Preventing Home Electrical Fires

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

This overloaded outlet is an example of too many plugs into one. Unplug anything that is not in use to avoid this happening.

Power Hungry

According to a report from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), home electrical fires claim the lives of 280 Americans each year. During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 26,100 fires and $1 billion in property losses. About half of all residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring. Many electrical fires are caused by overloaded circuits and extension cords. December and January are the peak months for electrical fires, but of course, they can happen at any time during the year. The USDA says fires occur more often in these months due to the increased time spent indoors, which also increases the use of lighting, heating, and appliances.

Many electrical fires can be avoided if basic safety precautions are taken. 

Electrical Safety 

Review the following tips to reduce your risk of electrical fires.

• Routinely check electrical appliances and wiring. Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately. 
• Replace any electrical tool or appliance if it overheats, shorts out causes even small electrical shocks or gives off smoke or sparks. 
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord. 
• Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets. 

Spring Cleaning is Underway!

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Call us for a free estimate!

The birds are chirping and flowers are blooming, but you still can't shake the winter blues! Sweep those blues away with a deep cleaning for your home or business! Spring cleaning is a tradition allowing us to freshen up our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. 

Our professionals here at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt, and Grady Counties can help. In addition to air duct and HVAC cleaning, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet, as well as focused stain removal and stain resistance applications. Other services include upholstery and drapery cleaning, hard floor cleaning and care, and deodorization. We are still The offering our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for antiviral fogging.  

A clean environment is a healthy environment. Improve your living and workspaces this spring. If you need a little help, don't worry, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt, and Grady counties has all the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time!

What does IICRC Certified Mean?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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.

When Storms or Floods hit Thomasville, Cairo, Moultrie, or Bainbridge, we are ready!

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady 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 the area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,900 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 229-236-1902.

Hotel Water Damage Restoration

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

This photo represents pre-mitigation before we extracted water and began the drying process.

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when you have an emergency water event, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties offer fast, 24 hour emergency services, 365 days per year.

Water Damage to your southwest Georgia busienss? Call us today at 229-236-1902

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about SERVPRO Franchise Professional training and certifications.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

Did you know about our newsletter?

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Stay in the know with SERVPRO!

Each quarter a newsletter will be coming out filled with all kinds of information that you don’t want to miss. The blogs are written by trusted members of the SERVPRO team, and we will want to keep you in the know with upcoming CE classes, events, industry information, cleaning tips, and so much more that you don't want to miss!

Each quarter, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt, and Grady will be bringing you:

• Cleaning tips
• Industry information
• Blog postings
• Chances to win cool giveaways
• Events, including upcoming continuing education classes
• Social media insights and so much more!

We have plenty of information to add to our quarterly newsletters, but if you have any questions or suggestions that you would like to see on a future edition, let us know by emailing mchaymons@SERVPRO9816.com

You can never to be prepared!

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is Almost Here!

We all look forward to this time of year when spring is in the air. The only downside is spring and summer storms when the month of April has a history of bringing damaging storms. We want to offer tips on how to prepare for the uncertainty of Mother Nature.

According to the national weather service, the peak tornado season for Georgia is in April, but the majority of damaging storms fall between March and May. Since we are in the middle of storm season, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt, and Grady and SERVPRO of Tifton has put together some steps to be prepared for any storm.

• Have an alert system in place – know who your local weather service provider is and download an app to follow the weather with alerts turned on and have a sheltered place inside of your home away from windows.
• Keep an emergency kit handy – Emergency kits should include first-aid supplies, enough drinking water for three days, and food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or cooked. Also be sure to have several flashlights, a battery-powered radio, blankets, and extra batteries.
• Be sure your trees are properly trimmed; they can cause significant damage if airborne. In case of storm damage to your home.
• In case of damage to your home, be sure you have a proper inventory of your belongings and back it up with photos or video footage stored in your insurance company’s app, or a hard copy stored in a separate location.

In the event of any water or fire damage caused by a storm, SERVPRO offers an assortment of services to help people quickly recover and restore any damaged property. Within one hour of notifying the company of loss, property owners will be contacted by a representative in order to arrange service. Within four hours of the initial notification, a SERVPRO professional will be on-site to start the mitigation process. Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a catastrophic event or a storm situation.

Storm Preparedness

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance Tips Before a Storm

In our area, we get a lot of rain and sometimes floods can happen. Buildings in our area can become flooded with concentrated rainfall coupled with inadequate local drainage systems. Being over-prepared is better than not at all. We have compiled a list of actions to put in place before a storm hits to make sure you are prepared. The National Flood Insurance Program has a lot of helpful tips for a homeowner to know before a storm hits.

1. Make sure you fully understand what perils and covered and excluded in your policy.
2. Make sure your coverage is adequate to replace your home and contents in today’s dollar.
3. Determine whether your policy covers additional living expenses for a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home because of damage from a disaster.
4. Before hurricane season, prepare detailed written and/or photographic inventory of your home’s contents and store it in a safe place with your policy.
5. If your insurance company does not cover flood dame, ask about coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Make Sure to Get your Outdoor Fireplace Inspected

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

When a fireplace malfunctions, it can cause significant damage to the outdoor living space, or indoor.

Don't be caught with a fireplace that malfunctions and catches fire. Many times, we get a call that a fire was caused by a fireplace, and it hasn't been inspected before use. Animal dander, hair, and other debris can get into the chimney and cause it to fail.

Another reason for a fireplace to catch fire is if the fire break is not properly installed, it can cause heat to transfer to the structure of the home, causing ignition. Pictured, an outdoor fireplace caught fire, catching the exterior wall on fire as well. Fortunately, there was no fire damage to the interior of the home, but in the home there was smoke damage and a pungent smoke odor we were able to remove with our ozone machine and thorough cleaning. 

Taking Care of Your Commercial Business!

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Thomas, Colquitt or Grady 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for your School

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

A commitment to clean is a commitment to confidence

From elementary schools to college campuses, clean and secure facilities are essential to education. And while the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of learning, SERVPRO® is here to help you get students, staff and faculty back to their desks with confidence.

With more than 50 years of experience in emergency and proactive cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO is in your community to help schools thrive in times of challenge. Now, with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, we’re bringing proactive viral pathogen cleaning in a program customized to the needs of your facility. Going beyond standard janitorial practices, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned follows CDC and local guidelines, including the use of EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectants to help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria in your school.

