Preparing For Hurricane Season: Complete Guide

 

Hurricane season has officially kicked off and here in the United States, we have already seen our first tropical storm of the year. Severe weather can be devastating in terms of property damage and loss of personal items – not to mention the possibility of personal tragedies. 

Storm Damage Restoration Company In Georgia 

After a devastating storm or hurricane, contact  ServiceMaster of Cobb as soon as possible to visit your property for storm damage restoration and reconstruction service to  the sections of your home that were severely damaged by heavy winds. Our job is to repair everything that has damage: returning your home to its pre-disaster condition. 

It is important to get repairs done immediately in order to avoid any additional complications to your already difficult situation. 

• ServiceMaster of Cobb can repair any damage caused by storms. 
• We have many years of experience in storm damage repair and can quickly and efficiently repair your property after a devastating storm. 
• We have a reputation for expert craftsmanship, affordable rates, and reliable service
  
  

We offer: 

• Water Damage Restoration 
• Mold Remediation 
• Storm Damage Repair  and Restoration 
• Reconstruction 
  
  
  

To help you prevent storm damage in Georgia, here are some tips and resources you can use to keep your home safe during the hurricane season.

Preparing For Hurricane Season 

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is long before one ever forms in the ocean. Once hurricane season rolls around, you should begin preparations to secure your home and make sure you have enough supplies on hand to “weather the storm”. 

• When Is Hurricane Season? 
  • Hurricane season officially begins June 1st and ends November 30th. Tropical storms can, however, arrive before and after these dates, but the majority of hurricanes and tropical storms in this region occur during this time period.
    
    

Difference Among a Tropical Depression, a Tropical Storm, and a Hurricane 

Knowing the difference between the three is an important step to properly preparing for one of these violent storms. Severe tropical weather here in the United States comes in three main varieties: 

• Tropical Depressions 
  • The beginning stage to any tropical threat 
  • It may also be called: 
    • tropical system
    • tropical disturbance
    • tropical wave
    • tropical activity. 
  • A weather formation that may or may not turn into a tropical storm or hurricane, depending upon certain conditions.
  • A result of low pressure and thunderstorms that create a circular wind pattern
  • The maximum wind speed for this type of weather pattern is 39mph.
• Tropical Storms
  • If the wind remains at 39mph or higher (up to 73mph), then the tropical depression is upgraded to a tropical storm and it officially receives a name.
• Hurricanes 
  • If a tropical storm passes 74mph or greater, it is considered a hurricane and will be placed into a category ranging from 1-5, with 5 being the most powerful. 
  • Wind speed for each category can be defined as below:
    • Category 1 Hurricane: 74-95mph
    • Category 2 Hurricane: 96-110mph
    • Category 3 Hurricane: 111-130mph
    • Category 4 Hurricane: 131-155mph
    • Category 5 Hurricane: Greater than 156mph
      
      

How To Prepare For A Hurricane 

Even though weather forecast and storm predictions improve each year tropical storms and hurricanes are still unpredictable and the property damage they can leave in their wake is often greater than analysts predict. Because of this, it is important to start preparing for a hurricane at the beginning of the hurricane season – if not before.

• Have a map of all evacuation routes in your area. 
  • Make sure you drive the route at the start of the hurricane season and that your family members know how to reach them as well.
• Inspect your home or have a professional inspect it 
  • Check for: 
    • loose roof tiles, 
    • structural damage, 
    • poor seals around windows 
    • Doors
  • Install storm shutters and impact windows. 
    • Studies show that they greatly reduce storm and water damage in the event of a hurricane.
• Stock up on non-perishable supplies. 
  • We recommend a minimum of three days worth of non-perishable food for each family member, including any pets. Be sure to pack snacks and comfort food as well, especially if you have young children.
    • flashlights 
    • hand-cranked radio
    • Purchasing additional cell phone batteries 
    • Canned food
    • can openers 
    • powdered milk
    • plenty of water 
• Stock up Medications 
  • Over the counter medication, such as: 
  • cold medicine
  • headache medicine
  • pain relievers 
  • A first-aid kit 
• Secure any outside objects or bring them inside. 
  • This includes things like: 
    • lawn chairs 
    • tables
    • pool umbrellas 
    • outdoor canopies
• Fill up your vehicles with gas 
• Ready.gov has a great list for a basic disaster supplies kit that every homeowner should follow.
  
