Recent Posts
Clean Up Flood Damage: Call a Pro
7/8/2022 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis for professional flood water cleanup, professional drying, and content cleaning.
Professional Flood Water Damage Cleanup
While some water damage events aren’t very predictable, flood damage from storms is comparably easier to forecast. Storm surges, torrential rain, and rising water levels cause massive water damage for those who live along the coast or in low-lying areas. Flood damage is terrible in every instance, but the good news is homeowners and business owners usually have adequate time to prepare their home and/or business for the impending water damage as best they can.
When a storm ends, and it's safe to return to a damaged property, many find the water damage in the home or business worse than they could have imagined. It sometimes seems impossible that water levels can rise so high and cause such devastating damage. In the unfortunate case that this has or will happen to you, follow the following important guidelines for safely handling flood waters and their effects.
Do Not Go Back To the Property Without Permission
Even if your curiosity wants to know how much water is in the property or the kind of water damage; never return to the property without being notified first that it's safe to return by proper authorities. Flood damage and waters can be hazardous, and it's easy to forget that there is so much more than just water on the road or in a home.
Beware of Bacteria
Before anyone enters a home or office with water damage to begin the water cleanup process, they must know how much danger potentially awaits. The water cleanup process should begin as quickly as possible, but it cannot be done if the area is still unsafe.
- Live electricity. Don't assume just because the power is out in the town that there's nothing to worry about. The power could come back on at any moment, which means it could cause serious bodily harm to anyone in contact with the electricity or its conductors. Make sure all electricity is turned off at its source before entering any building with standing water.
- Danger in the water. The second danger is what might be waiting for people in the water. There could be animals like snakes or dangerous bacteria found in feces like E. Coli. Always let the local authorities do a neighborhood sweep before taking steps to prepare for the water cleanup and drying process.
Call the Pros
Restoration companies have powerful equipment designed to allow adequate drying in minimal time. Professional mitigation and restoration are imperative because any missed moisture leads to much larger problems like microbial contamination. Restoration is designed to clear out all the water in places others might not realize it is hiding.
Call for professional restoration and mitigation rather than handling the drying process without a pro's help to remove water in a business or home. Contact SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis for professional flood water cleanup, professional drying, and content cleaning.
SERVPRO® of Southeast Memphis Promotes Two Longtime Employees
5/23/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of Southeast Memphis Promotes Patrick Belcher and Chuck Tucker
Patrick Belcher was promoted from operations manager to general manager after long and faithful growth at SERVPRO Team Nicholson.
Humble Beginnings
Patrick has been on our team since 2013. When he first started at SERVPRO Team Nicholson, he was looking to make some extra money on the weekends. A friend of his worked at SERVPRO of Montgomery County and let him know they needed extra people to help demo and clean up jobs occasionally. For the next year Patrick worked part time out of the Montgomery County Office.
Path to General Manager
In 2015, Patrick started his career. He began as a full-time production technician, then became a Crew Chief, then a Production Manager.
After 5 years, Patrick transferred to Memphis. There he was promoted twice: once to Operations Manager, then to General Manager. As the general manager, Patrick oversees daily operations. He coordinates with division managers to create an annual business plan with goals and oversees the management of the Sales, Production, Construction Services, and Office Divisions.
When asked what he enjoys about this current role as GM, he replied, “I particularly like seeing all aspects of the business from mitigation to construction to future planning, all while being involved with each member of the team.”
When Patrick isn’t working, he is spending time traveling with his daughter to different cities and state parks, golfing and fishing—or anything that includes a body of water. He also enjoys volunteering with his Church at any of their opportunities to give back to the community.
Patrick Belcher has worked at the following SERVPRO Team Nicholson Locations:
SERVPRO of Montgomery County
SERVPRO of Central St. Petersburg / Pinellas Park
SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg
SERVPRO of Bartlett/Cordova
SERVPRO of Germantown/Collierville
SERVPRO of East Memphis
SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis
What an outstanding accomplishment!