Commit to a higher standard of clean.

Types of facilities

• Early Childhood - Preshool and Nursery Schools
• Primary - Elementary and Middle Schools
• Secondary - High school and Academies
• Higher Education - College and Universities
• Athletics - Gymnasium, Sports Complex and Stadiums

Emergency Fire Damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that every 18 seconds a fire occurs in the United States? If this happens to you, even a small kitchen fire, we will be there to restore your household.

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration Process:

1. A SERVPRO franchise professional will contact you within one hour to arrange for service.
• We understand the importance of letting you know help is on the way, right away.
2. Within four hours, a trained professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if necessary.
• Timely response is key to preventing further damage.
• Timely mitigation can mean the difference between restoring property and replacing it.
3. The loss site will be reviewed with you, and your questions and concerns will be addressed. A SERVPRO Franchise professional will:
• Identify the source of loss.
• Identify the source of your concerns.
• Identify the types of residue present.
• Identify safety issues.
4. A SERVPRO Franchise Professional will begin pretesting for restorability. By Pretesting, four key questions are answered:
• What is unable to be restored?
• What is restorable and what methods of restoration will be most effective?
• What areas and items are unaffected?
• What areas need to be reviewed by the Adjuster or Property owner?
5. The scope of the project will be communicated to you or your adjuster if a claim has been filed. If so, your adjuster will receive a verbal briefing within eight business hours.
6. The structure and contents will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
7. After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Here at SERVPRO, we understand the trauma of fire disasters and as a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning damage to its preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When was the Last Time you checked Your Gutters?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady wants homeowners to check one important functioning item we tend to overlook, your gutters.

Although you may not think about it, the state of your gutters can affect many other areas of your family's property, which includes your roof and foundation. If your gutters fail to function the way they are intended to do they can wreak havoc on your home or business. The most common problem that homeowners face with their gutters is that they fail to drain or channel excess rainwater far enough away from your foundation. That excess water can back up under your home's foundation or into your basement. If rainwater doesn't travel through your gutters freely, it's most likely because the gutters are clogged with leaves or debris. This is especially common during this season when trees are dropping their leaves. If you have clogged gutters it can often lead to costly foundation repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. Having your gutters regularly cleaned (at least once or twice a year) can prevent major water damage from happening to your property.

if you are concerned about your gutters not functioning property, SERVPRO encourages you to have them inspected by a qualified company to avoid any future water damage from gutters that are clogged.

When water backs up into your basement or foundation, it very well may be a gutter system that is not functioning properly. Be sure and call the cleanup team that is "Faster To Any Size Disaster" in the event water damage strikes your home or business. 

Water Damage? Don't Panic!

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster wrecks havoc, you may not know where to start when it comes to clean up or restoring your business or home. That is where we come in! SERVPRO is here to help when there is need of fire or water restoration, mold remediation, carpet cleaning or even bio-hazard clean up, we do it all!

One major area that we focus on here at SERVPRO, is water damage. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Water damage can happen for many reasons. From a pipe bursting to a severe storm that causes flooding; SERVPRO is on call 24 hours a day in order to tend to your needs as soon as possible. We have the expertise and equipment to quickly restore your property to pre-water damage condition. We use a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.

There are steps to always follow when dealing with water damage.

1. Call a professional! - Don't try to clean up major water damage all by yourself. Call your local SERVPRO so they can get to the problem quickly to avoid further damage.
2. Once a technician has inspected and assessed the damage, water removal will begin.
3. SERVPRO uses powerful pumps and vacuums during the water removal process. Most would not believe how much water is actually extracted!
4. After the bulk of the water has been removed, it's time to dry. Drying and de-humidification targets the water and moisture that might be lurking in places unseen.
5. Sanitizing and restoration are the final steps. Our SERVPRO technicians will use other powerful equipment to make sure any furniture, clothing and other personal items are free of odors and any germs that might have been left behind before restoring your space back to as original of a condition as possible!

Following these steps will ensure that your home or office get back to as normal of a condition as possible after the damage has occurred.

The most important thing to remember is your local SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is here to help! Owners Pete and Lindsay Leverette try to stay very connected in the communities they serve so that when disaster strikes, people feel confident and comfortable in calling the heroes in green to come to the rescue. Whether it be a kitchen fire, severe water damage, or cleaning your home before or after the holidays, give SERVPRO a call!

229-236-1902

Cold Weather Tips

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Our partners at the American Red Cross have the right idea of staying warm this Season.

As temperatures drop this winter, the American Red Cross offers ten steps people can take to stay safe during the cold weather.

1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.

2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.

4. Requires supervision – Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

9. Use generators outside. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

For more information on how to stay safe during the cold weather, visit http://www.redcross.org

Why we “Serve” our Community

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Community involvement allows for natural networking.

The SERVPRO team has experienced firsthand how getting involved outside typical circles exposes them to new ideas and new contacts that help the team make better, more informed business decisions.   There are countless ways they continue to be involved in the local communities where they serve.  To highlight a few:

• Service through serving on community boards.  Lindsey has gained new friends and a better understanding of community through serving on boards like The Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, Thomasville-Thomas County Payroll Development Authority and Never Lost.
• Service through volunteering for local nonprofits.  The team can be found volunteering with Hands On Thomas County, Vashti Center, Thomasville YMCA and many more.
• Service through clubs and organizations.  From Kiwanis Club to Rotary Club and Junior Service Leagues, the team at SERVPRO is committed to help as many citizens as possible.

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties takes great pride in being a part of each community where they serve.  Communities are what hold America together.  At the end of the day, the local community impacts every business and SERVPRO is thankful to work in a community that is growing and thriving and giving back allows them to a play a part in that growth.

A season of thanks.

Finally, November is a time for giving thanks and what better way to do so than by giving time to help one another.  Not for a profit, not for something in return, but out the of kindness of one’s heart for their neighbors and friends.  Happy Thanksgiving from SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady County. 

Faster to Any Size Disaster

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Us 24/7 –229-236-1902

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 biohazard 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 biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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.

Cleaning

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Are you tired of your grungy looking floors? Let us clean your floors the right way!

Hard flooring, like hardwood and tile, is often used in today’s homes and commercial properties. At first glance, hard flooring appears to be easy to clean, maintain, and restore. However, these materials tend to have soil accumulate over time, and eventually you’ll need professional cleaning to remove this buildup. 

