SERVPRO Demolition/Excavating Services

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Proud to be helping out with any demolition or excavating needs!

SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling's commitment to being the premier cleanup and restoration company in Northern Michigan now extends to demolition and excavating services! We are excited to be able to provide Northern Michigan with demolition and excavating services following any property damage that results in a need for unsafe or unsalvageable areas to be removed. Whether it be after a fire, water, mold, or biohazard situation. 

Services:

• Residential Demolition
• Commercial Demolition
• Site Clearing
• Debris Removal 

Our Equipment:

1. Bobcat Compact Excavator (E42) 
2. Bobcat Compact Track Loader (T595)
3. 8 Dump Trailers

If you or anyone you know ends up in a position where demolition or excavating services are needed, we are here to help! SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling is available 24/7/365 to help with any of your cleanup and restoration needs. Give us a call at 231-564-4014 to find out more on how we can help you! 

Tornado Preparation

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

As we have just learned in our very own Gaylord community, tornadoes can quickly devastate communities. Turning lives upside down, destroying buildings and homes, while producing deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are nothing to mess around with and it is crucial to act quickly if one comes through your area. Here are some tips to prepare for tornadoes in Northern Michigan:  

Under a tornado warning? Find shelter immediately:  

• Stay away from windows, outside walls, and doors.  
• Find a safe and sturdy building.  
• Stay in a low and flat location.  
• It is best to go into a basement or storm cellar.  
• If you do not have a basement, go to a small interior room on the lowest level (avoiding windows).  
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.  
• Watch for flying debris.  

How to prepare:  

• Know your area’s tornado risk. 
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.  
• Know the signs of a tornado.  
  • Funnel cloud.  
  • Cloud of debris.  
  • Loud roar like a freight train.
  • High speed winds.
• Pay close attention to weather reports.  
• Choose a safe place and practice going there with your family to prepare.  
• Always keep a safe distance away from others in your safe shelter.  

What to do during:  

• Go to your safe shelter immediately.  
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.  
• Cover your head and neck for extra protection.  
• Listen to your local alert systems for current emergency information. You can also listen to EAS and NOAA Weather Radio for information.  
• If you happen to be outside or in your car, cover your arms and body with a coat or blanket.  

What to do after:  

• Continue listening to your local alert system, EAS or NOAA Weather Radio for updates.  
• If you happen to be trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust.  
• Do not enter damaged buildings until they are safe.  
• Save your phone calls for emergencies.  
• Stay clear of fallen power lines.  

For more information, visit ready.gov on how to prepare for tornadoes. 

Technology Storm Prep

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Technology can now be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during or after to stay informed of the situation and to be in communication with others. From common technology you already use on a daily basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare, the following tips will help you be ready in the event of an emergency. 

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox offer free ways to store different types of files, like medical records and identification documents. 

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed. The American Red Cross offers Safe & Well check-in sites to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish. Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that becomes activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook directly if you're located in the affected area at that time. 

Make sure your contact information is updated in your phone and e-mail for communicating with family, friends, business contacts and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster. Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this form from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well. Put help in the palm of your hand by adding your local SERVPRO franchise to your personal and work phones. Your local franchise professionals are "Ready for whatever happens." 

Carpet Cleaning Tips

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with any of your carpet cleaning needs!

SERVPRO recommends that you vacuum your carpets regularly and have them fully cleaned on a consistent basis before they start appearing dirty. Dirt builds up in layers, and when carpet visibly looks dirty, you're actually only seeing the dirt at the tips of the carpet fibers. If you wait until your carpets look dirty to have them cleaned, they may not be able to be restored to their original condition. That's why you should vacuum often! 

The frequency of carpet cleaning depends on several factors. Carpets in homes without children, pets or smokers should be cleaned every six to 12 months. Carpet in homes with children, pets or where smoking is occurring need to be cleaned more often; every three to six months. 

If you have any tough to remove stains or are in need of a professional carpet cleaning, give us a call at 231-564-4014. 

How to Master Spring Cleaning

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with any spring cleaning needs!

April showers bring May flowers, and a chance to tackle some spring cleaning! Spring is a great time to sweep those winter blues away and freshen up your living environment. Luckily, SERVPRO is a pro in home cleaning. We know how it is. Sometimes things happen; spills on the carpet, pet accidents, and the general wear and tear of everyday life. These things take their toll on your carpets, upholstery, and other items. Sometimes you just need a deeper clean for your home which you may not be able to accomplish yourself. You need a professional cleaning company that can provide heavy duty cleaning services. That's when you can call the certified professionals at SERVPRO. We can clean carpets, upholstery, drapes, blinds, window treatments, ceilings, floors, and walls. SERVPRO offers specialty cleaning services too, including HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration and odor removal. 

