Breaking Down The Differences Of Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing

9/6/2024 (Permalink)

For your next "Extreme Clean" project, call SERVPRO of Port Huron

School back in session means germ season is here, so we thought we'd talk about these terms that are often used interchangeably. Sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing are three different types of antimicrobials. According to the EPA, antimicrobials are products that "destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi on inanimate objects and subjects." Below we will address the differences of each term:

Sanitizing - commonly used in kitchens and food preparation areas, it is the weakest type of public health antimicrobial. It is the act of reducing bacteria on a surface.

Disinfectants - most commonly used in the medical industry and should not be used on surfaces that come in contact with food. They are much stronger and will kill and prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. Some, but not all, types of disinfectants can kill viruses like respiratory syncytial virus, HIV, and coronavirus varieties.

Sterilizers - training and certification are usually required to handle and use these products as they are the strongest of the antimicrobial category. In addition to killing live fungi and bacteria, they can also reduce the spores that create new microbes.

Hybrids - some products are combined sanitizer and disinfectant, which are useful when you not only need to disinfect an area, but also need to clean away material and residue that provide breeding grounds for new bacteria and viruses.

At SERVPRO®, we are lucky to have our own chemist on staff to develop professional-grade products such as SERVPROXIDE. It's designed to kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and mold on hard surfaces, and is also effective for sanitizing soft surfaces. It's formulated for everyday use because it meets the lowest toxicity rating approved by the EPA. It is safe to use around infants, children, pets (cats and dogs), and food preparation.

SERVPRO of Port Huron has the professional-grade products and training to get your cleaning project done right. Call today, 810-966-7900, we are Here to help®

One Call to SERVPRO For Complete Restoration

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Construction Services

One Call Covers All Phases of Your Restoration Project

At SERVPRO of Port Huron the backbone of our company is fire, water & smoke cleanup, and restoration. But what compliments our cleanup and restoration services is we can seamlessly facilitate every aspect of the reconstruction process of your damaged property!

Our In-House construction division specializes in reconstruction, new residential and retail construction, financial institutions, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, government properties, warehouses, and shipping facilities. SERVPRO® has experts in the field with putting your home or business back to its original condition which includes complete builds from a total loss. Our construction division can provide everything that a normal contractor can provide you after you are hit with a catastrophe. That is why SERVPRO is so unique in southeast Michigan, we can handle the entire process so there is no need for multiple companies and services to juggle!

One call to SERVPRO of Port Huron handles everything from start to finish. For work not completed in-house, we have an extensive list of qualified contractors (HVAC, Plumbers, drywall finishing, roofing, electricians, and many other specialized services) just to name a few.

We can fast track your project and offer cost-saving solutions to meet your budget goals because you are dealing with just one company!

Call at (810) 966-7900 for all your construction needs because we are not just a restoration company, we are a full-service restoration contractor!

SERVPROXIDE

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have been developing and cleaning with the most advance products around. For over 50 years SERVPRO has been at the forefront of extreme fire and water disaster clean ups and restoration. In addition to offering our Certified SERVPRO Cleaned program, where our franchises perform a professional pathogen cleaning on your site, we are now proud to offer SERVPRO's certified disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE. This single product kills most viruses and bacteria and has an extremely low EPA toxicity rating, making it safe for everyday use.

SERVPROXIDE vs COMPETITION

SERVPROXIDE

-kills 99.999% of bacteria

-Requires no dilution

-Non bleach formulated

-No harsh chemicals or fumes

-NSF certified (safe around food)

-Lowest toxicity rating by EPA. 

COMPETION

- Kills 99.999% of bacteria

The facts speak for themselves. Add this to your daily cleaning protocol today!

Clean Water Damage

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

What to DO:

-Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electric shock.

- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. 

- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

- Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.

- Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpet and floors.

- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

What NOT TO DO:

- Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

-Enter effected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

-Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.

- Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.

-Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

- Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter room where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Benefits to Choosing SERVPRO for Large Loss Events

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Easier Insurance Claims Process

Commercial Large Loss Division

Available 24/7

Personal Attention

Strategically Located

Residential Construction

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Port Huron is your one-stop shop for residential construction. The last thing you want to worry about when you need home restoration is contacting and managing multiple repair crews in your home, which can be time consuming, disorganized, and expensive. With one phone call, our highly trained professionals will oversee your project from start to finish. We offer all services needed to get your home constructed. This includes inspection and estimating, mitigation, restoration and reconstruction. In addition to these services, we offer premium services for dust control and protection from COVID-19 and other contaminants using our proprietary, EPA-registered products. We are competent and experienced and believe in delivering quality workmanship, so your house will feel like home. We’ll work with your insurance company to restore your home to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Port Huron

Available 24/7-365 days a year

Emergency Tips

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

DO:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'T:

-Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

-Turn on the HVAC system if there is still a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

-Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminated areas.

-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Vandalism Damage

DO:

- Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.

-Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery

- Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

DON'T:

-Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.

- Operate damaged lamps or appliances.

-Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain, furniture or art objects.

Harmful Waste 

DO:

- Stay out of affected areas.

- Call emergency service personal if the situation is life-threatening.

- Treat bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

DON'T:

- Attempt to clean up any kind. 

- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

Remember that SERVPRO of Port Huron is here if disaster should strike!