We have specialized training in time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. Also, our proprietary cleaning system allows our Professionals to properly clean and restore your floor’s original beauty. 

The difference of SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties, is what we can do for your bathroom tile floors or carpeting

Call SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties at 229-236-1902

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable. They're trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. Below is how we restore from start to finish, and to make your home or business "Like it never even happened."

Step1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)

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

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration

For immediate help call SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties at 229-236-1902.

In Case of Storm Damage, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties is ALWAYS Prepared

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties specialize 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 Thomas and surrounding counties, 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 SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 229-236-1902

The Chamber is Certified Clean

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

In the age of COVID, you may not feel comfortable going into a building where there is a possibility of exposure or spread. That is where SERVPRO comes in!

When the Thomasville Chamber needed to take the extra step to clean their building due to COVID-19 exposure, their first call was to SERVPRO for our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. We had our production team, trained biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porus surfaces, clean the building top to bottom. We adhered to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC, and used EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food surface use. SERVPRO is a trusted brand, and we always take the extra steps to make sure our space is at a higher level of cleanliness. Now they can rent out their building, have meetings by appointment, or even just take calls in a clean, safe environment!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

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 – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties today at 229-236-1902 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

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.

Thomasville, Cairo, Bainbridge and Moultrie Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Crawlspace Cleanup!

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

A basement or crawlspace can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Crawlspaces are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of the building. There are a number of reasons why your 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 or Crawlspace Flooding?

Call Today - 229-236-1902

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 crawlspace can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 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.

Basement or Crawlspace Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 229-236-1902

Hotel Water Damage Restoration

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

This upstairs hotel room's flood was caused by a broken pipe. The water traveled into the hallway and into the rooms underneath this one.

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when you have an emergency water event, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties offer fast, 24 hour emergency services, 365 days per year.

Water Damage to your southwest Georgia busienss? Call us today at 229-236-1902

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about SERVPRO Franchise Professional training and certifications.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

What does IICRC certified mean?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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.

Water Damage? Don't Panic!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster wrecks havoc, you may not know where to start when it comes to clean up or restoring your business or home. That is where we come in! SERVPRO is here to help when there is a need for fire or water restoration, mold remediation, carpet cleaning, or even bio-hazard clean up, we do it all!

One major area that we focus on here at SERVPRO, is water damage. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Water damage can happen for many reasons. From a pipe bursting to a severe storm that causes flooding; SERVPRO is on call 24 hours a day in order to tend to your needs as soon as possible. We have the expertise and equipment to quickly restore your property to pre-water damage conditions. We use a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.

There are steps to always follow when dealing with water damage.

1. Call a professional! - Don't try to clean up major water damage all by yourself. Call your local SERVPRO so they can get to the problem quickly to avoid further damage.
2. Once a technician has inspected and assessed the damage, water removal will begin.
3. SERVPRO uses powerful pumps and vacuums during the water removal process. Most would not believe how much water is actually extracted!
4. After the bulk of the water has been removed, it's time to dry. Drying and de-humidification targets the water and moisture that might be lurking in places unseen.
5. Sanitizing and restoration are the final steps. Our SERVPRO technicians will use other powerful equipment to make sure any furniture, clothing and other personal items are free of odors and any germs that might have been left behind before restoring your space back to as original of a condition as possible!

Following these steps will ensure that your home or office get back to as normal of a condition as possible after the damage has occurred.

The most important thing to remember is your local SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is here to help! Owners Pete and Lindsay Leverette try to stay very connected in the communities they serve so that when disaster strikes, people feel confident and comfortable in calling the heroes in green to come to the rescue. Whether it be a kitchen fire, severe water damage, or cleaning your home before or after the holidays, give SERVPRO a call!

229-236-1902

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency?
Call us at 229-236-1902!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 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 - 229-236-1902

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 Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties

SERVPRO, located in Thomasville, Georgia, 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.

When Storms or Floods hit Thomasville, Cairo, Moultrie, or Bainbridge, we are ready!

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady 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 the 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 that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 229-236-1902.

We are Cleaning Experts

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Thomas, Grady and Colquitt Counties 229-236-1902.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

We're in this Together!

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

The health and safety of our customers and community is one of our top priorities and at the heart of every decision we make. With the risks out there of spreading COVID-19, our production team is making sure we have increased our daily cleaning routines, including more frequent hand washing and extra cleaning of our equipment. Call our office if you would like to schedule any duct cleaning, general cleaning or sanitation of your home or office.

We believe it is critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which means we are taking a few extra steps to protect everyone in this situation. We are following guidance from Governor Brian Kemp, the State Department of Health, and center for Disease Control.  We are in this together to flatten the curve, and get through this ever-evolving circumstance.

We are still open, and our team is available at 229-236-1902 to schedule any carpet cleans, air duct cleans, general cleaning needs, or emergency services. We hope you stay safe, and please call us with any questions you may have. Thank you.

Creating a Fire Escape Plan

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Fire spreads very quickly in a home. You and your family can have one to two minutes to get out once the smoke alarm sounds. One way to be prepared for a fire, is to have a fire escape plan prepared. Not only should you make sure there are smoke detectors on every level of the home and in every bedroom, knowing your way out when they sound is key to being safe in a house fire situation. When making a Fire Escape Plan, pull together everyone who lives in your home and consider drawing a floor plan of your house. Try to create two exits out of each room. If the fire escape plan is to be used during an actual fire, closing doors behind you is a good way to slow the spread of fire and smoke

Make sure when you are figuring out where to exit, that each exit is clear of furniture and the windows that are used as exits can open easily. Choose a meeting place that is a safe distance from your home that everyone can meet. After creating a fire escape plan, put the plan to the test so everyone is on the same page.  And finally, never go back into a house that is on fire for any reason!

Celebrating Ten Years!

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Calling Thomasville home was a no-brainer for Pete and Lindsay Leverette when choosing a community to start their SERVPRO business. Ten years ago, Thomasville opened its arms to the Leverettes, and with the help of the Chamber, the business community and the banks it was mostly smooth sailing for their opening.

Lindsay, with a degree in hospitality and leisure management, and Pete with a degree in environmental geography and a minor in geology found the business of SERVPRO very interesting. With a passion to work for themselves and talking to other people in the business they decided to jump in!

