ServiceMaster Clean Blog

August Holidays and Observances

August 1^st – Friendship Day is to honor the special meaning of friendship. We should all take the time to appreciate our friends!

August 11th – Islamic Ramadan – The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims fast during daylight hours to celebrate the time when Allah revealed the first verses of the Qu’ran, the holy book of Islam.  It is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds, charity, spending time with loved ones. It teaches self-discipline, self-restraint, generosity and understanding of those less fortunate.

August 15^th – Assumption Day – A feast commemorating the Virgin Mary being taken up into heaven.

August 19^th – National Aviation Day – A day in which we honor the advancements in aviation.  The same day as Orville Wright’s birthday.  Orville & brother Wilbur have been given credit for being the inventors of the 1^st powered airplane.

August 26^th – Women’s Equality Day – is observed to remember the day women gained the right to equality. U.S. 19th Amendment – Women’s Right to Vote 1920

August 27^th – Don’t Fry Day – To help reduce the rising rates of skin cancer, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as Don’t Fry Day.

Other August Facts/observances

Birthstone – Jade, Peridot

Flower – Gladiolus

Astrological Signs- Leo: July 23rd – August 22^nd /

Virgo – August 23^rd – September 22nd

Hot August Nights and Days are Here! Protect yourself from Skin Cancer.

In light of the recent waive of unseasonably very hot weather nationally, we at ServiceMaster Clean by Lovejoy believe that you should be aware of the dangers associated with extended exposure to being in the sun.  Even though this is the summer, everyone should be limiting their exposure to the Sun’s Ultraviolet Radiation and smog.  Overexposure to the sun and smog can cause skin cancer and eye damage during any time of the year.  In response to the growing concern over exposure to the sun, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has developed programs and distributed information to help people of all ages protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  All people, regardless of skin color, are vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation.

Skin cancer, Melanoma, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009 than with breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined.  One American dies every hour from skin cancer. Overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and skin’s natural defenses.

The EPA has developed and implemented the “SunWise Program” (http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/), to encourage sun safety and teach children and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. The program is in more than 25,000 schools and 4,500 camps, science and children’s museums, daycare centers, and other community-based organizations nationwide.  Schools and communities that participate in the SunWise Program receive materials that encourage sun-safe infrastructures, including shade structures (e.g., canopies, trees) and policies (e.g., using hats, sunscreen, sunglasses) to promote sun protection.

As part of the “Aging Initiative” which focuses on protecting the environmental health of older people, the EPA has issued “Health Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation,” (http://www.epa.gov/aging/index.htm) a fact sheet intended for senior adults and their caregivers. The fact sheet describes how UV radiation plays a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration and skin cancer.  By 2030, the number of senior persons in the United States is expected to double to more than 70 million. As we age, our bodies may become more susceptible to environmental hazards because of the diminished capacity of various organ systems that occur in the natural aging process. In addition, the Aging Initiative encourages senior people to volunteer in their communities to reduce hazards and protect the environment.

Be SunWise

Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million cases are reported annually. By following some simple steps, you can still enjoy your time in the sun and protect yourself from overexposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends these action steps to help you and your family be “SunWise.”

Early detection of “Melanoma” can save your life!

A new or changing mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Continuing Education Corner:

A schedule of all classes through the end on the year 2010 will be available by Mid August.  Once the schedule is distributed, please feel free to send us comments and or request.  We always want to hear from you in regards to helping you meet any compliance associated with Continuing Education requirements.

Water Damage Atlanta | Water Extraction | Service Atlanta and Surrounding Cities

On September 20th, 2009 the Atlanta Metro area faced a major flood that lasted two whole days. The flood causes major damage to several houses, but most importantly it was also responsible for many fatalities. The houses that were not totally destroyed ended up having severe water damage. The homeowners that were not heavily hit also face a dilemma; How to know when water damage is severe enough to call a professional.

When it comes to water damage to a house it may not always be obvious at first. There are some tell tale signs that homeowners can depend on to guide them to making the right decisions. Some of these signals include mold detection, strange odors, and water marks on the drywall. If you see any of these problems, please don’t attempt to handle it alone. There are many cases were people were seriously injured or even kill because hidden water issues. It never hurts to get the profession advise of an experienced water removal company.