Production Manager to Operations Manager
Chuck Tucker, a SERVPRO employee for over 20 years, stepped into Patrick’s former role of operations manager. Previously, Chuck had been a production manager. Now, as operations manager, Tucker is responsible for setting departmental budgets, managing daily operations, and identifying areas of improvement, all while ensuring a high quality of service in any dealings with customers, clients, subcontractors, resource providers, and company employees involved in SERVPRO services.
Chuck’s experience and loyalty is almost unmatched in Team Nicholson history. Almost—because it could be matched by his wife, Debra. After 4 years of working together at SERVPRO and 2 years of dating, Chuck married his coworker, Debra. The two continue to work together to this day and have a beautiful family together. As expected, Chuck has seen the industry change many times in the past 20 years.
Congratulations on these achievements and continued growth! Thank you for your commitment to bettering SERVPRO Team Nicholson.
Our Employees
We pride ourselves on hiring people with a good work ethic, high integrity, and the ability to work in and adapt to tough conditions. We are continuously seeking individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, responsible, and service-oriented team players. If you are highly dependable and excited about exceeding expectations, consider joining us in our mission to help our customers in their greatest moments of need. See our available positions.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1960 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
Rug Cleaning for Fire Damaged High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery
3/20/2022 (Permalink)
Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment.
Rug Cleaning for High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery After a Fire
The highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time, especially after experiencing fire damage. These pieces of functional decor can be priceless, timeless, and a large investment. Protect your investment by having your Persian rugs maintained by a professional service.
SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis offers several cleaning options to match any type of carpet and upholstery:
- Bonnet Cleaning, a less aggressive method for short pile carpets
- Hot Water Extraction, a more in-depth cleaning method for all carpet types
- Deluxe Precondition and Rinse, to restore deeply soiled areas
- Showcase Premier Cleaning, the most thorough cleaning method in the industry
- Dry Cleaning, used when color-fastness is an issue
After a fire, more than carpets and upholstery are damaged. That is why, as cleaning professionals, we have equipment to clean varieties of surfaces and materials.
Cleaning vs. Replacing
Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas that are easier to restore.
Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all.
Dry Smoke
Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.
Wet Smoke
Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove.
Cleaning Techniques
When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods. However, for porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.
Dry Cleaning: Light Agitation
SERVPRO conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot.
Dry Cleaning: Medium Agitation
Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.
SERVPRO has the necessary tools, techniques and knowledge to save your rugs after fire damage. Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment. For professional assistance after a fire, call us at (901) 382-0900, 24/7.
Dry Techniques for Cleaning Fire Damaged Home
3/20/2022 (Permalink)
Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques.
Fire Damage Cleanup Restored Using Dry Cleaning Methods
When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods.
For porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.
Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas.
4 Types of Smoke and Soils
A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of four categories of smoke and soot damage: wet, dry, protein residue, and fuel oil soot. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents.
Dry Techniques for Cleaning Fire Damaged Home
Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all. Some of the most effective techniques are dry techniques. Dry techniques are not suited to all material types, but they work well on materials that might otherwise be damaged from a more intense cleaning process.
Light Agitation
SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot. Light agitation is used for delicate or lightly soiled items that don’t require further scrubbing.
Medium Agitation
Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.
It's What We Do
Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. When mitigating smoke-related problems inside your home, it is invaluable to have the necessary knowledge. For professional assistance after a fire, call SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis at (901) 382-0900, 24/7. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster®.
Why Memphis Fabrication Plant Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water
3/13/2022 (Permalink)
We are proud to help businesses in this community with commercial water removal methods continue serving the public.
Flood water and storm damage events at commercial properties often involve numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis quickly assesses each unique situation and isolates the damaged area for cleanup. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility and make it, “Like it never even happened.”
Unique Challenges of Restoring Commercial Property
Our professionals at SERVPRO 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.