When asked about one of their most memorable jobs, Pete reflected on their very first water clean up job: “I think it was Memorial Day weekend. We were very nervous, didn’t know what to do. A water pipe burst upstairs in a bathroom, it had affected the vanity and the tile. At the time we didn’t know what we could or couldn’t do as far as demo, it was definitely a learning experience.”

Pete attributes their success of SERVPRO to happy customers and the community and relationships they made in Thomasville. Their main goal is to create happy customers, do everything in their power to do the right job, and to work with and for their customer to get them back to their normal life as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is ALWAYS Prepared

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. In our south Georgia area, we have been hit by some terrible tornadoes and hurricanes in the past. Even thunderstorms have caused significant damage to our area. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Our production team goes through thorough training and attend weekly safety meetings. Here at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties, we specialize in water and storm damage restoration, which is the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have extensive water damage restoration training and experience for over 40 years that enables them to get you back to normal.

Our Production Technicians are certified in the following:

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Give us a call after a storm or any sort of water or fire damage. We are here to help! 229-236-1902

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties make it "Like it never even happened."

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 229-236-1902

Residential Services

Whether your Thomasville home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Thomas County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Cleaning After Water Damage

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Yes, it seems like an inexpensive option for a homeowner to clean up water damage from a pipe or flooding within their home or business, but what a homeowner does not think about is what would happen if the home is improperly dried.

Here at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties, we have equipment that detects moisture inside of walls, floors and ceilings. This means it may look dry to the naked eye, but there is actually trapped moisture within the structure. This equipment allows us to clean up and dry water that you can and cannot see.

If a homeowner decides to clean up the water with a shop-vac and some towels, it may wind up growing mold and having a musty odor. Not to mention, water that is not dried up can lead to structural damage of a building. The cleanup process would end up being much more expensive in the long run without calling a professional.

Remember that it is free for us to come out and investigate any water problems a home may be having. Give us a call at 229-236-1902 with any questions or concerns you may have.

A Smoke Alarm Could Save Your Life!

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms that are installed and maintained can reduce death, and fire injuries. When a fire starts, smoke spreads quickly and a smoke alarm will detect it in order to get you out of your home! 

According to the National Fire Protection Association,

• Closed doors in homes slows down the spread of heat and fire.
• Make sure there is a smoke detector in every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area. There should be a smoke detector on each level of the house.
• Electrical smoke alarms are safer than battery, they will be interconnected and when one sounds, they all will. 
• Make sure you test the smoke alarm at least once a month. You can just press the test button to be sure it is working. 
• When you hear a smoke alarm sounding, go outside and stay outside. Do not go back inside of your home for anything!
• Smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. 

With any questions you may have regarding fire or smoke damage in a home within Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties or any surrounding areas, give us a call at 229-236-1902

Clean Floors are our Specialty!

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Are you tired of your grungy looking floors? Let us clean your floors the right way!

Hard flooring, like hardwood and tile, is often used in today’s homes and commercial properties. At first glance, hard flooring appears to be easy to clean, maintain, and restore. However, these materials tend to have soil accumulate over time, and eventually you’ll need professional cleaning to remove this buildup. 

We have specialized training in time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. Also, our proprietary cleaning system allows our Professionals to properly clean and restore your floor’s original beauty. 

In the picture you will see the difference of SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties can do for your bathroom tile floors. These floors were frequently mopped and cleaned but SERVPRO was able to professionally remove the gunk that was built up over time.

Some Facts on Smoke & Soot

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to developing 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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. 

What To Expect When Calling About Water Damage

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 - (229)236-1902

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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO 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.

Call us here at SERVPRO You Want Immediate Services

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 229-236-1902

Residential Services

Whether your Thomasville home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Thomas County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

What To do Until SERVPRO Arrives After Water Damage

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

When there is water damage, the wrong response can cost you! Avoid trying to clean up the damage yourself, call us, and it could even be completely covered by your insurance! 

SERVPRO has put together some tips of what to do and what not to do in case of water damage in your home. 

DO: 

• Shut off water if possible from the main source.
• Turn off your power source when access to the power panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove excess water with towels or a mop and wipe wet wooden surfaces.
• Remove wet upholstery cushions and prop them upright so they can dry properly.
• Put aluminum foil or even wooden blocks under wooden legs of furniture.
• Remove any paintings or art, computers, or dry documents that are valuable.
• Use clothespins to keep furniture skirts off wet floors, do the same with curtains.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water.
• Enter Affected areas if electrical outlets, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid the electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or anything else with color on carpet or floors that would 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.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Powerful Storm Systems

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

A powerful storm system is currently moving east in our area. Thomas, Colquitt & Grady is under tornado watch, among other counties in the south Georgia region. This cold front is bringing some cooler weather. Mixing with the warm weather, the storm system is to bring potential for hazardous winds and tornadoes. 

It is very common for powerful winds to damage your home or business's roof. A damaged roof can invite unwanted water into your building. No job is to large or small for our trained production team here at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady counties. Our crew is certified in Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying.

We are locally owned and operated, so when you call on us, know we will be there quickly to respond to your water damage or flood after a storm. Stay safe during this wild weather we have been having, and know to call on us for any concerns you may have! 

229-236-1902

Post Construction Cleanup Services

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO helps ensure your finished projects always look their best. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional provides fast, thorough service to help ensure your post-construction cleanup gets done as quickly as possible. And do not forget, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide 24-hour emergency mitigation, cleanup and restoration services for water, mold and smoke damages. 

Here at SERVPRO, we also provide dehumidificiation as part of our post-construction service. If you need to deal with a moisture issue, rely on us to give you the help you need. We are trained to respond quickly and to do the job right the first time.

The first impression you make is when your buyer opens the door to their new home for the first time. Rely on SERVPRO to make you look great.

A Clean Home Sells Faster

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

In today’s real estate marketplace, you can have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings. You also want the ability to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. Presentation is everything. Here at SERVPRO, we inspect a property – including crawl spaces – to help determine the extent of water or mold damage and remove potentially harmful bacteria and odors. 

A SERVPRO Franchise Professional can also restore your real estate properties after fire, smoke or soot damage. We specialize in water removal and dehumidification, mold remediation, and contents restoration. We can also clean air ducts and HVAC, vandalism, biohazard and crime scene, carpet, upholstery, drapes and blinds, ceilings, walls and hard floors along with deodorization of the building.

A SERVPRO Franchise Professional can attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold, and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency. So, before you risk your buyer’s health or the opportunity to close the sale of a property, contact your local cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO by calling us at 229-236-1902.

Cook Safely this Thanksgiving

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to about 1,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2016, the peak day for such fires. The No. 1 reason? Unattended cooking.

USFA offers the following helpful tips to backyard chefs who plan to deep-fry a turkey for Thanksgiving:

1. Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
2. Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
3. Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
4. Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
5. Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
6. To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
7. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
8. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
9. The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
10. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, fun and fellowship. Here at SERVPRO, we want you to be safe as you enjoy your holiday.

From all of us at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties, we wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration Process

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that every 18 seconds a fire occurs in the United States? If this happens to you, even a small kitchen fire, we will be there to restore your household.

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration Process:

1. A SERVPRO franchise professional will contact you within one hour to arrange for service.
   • We understand the importance of letting you know help is on the way, right away.
2. Within four hours, a trained professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if necessary.
   • Timely response is key to preventing further damage.
   • Timely mitigation can mean the difference between restoring property and replacing it.
3. The loss site will be reviewed with you, and your questions and concerns will be addressed. A SERVPRO Franchise professional will:
   • Identify the source of loss.
   • Identify the source of your concerns.
   • Identify the types of residue present.
   • Identify safety issues.
4. A SERVPRO Franchise Professional will begin pretesting for restorability. By Pretesting, four key questions are answered:
   • What is unable to be restored?
   • What is restorable and what methods of restoration will be most effective?
   • What areas and items are unaffected?
   • What areas need to be reviewed by the Adjuster or Property owner?
5. The scope of the project will be communicated to you or your adjuster if a claim has been filed. If so, your adjuster will receive a verbal briefing within eight business hours.
6. The structure and contents will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
7. After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Here at SERVPRO, we understand the trauma of fire disasters and as a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning damage to its preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When storm or floods hit Thomas County, SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is ready!

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties specialize 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 Thomas and surrounding counties, 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 SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is Hiring for our Production Team

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is currently hiring Production Technicians. 

Primary Technician roles include:

• Respond to service calls as needed.
• Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines.
• Communicate with crew chief to make sure all customer needs are met.
• Support crew chief and other production personnel, as needed.
• Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse, and office areas, as needed.
• Professional appearance and great attitude.
• Valid drivers license with a reasonable driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Must be able to pass a drug test.
• Because we provide a 24-hour emergency service, must be willing to be on call as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.

Please call 229-236-1902 for more information or email your resume to mhaymons@SERVPRO9816.com.

SERV the World by PROtecting the Environment

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Are you a sucker for long showers? Is it too much of a hassle to bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery store? Today is a good day to think about your habits, and try to better yourself and the world around you. 

Below are a few tips on how you can prepare:

• Leaving your car at home. Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year.
• Refuel when its cool. Don't fill up in the heat of the day, when you are likely to spill and have fuel evaporate into the atmosphere. Also, never top of your tank, which lets extra fuel drip onto the ground.
• Invest in Energy Star Products. Is your refigerator getting old? Looking for a new washing machine? Keep an eye out for the EPA Energy Star sticker, which will save you both energy and money in the long run.
• Recycle your Electronics. Take the old cellphone or broken laptop to your local electronics recycling center.
• Be efficient with water use. Don't pre-wash dishes, time yourself in the shower, and make sure all faucets are completely off when your finished using them.
• Reuse. Instead of throwing away that empty egg carton or shopping bag, give it a second life.
• Read Labels. Try to stay away from products containing harmful chemical and dyes.
• Scoop the Poop. Make sure to dispose of waste properly, so that pet poo doesn't flow into storm drains and pollute the water.

For more earth tips, visit:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/earth-day-tips/

Storm Damage from Hurricane Michael

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Michael caused lots of damage and destruction to South Georgia. This photo shows the bathroom of an insured that was damaged from a tree falling on the roof and causing it to fall in. Several rooms in the home were affected because of this. SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties was ready to roll in as soon as we received the call. In this type of situation it is very important that the insured has their roof tarped before we being mitigation, if it begins to rain more damage can be caused. After the roof tarp was in place, we could begin mitigation. All of the wet insulation had to be removed and several places of drywall had to be cut. SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties was able to quickly get the customer ready for repairs. 

Hurricane Checklist

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for Hurricane Season? We have a checklist from the NOAA that will have you prepared! 

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit/Medications
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanna
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Local maps
• Hygiene Items
• Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Matches in a waterproof container

Print off this list and start preparing, hurricane season is here and we never know what it might bring.

Remember SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is here it help and available 24-7. 229-236-1902

We are Hiring!

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties is hiring!

We are currently looking for an Administrative Assistant. Please read below to learn more information on the position. 

Primary Role: Perform all office administrative tasks related to customer calls, job management and tracking, scheduling of jobs and customer satisfaction activities. Perform basic accounting duties relating to accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and banking. Perform general office duties such as drafting correspondence, filing and creating reports.

Results Expected: All administrative work is processed and documented accurately and timely. Customers, COIs (Center of Influence), Production Team, Marketing Reps/ Estimators and the Office Manager/Owner are communicated to in a timely and accurate manner. Customer satisfaction is maintained at a high level. Processing of accounts payable and receivables are current. All files and reports are maintained and provided as required. All administrative tasks are completed as assigned.

If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to mhaymons@ahs-se.com. 

What to do if you see Mold in your Thomas County Business

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Do you see visible mold in your business or office space? 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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. It is our goal to keep any disruption in your business to a minimum. 

Fire Damage in Whigam, GA

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties recently got a fire job in Whigam, GA. The fire starting in the bathroom and was caused by a portable heater. The fire affected every room in the home. First all of the contents needed to be removed from the home, and packed into a storage POD. Once all of the contents had been removed, SERVPRO could begin the demolition. The demolition lasted for 4 days, and the entire house had to be gutted. All of the cabinets, flooring, drywall and insulation had to be removed. Equipment was placed in the home to dry out areas that were still wet from the firemen. SERVPRO was able to wrap up the demolition and mitigation as quickly as possible, so that the customers could begin reconstruction. They were very happy with how quickly SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties performed the clean up from their fire. 

CE Class for Insurance Agents

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

In August we are offering a free continuing education seminar for anyone needing insurance credits. The class will be held on August 28th at the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce ( 401 S. Broad St., Thomasville, GA 31799). Registration starts at 12:30 PM and the class will be from 1PM-3PM. The course is on Cleaning and Restoring Smoke Damaged Contents. We have an instructor from corporate office coming down to the course. Lunch will be provided to all attendees at 12:00, before registration begins.  We already have quite a few signed up. We are very excited to be offering another round of CE classes this year! The class size is limited, so please contact Mary Catherine ASAP at 229-236-1902 or mhaymons@SERVPRO9816.com to sign up. 

Hurricane Season

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is here! Running from June 1st until November 30th, it is time to start planning for the season. The NOAA has predicted a normal year for the Atlantic Ocean, with a 30%of a below normal year. They are saying 9-15 storms named with 4-8 possibly turning into hurricanes with winds greater than 74 miles per hour.NOAA says this outlook is for overall season activity and is not a landfall forecast. These forecast are very important because they help us plan for the year and get a good idea of what might be to come. It is never to early to begin to prepare for hurricane season, and what your plan of action would be in the event there is a storm threat in your area.

Fire Damage in Pelham, GA

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

We recently got a call for a fire job in Pelham, GA. The fire started in the attic when lightening struck the home. The entire home was affected by smoke damage, and over half of the home was affected by fire damage. The fire department used water to put the fire out, which meant we also had to dry the areas that were still wet. Once all of the contents were removed we were able to start the demolition to the affected areas. Most of the insulation had fallen, which you can see in the picture of one of the bedrooms. After all of the demolition had been completed we could start drying. A home fire is never an easy situation for a family, but we were happy to quickly respond and start mitigation.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Thomas, Colquitt or Grady 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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.

Meet Our Crew

Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 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 - 229-236-1902

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 Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties 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.

Faster to your Thomas County Water Damage Event

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 Us 24/7 –229-236-1902

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 biohazard 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 biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties

SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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.

Colquitt County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

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 Moultrie and surrounding areas 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 - 229-236-1902

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 Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties 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 229-236-1902

Amanda's First Few Weeks

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Wow, has it already been a month since I started working as a new SERVPRO Marketing Representative? This month has been packed full of educational webinars, hands on site visits, networking, meeting clients, and learning the ropes of the day to day operations of SERVPRO.

I recall my first ride along with the production team. We performed a air duct cleaning on a apartment that was smoked in for twenty seven years. The apartment was covered with a orange film that resembled old grease or grime and it had a horrible odor. To be honest I questioned if anything other than a complete remodel would help this place, until Carson broke out the SERVPRO Orange cleaner and the professional duct cleaning system. Carson and the production crew started cleaning around the fire alarm, vents, and performed an internal vent cleaning. Needless to say I had to try the cleaner out myself, because the experience felt and smelt like a infomercial. I grabbed the cleaner and headed straight for the dingy discolored brown refrigerator, I started rubbing with a circular motion and what should appear but a white refrigerator. I was amazed at the entire experience and it made me a believer!

Did you know there are many benefits to having your air ducts professionally cleaned?

The top five are listed below:

1. Reduces dust that would other wise circulate throughout your living space.
2. Reduces allergens and irritants
3. Helps everyone breath easier
4. Removes unpleasant smells and odors
5. Improves Air Flow

I am eager to learn and share more about how SERVPRO can assist our community, customer and clients; as well as the opportunity to meet and to get to know you all.

I hope to see you soon and remember we are just a phone call away 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Until Then,

Amanda Carter

Marketing Representative

CE Class for Insurance Agents

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

In January we are offering two free continuing education seminars for anyone needing insurance credits. The classes will be held on January 15th at the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce ( 401 S. Broad St., Thomasville, GA 31799). Registration starts at 8:30 AM and the first class will be from 9 AM-12 PM and is an Ethics seminar (Course #43061). The second course is Mitigation Awareness & Response (MARS Course # 41734) and it will be held from 1 PM- 3 PM. We have an instructor from corporate office coming down to teach both courses. Lite breakfast and a lunch will be provided for all attendees.  We already have quite a few signed up. The class size is limited, so please contact Mary Catherine ASAP at 229-236-1902 or mhaymons@SERVPRO9816.com to sign up. 

Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

The Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce plays a huge roll in our community. They are the face of the local businesses in Thomasville-Thomas County. Each month they select a ‘Business of the Month’ and showcase that business and all the employees for the entire month. The Chamber also has an Ambassador program, we at SERVPRO are proud to no only be Chambers members but part of the Ambassador program. The Chamber Ambassadors are a group of professional individuals from local businesses in Thomasville and they help with all the chamber functions. The second Tuesday of each month the Chamber host all members for ‘VOOM’-Voices of Our Members. It is a great time to network with all the other chamber members and learn all the events going on in the community. SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady counties really appreciate all the hard work the girls at the chamber do for us. Please visit their new website https://www.thomasvillechamber.com.

Mary Catherine's First Few Weeks!

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

6/11/2018

My first three weeks at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties have been great! I started back in May and have been training in the office since then. I have been working very closely with Kristi our Office Manager. Kristi has shown me what to do when we receive an emergency call, and the importance of gathering all the information correctly. The office plays a very important role in making sure we have all the information needed to process the claim with the insurance company. The technicians are on site monitoring and collecting the information for the ‘drying report’. The drying report holds all the readings, sketches and any other information needed for the job. Kristi has been a great trainer, and I look forward to learning even more! I am very excited to continue on my new journey at SERVPRO- Mary Catherine Haymons

Cold Weather Tips!

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Our partners at the American Red Cross have the right idea on staying warm this Season.

As temperatures drop this winter, the American Red Cross offers ten steps people can take to stay safe during the cold weather.

1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.

2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.

4. Requires supervision – Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

9. Use generators outside. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

For more information on how to stay safe during the cold weather, visit http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips

Calling all Insurance agents!

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

This month we are offering two free continuing education seminars for anyone needing insurance credits. The classes will be held on January 18th at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce (116 1st Ave. South East Moultrie, Ga 31768). This is our first time hosting a class in Moultrie and we are very excited to see the turnout. The first class will be from 9 AM-12 PM and is an Ethics seminar (Course #43061). The second course is Mitigation Awareness & Response (MARS) and it will be held from 1 PM- 3 PM. We have an instructor from corporate office coming down to teach both courses and her name is Mary Busey. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees.  We already have quite a few signed up. The class size is limited, so please contact Brandy ASAP at 229-236-1902 or bbradley@SERVPRO9816.com to sign up. 