Mold is a serious effect caused by water damage that definitely will requires calling a flood damage specialist. The damage cause by molding can cause many adverse reactions. In addition to the obvious eye sore that mold presents, it can also be a major health hazard. The longer the presence of mold goes undetected or untreated the more health problems it can present, especially to younger children and senior citizens living in the home.

Many times the presence of water damage is unseen. In these situations there is often an unknown odor that no one in the family can pinpoint the origin. Most likely the odor may be derived from water damage inside of the drywall in the home. It is definitely possible to have rottening in the foundation of your home that does not become evident through the drywall. If you sense a strong odor in your home that you can not locate, calling a water damage specialist may save you a ton of cash in structural damage in the long run.

Another hidden sign of flood damage that is a little more noticeable is water marks on the drywall or ceiling. More often than not these marks are caused by roofing issues. The marks on the drywall may also reveal a more serious problem than you initially expected. Water tends to travel from the support beams in the roof throughout the house and can end up settling on the basement or a lower level in your home. What may originally may have seem like just a roofing problem, may now have become a major flood damage issue.

Being able to assess damages cause by heavy rainfall in situations similar to the flood in Atlanta on September 20th, 2009 is not at all difficult. The problem occurs when one has to determine the appearance of minor damages that can cause major water damages in later times. The key lies in being safe as oppose to being sorry. Any signs such as mold, strange odors or water marks should be preceded by calling a water damage specialist.

I hope this article was helpful. Thank you for reading it.

Affordable is good but experienced carpet cleaners are well worth the investment.
With our current economic crisis, many people are selecting carpet cleaning contractors based on the rates rather than the experience. Make sure that the contractor you select knows the type of stain that is on your carpet as well as the type of carpet. You also need to make sure that you have the manufacturer instructions on how to clean your carpet.

Selecting the right carpeting cleaning service

If you have liquid stains such as blood from trauma, coffee, wine or coke, please be sure to share that with your carpet cleaning company before they arrive. If the site is a crime scene, make sure that the proper authority is aware of you cleaning the mess (you don’t want to clean away important evidence).

Most contractors use steam to clean carpets, however, it is vital that you make sure that the process will not damage your type of carpet. Steam requires using chemical that reacts to the steam and is vital in the process cleaning your carpet. Some companies even allow you to select your fragrance, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

Do it yourself Spot Removal

Quickly blot up as much of the liquid stain as possible using a soft, white, absorbent material like a towel or napkin. Care must be taken not to use the wrong chemicals or techniques when spot cleaning, as this may cause more damage or spread the stains. Though most of the carpets produced today are treated with stain-resistant treatments, no carpet can be said to be completely stain-proof. If that fails to remove the stain, stronger chemicals can be used for removal. If you still can’t remove the stain, contact a local professional carpet cleaning service.

Spot removal is a technique used to instantly react to a spill or stain as soon as it occurs, before they have the chance to become permanent. Care must be taken not to use the wrong chemicals or techniques when spot cleaning, as this may cause more damage or spread the stains. Spot cleaning should be started with clean water and a blotting cloth. If that fails to remove the stain, stronger chemicals can be used for removal. Make sure that you have a good maintenance plan for your carpet to keep it in top condition. This includes vacuuming, making sure that you avoid stains by setting some rules. Make you keep your carpet inspected for old spills and dirt. Choose a professional carpet cleaning service that has strong references.

Note: There were a lot of people burned by carpet cleaning scam artist after the September 2009 Atlanta flood. Don’t let it happen to you.

I hope this article was helpful with choosing the right carpet cleaners. Thank you for taking the time to read it.

Being hit hard by the recent storms Atlanta is in the middle of a recovery that my be years in the making.