So many of our restoration services such as mold remediation and fire damage, involve the quality of the air in your home. When you call SERVPRO for your home's HVAC and air duct maintenance, we bring that experience and professional training, just as we do to any other restoration or cleaning project. When you find your home has been invaded by a serious, persistent odor like smoke, pet, or sewage stench, it can be a challenging situation. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, whether they come from an inside or outside source. We don't simply mask odors but will use professional odor removal techniques to tackle the cause of the problem. 

If you need a little spring cleaning help, don't worry! SERVPRO's residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family. 

Eliminating Water Damage Odors

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have recently experienced a water damage in your home, you may notice lingering smells. Musty, heavy smells are unpleasant for residents, and if the smell is the result of an active mold or mildew infestation it could pose a serious health risk as well. With this in mind, knowing how to eliminate water damage odor, becomes imperative.

Dry the Affected Area

The first item to check off the list, is making sure that your house is completely dry. Of course you make sure the damaged area gets totally dried, but don’t forget to check your home for other sources of moisture. Kitchens, bathrooms, and the corners of basements are all common areas for the mold that causes water damage odor to grow. Dehumidifiers and air-moving fans will be necessary tools so you can dry out any moisture that you find in your home. If the water and/or dampness doesn’t seem to be receding, you should consult us at SERVPRO. Professional, quality air-moving fans and dehumidifiers pack a much bigger punch than their residential counterparts.

Combat the Mold

After you’ve dried up all moisture in your house, begin ridding your home of any mold that has grown. Mold does present a health concern for humans and pets. Mold releases spores that can cause health effects. Additionally, bacteria feast on the waste that mold produces. This can weaken the structure of your home and causes a lot of the water damage odor that troubles homeowners. If the mold damage is too severe for you to take care of or handle, give the mold professionals a call at 231-564-4014. 

Don’t Mask Water Damage Odor

If you have an issue with water damage odor that has resisted your attempts to clean it up, don’t settle for masking it. Masking the smell may prevent the unpleasant odor, but won’t stop any health risks that mold and mildew pose. If smell seems to be lingering, it’s more likely that there’s some water damage you haven’t found yet. A professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO will be able to find any hidden water damage and get to the bottom of the odor. Ignoring this problem won’t make it go away: mildew, mold, and water damage odor only gets worse.

Know What to Do

Knowing how to eliminate water damage odor is important to you as a homeowner. Never ignore musty smells that come from water damage, and don’t try to mask them either. Make sure you dry up any moisture found in your home, as this helps to stop mold growth. You can use dehumidifiers and air-moving fans to help dry up moisture in your home. If you need help, call your local SERVPRO water damage experts at 231-564-4014!

Interior Holiday Punch List

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

We wish you a very safe and happy holiday season!

SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling wishes you a very safe and happy holiday season. Here are some tips this holiday season to keep you safe and avoid any disasters! 

• Check the seasonal plants you have in your home, and make sure they're not poisonous to children or pets.
• Keep your tree (really all decorations) at least three feet away from heat sources.
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to sleep or leave the house. 
• Don't post your travel or vacation plans on social media until after you return. 
• Alert a trustworthy neighbor that you will be out of town and leave them with a spare key for emergencies (or to retrieve packages and put them safely inside your home).
• If you're leaving town, set your lights on a timer, alternating a few inside to give the appearance of occupancy. 
• If you'll be gone long, have the post office hold your mail for you. 
• If you'll be gone while the weather gets below freezing, it's best to turn off your water at the meter as a precaution. 

SERVPRO hopes that these tips allow for you to get through the holiday season safely. For any of your cleanup or restoration needs, we are here to help 24/7/365! 231-564-4014

Winter Car Emergency Kit

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

We wish you all safety and wellbeing this winter season!

Here at SERVPRO we pride ourselves on being proactive, which is why we want to give you tips on how to prepare a winter car emergency kit for the upcoming winter season! The NSC (National Safety Council) recommends that you include the following in your emergency kit:

• Nonperishable, high-energy foods
• Drinking water
• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
• Car cell phone charger
• Jumper cables
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Rain poncho
• Compass
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cold weather items: snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction
• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod jack
• A tool kit and/or multipurpose utility tool
• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compress

When assembling your emergency kit, though we're specifically focusing on prepping for the winter season, do consider what you might need on a regular basis, and assess what you should add or remove, depending on your destination, weather conditions, or duration of trip. You should check your kit at least every six months, and restock items that you use or that have expired. If interested in learning more, the following link will take you to the NSC (National Safety Council) website. 

NSC Emergency Car Kit  

Partnering with Local Fire Departments

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Donating to a local fire department near you!

Here at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling we care about and believe in giving back to the communities that we service. That's why this October, SERVPRO is excited to be doing our part for Fire Prevention Month. We have purchased 600 smoke detectors that we will be donating to local fire departments who will further donate them to community members in need. We will also be providing buckets of goodies to our first responders, as well as coloring pages and crayons for children to learn the sounds of fire safety. We are confident that our donations will be impactful and keep our communities safe while promoting fire safety in our Northern Michigan communities. Follow our Facebook this week to see if we are donating to a fire department near you!

SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling Facebook

National Preparedness Month

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help

It is true that you can never plan for a disaster, but here at SERVPRO we believe that you can prepare for one. Up to 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research.  September is National Preparedness month, and we worked hard to make sure that the businesses in the communities we service are staying proactive. SERVPRO has Emergency Ready Profiles that help businesses do just that. These are proactive plans that serve as a great supplement to any contingency plan in place. Listed below are some benefits of having an Emergency Ready Profile with us here at SERVPRO. 

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide that helps you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. 
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• SERVPRO is a sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready Rating program.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Call us today to find out more about our Emergency Ready Profiles and how they can help you and your business! 

Fall Home Preparation

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fall Home Preparation

With sweater weather quickly upon us, SERVPRO wants to make sure you and your home are ready to take on the shift in weather. Below are some tips that we recommend following during the fall months before winter quickly settles upon us. 

• Clean or possibly replace your gutters
• Check for drafts
• Eyeball your roof to ensure no roof problems before snow begins to fall
• Drain your outdoor faucets
• Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Have your furnace inspected
• Check your furnace and replace filters 
• Check water drainage
• Look up your chimney to ensure no blockages and make sure your damper is working
• Check to ensure your winter equipment is in working condition 

When the last of summer's heat is a faint memory, and you're pulling out your hoodies more than your shorts, it's time to tackle a few of these simple chores that'll make winter more pleasant and prevent some nasty surprises next spring.

Learn About Duct Cleaning

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Our Process:

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the ducts’ shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming beings.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

We Can Help:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi, and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Odors
• Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates

Continuing Education Classes

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

CE Classes

Join us on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021 as we will host a Continuing Education Class for insurance professionals and property managers virtually. The courses will be held using Zoom. Please note that even though the class is being held in a “virtual classroom,” specific state guidelines must still be met in order for you receive Continuing Education credit. On the day of the class, we will need to confirm your identity, collect your Insurance License # / National Producer Number (NPN), and document your “time in” and “time out” of the classroom.  This REQUIRES that you have a Zoom account and are using a device that has a functioning camera and microphone.

These are both free classes. There is limited class size with only 20 participants in each course. Please RSVP to Ben at ben@SERVPROgc.com.

Cleaning and Restoring Smoke-Damage Contents (2 Credit Hours)

1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. 

Course #80956

Ethics- An Examination of Ethics in the Restoration Industry (3 Credit Hours)

9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. 

Course #80691

COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. SERVPRO has been called on by numerous business and community leaders to perform necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. 

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 Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling

Continuing Education Classes

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling we are still playing our part in being active in the community despite the COVID-19 pandemic. SERVPRO recently hosted two free virtual continuing education seminars to help aid the insurance agents that we work with take care of keeping up with their CE credits. The two virtual seminars allowed for the opportunity to earn three credits in ethics, two credits in cleaning smoke damaged contents, and two credits for our biohazard course. While things may look differently right now in regards to face to face activities, we at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling are always adapting and overcoming. To pay our respects we delivered a viewing party themed package to the attendees. At SERVPRO, we take great pride in taking care of those who choose us. 

COVID-19 Disinfecting Services

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling now has a new defensive cleaning program, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. We are offering this service because we know that getting back to business relies on getting your customers back through your doors. And that will only happen if they feel comfortable and secure in your space.

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties in order to combat against COVID-19. SERVPRO uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices. 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 meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims.

If you are looking to schedule a COVID-19 fogging or Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service, contact us at 231-564-4014. 

Reopening with SERVPRO

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

If you are reopened or are preparing to get back to business, SERVPRO is here to help! Our sanitization and disinfection services will help minimize the transmission of emerging pathogens such as COVID-19 and give you, your staff and your customers a comforting fresh start.

After the completion of the sanitization and disenfection services, our team will provide you with a certificate showing that your facility meets CDC recommendations and that service was completed by IICRC Certified firm. You will also receive signage stating that your facility has been cleaned and sanitized by SERVPRO that you can proudly display to let others know you have taken the proper proactive steps for reopening your business.

SERVPROXIDE^TM  is SERVPRO'S proprietary disinfectant and we have utilized it when being asked to clean and disinfect COVID-19 in homes and businesses. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar types of organism to COVID-19 and SERVPROXIDE has EPA-approved claims against things like Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, staphylococcus, E.coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Swine flu.

Now, more than ever, it is important to provide a safe, clean environment for your staff and clientele. Bring them peace of mind by having your facility sanitized and disinfected by SERVPRO. Our team is available around the clock to help you get back to business. 

If you are concerned about your home or business and want it clean, sanitized and disinfected give us a call today at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling. (231) 564-4014

COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. SERVPRO has been called on by numerous business and community leaders to perform necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. 

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 Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling