Recent Posts
Back to school time! Go into the new year with a clean space.
8/2/2024 (Permalink)
Technician, Brett, doing the final touches on the preschool class room cleaning!
It is that time of year again, summer is coming to a close and it is time to get ready for the school year. We hope everyone's summer has been filled with sunshine, fun actives, family time, and lots of memories! One way to keep the good times going into the school year is to start with a clean and germ free classroom. SERVPRO has got you covered!
We offer a wide variety of cleaning options from carpet/tile cleanings, HVAC cleanings, disinfecting thermal fog, etc. The scientists over at the SERVPRO headquarters have worked hard to create and provide us with effective yet safe products to help keep your space clean. We have options that are food safe, allow reentry in as little at 30 minutes, environmentally safe, and so much more.
We can all agree that the worst way to come back to school is to be welcomed by a sickness or unsanitary space. Let SERVPRO get your school year off on the right foot!
Have or know someone with a hoarding issue? Let SERVPRO help!
8/2/2024 (Permalink)
Dressed in PPE ready to clean!
A hoarder home is more than having a mess or clutter, it can lead to major safety issues and health concerns for the residents of the home. The longer a hoarder waits to address the issue, the more potential it has to become a dangerous situation. While studies tell us that hoarder tendencies stem from mental and emotional health struggles, SERVPRO® is Here to Help® when a person is ready to face them and get their home back.
As restoration experts, we know how overwhelming and scary a hoarder house can be. The clutter can be a major trip and fall hazard and the build up of moisture and feces can lead to mold and an infestation. Our technicians are trained and equipped with the correct cleaning supplies, knowledge, PPE, and equipment for any size job.
Our mental health and the spaces we live in have a direct connection. It is more than having an excess of things, it is added stress on the mind and dangerous to the body. If you are struggling with where to turn for help, give SERVPRO a call!
Not only can we mitigate your home, we can rebuild it too!
8/2/2024 (Permalink)
Meet the team!
You have suffered from a water, fire, or mold loss and SERVPRO® has come out to mitigate the issue. The water, soot, or mold is thankfully gone but now you are left with the task of replacing your ceiling, kitchen, walls, flooring, etc. No worries, Complete Restoration Services (CRS) can help!
CRS is a licensed and insured construction and general contracting business under the SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville umbrella. Back in 2016, CRS joined our restoration family, making us a one stop shop to help customers with the entire process. They work with both insurance claims and self pay, perfect for any job. From storm damage, to a kitchen fire, or a busted pipe, our team can handle it!
The skilled team at CRS specializes in dry wall, flooring, remodels, roofing, board ups/tarping, and so much more. Give our SERVPRO office a call to get connected with the CRS team! (985)-871-5375
Putting a fire out: The PASS Method
8/18/2023 (Permalink)
The PASS Method is easy and affective.
According to the National Fire Protection Association’s Home Structure Fires report more than 26% of reported fires from 2016-2020 occurred in a home and 75% of civilian fire deaths are caused by home fires. Most of these tragic disasters start from cooking, heating equipment, electrical issues, and lighting failures. Being confident and prepared for a home fire can make the difference in life and death. One small but highly effective way to be prepared for a fire is having the proper knowledge of how to put a fire out. The PASS method was created to help simplify the use of a fire extinguisher.
Pull – Maintaining control of the nozzle, pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
Aim – Stand back from the flames. With one hand, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze – Firmly squeeze the nozzle with your hand.
Sweep – Quickly contain the fire by making a sweeping motion with the nozzle.
Now even though a fire extinguisher can be effective it is important to only use it for smaller fires. NEVER take it upon yourself to put out a large fire. If a fire seems too massive and dangerous it is always best to call your local fire department. It is never worth taking the risk when you are one phone call away from having professional help.
After a fire is extinguished and everyone is safe, our SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville team is ready to help with cleanup and restoration. We have trained and certified technicians that can make the fore “Like it never happened.” Contact our office with more information.
3 Common Causes for Commercial Water Losses & How to Prevent Them
8/14/2023 (Permalink)
Water cleanup due to a busted pipe at a hotel
For business owners or property managers, large commercial structures require a lot of up keep, attention to detail, and organization in order to keep them running in tip top shape. It is crucial to stay up to date on reunion matience, having a mastered emergency plan, and having a strong team to support you. While most disasters are preventable if these steps are taken, some will happen no matter what. One disaster can disrupt your building for hours, days, weeks, and even permanently if you are not careful. There are three common causes for large water losses to look out for.
HVAC failures/Drain pan over flow
Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air and as a result, condensation forms. The condensation travels from the indoor coil to the drain pan and through the drain line. These drian pans can over flow for many different reasons. It is usually from a crack in the pan or excess debris causing a clog. In order to prevent these water damages there are a few small and easy steps to take. Install a float switch. This will shut off your air conditioning if water in the pan gets too high, giving you a clear sign that it needs help. You can also schedule maintenance appointments once or twice a year to insure a professional is keeping everything well maintained.
Plumbing leaks
Busted and leaking pipes is a constant issue for structures with stacked plumbing such as hotels and other hospitality facilities. A crack as small as 1/8 inches can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day! The average commercial water disaster can cost up to $500,00 so it is critical to take steps to keep pluming pipes in good condition. Making sure to replace any leaking fittings or drains, note and investigate any finding of standing water, keeping the pipes warm in a freeze, and add water flow sensors around toilets, bathtubs, washing machines, etc.
Roof leaks
The most common source of commercial water leaks is a roof leak. These commercial buildings usually have HVAC equipment, skylights, and vents that increase the amount of access points water has to enter the building. When preventing roof leaks it is important to never push the limit with the lifetime of your roof. Replace it when the time comes and do not push it off. Smaller preventative steps to take include cleaning out drains, removing debris, and scheduling regular roof inspections.
SERVPRO of Bay St. Louis/Diamondhead has trained and certified technicians to help with any water damage that might come your way. We can also help you plan for those emergency’s with our free Emergency Ready Profile service. Call our office today to schedule your ERP or anytime with any restorations needs! (228)467-4450
Continuing Education Class
8/11/2023 (Permalink)
Our SERVPRO office has a large classroom designed for hosting these continuing education classes!
Attention all local insurance agents and adjusters, SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is hosting a continuing education class and you are invited! The class will be The Restoration of Hoarding.
This class will cover a wide variety of topics such as the different types of hoarding, behavioral issues, the clean-up process, and much more. Insurance professionals will learn how a cleaning process can be implemented to professionally assess and mitigate the loss of a hoarding situation. They will also learn the proper steps needed to remain safe, how to face coverage concerns, how to best communicate and understand a hoarder, etc.
The class will be held on September 7th at our Mandeville office. The address is 68424 James St. Mandeville, LA 70471. Registration will begin at 8:30am with the class starting at 9:00am and ending around 11:30am. This class will provide two hours of credit for BOTH Mississippi and Louisiana agents and adjustors.
We will provide coffee, water, and a light breakfast and snacks for everyone in attendance. With space being limited please email vhotard@SERVPROofcovington.com to RSVP and save your spot. Come out a learn about the hoarding restoration process, network with other professionals in your field, and have fun. We hope to see you there!
Emergency Ready Plan
8/1/2023 (Permalink)
Disasters are one of those things that no one plans to have happen to them, however, they are virtually inevitable. It is not a matter of if but when will you experience a disaster and when that day comes, how many of you business owners can confidently say you have a well-thought-out plan in place? If your answer is no, then let SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville help you with this daunting task.
Whether your emergency is a powerful hurricane, accidental kitchen fire, or a busted pipe causing a flood, having a strong plan in place can often be the difference in whether your business survives or if it, unfortunately, does not. In fact, 95% of disasters that standard businesses suffer from are man-made, for example, an accidental internal fire or flood. Research shows that up to 50% of businesses never reopen after suffering from a disaster and the ones who do almost always have a response plan to thank.
Introducing the benefits of SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)
- This is a no-cost assessment for your business
- Access your ERP from anywhere using the mobile app
- It takes very little time to create and complete
- Contains only critical information needed for disaster relief such as shut-off locations, priority contacts, building access, etc. No fluff added.