At ServiceMaster by Lovejoy we are trying with the best of our ability to handle each of the calls we get with the greatest of concern and professionalism, however with the volume of calls we have received it has been extremely difficult. We understand the seriousness and emotional turmoil that this event has caused in all of our lives, but with help from our sister franchises all over the nation that have come to our aid in handling this catastrophe we do ask for your patience and understanding if it may take longer than usual to provide you with services.
If you have not yet done so please call our office and get on our waiting list for services. A call will get you put on a list for crews that are servicing your area of town. Crews that receive your information sheet will be calling you an hour to two hours before arriving at your home. You may get a scouting person that comes out first to access the situation that your particular home has and then a crew will follow behind them prepared to handle your homes specific needs. Every home was hit with similar damage but that doesn’t always mean that every home can be handled in the way or the same time format. Some damages take 45 minutes while others may take days of work to complete.
ServiceMaster by Lovejoy and it’s sister franchises from around the country are here to help you, we just ask for your patience in getting to you in a time frame that is physically possible.

Warning – If you are trying to do work yourself, which we urge you to try, do so safely. Use rubber boots, latex or comparable gloves, eye protection and safety masks during any of your demolition. Virtually all the flood water has some form of contaminant in it. From sewage to pesticides, remember everything that is put into the earth, in a flood situation, is carried in the flood waters. So even after you have extracted or mopped up all the water, the contaminants that are left behind can still pose a danger.

To those who do not have a professional service company do your clean up work, at least have your home checked once you think you are dry. Smells usually mean there is still something wet. If exterior walls were not opened and wet insulation removed, those cavities can still hold moisture causing after a short amount of time growth to occur.

Call our office and let us come out free of charge to at least see if your home is dry. And if not let offer you our best advice and a way to get your structure to a safe point based on what you can afford to do.

Finally, we want all of you to know that we are here for you in any capacity you may need our services.

Please call our offices at 770-787-4777 or click on the ServiceMaster Franchise in your area.

Thank you and may God look down on us all, cause all our dreams are not broken down here in Atlanta, they’re just walking with a limp. (more…)

A pet for several people is equal to having an extended part of the family. It can be enjoyable learning your pet’s traits and watching them develop. Sadly, the cost of a pet goes beyond the fee you paid in the pet store. In supplement to the noticeable fixed cost like food, there are other cost like carpet cleaning.
Regular carpet cleaning is essential when you own a pet for several reasons. Pet odor removal is one explanation for consistent carpet cleaning. Another critical reason that is often overlooked is allergies. There are many people that suffer from allergies that rarely comprehend the source of the allergy. Pet hair or pet odor may be the unknown cause.

There are many characteristics of pet allergies. If you own a pet and your relatives or acquaintances suffer from runny nose, hay fever, and eye soreness it may originate from your pet. The fact that allergies are frequently hard to detect, it is key to keep your residence unpolluted and free of pet dander.

Pet Dander is dead skin that is shed by many pets especially cats and dogs; the most well-liked choice of pets. Pet dander can trigger an extreme pet odor that can strengthen the possibility for allergies to be triggered. Certain pet owners opt for bald or short hair breed pets but that does not eradicate the likelihood of skin shedding.

Removal of pet odors can be achieved by means of a air purifier spray. The problem with a sanitizer spray is that it can only make the room smell fresh for the short period, but the dander and the odor remains in the carpet. The only assured answer to keeping your family healthy and free of pet allergies is consistently vacuuming and carpet cleaning.

In view of the fact that pet owners are so fond of their extended family, pet odor removal can be a endless fight. There are certain solutions that can be used to lessen the odors related with owning a pet for a longer period of time. Scotch guard can be used to keep away stains, odors and bring out a brand new appearance to your carpet and upholstery. Hiring professional carpet cleaning services is frequently the most effective approach to reduce the pet dander and odors related with man’s best friend.

An expert carpet cleaning company can offer homeowners with a more powerful answer to pet odor removal. These services are critical for people living in hotter weather environment. Heat tends to trigger odors which is a bigger problem in towns where the summer last much longer like Atlanta.

It does not matter if you live in the northwest cities such as Seattle or in the Southeast of Atlanta, having a pet still comes with household tasks. Removal of pet odor from carpets or upholstery is key in maintaining your home smelling clean and keeping your children free of common pet allergies. Carpet cleaning in Atlanta or everyplace else in the world is the healthier solution for dealing with pet odor removal.