New Year, New Newsline Quizes.

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

We wanted a way to incorporate and engage people to read the monthly SERVPRO newsletters that come out each month. I felt like people were not reading them. In fact, I found that some people would even throw them in the trash when I left their office or building. I've witnessed this when I walked back to the office to leave my card I forgot on the first visit. Interesting enough, at a sales meeting I attended a couple of years ago a marketing representative told the group about a new approach that peaked interest and also created more customers. She said that she would make quizzes from the newsletters (both the residential and commercial newlines.) She said that she would pass out the quizzes with the newsletters attached and tell the client to email her the answers. Whatever town she was working out of in North Georgia, she decided that the prize would be a whole ham delivered at the end of the month. We NOW are incorporating this quiz-newsletter idea with our franchise. I hope it takes off! Although, we may not start with the "ham giveaway" a visa gift card would be a nice and rewarding touch, don't you think?

Kat's 1 Year Anniversary!

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Kat is ready to take on another year at SERVPRO!

Whew! A year working as an SMR has flown by a lot faster than expected. I still am in disbelief thinking of how I have already exceeded my year mark with SERVPRO, but when I reflect on all that I’ve learned over such a short amount of time it puts things into perspective. Covering six counties is no easy task, but I have developed relationships with many of the clientele I have come into contact with, especially those that I see on a regular basis. I feel that I have accomplished a lot and brought a lot of new business to our team. It seems as though we are growing and developing a better name for ourselves and getting more involved in the territories we cover. All in all, I’d say it’s been a pretty great year for both myself and for SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties!  

Cleaning Floors

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

Are you tired of your grungy looking floors? Let us clean your floors the right way!

Hard flooring, like hardwood and tile, is often used in today’s homes and commercial properties. At first glance, hard flooring appears to be easy to clean, maintain, and restore. However, these materials tend to have soil accumulate over time, and eventually you’ll need professional cleaning to remove this buildup. 

We have specialized training in time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. Also, our proprietary cleaning system allows our Professionals to properly clean and restore your floor’s original beauty. 

In the picture you will see the difference of SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt & Grady Counties can do for your bathroom tile floors. These floors were frequently mopped and cleaned but SERVPRO was able to professionally remove the gunk that was built up over time.

1st Annual Ladies Luncheon

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team pictured with Terri Jenkins, the Red Cross Director of South Georgia.

Our First Annual Ladies Luncheon was a HIT!

We had over 75 women attend on Friday, June 9th. The venue was absolutely amazing and the food was delicious.  Starting at Noon we had our sponsorship reception with champagne and appetizers.  The appetizers were braised beef crostini, salmon spread on toasted bread, and white bean puree and olive tapenade on flat bread.  

All other guest arrived at 1 PM for networking and lunch.  For lunch, you had a soup choice of traditional gazpacho topped with pistou yogurt & butter croutons or chilled potato and leek vichyssoise finished with olive oil.  The entree choices were a greek style salad with shrimp or a chicken salad tartine.  White and red sangria were served and for dessert you had a choice of chocolate or lemon cake.

Mr. Tillman was our pianist and he played a variety of songs for each generation to enjoy.  After lunch we listened to Terri with the Red Cross of South Georgia speak on the Red Cross in our area and ended the event with handing out door prizes.

American Red Cross Ladies Luncheon

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

This year we are switching things up just a little.  In the past we have hosted a Golf & Give tournament to benefit the American Red Cross of South Georgia.  This year we will be hosting a Ladies Luncheon.  The luncheon will be held at South Eden Plantation on June 9^th.  South Eden Plantation is a beautiful historic, boutique resort located in Thomasville, Georgia.  The luncheon will be held in the Harvest House from 1pm-2pm.  A champagne reception will be served from Noon to 1pm for those who have sponsored a table.  Along with perks for 8, the sponsors will receive a tour of the plantation and have national recognition through the Red Cross Clara Barton Society. Individual tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through Eventbrite below or by calling our office at 229-236-1902.

Click here for tickets.

Ringing in the Holidays!

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

This year's theme for Thomasville's Christmas Parade was "Ringing in the Holidays". We at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt, and Grady Counties decided to decorate our float according to the theme, taking a patriotic approach. We decorated our float with a 10-foot-tall Liberty Bell, American flags, red and blue streamers, a Christmas tree with red, white, and blue lights as well as with miniature American flags strewn about, an adornment of lights, and of course our giant Santa Claus hat, which was placed on top of the green SERVPRO truck. We also had employees and their children dress up with jingle bells and American flag capes. Other employees dressed as famous American figures, such as Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty. It was a joy for all involved to see the kids' faces light up when noticing our decor and costumes, though some of them were uncertain about the actual names of the characters and addressed them as George Washington or The Big Apple. Nonetheless, the countless hours of decorating and preparation paid off, because we ended up placing second overall - out of 103 floats! It was the first time in our franchise's history that we actually placed in the Christmas parade. Needless to say, we were very proud to end up getting first runner up and are looking forward to hopefully taking home the first place title next year!

Life as a new SERVPRO SMR

10/17/2016 (Permalink)

Katherine Comerford

I have surprisingly completed my first month of working as a new SERVPRO Marketing Representative. I cannot believe it has gone by so fast, as at the end of a typical day I am flabbergasted at how the time has gone by while I'm at work, though I do not feel as though I am actually "working", due having a day spent being in and out of offices chit-chatting with clients and catching up with what's new in their lives as well as with business. The past few weeks working as the SMR for SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt, and Grady Counties has far exceeded my expectations for the threshold of this career start. I have been able to learn a significant amount about my own community and the surrounding areas we cover, meeting an abundance of people and learning the ropes of SERVPRO along the way. Everyday brings about a new lesson to be learned, as well as a new connection built among those I have come into contact with. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know people in the area and more about SERVPRO as I start this journey. 

Upcoming CE Class!

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

We have our 2016 Continuing Education class scheduled for August, 18^th.  This year’s topic will be Restorative Drying for Water.  It will be a free in-class course offered to both Real Estate and Insurance.  This course has been specifically designed to teach and explain the special procedures used by professionals in drying buildings and contents.  It involves four types of services including inspection of the loss, emergency services, monitoring services and restoration services.  You will learn what takes place at a water damage work site during each type of service and the five fundamental principles of water damage restoration industry in an industry standard called the Clean Trust S500 Water Damage Restoration Standard.  We will cover the key questions a restorer asks when inspecting a wet building on the first visit to the loss site and also when the restorer checks on the drying progress of the building during the several days the wet materials are drying. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

For more information or to register please call 229-236-1902 or email bbradley@SERVPRO9816.com.

