Recent Posts

A Salute to First Responders

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This famous Mr. Rogers quote comes to mind when we celebrate first responders: those who arrive first on the scene of any disaster or emergency.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, there are many different agencies and people in your community who are ready to respond. Whether it’s a house fire or a hurricane, we are thankful every day for these first responders.

Firefighters, EMTs, and Police

Local fire and police departments, as well as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), are often first on the scene of an emergency. In the U.S., there are more than 29,700 fire departments with 1,160,450 total firefighters, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s 2015 U.S. Fire Department Profile.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are almost 245,000 EMTs and paramedics in the U.S. In the U.S. there are about 18,000 federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, employing more than 750,000 fulltime sworn officers, according to the Uniformed Crime Reporting Program collected by the FBI.

Military

When events such as natural disasters strike, different branches of the military are often the first line of response. The Army National Guard and Air National Guard, with over 342,000 soldiers, respond domestically when deployed by their state Governor, often during states of emergency from weather-related events. They can also be called upon during terrorist attacks or civil unrest, or called overseas by the President of the United States.

Active duty soldiers can also be called upon for certain domestic events as well.

FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

As a part of FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), these volunteers are trained to be prepared for any disasters that may affect your local area in an effort to support professional responders. CERT volunteers are trained in “basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations,” according to FEMA.

With more than 2,700 CERT programs, over 600,000 individuals have been trained nationwide. Teams are managed locally but supported nationally by FEMA.

SERVPRO® of Hammond recognizes these and the countless other first responders in our communities for keeping our communities safe.

National Presence

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

With over 1,700 franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO® truly does stretch from sea to shining sea. Out of those franchises, over 400 are large loss response teams – these teams are able to handle $100,000 or more in damage, so you can rest assured that your building is in good hands. Our Large Loss Response teams have extra equipment, staff members, and training that allow them to mobilize all over the United States whenever disaster strikes. These team work together during hurricanes, tornadoes, polar vortexes, floods, and much more to ensure that everything looks “Like it never even happened.”

Additionally, there are more than 10 Extreme Response Teams within SERVPRO® who are ready to head out at a moment’s notice. These teams are often made up of multiple Large Loss Response Teams, and they are the highest tier of disaster response at SERVPRO®. These elite teams can handle losses of $500,000 or more and are strategically placed around America so that they can act quickly when they are called into action.

With so many SERVPRO® franchises, Large Loss Response Teams, and Extreme Response Teams around America, it is easy to see why we are a leader in the restoration industry. No matter where you are in the U.S., we will be there in a flash to help get your life back to normal. Simply give our office a call at 985-542-7388, and a team will be dispatched to your location! 

Understanding the Fire Restoration Process

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

The fire restoration process should be started as quickly as possible following a fire damage. The longer you wait to contact a certified restoration company, the more likely it is for damage from water and smoke to intensify. It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.   

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents available at the store.  Unfortunately, this will barely make an impact on the problem and could cause bigger issues.  Chemical agents could react with the residue and cause permanent damage, and in some cases, they may cause toxic fumes. Fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it should be left to a professional for the best results. 

Let SERVPRO of Hammond be your certified professional when facing your own fire damage. We will walk you through the process step by step to ensure that your home is properly restored. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to help you put your life back together and restore your normal as much as possible.

Call us today at 985-542-7388.

Sources of Outside Water Damage

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

There are many ways that water can infiltrate your home, often when you least expect it. It will destroy everything in its path and take over your entire world. In addition to increased stress levels, unexpected water damage can cause displacement for you and your family. Only a certified and insured restoration company should be trusted to mitigate the damage to your home. SERVPRO of Hammond is your local resource to get your home back in working order.

Water damage can occur from both interior and exterior sources. Below are some ways you can help prevent water damage inside your home that comes from outside sources.

Roof

  • Ensure that shingles, flashings or tiles on your roof aren’t missing, broken, cracked, curled or damaged in other ways.
  • Cut tree limbs that hang above your roof so they don’t cling to shingles and trap moisture.
  • Make sure the vents, flues, chimneys, air conditioners, and evaporative coolers are properly installed and in good shape.
  • Check for leaks around rooftop air-conditioning units, vents for exhaust or plumbing, or other specialized equipment.

Gutters and Downspouts

  • Clear gutters and downspouts from leaves, twigs, and other debris. Also, check that they are in good condition so that water can flow freely. You can do this by installing metal screens to help prevent clogging.
  • Ensure downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. This helps direct water away from the foundation. Downspout extensions can be added if needed.

Doors and Windows

  • Install window well covers to help prevent water and debris from getting trapped and causing water to eventually seep into your basement.
  • Check for leaks near the corners of your doors and windows. Signs of leaks include peeling paint, paint discoloration or swollen frames.
  • Installing overhangs or awnings above exterior doors and windows protects them from the sun, rain, and snow.
  • Check for a tight fit on closed doors and windows. Any cracks between the sash and frame Close your doors and windows to check for a tight fit. Repair or replace damaged flashing or weather-stripping.