Carpet washing is essential for pet odor removal and getting rid of scents cause by flood damaged carpet. For professional reliable carpet washing you can go to carpet cleaning atlanta.

Classes are going well, everyone has had a great time. I want to thank everyone that has been to the classes thus far.

For everyone else who needs Continuing Education Credits please check with the schedule and get in there, the spots are filling up fast.

ServiceMaster by Lovejoy have been providing free C.E. Classes for anyone in the insurance industry for the last few years. That time has come once again and below you will see our fall schedule. Please contact our office to get signed up, class spaces are limited. However if you would like a class done in your office, we can provide an exclusive class for you and your staff and as an added bonus we do provide breakfast and lunch. 

Sept. 1, 2009 = 3HR “Ethics, If you don’t live it, you don’t believe it“

(Course # 32773)

700 Blacklawn Rd. SW            CLASS IS FULL

Conyers, Ga. 30012

(9:00 am -12:00 pm)

Sept. 3, 2009= 3 HR “Ethics, If you don’t live it, you don’t believe it“

(Course # 32773)

400 Perimeter Ctr. Terrace NE Ste. 900

Atlanta, Ga. 30346

 (9:00 am -12:00 pm)

Sept. 15, 2009= 3 HR “Smoke and Odor“

(Course # 19267)

700 Blacklawn Rd. SW

Conyers, Ga. 30012

(9:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Sept. 24, 2009= 3 HR “Water Damage Mitigation“

(Course # 19266)

400 Perimeter Ctr. Terrace NE Ste. 900

Atlanta, Ga. 30346

(9:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Sept. 30, 2009= 3 HR “Water Damage mitigation“

(Course # 19266)

700 Blacklawn Rd. SW

Conyers, Ga. 30012 

(9.00 am – 12:00 pm)

Please contact Debbie Phillips @ 770-483-5645 if you would like to sign up for any of these courses.

I get called out to look at mold about 6 to 8 times a week. I hear people talking about all these “new” problems with mold or that mold is just such a bad problem now. I can agree mold problems have come to the forefront of the media in last decade. But mold it self has been around longer than humans have .
Just so we are all clear, mold is part of the ecosystem. It is natures way of recycling. Mold has a purpose and a job in nature and it does it very well. It’s always working, always breaking things down, and it should. If mold was not around the world would be a very overcrowded place, more so than it already is. Example: If a tree fell in your yard 100 years ago, and there was no mold to break it down, it would still be there today taking up room for new trees to grow and produce all that oxygen stuff we like so much.

I plan on having more in-depth posts on mold so check back. But getting back to the title of this post, I want everyone to understand that mold and mold remediation is not a new topic. When mold remediation started becoming a bigger issue in the last decade, where did we look to find processes for removing it? It may surprise you but it was not the CDC or the latest scientific digest.

It was actually the Old Testament, Leviticus 14:34-42

34 When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

35 And he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, It seemeth to me there is as it were a plague in the house:

36 Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house:

37 And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;

38 Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:

39 And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house;

40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:

41 And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:

42 And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall plaister the house.

As I said more posts on mold will follow, but if you have any questions or concerns leave us a comment below.

Water Damage Tip:

When leaving to go away from your home whether its for a few weeks or just overnight, turn off the water to the house.

Most water damages that are devastating to homes occur when the owners are not there. Since you aren’t home to use the water, the pressure will build. The weakest point in these pressured lines to go is usually one of these places: washing machine hoses, ice maker lines, toilet supply, sink and vanity supply lines and also from just the plumbing lines ran throughout the home.

Well how can you prevent this?

You turn off the lights when you leave a room, so why not turn off your water if your not there to use it? Most homes have a shut off located inside the home. Usually where the water heater, utility room or garage is located. If you cannot find the shut off in your home, try the shut off at the street. You can purchase a “water key” or “dog leg key” at your local hardware store for just that purpose. You can use pliers or a wrench but we suggest a water key to make it easier you and prevent any possible damage.