  

What Is A  Hurricane Warning and A Hurricane Watch? 

Hurricane Watch

• Basically, it tells you that a hurricane making landfall in your area is probable or likely and that you should prepare for that eventuality. 
• Issued 48 hours prior to the anticipated onset of tropical storm strength winds.
  
  

Hurricane Warning

• It means that severe weather is imminent.
• If a warning has been issued, your area is either already feeling the effects of a hurricane, or is about to. 
• It issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical force winds.
  
  

What To Do During A Hurricane? 

If you have not been ordered to evacuate and you feel safe in your home, once a hurricane or tropical storm hits, you should always: 

• Stay inside your home, as long as the structural integrity of your home is okay. 
• Find a secure room in your home and gather your family there. 
• Keep clear of any windows, as debris could shatter them and enter your home. 
• Keep any essential tools nearby, as well as a first-aid kit and a radio to listen to weather updates.
  
  

What To In the Aftermath Of A Hurricane?

• Make sure the local news has given the okay to venture outside.
• Don’t be fooled by the eye of the hurricane. 
• Never venture out when the eye of the hurricane is passing over, as you can quickly get caught in the storm once it picks back up again.
• Once you are certain it is safe to venture outdoors, check the area for any downed power lines. If you find them: 
  • Report them to the local power company and steer clear of them. 
  • Avoid puddles and standing water, as they can house hidden dangers and safety hazards.
• Inspect your home for any structural damage. 
  • Damaged walls, collapsing roofs, and floods are particularly dangerous, and if you encounter them, you will want to evacuate the premises immediately. 
• Document any damage to your phone or a camera. 
  • Hurricanes often result in water damage and flood damage and may result in mold and mildew, as well as fire damage.
• Once you have taken note of any damage and your family is safe and secure, your next step should be to call your insurance company and a storm damage restoration company, such as the catastrophe remediation professionals at ServiceMaster of Cobb. Not only can they help repair your property and its contents, but they can also help guide you through the insurance claims process and develop a safety plan for any future catastrophic events.
  
  

 

Experts In Hurricane, Tropical Storm, and Tornado Storm Damage and  Recovery 

 Call ServiceMaster of Cobb.

• Cartersville, GA 770-882-2723
• Chattanooga, TN 423-954-7154
• Ormond Beach, FL 386-277-1189
  
  

Hurricane Preparation Tips and Resources 

Are you looking for more hurricane preparation tips and resources? If so, you may find the links below useful.

• Redcross.org | Hurricane Preparedness Resources
• Ready.gov | Information on Hurricane Safety
• NHCH | National Hurricane Center Hurricane Preparation Guide
• CDC | Emergency Preparedness for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
• Disaster.com | The Essentials of Hurricane Preparedness
• Disaster.com | Forum for Hurricane Survivors and Advice
• Fema.gov | Disaster Survivor Assistance Page
  

Causes Of Water Damage In Georgia

Many factors cause water damage. It occurs whenever water begins to collect someplace it shouldn’t, whether that be your kitchen floor, walls, the corner of your basement, or any areas in your home. No matter what the reason may be, you need to act fast! You should call professionals for water damage mitigation in East Ridge to help you find the root cause and help to stop the spread before further damage is done.

Read on to learn what the top causes of water damage are in most homes.

LEAKING PIPES

Many factors could cause the pipes in your building to become damaged or even burst. A few ways to tell if you have water damage due to pipe issues is if you notice water stains on your building’s walls, floors, or ceilings, cracked or loose tiles, or if you notice a moldy or stuffy smell in the area. On some occasions, you can also hear a hissing sound in the areas where your pipes are. If you notice these, then you must call professionals for water damage mitigation in Cartersville.

