Over the past year, we have written many articles about protecting your home or business because as a restoration company that is what we work with the most. Today, we want to discuss keeping your family safe because that is what is most important to you. In the event of an emergency, you must have a plan in place because figuring out what to do at a time like that is a recipe for disaster.

A family emergency plan is a written document that outlines the steps that family members should take in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, natural disaster, or other event that disrupts normal life.

The main components of a family emergency plan need to include:

Are you aware of the most common sources of house fires? Do you know how to protect your home and yourself from these types of fires? Being aware of these sources and how to protect against fires caused by them could be a matter of life and death so it is a good idea to educate yourself about each one.

We have been seeing more customers trying to address mold found in their homes. Mold, like any disaster, can be dangerous if not addressed properly so what are the steps you should do and what should you never do when addressing mold of any sort in your home?

During a water loss, you expect the water to flow away from the source of the loss and down from higher points of the home to the foundation. Sometimes though, we find water traveled in a different direction than what you were expecting. So why does it do that?

Last month, we discussed what people want to know about water damage in their homes. This month, we will look at what they want to know about fire and smoke damage.

People want to know a lot of things about fire and smoke damage in their homes. Here are some of the most common questions and some answers to these questions.

Water damage is a major problem that can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. It is important to understand the causes of water damage, how to prevent it, and what to do if you experience it.

Here are some of the most common questions people have about water damage.

Be safe and be sure the fire is out before you do anything else! 

Once it is safe to return to the home, it is very tempting to want to clean everything yourself because it is YOUR home, and you want it to be livable for you and your loved ones.  That can be a mistake! With some surfaces and some cleaners, cleaning on your own can cause more damage than the fire did. ServiceMaster technicians use special cleaners and professional techniques to remove the residual soot and smoke from your home. Proper cleaning is also needed so you will not be breathing in dangerous particulates that are harmful to your health. So, what do you do? What should you be sure to not do?  

When people are ready to get the spring cleaning put behind them, they can often take shortcuts to save time, energy or other resources. This can lead to cross contamination if the cleaner is not careful. Cross contamination is when germs are carried from one surface to another. This is usually an undesirable result and sometimes it can even cause health concerns. This can be done by using the same cleaning materials in both rooms while cleaning. So how do we protect ourselves from cross contamination through our cleaning practices? 

If you recently experienced water damage to your home, whether from burst pipes in December or another cause, be careful – a remaining odor could do more than simply stink. Lingering water damage smells could be a sign that you still have mold growing in your home. Mold thrives in damp conditions. Protect your home and your health by learning how to safely eliminate odors after water damage in your home, using these tips from ServiceMaster Restore®.

We have already experienced a deep freeze here in Georgia in the last throes of 2022, but winter is just getting started so it is still essential that your home is prepared for the cold. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Follow these easy cold-weather preparation tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore. Below you’ll find a selection of checklists and tips to winterize your home and help keep everyone safe.