Our customer base for ServiceMaster of Gwinnett and ServiceMaster 5 Points lives in the northeast portion of Georgia. For people living in this area, the two most common natural disasters are flooding from torrential storms and hurricane damage. The strongest storms are usually during the summer months and cause flash flooding, especially in areas close to creeks and rivers, but are not limited to those areas. Hurricanes tend to come ashore in Florida and come up the coastline, but they are such large storms that their impact can be felt across the state. We accept the risk of natural disasters happening wherever we choose to live, but how can protect our home from damage when these events do happen?

While everyone dreams of a winter wonderland, winter temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing and roof, leading to hidden water damage that might not show itself until much later. Even in early spring when you see temperatures jumping from high to low and back up again, there is a potential for water damage to your home. Here are some ways to check for hidden water damage caused by cold weather.

You had a water loss. A pipe burst; your HVAC unit leaked; maybe sudden heavy storms flooded your basement. Whatever caused the water damage is now requiring you to have a water damage restoration. Water damage and mold go hand in hand for many homeowners, so you need to be aware of this possibility in your home. Here's a breakdown of what you need to be aware of: 

Water damage can occur from various sources, both inside and outside your home. Read on to learn more about some of the most common culprits.

Winterizing your home is important to protect it from freezing and other winter weather conditions. Last year many people were caught unprepared for the holiday freeze and had severe water damage from burst pipes. To protect your home this winter, follow these tips:

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.