PLUMBING PROBLEMS

Your plumbing system is susceptible to stoppages, clogs, and damages. If a crack develops, this will most likely lead to potential water damage. Always observe and be aware of how your plumbing performs. If you notice that the drain isn’t working, or probably you notice signs of moisture, blue stains, rusting, cracking, and bulging, then it’s time to call water damage experts in East Ridge. You shouldn’t wait for this to happen though. You must have a periodic check from your plumbers to make sure that your plumbing system won’t encounter enormous problems in the future.

BASEMENT OR ATTIC CONCERNS

Dark places in your home have the potential to have moisture build-up and allow mold to grow freely. Any moisture making its way through your home’s concrete foundation can lead to leaks in your basement. And if you have an air leak between your attic and your home, you may be accumulating moisture on the underside of the roof. This goes unnoticeable until it becomes a massive problem.

BROKEN HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

Our appliances at home will eventually reach its end of life. So, when this happens, we have to immediately check rusting and other leakages. This can cause water damage. Examples of appliances to watch out for are washing machines or your tanks.

HVACS

Maintaining a clean HVAC system is essential for keeping your commercial and residential premises safe and comfortable for everyone. Over time, HVAC ducts can begin to wear out or get damaged, which will lead to water fissure. In order to avoid these issues or spot them early, your HVAC systems should be regularly cleaned and maintained by a professional. This can decrease the probability of having worse problems in the future.

WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS

Flash floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other severe weather can cause significant damage to your property, including water damage. While you can’t prevent these natural disasters from happening, there are some precautionary steps you can take to make sure your property is in good shape and is as prepared as possible for these events. However, if your safety is questionable, you must follow the evacuation procedure that is set by your local authorities.

If you are experiencing water damage in your property, always be ready for a water damage reconstruction in East Ridge. The span of time spent in waiting or doing nothing about it could lead to even bigger problems. You have to be ready all the time.

ServiceMaster of Cobb is always ready to serve you! That’s why we’re your best water damage company in East Ridge and Cartersville. Reach us at these numbers for your water damage restoration needs!

Tennessee Coronavirus Cleaning, Sanitation, and Disinfection Service

When it comes to dealing with the Coronavirus, it’s important to not only work with people who have disinfection knowledge, but also those who have disinfection experience.

With state-of-the-art resources strategically placed in Tennessee, ServiceMaster of Cobb has renowned experts when it comes to disinfection and cleaning services in Tennessee. 

Certified Experts in Cleaning, Sanitation, and Disinfection Service in Tennessee

ServiceMaster of Cobb is a leader when it comes to cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection services in Tennessee. With years of specialist experience in the cleaning industry, we offer the latest in cleaning technology and protocols to ensure we deliver fast and paramount level decontamination services for commercial, residential, and emergency needs. You are safe with us. 

We offer: 

 

Preventative Cleaning, Sanitation, and Disinfection For Areas With No Confirmed Cases

 

ServiceMaster of Cobb offers preventative cleaning for homes and businesses in Tennessee. The goal is to eliminate exposure for employees and customers as they return to the office or work environment as social distancing measures are loosened.

 

• We develop a disinfection plan based on infrastructure and facilities.
• We deploy staff to disinfect areas.
• We develop a real-time monitoring system to determine areas that have been disinfected and dashboards.
• Pre-decontamination.
• Monitoring of PPE use and completion of the scope of work.

 

Post Cleanup and Decontamination For Areas With Coronavirus Exposure Situations 

 

If there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at your property, there is no time to waste when it comes to professional cleaning and disinfecting. Keep your property safe with a professional cleaning from ServiceMaster of Cobb. 

 

• We first clean all the surfaces, equipment, and instruments.
• Each of our disinfectants is EPA-registered and is considered a hospital-grade product.
• Each of our environmental emergency employees is highly trained in the proper use of personal protective equipment (including full-face respirators) and infection control.
• When finished, the experts collect and take with them all used materials for proper disposal. 
• We clean all tools, equipment, and PPE used in the coronavirus cleanup using an EPA-registered disinfectant prior to removal from the contaminated area.