- Will minimize business interruptions, miscommunication, and lost revenue
- Establishes SERVPRO of Greater Mandeville and Covington as your disaster and restoration provider
Call our office at (985) 871-5375 to schedule your free Emergency Ready Plan today!
Hurricane Ida: A Recap and Claims Update One Year Later
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2021
August 29th marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ida making landfall in Louisiana. Hurricane Ida was the second-most damaging hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana behind Hurricane Katrina. A year later, many of our communities throughout the state are still recovering. As we continue to rebuild, we can assess the impact of Hurricane Ida and learn how to prepare for future storms.
Hurricane Ida Facts
- Hurricane Ida made landfall on August 29, 2021, near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as a Cat 4 storm with 150 mph sustained winds.
- Hurricane Ida affected 25 parishes in Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast region before making its way up the East Coast causing damages in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
- Hurricane Ida was the 5th costliest tropical cyclone on record and the fourth costliest Atlantic hurricane in the US causing at least $75.25 billion dollars in damages.
- Hurricane Ida produced 35 known tornadoes in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Virginia.
- In Louisiana, more than one million people were without power. In Mississippi, 113,000 people lost electricity on August 30th. Most properties had power restored within ten days.
Hurricane Ida Louisiana Claims Data
On August 1st, the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) Commissioner Jim Donelon released the third measure of Hurricane Ida data. The following claims information is conclusive as of June 30th. LDI will continue collecting data from property and casualty insurers and will release a fourth and final Hurricane Ida claims data report this fall. Please note that the following facts do not include data from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as LDI does not regulate NFIP.
- Insurers have paid or reserved to pay $13.1 billion on all types of Hurricane Ida-related claims in Louisiana.
- Policyholders have filed 460,709 claims of all types. Of those claims, 299,440, or 65%, were closed with payment.
- The total number of residential property claims is 359,548. Of those claims, 88% are closed and 63% were closed with payment.
- The total number of commercial property claims is 29,876. Of those claims, 71% are closed and 45% were closed with payment.
- The total number of private flood claims is 662. Of those claims, 91% are closed and 52% were closed with payment.
SERVPRO's Response to Hurricane Ida
After Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana, SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville and every other SERVPRO franchise in our state were inundated with phone calls requesting restoration services. Our office alone received hundreds of phone calls within the first couple of weeks after the storm. Homeowners and business owners needed everything from roof tarping and tree removal to flood cleanup and water damage mitigation services. While SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville and other local SERVPRO franchises immediately began helping our community recover, SERVPRO franchises from all over the United States rushed into Louisiana to provide more resources.
SERVPRO’s corporate office received 5,683 phone calls from Louisiana residents after Hurricane Ida. Storm teams across the country quickly mobilized to lend a hand. Forty out-of-state independently owned and operated SERVPRO franchises with approximately one hundred restoration crews helped us provide emergency restoration services in Louisiana. From large loss teams to smaller franchise teams, SERVPRO crews helped restore thousands of businesses and homes.
Hurricane Resources
Other Reports and Data on Hurricane Ida
How to Protect Your Home from Lightning-Related Fires
7/26/2022 (Permalink)
Lightning is hotter than the sun and can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning-related fires most often occur during the summer storm season, typically months June through August. However, lightning-related fires do happen all year long and in every state. According to NFPA’s latest report “Lightning Fires and Lightning Strikes”, during 2007-2011, U.S. local fire departments responded to an estimated 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes. While this data includes both structure and non-structure fires, nineteen percent of lightning fires were home fires.
Recent insurance claims data from the Insurance Information Institute reveals Louisiana is ranked the eighth state in homeowners’ lightning loss claims for 2021. In Louisiana, there were 2,372 homeowners claims due to lightning in 2021 which resulted in over twenty-eight million dollars in damages. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your home from lightning-related fires and to mitigate damages.
