFUSED, or if you Vomit- seek help fast.

Heat Stroke - symptoms

• Maybe confused
• Maybe unable to think clearly
• May collapse
• May have a seizure (fits)
• May stop sweating 

TREATMENT

1. Call the supervisor & ask for medical help (if in the working environment) 
2. Move the person to a cooler place to rest in the shade. Stay with the person.
3. Give the person water as long as he/she is not losing consciousness or vomiting.
4. Loosen the person's clothing
5. Help cool the person. Fan the person, put ic packs on the person's groin and underarms, or soak the person's clothing with cool water.

Remember SERVPRO friends and family to stay hydrated in this summer heat and to know what to do in case of an emergency. 

October Awareness Month

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Happy October! 

SERVPRO of Columbus wanted to bring some awareness to our viewers and let you know that the month of October has Days, Weeks, and Months of awareness that you can take part in. 

October

•    National Physical Therapy Month
•    American Pharmacists Month
•    National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
•    National Dental Hygiene Month
•    National Chiropractic Month
•    Residents' Rights Month

Weeks to note:

•    Oct. 1 to Oct. 7: National Mental Illness Awareness Week
•    Oct. 2 to Oct. 6: National Primary Care Week 
•    Oct. 8 to Oct. 15: Case Management Week
•    Oct. 12 to Oct. 20: Bone and Joint Health Action Week 
•    Oct. 15 to Oct. 21 National Healthcare Quality Week
•    Oct. 16 to Oct. 20: National Health Education Week
•    Oct. 22 to Oct. 28: National Respiratory Care Week

Days to note:

•    Oct. 5: National Depression Screening Day
•    Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day
•    Oct 8: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
•    Oct. 13: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 
•    Oct. 15: Global Handwashing Day (member to singing your ABC's) 

On a side note, we wanted to also mention that Hurricane season is still upon us and we are working alongside our fellow franchisees to assist in all disaster that comes through our areas. 

Wheels o’ Fire w/ Harris County Volunteer Fire Department

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Who says firefighters only put out the fire! Come an join them for their annual motorcycle ride.

SERVPRO of Columbus will have a tent set up for the Wheel’s O’ Fire event this Saturday, September 29^th, 2018 to show our support for the Harris County Volunteer Fire Department. We are a community that loves to work alongside the Harris County Chamber and their Volunteers.  This will be our Second year that we’ve been invited to join the fun. If you’re in the area and looking for something great to be a part of. Then stop by and say Hello to Robyn our SMR. 

Interested in riding your Motorcycle? See below on how to sign up.

This exciting event is celebrating its 17^th annual ride along. Local riders are encouraged to register online at www.harriscountychamber.org there is a fee, however, proceeds will go to the Harris County Volunteer Fire Department.

Starting point: Piney Grove Baptist Church 20 GA HWY 315 Fortson, GA 

Registration starts at 9 AM

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Hurricane Preparedness - S. Muscogee

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

“History teaches that a lack of hurricane preparedness and awareness are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.”

The above quotes are from the website of the National Hurricane Center.

Be Prepared! Plan Ahead.

• Know your evacuation and shelter routes
• Keep your emergency supplies stocked
• Remain alert and updated on local weather changes
• Make plans for pets
• Check with insurance to see if you have Flood Insurance
• Board-up windows/doors if you do leave

Recommended Emergency Supply List

• A three-day supply of bottled water per person
• Non-perishable food (canned, dried, etc.)
• First Aid Kit and any prescription medicines
• Battery-powered radio, extra batteries
• Flashlights, batteries
• Flares, booster cables, tire repair kit, fire extinguisher
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members, pets
• List of emergency phone numbers

Returning Home

• Come back when the city allows
• Enter your home with caution
• Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood waters
• Check electrical breakers
• Take photos of any damages to the property
• Assist your neighbors if possible

SERVPRO of Columbus/S. Muscogee is here to assist you with all remediation or nation disaster needs.