 

Types Of Facilities We Treat

At ServiceMaster of Cobb, we have the equipment needed to provide a preventative treatment as well as decontamination. Some of the types of buildings we can treat include:

• Medical facilities
• Hotels
• Retail spaces
• Assisted living facilities
• Retirement communities
• Colleges/Universities
• Warehouses
• Distribution Facilities
• Churches
• Office Buildings
• Sports venues
• Concert arenas

Why Choose ServiceMaster of Cobb?

• We have invested heavily in the latest preventive cleaning technologies to make sure that we offer the highest level of cleaning and decontamination services quickly.
• With prior experience in handling epidemics, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of viral outbreaks such as the Coronavirus.
• 24/7/365 Days Per Year Ready For Emergency Cleaning and Disinfection Service

State-of-the-art Technology: 

• Our IICRC-Certified Firm in Tennessee is working in conjunction with renowned experts in the field of environmental science to develop preventive baseline cleaning and decontamination protocols. 
• Our technicians also use a two-stage preventive cleaning process for a comprehensive competitive cleaning service.

Tried and Tested EPA-Approved Disinfectants: 

• Our crew uses EPA-approved standard and tested disinfectants when working on a site. 
• These sanitizers offer 99.9% protection from germs and pathogens and protect surfaces for a minimum of 30 days.

Professional Team: 

• All technicians are fully trained with relevant experience to handle outbreaks quickly with minimal damage. 
• We follow strict personal preventive equipment standards.
• We utilize strict personal protective equipment (PPE) measures for all workers during the whole cleaning activity. 
• We are IICRC-Certified.
  
  

Do you suspect or have a confirmed case of COVID-19 exposure in your facility? Don’t hesitate, contact us immediately. Our decontamination experts will be more than glad to offer the help you need. 

Professional Disinfecting and Cleaning Services in Tennessee

The COVID-19 is a relatively new health concern that needs a professional approach, something we at ServiceMaster of Cobb have practiced and mastered over the years. Our disinfection process follows strict protocols that are above the typical cleaning requirements. We don’t take chances; our professional personnel follows strict PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) standards when carrying out the disinfection service.

ServiceMaster of Cobb is ready to go to work for you. We know how challenging these times are and want to be sure your space is as safe and clean as possible as we fight together through COVID-19. We have a dedicated team of IICRC-certified professionals in Tennessee. Our phones are on 24/7 to respond to your emergency needs. Find an office near you to schedule a service.

GEORGIA: 678-264-3310 | TENNESSEE: 423-220-4482 | COMMERCIAL: 678-909-1078

About The Coronavirus

What Is The Coronavirus?

• This virus is a respiratory virus with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, pneumonia.
• Also known as Coronavirus 2019-nCoV or COVID-19
  • Origin: 
    • First identified in Wuhan China, the complete origin is still unknown at the moment, but it is suspected to have originated in the animal and seafood market.
    • The Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which only affect animals while others affect humans. Many people don’t understand that SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a different type of Coronavirus.
    • Exactly how the new Coronavirus spreads is still under investigation, but most scientists believe this virus behaves in a similar fashion as other well-known Coronaviruses such as MERS or SARS. 
    • It is believed that this virus spreads through close contact (within 6 feet) by sneezes, coughs, or tiny respiratory droplets, much like the regular flu. As with most viruses, people are typically the most contagious when they are experiencing the most symptoms, but this isn’t always the case.
      
      

How Long Does The Coronavirus Stay On Surfaces?

• Recent studies have come to show that the Coronavirus can remain active for 8-9 days on infected surfaces, which makes this virus particularly infectious.
• It’s best to not touch your face while out in public because the Coronavirus can spread through contaminated droplets, and these droplets settle on surfaces such as countertops, chair handles, etc. If you touch these droplets and then touch your mouth, eyes or nose, you can become infected with the virus.
  
  

Symptoms Of The Coronavirus

• While the level of intensity of symptoms can vary from person to person (depending upon age and other factors), the three primary symptoms of this virus are:
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Cough
  • Fever (typically above 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• A person with the virus can begin to show these symptoms within a couple of days of exposure, but symptoms may take as long as two weeks to appear.
  