Why Memphis Fabrication Plant Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water
Once a factory or other assembly plant sustains water loss, drying the area to protect employee health and safety, machinery, and productivity is a priority. Drains are a simple solution to water removal or rerouting, but they can only do so much when massive amounts of water are present in multiple areas. For instance, overhead water sources can ruin machines and other equipment by forming pools of water in the depressions of equipment.
Water Extraction
Removing the water from where it would otherwise remain trapped prevents corrosion of metal and keeps microbial infestations from developing. When your equipment retains water, we suction it out with specialty tools like water and other material extractors, helping ensure that employees can continue their jobs with little interruption from us. Then, if the machinery's maintenance instructions call for it, we will even wipe machines with oil to prevent rust and protect equipment from possible problems.
SERVPRO Equipment Enhances Air Quality
Air movers help us keep moisture from condensing on surfaces and direct water vapor toward desiccation machines. These machines draw moisture from the air and release dry, filtered air back into the area we are treating. This cycle cleans and dries the air.
Using our various machines and tools, we protect your equipment and building from harm. At SERVPRO, we are proud to help businesses in this community with commercial water removal methods continue serving the public. We want to ensure businesses stay afloat, operating, and contributing to the local economy; part of the way we do that is by getting involved to mitigate a storm or water disaster as soon as we can. Call us today to schedule a free estimate, (901) 382-0900. We are also available 24 hours for emergency service.
Why You Should Clean Your HVAC System This Spring
3/13/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis can help. We offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) inspections and cleaning.
Spring is on it’s way, so it's almost time to open the windows and let in the fresh air. As you embark on cleaning your home this spring, you may forget an important piece of machinery that needs cleaning and maintenance as much as the garage needs cleaning! Don't forget about your HVAC system.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutant levels inside your home can be two to five times higher than outdoors pollutant levels, and the ventilation system is often the largest contributor to low indoor air quality! Many systems go a long time before being inspected and cleaned, so if your HVAC system is like most, your dirty vents might be circulating odors, mold, and irritating dust throughout your home, too.
The EPA reports contaminants or foreign objects such as rodents, insects, dust, dirt, debris, bacteria, mold, and pollen have the ability to enter and collect in your air ducts. So not only is your indoor air quality worsened, but these critters and allergens can cause long-term damages to your HVAC system.
So, Who Cleans Air Ducts?
Cleaning your HVAC system is no easy task without the right tools, but that’s where a professional in the industry like SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis can help. We offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) inspections and cleaning. In most cases, air duct cleaning is not essential to a smoothly run home, but after a major air-quality-reducing event like a fire with smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning is essential to limit the circulation of contaminants throughout the house.
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Odors
- Dirt and debris
- Other contaminants
How Does SERVPRO Clean HVAC Systems?
Unlike most duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and sweep clean years of dust and grime.
This system allows us to:
- Remediate Bacteria, Fungi, and Mold
- Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
- Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
- Eliminate Offensive Odors
- Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates
Our Duct Cleaning Process
- First, we use patented equipment, such as the roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
- Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
- Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
- As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
- Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.
If you have other cleaning needs, we provide various cleaning services. Call (901) 382-0900 today.
5 Ways to Avoid Kitchen Hazards
3/13/2022 (Permalink)
If a fire or flooding does happen in your kitchen, then a restoration professional may be able to help.
Even seasoned chefs sometimes make costly mistakes.
5 Ways to Avoid Kitchen Hazards
1 - Keep Your Vents Clean
It's essential to keep the vent screens above your stove clean. Otherwise, grease can build up on the screen and inhibit ventilation, becoming a contributing factor in a kitchen fire. The grease buildup could even make a fire worse.
2 - Don't Leave Pans Unattended
Most cooks know never to lean a pan unattended on the stove. The pan could be knocked over, grease can splatter, or the food can be allowed to cook too long. Each of these things can be a fire hazard.
3 - Don't Put Grease Down the Drain
When you're done cooking, it may be tempting to pour the hot grease down the drain. Build up grease in the drain can lead to a drain clog and sink overflow. Instead, pour the grease into a container, allow it to cool, and then place it in the trash.
4 - Wipe Out Greasy Pans Before Washing
You should wipe out any remaining grease and food particles before washing your pans. This can help prevent buildup that may lead to a sink clog.
5 - Call a Professional to Service Appliances
If you're having problems with your stove or drain, it may be time to call a professional. They will know how to fix the problem without causing a potential electrical fire. These can come from attempting to fix a broken stove or clogged dish disposal without the correct tools. If fire or flooding does occur, then a fire and water damage restoration service may help.
Following these tips can help you prevent problems like a drain clog or grease fire. Never leave your stove unattended when it's on, don't put grease down the drain, and call a professional if your kitchen appliances need maintenance. If a fire or flooding does happen in your kitchen, then a restoration professional may be able to help.
Protect Your Home Against Wind Damage
3/6/2022 (Permalink)
When storms hit anywhere in the United States, our SERVPRO team can scale our resources to handle even the largest storm or flooding disaster.
Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms
While thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more severe and may be more costly. Still, thunderstorms are responsible for a lot of damage, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. Either way, billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. While understanding the nature of wind damage can’t stop them from happening, it can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.
What You Need to Know
Flying Debris is a Damage Risk
Flying debris can cause more damage than strong winds themselves. Damage can result from plants or other unsecured structures and objects. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans are either secured or brought inside. Bonus tip: For severe weather, secure your doors and windows, too.
A Well-Designed Roofing System Does Wonders
Apply roof deck, shingles, or membrane over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the structure in a strong wind. Roofing material should latch to the deck.
The construction phase of building a structure is the most influential piece in reducing damage caused by storms. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck, so fasten that siding down. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger storm-resistant structure—especially if you live in an area more prone to storms.
Monitor and Maintain Your Trees.
Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Maintain your trees by removing dead limbs. In addition, remove the entire tree if it is dead. Healthy trees should have strong enough roots to withstand fairly strong winds, but dead trees will not.
Mitigating Damage After a Storm
What happens after the storm?
First, close any openings as soon as possible. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common source of water damage in these situations. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nail it over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up, if needed, so contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.
If the damage is too much to handle on your own, contact a restoration professional as soon as you can to help limit and repair damage and respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
SERVPRO Scales Resources to Handle Any Disaster
3/6/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Scales Resources to Handle Any Disaster
Faster Response
SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quickly to your area with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Resources to Scale Up for Large Disasters
When storms hit anywhere in the United States, our SERVPRO team can scale our resources to handle even the largest storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1900 franchises across the country as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Smoke and Soot Dictate Cleanup Practices After Fire Damage
3/6/2022 (Permalink)
Contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis at (901) 382-0900.
Professionals Describe the Different Types of Smoke
Suppose you ever suffer from a structural blaze inside your Memphis home. In that case, it is always smart to consult a professional when going about cleanup and restoration.
A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of the following four categories of smoke and soot damage. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents.
Category No. 1 - Dry Smoke
Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.
Category No. 2 - Wet Smoke
Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove.
Category No. 3 - Protein Residues
Protein residues can be found any time products such as meat, poultry, or fish burn. These residues leave behind a yellow or amber discoloration, but they can sometimes be clear and hard to see on a surface. Protein residues leave behind strong odors making deodorization the biggest issue when dealing with them.
Category No. 4 - Fuel Oil Soot
Furnace puff-backs can create fuel oil residues that consist of dust particles from the ventilation system and fuel oils that did not burn all the way. This type of soot usually has a gray or black color and can consist of large or small particles. Often, the electrically charged ions form formations in corners that resemble spiderwebs and can smear readily if not vacuumed and sponged off correctly.
If a fire ever ignites inside your home, it is wise to contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis at (901) 382-0900.
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