Prevent Lightning-Related Fires by Installing a Whole-house Lightning Protection System
Lightning protection systems work to intercept lightning strikes, provide a conductive path for the electrical discharge to follow, and safely disperse the energy into the ground.
A whole-home lightning protection system consists of:
- Air terminals (a.k.a. lightning rods) mounted on the roof
- Main conductors made of aluminum or copper wires to redirect electricity
- A proper grounding system
- A bonding system to prevent sparks or side flashes
- Surge protective devices
Lightning protection systems should follow the national standards and requirements of the Lightning Protection Institute, National Fire Protection Association, and Underwriters Laboratories. Only experienced and reputable lightning protection contractors listed by Underwriters Laboratories and certified by Lightning Protection Institute should install these systems.
Prevent Lightning-Related Fire by Removing Yard Debris
Dry grass, plants, and leaves are highly flammable and should be regularly removed from your yard to prevent a ground fire from spreading to the home.
Prevent Lightning-Related Fires by Updating Wiring in Older Homes
Older homes can often experience electrical problems. Consult with a qualified electrician to inspect your home’s electrical and grounding systems. Without a proper grounding system, a lightning strike could cause a fire and affect your home’s electrical foundation.
How to Respond to a Lightning-Related Home Fire
If a lightning strike causes your home to catch on fire, your family’s safety is the top priority. Everyone must exit the home immediately. Once in a safe location far away from your home, call the fire department for help. Do not reenter your home until you are told it is safe.
After the fire is extinguished, limit movement in your home to prevent further damage. Do not try to clean soot or fire damage yourself without proper personal protective equipment. Fire damage cleaning and restoration are best left to trained professionals.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville’s certified and experienced fire restoration professionals are here to help 24-7-365. To learn more about our fire damage restoration services or to schedule an inspection, call our office by dialing 985-871-5375.
St. Tammany Parish is a StormReady® Community
6/29/2022 (Permalink)
St. Tammany Parish is a StormReady® Community
St. Tammany Parish is recognized as a StormReady® community in accordance with the National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady® program. The NWS StormReady® program was created to help communities throughout the United States better prepare for extreme weather and water events. StormReady® program provides community emergency managers with guidelines on how to improve their hazard weather program. Each StormReady® community must meet certain criteria to earn this designation, and they must renew every three years. A few of the program’s criteria include having an established 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center, promoting the importance of public readiness through community seminars, and developing a formal hazardous weather plan.
Extreme weather events in St. Tammany Parish include hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, and wind and hail damages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Officials from St. Tammany Parish Government’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are responsible for maintaining our community’s StormReady® designation and for ensuring our residents and businesses are prepared for any size disaster. Below is a list of emergency resources to help St. Tammany Parish residents before, during, and after weather-related hazards.
St. Tammany Parish Storm Emergency Numbers
- For storm updates, call 985-809-2300
- To report storm-related issues, call 985-898-2323
- After the storm, to report damages, call 985-898-2574 or email DAMAGE@STPGOV.ORG
- For special needs shelter information, call 985-898-3074
St. Tammany Parish Sandbag Locations
(Possible locations – Opening of Sandbag locations will be posted at www.stpgov.org/storm)
- Tammany Parish Government – Building – 21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville, LA 70471.
- Tammany Parish Public Works – Airport Road Barn- 34783 Grantham College Rd. Slidell, LA 70460.
- Tammany Parish Public Works – Fritchie Barn- 63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River, LA 70452.
- Tammany Parish Public Works Barn – Keller Barn- 63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe, LA 70445.
- Tammany Parish Public Works Barn – Covington Barn- 1305 N. Florida Street, Covington, LA 70433.
- The Old Levee District Site – 61134 Military Road (Hwy 1090) Slidell, LA
St. Tammany Parish Storm Resources
St. Tammany Parish Storm Communications
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville has provided emergency storm mitigation and restoration services for St. Tammany Parish residents and businesses since 2009. After storms, our crews are ready to respond immediately to prevent secondary damages to properties. Our emergency services include water and flood damage mitigation, board-up, securing tarps, and more. Please call 985-871-5375 to schedule emergency mitigation services.
24/7 Emergency Service