  

Best Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Exposure

Make sure you get the information you need from reputable sources since there is a lot of misinformation online. Official health channels, such as the CDC, are often the best resources.

Here is the CDC’s webpage devoted to the Coronavirus.

It is important to practice good hygiene and good infection prevention practices, which include:

1. Washing your hands frequently with soap.
2. Avoiding close contact with individuals in public.
3. Wiping down & disinfecting surfaces around your home.
4. Seek immediate medical attention if you are feeling sick.
5. Stay home if feeling unwell.
6. Avoid unnecessary travel for the time being.
7. Practicing good hygiene is one of the strongest ways to protect yourself.
   
   

Here are some other facts to consider:

• The first test to detect COVID-19 became available in January and is being mass-produced.
• More than 80% of cases produce mild or even no symptoms.
• The situation in China has already begun to improve. New cases are starting to decrease.
• People recover from COVID-19.
• There are already vaccine prototypes in the works.
• The virus can be effectively inactivated from surfaces.
  
  

Aside from these preventative measures, you can also protect yourself by staying educated — keep up with the latest news for developments about the virus and check out these government resources to learn more and stay on top of Coronavirus Prevention and Disinfection.

Contact ServiceMaster of Cobb today for effective Coronavirus disinfection and decontamination of your facility. We’re standing by ready to do our part in protecting your people.

FOUR SPOTS YOUR BUSINESS DOESN’T CLEAN FREQUENTLY ENOUGH

Is your office or commercial space really clean enough to work in? 

Most business owners pay attention to basic office cleaning tasks like sweeping and vacuuming the floors, cleaning the bathrooms, wiping dust, and taking out the trash. This is a good start, but with so many employees sharing the same space, basic cleaning isn’t enough to kill tough germs and bacteria.

There are countless areas in your office that germs can thrive. Here’s a dirty little secret for you: an office coffee pot handle contains 34 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! Ha! I bet you didn’t know that.

Learn the four most overlooked spots in your office that need to be cleaned regularly to keep your facility productive, healthy, and safe for you and your employees.

• Handles 

The handles in your office are a hot spot for unwanted germs and bacteria. Door handles are an obvious culprit, but there’s much more to pay attention to than that. Some of the dirtiest handles in your office are the following:

• Sinks
• Refrigerators
• Microwaves
• Coffee pots
• Handrails

• Buttons & Switches

The moment you come into your office, the first thing you will do is switch on the lights. Just like the handles in your building, you should also pay attention to the buttons scattered around your space. We might not realize it but yes, there are a multitude of germs building up if we leave these spots. 

• Water fountains
• Vending machines
• Elevators
• Light switches

• Breakroom

Your break or lunch area is one of the dirtiest places in your office. One study found a huge number of break or lunch area surfaces to have a high level of bacteria contamination.

• 75% of break room sink faucet handles
• 48% of microwave door handles
• 26% of refrigerator door handles
• 23% of water fountain buttons
• 21% of vending machine buttons

All of these surfaces can be found in a typical office break or lunch area. Employees may be spreading germs throughout the workplace every time they heat up lunch using the microwave oven, make coffee using the coffee maker, or grab something from the vending machine. 

• Desk

An employee’s desk area is home to about millions of germs at any one time! 

Personal desks need to be wiped down and disinfected regularly. Now that there’s the coronavirus pandemic, disinfecting is a must.  Although you can hope each employee will practice these proper hygiene habits, it’s always best not to leave the safety of the entire office at risk.

Take a trip around your office. These might not just be the top spots that you always forget to clean. There are a lot of missed spots, so it’s better to inspect and hire a professional cleaning service in Georgia. Leave this matter to the cleaning experts, ServiceMaster of Cobb, while you continue running your business, which you are good at. Our experienced and certified commercial cleaning technicians have built an excellent reputation and are trusted for high standards and effectiveness.