Walls

  • Check for and repair cracked or broken siding boards, bricks, stone or another masonry, and structural sheathing.
  • Remove any shrubs and other landscaping features from along the walls, and avoid directing water towards the house when irrigating the garden and plants to prevent excessive water near the foundation.
  • Seal any openings from wiring, plumbing, phone, cable, and heating and air conditioning lines with foam or caulk. Repair any damaged or unpainted wood surrounding these openings.
  • Termites can eat wood, plaster, and even metal siding causing holes and compromising structural integrity. Check for signs of termite activity on the walls and the wooden structures around your foundation.
  • Ensure that the exhaust vent doors properly open and close.

Following these steps can help protect your home from exterior water damage. If water does happen to sneak into your home, make sure to have SERVPRO of Hammond on speed dial 985-542-7388. We’ll be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What is Fire Damage Clean Up?

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

What is Fire Damage Clean Up?

Did you recently have a fire loss to your property?  Is there soot and debris all over the place?  Are you unsure where to start to get the property back together and cleaned up?  

Well, Calling SERVPRO of Hammond can Help!  

Fire damage clean up consists of cleaning all the soot and debris from the entire property structure.  That is cleaning everything from floors to ceilings, to every window and door within the structure. Also, cleaning all the contents within the structure, from couches to appliances.  There are many different techniques used when performing the cleanup, so calling in the professionals is essential.  

SERVPRO of Hammond specializes in cleaning properties that have been affected by fire, soot, and smoke.  From sorting through the debris, deodorizing, and cleaning walls and contents. We take the appropriate steps necessary to get the cleaning done correctly and efficiently. 

Call Us Now at 985-542-7388 for more Information on Fire Damage Clean Up!

Commercial Water Damage

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Floods, sewage backups, and other contaminated water can cause some of the worst damage to your commercial property. Contaminated water is often filled with deadly substances including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This can be compounded by the composition of your commercial building. Organic materials such as drywall, wood, and debris found in carpet are prime breeding ground for pathogens and other bacteria and parasites to grow. The health risk to you and your employees is greatly increased when exposure to flood waters, sewage, and other types of contaminated water.

SERVPRO of Hammond will dry the commercial building quickly and apply antimicrobial agents to all surfaces that had contact with the water to help make sure that they can eliminate any lingering contaminants. This can help ensure you and your employees that they can return to a safe working environment. If your commercial building is in need of water damage cleanup and repair, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Hammond at 985-542-7388. We are available 24/7 to help you get your business back “Like it never even happened.”

Restoring Your Tangipahoa Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Tangipahoa 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 quickly 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 arises in your business, give us a call, and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Hammond

SERVPRO of Hammond 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.

Restore vs. Replace Mentality

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

The restore vs. replace mentality is one of the greatest assets SERVPRO of Hammond has. When it comes to making it "Like it never even happened," it's impossible to overstate the importance of keeping as many of the original items as possible. Restoring contents and materials allows prices to stay down as the cost for restoration is 20% of the replacement cost. More importantly, restoring is the preferred option because whether we realize it or not, the things in our homes, even the most arbitrary, have some sentimental value. The blanket you always grab when you watch a movie, the plate you put your Thanksgiving turkey on, or the couch your grandparents gave you. Every item of yours is essential, and SERVPRO of Hammond will treat it as such.

Contaminated Water Categories and Cleanup

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

As a homeowner in Tangipahoa, it’s possible you may have to deal with water damage from a leak or flood at some point in time. Several types of contaminated water require extra safety precautions, so it’s essential first to assess the kind of damage to determine how to proceed with removal and repair. Common types of contaminants may include the following:

  • Cleaning agents such as soap or bleach
  • Grease and oils
  • Food residue
  • Bodily waste

There are also several other unsafe chemicals and foreign objects that have led experts to create a system to categorize types of water.

Category 1: Clean Water

This type of water is most likely the result of a faucet overflow, broken water supply line, or household appliance malfunction. Keep in mind that although it may not be contaminated water, environmental conditions or the amount of time lapsed can cause the water to elevate to Category 2 or 3. Contact a water damage repair service within the first 48 hours of a clean water spill to prevent worsening damage.


Category 2: Grey Water

Possible sources of grey water can be from appliance discharge, broken sump pumps, and toilet water mixed with urination. Due to the rapid growth of bacteria and mold, cleanup should begin as soon as possible to prevent elevating grey water to Category 3.

Category 3: Black Water

This type of contaminated water is primarily composed of sewage backup containing human and animal waste. It may also source from rivers, streams, and oceans, which are often known to contain bacteria, fungi, and unsanitary chemicals. Contact a cleanup service immediately when this type of water is discovered.

When Flooding or Storms hit SERVPRO of Hammond is Ready

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hammond 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 Tangipahoa, 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 (985)-542-7388