SUPER HERO DAY!

4/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO SUPER HEROES!

Two of our very own SERVPRO team members were nominated as Super Heroes of Thomasville.  Hands on Thomas County partnered with Everfan for a weekend full of Super Hero surprises.  On Thursday, April 28, 2016, Lauren Basford with the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce delivered Super Hero capes and bags to Abby Darsey and Carson Miller.  The bags included gift certificates to several Thomasville businesses and an invitation to Superhero Bash.  The bash will be at studio 209 and will include live music by Ozell Road, local BBQ by Bigun’s BBQ Boys, a Superhero training course, and a DIY Cape Station.  Proceeds from the Superhero Bash will go to the Be Dave Brave Foundation.

Every day at SERVPRO, we strive to be your Hero.

“Faster than a Category 3!  More powerful than smoke damage!  Able to
leap microbial growth in a single bound!

Look!  In the big green truck!  It's a bird!  It's a plane!  It's Super Abby and Super Carson!”

http://www.handsonthomascounty.org/2016/02/29/thank-an-everyday-hero/

"See Green, Think Spring Clean"

3/21/2016 (Permalink)

Happy Spring!

One of the hardest parts of spring cleaning can be deciding where to begin and what to tackle first. Not to mention figuring out who will do what. Why not let us handle your cleaning for you?

Here's a few tips from us:

1. Maintain filters.
Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your HVAC system and change filters regularly. If your filters become clogged, change them more frequently. Also, be sure you do not have any missing filters and that air cannot bypass filters through gaps around the filter holder.

2. Minimize dust.
Dust and vacuum your home regularly, using the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum cleaner can take preferably HEPA bags. If you undertake dusty construction or renovation work in your home, seal off supply and return registers and do not turn your HVAC system on until you have cleaned up the dust.

3. Clean cooling coils and drain pans.
Cooling coils, which are designed to remove water from the air, can be a major source of moisture contamination that can lead to mold growth in your HVAC system. Make sure that the drain pans under these coils drain properly and check any nearby insulation for wet spots. If you see substantial standing water and/or debris in these pans, contact a qualified service professional immediately. If your system includes an in-duct humidifier, be sure to follow manufacturer operating instructions.

Visit the link below for more details on how SERVPRO can help you with your air ducts.

https://www.SERVPRO.com/airduct-cleaning

2nd Annual Golf & Give Tournament

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

It's that time of year again! We will be hosting our 2nd Annual Golf & Give golf tournament benefiting the American Red Cross- South Georgia Chapter. The tournament will be held on Friday, April 29th at Country Oaks Golf Course in Thomasville, Georgia. The format will be a 4- person scramble with many prizes and contest available.  The entry fee will include green fees, golf cart, range balls and a catered lunch. 

Last year’s event was a huge success! We were able to raise over $5,000 for the American Red Cross- South Georgia Chapter.  We could not have been able to pull it off without the community support and sponsorships we were given. Please visit our facebook page below for more information or give us a call at (229)236-1902.  We’re looking forward to another great event!

https://www.facebook.com/events/433223813540487/

Our First Post: My 2 year anniversary

1/6/2015 (Permalink)

Part of our SERVPRO Team: Pete, Lindsay, Myself & Abby

Posted by Jackie Spadoni, Marketing Representative

The first post of our website blog is about my two year anniversary at SERVPRO of Thomas, Colquitt and Grady Counties. It's been a year of excitement, growth and adventure. Nothing I could or would ever imagine. It's crazy to think that I've been with this company for two years now. The amount of knowledge and experience I have acquired over this time is almost unexplainable. 

I applied for the position back in November of 2012. It was a mutual friend of the owners, Pete and Lindsay, whom told me about the job. I saw the position on the Facebook page and immediately submitted my resume. The next day, I got a call from our office manager, Abby, to come in for an interview. I was currently working at a boutique in downtown Thomasville but I was always on the look out for a marketing position in the community. 

When I heard that I would be getting an interview with SERVPRO, I had no idea what to expect- let alone what this company was even about. Going into the interview, I was nervous but eager to learn about what I was hopefully going to be doing/ making my new career. I met with Lindsay and Abby. I was asked the basic interview questions but still very intimidated as I was for almost every other interview I've been to. The staff was incredibly friendly and very welcoming during my first visit. The next day I received a call back to come in for a second interview. I was ecstatic. I met Pete, one of the owners and Burt, the production manager. I also was given a tour of the facility that might one day be part of my daily life. I was nervous meeting the group but it also excited me that maybe it was a step closer to getting the position. 

That day- after the interview, I was offered the job as marketing representative! I trained under Christy, whom was the current marketing rep- but was moving on to pursue another career path. I would be taking her position over within the month. I remember riding around and building relationships with new contacts. Going in and introducing myself was the most exciting but intimidating part of the process.

Today- I have an amazing wealth of knowledge about our SERVPRO franchise. I've been to several training seminars, researched and lived through our production teams experiences. I (myself) have work in disaster related circumstances. Many people think that SERVPRO is just a disaster cleanup company. But what I've learned over the past two years is that we are so much more. 

These past two years if learned to appreciate my fellow work partners as family.  Not only does this mean the people I work with but the clients I have made and built along the way. To help people in a time of despair and confusion- is the best feeling in the world. We are, generally speaking, aside from fire rescue crews, the "first responders." At first- knowing that we were the ones to deal with structural loss was extremely nerve-wracking. After becoming used to being the "emotional blanket' for people to be comforted by, I really started to appreciate what I do. We help people in a time of complete panic and confusion. That is something to really appreciate and have become very proud of.

I've learned that we (our team) have all become incredibly close and appreciative of everyone's position in this company. We work as a team and make sure that everyone knows that every day. Our franchise feeds off of each other- we ALL work together to get the job done- no matter how big or small. I never thought I would ever work with such an amazing group of people. This is the main reason why I continue my career with SERVPRO. We are family- I wouldn't change anything about it. I value the hard times and the good times. Both have made us incredibly stronger. It's been a pleasure to be with our SERVPRO team. The past two years have been an amazing journey. I wouldn't change a thing. I hope for many years to come.