810-966-7900

Not Just a House, But a Home.

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

The home pictured above belongs to an elderly woman who had a major water loss that started from her dishwasher. The water managed to effect the kitchen, dining room, living room, a beautiful library, the first floor bath and laundry room, and the entire finished basement. SERVPRO came in and walked her through every part of what the clean up and restoration plan would include.

The flooring was removed throughout most of the house as well as all cabinetry and a good amount of drywall. During the clean out process, several other issues (including mold) quickly became apparent. 

One of our SERVPRO Project Managers was been working closely with the home owners son over the past few months and is happy to report that all structural issues have been repaired. New drywall has gone in as well as all new hardwood and currently a brand new beautiful kitchen is being installed. 

At SERVPRO we understand that it is not just a house or a business we are handling, but it is a home to you or your loved one and we take that responsibility very seriously. 

SERVPRO vs Mold

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that it is actually impossible to remove ALL mold from your home or business? Mold lives everywhere, indoor and outdoor. Mold spores are microscopic, traveling through the air and usually entering your home through windows, air conditioning units or doors. They thrive on moisture and can quickly turn into a much larger problem when exposed to water. 

Large mold problems are generally easy to find because it produces a strong musty odor. 

Why chose SERVPRO of Port Huron if you find mold present in your home or business?

FIRST......

We are faster to any size disaster!

SECOND.....

We are highly trained mold remediation specialists. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

 SERVPRO of Port Huron is here for you day or night, 365 days a year.

Is your Sump Pump Operational?

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Do a Quick Inspection

Start with an inspection on the outside of the pump. Look for any damage or obstructions. Remove the cover and look inside the sump pit. if water levels are low there is a good chance everything is working properly. You will also want to check the pipe that leads the water from inside the house to outside, for any blockages and make sure the pipe is working properly.    

Test the Pump

Poor a large bucket of water into the pit. Once the water starts to rise, the pump should automatically turn on, pump out the water and turn itself back off. 

Maintain your Pump

You should inspect your sump pump at least once a year. Make sure there is no mud trapped that could interfere with water flow. The typical life span of a sump pump is no more that 10 year. If it is run often, you should consider replacing it every 5-7 years.

SERVPRO of Port Huron has a highly trained team of professionals who specialize in water related losses. This new large amount of snow will eventually melt, turning into problematic water levels for many people. Give us a call any time, day or night. Our team will meet you onsite in the middle of the night and walk you through every step of the renovation process. 

Give us a call today

SERVPRO of Port Huron

810-966-7900

We Made Entrepreneur 2020 Top 10!

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Entrepreneur Magazine has released their Franchise 500 for 2020, and SERVPRO is in the Top 10! Plus, we are still #1 in our industry...21 years and counting!

With more than 1,700 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry, and its professionals are faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO franchise professionals are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week and are ready to restore or clean your property.

Residential Services

Whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or top-to-bottom home cleaning, you can trust SERVPRO franchise professionals to make your house feel like home again. They have the training, experience, and equipment to quickly get your home looking its best. Our residential services include the following:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services

Commercial Services

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO franchise professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” With more than 1,700 franchises nationwide, there’s a SERVPRO professional nearby and ready to serve you. Our commercial services include the following:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Storm and Major Events

Tips on how to SAFELY deep fry your turkey this Thanksgiving

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these safety tips to make sure you have a safe and successful holiday bird!

Thanksgiving is a time for family and holiday traditions including taste tested Thanksgiving recipes. It's also a time where family members may want to join in the food preparation so fire safety is important. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey, the irresistible flavor, and juiciness that results, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving tradition for some. But turkey fryers have the potential to cause fire and serious injury, which is why organizations like the National Fire Protection Association advises against using them. If you DO plan to deep-fry your holiday bird, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer, and take these precautions to protect yourself, your guests and your home.

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

In the slim chance that something goes wrong (of course we HOPE not), please remember that SERVPRO of Port Huron always has crews on call, including holidays like Thanksgiving.  We are always here to help.  Give us a call at 810-966-7400 any time.

SERVPRO and Your Insurance Company

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Why choose SERVPRO for your repairs and restoration?

We offer you and your insurance company a variety of competitive advantages.

-Our professionals pride themselves on restoring your home or property correctly the first time and in a timely manner so you can get back to your life. This will allow for lower claims costs for your insurance provider and satisfied customers. 

-Our large team of professionals are trained for any size disaster. This means a quicker response time for your home or business.  

-SERVPRO franchise professionals can provide an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items.

-SERVPRO Franchise Professionals must agree to 21 different guidelines to receive Insurance Client referrals. From insurance to background checks on employees, each requirement is maintained continually to help ensure clients get the best possible service providers performing work.

Our Thank you to Everyone on The Front Line

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

In an effort to thank our first responders for what they are doing to protect our communities, we are currently offering sanitizing and fogging services for ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars at no cost. We know each company is taking their own precautions, we are offering our services as a professional cleaning company to go above and beyond for you as a thank you.

We are reaching out individually to the first responders in our area, but we want to make sure we don’t miss anyone.

For anyone that would like to be scheduled, or has questions, please contact marketing manager Lauren Goslee on her cell phone at 810-569-2861.

Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to keep us safe in the fight against COVID-19.