Contact us at 678-264-3310 for Georgia, 423-220-4482 for Tennessee, and 678-909-1078 for Commercial. You can also visit https://www.smrestoreus.com/ for more details. We are serving businesses and homeowners located in Georgia and Tennessee.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MOLD TO SPREAD AND HOW TO PREVENT IT?

Researchers at Colorado State University are maintaining their prediction of a near-average 2019 hurricane season. Updated projections released predict 13 named storms will form in 2019, with six becoming hurricanes and two classified as major hurricanes.

Despite the fact it is now hurricane season, every Floridian must face the here and now. The reality that every after a hurricane or tropical storm, mold, which can cause health problems, spreads easily in flooded homes and is difficult (or expensive) to remove.

As reported every after the hurricane, thousands of victims will assess and repair the damage to their homes. Many will tear out flooring and drywall to try to get rid of mold, and which costs a lot of money. Let ServiceMaster Restore of Cobb, Georgia and Tennessee disaster restoration expert gives you an informative article about molds and how to prevent it.

WHAT IS MOLD?

Molds are a large and taxonomically diverse number of fungal species that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.

HOW DO MOLDS AFFECT PEOPLE?

Some people are sensitive to molds which if exposed can lead to symptoms such as the stuffy nose, red or itchy eyes, or skin, and wheezing. While those people, such as with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions like shortness of breath and fever.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MOLD TO SPREAD?

When a home has water damage, mold starts to grow within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure on surfaces such as wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, and insulation. Within just a few hours, the mold spores can be everywhere in your home and be ready to settle wherever they can feed.

HOW TO PREVENT MOLDS FROM GROWING AFTER WATER DAMAGE?

The only way to prevent mold from infesting your home following water damage is to dry the premises within the first 48 hours after the water breach. Proper drying, however, is laborious and exhausting. Water can be anywhere that may spread into walls, under floors, and through ceilings on its route to the lowest point in the house.

The only solution to remove all moisture from your home in the 48-72 hour window when drying can prevent mold from forming, you’re going to need the help of professional drying services. The experts have the technical knowledge and the specialized equipment needed to safely remove standing water, locate hidden issues, and thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and mold growth.

Make an early reservation now, call ServiceMaster Restore of Cobb at 678-264-3310 for Georgia, 423-220-4482 for Tennessee, and 678-909-1078 for commercial services. You can also email us at https://www.smrestoreus.com/contact-us/, for your inquiries like mold remediation, mold removal, commercial mold remediation, and commercial mold removal.

ServiceMaster Restore of Cobb is ready to be of service to its business and homeowner clients located in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. Please visit our service office location at https://smrestoreus.com/locations/. For other details and information, please click at https://smrestoreus.com/.

HURRICANE TIPS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Hurricanes and tropical storms can wreck havoc upon homeowners and businesses alike. It can be especially devastating to small business owners and corporations from a financial perspective, who not only face the possibility of property damage, but a complete halt in business for days – or even weeks – at a time. To help commercial business owners survive this perilous situation, we are offering some hurricane preparedness tips for business owners in today’s article.

HURRICANE PREPARATION FOR COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES

In business, preparation is a vital component to survival. This is true for every aspect of your operation and while business owners prepare for all manner of financial upheavals, one area they tend to neglect is property damage – in particular property damage related to severe weather such as a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado.

While you can’t control where a tropical storm or hurricane touches down, you can develop some disaster recovery plans that can help mitigate property damage and downtime due to the severe weather associated with this tropical activity. For starters, we recommend gathering your most valued employees and coming up with a disaster recovery strategy. Figure out crucial tasks to undertake before a hurricane strikes, and determine who will be responsible for them.

Typical disaster preparation strategies include backing up critical data and sensitive client information. Make sure you keep a back-up of your information off-site or on an outsourced server in the event your building receives critical damage.

Just like you would prepare your home for a hurricane, you should also take the same precautions, where possible, to secure your business to protect it from wind and water damage. Putting up storm shutters or boarding up windows is a good start. You should also secure or store any outdoor items on your property that may become a safety hazard when gale force winds descend.

As we noted above, property damage is only part of the concern when it comes to a hurricane. Loss of electricity and structural damage can cause downtime for your business. This downtime can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks – or longer. Having a secondary location where you can set up a temporary business can help you continue operations. If possible, you may want to consider setting up a system whereby employees can work remotely. This could be a cheaper alternative to opening a second office. Just make sure your critical information and network access is secure and only available to appropriate team members.

Along the same token, you want to keep the lines of communication open with your employees, vendors, and clients. Prepare your customers for any alternate contact information or locations, and if you suspect a slow-down in service, be forthcoming and let your clients know what to expect.

Finally, at the start of hurricane season, meet with your insurance agent and review your property and business insurance to make sure you are fully covered for any realistic scenarios. If you do experience property damage, content damage, or need the assistance of a disaster recovery service, insurance will help mitigate your losses and be an invaluable resource to get your business back up and running.

WHAT IS BLACK WATER AND WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT?

Any water damage to your home needs immediate action. By contacting knowledgeable and skilled professionals, a fast response time can drastically reduce both the destruction that water damage in Georgia inflicts on your property and the cost of restoration.

PROFESSIONAL WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION IN GEORGIA

At ServiceMaster of Cobb, we understand that you need someone to be there right away to assess and explain the situation and we offer 24/7 emergency service so we can be there when you need us most.

When you call ServiceMaster of Cobb:

You will benefit from our extensive experience in extraction and drying.

The technicians of our IICRC-certified firm will work quickly to address the source of the water, to locate any hidden leaks, and to develop a strategic plan for affected areas before any more devastation can occur.

No matter the size, source, or scope of the water situation, our team is here to help.

TYPES OF WATER DAMAGE AND HEALTH RISKS

CATEGORY 1:

Water that escapes from a clean and sanitary source such as faucets, toilet tanks, and drinking fountains. However, Category 1 can quickly degrade into Category 2 if not dealt with right away.

CATEGORY 2:

Commonly known as grey water, this describes water that is contaminated with chemical, physical, or biological elements or water that travels through another material, such as insulation or drywall, which may cause illnesses.

CATEGORY 3:

Water that contains significant pathogens and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Also called "black water".

Category 3 water includes:

• sewer backups,
• flooding from rivers or streams,
• toilet overflows, and
• stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.

WHAT IS BLACK WATER AND WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT?

• Do not run water or use toilets in affected and unaffected areas until the source of the blockage can be identified and corrected.
• Stop up all drain openings to limit the chances of further backup. Additional pressure may be needed to be applied to keep openings sealed.
• Block toilets with rags or a mop if possible.
• Stay away from affected areas so contamination doesn’t spread.
• If you absolutely have to occupy contaminated areas, wear rubber boots and gloves.
• Power down central heating or air conditioning units and cover vents in the affected areas until they can be looked at.
• Leave contaminated items in affected areas and do not take them to clean areas.
• Collect contaminated garments and place them in a container or garbage bag.
• Don’t attempt to clean anything that may have come into contact with contaminated water.
• Completely avoid any water that appears contaminated and wash immediately if you think that you may have gotten in contact with contaminated water.
• Do not spread contaminated water to unaffected areas.
• If breakers are safely accessible, turn off power in affected areas.
• If the source of the water intrusion can be determined, use the shut-off valve to stop the flow.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE CHOOSING THE RIGHT WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION COMPANY?

Searching for water damage restoration services in Georgia can be frustrating in the middle of an emergency. When you call ServiceMaster of Cobb, you can rest assured that you will receive quality customer service and the highest-level cleanup services from experienced professionals.

• We commit that you will receive:
• Top-notch customer service in the industry
• Experienced, certified, and hardworking professionals dedicated to helping you
• Industry-standard procedures and equipment
• Fast and reliable 24/7 emergency service
• Comfort in knowing that you will be taken care of right the first time

We will work directly with your insurance company on covered losses so your property is restored back to normal as quickly as possible. Contact us as soon as your property has been impacted by water damage and we will immediately dispatch a team to your home and begin extracting and drying any water affecting your property. Call us at 678-264-3310.