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The SERVPRO System Inspires Women and Minorities | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

JFC Luz Leon Guillen, judges in the Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition SERVPRO® of Montgomery and SERVPRO of Prattville, JFC Luz Leon Guillen, judges in the Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition

In an unprecedented gesture, SERVPRO® of Montgomery and SERVPRO of Prattville, has demonstrated its commitment to human rights by sponsoring its Venezuelan employee, JFC Luz Leon Guillen, to be a judge in the Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition organized by The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the American University Washington College of Law. The Competition is a trilingual moot court (English, Spanish, and Portuguese), based on the Inter-American system for the promotion and protection of human rights. This competition, the only one of its kind on the continent, brings together promising young people from different countries to debate and seek innovative solutions to human rights issues.

The competition, now in its 28th edition, was held from May 21- 27, 2023, on the Washington College of Law campus in Washington, D.C. The co-sponsor of this event, the Inter-American Court and Commission on Human Rights, underscore the relevance and prestige of the contest. These institutions are recognized worldwide for their work in the promotion and protection of human rights in the Americas.

The theme was focused on "Equality and Human Rights: Confronting Racial Discrimination," and as a judge, she was part of several 90-minute oral rounds in Washington DC, and she also evaluated written memorials. Her participation demonstrates your commitment to strengthening the inter-American human rights system and your support for the next generation of lawyers specialized in this field. Also, she shared learning spaces with noted jurists such as Margarette May, Commissioner and President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and H.E Alejandra Solano, Ambassador, and Permanent Representative to the OAS for the Republic of Costa Rica, among others.

The sponsorship of SERVPRO of Montgomery and SERVPRO of Prattville for this event is not only financial support but also a strong message about the importance of supporting minorities in the reconstruction of fairer and more inclusive societies. By providing this opportunity to Luz Leon Guillen, the company has demonstrated its commitment to equal opportunities.

The SERVPRO system inspires women and minorities.

Should I be Concerned With Severe Weather? | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Storm clouds and lightening with servpro logo SERVPRO® of Montgomery is available for emergency services 24/7, 365 days a year. Call us anytime for your fire, water, and storm remediation needs!

There are plenty of things to be concerned with daily, and for many people, planning for severe weather ends up pushed to the sidelines. Though harsh weather conditions can feel like a more abstract concern than a literal one, it is still extremely dangerous.

Responsible for many injuries and fatalities each year, severe weather can cause serious issues—especially for those who have not taken the time to prepare.

Why Should I Be Concerned With Severe Weather?

Severe weather is certainly unpredictable, but it is also unavoidable. Chances are, you will be impacted by a thunderstorm, high winds, or heavy rains at some point, and not acting with safety in mind can put you or your family in harm’s way.

Severe weather causes many issues, from lightning strikes to wind damage and bodily harm. Trees down, power outages, and flooding can all be significant threats to your home or safety. Though we may never be able to know precisely when and where severe weather will strike, preparing for it is the best thing we can do.

How Can You Be Safer in the Event of Severe Weather?

Get a Reliable Weather Update System

If severe weather is possible, local officials will issue watches and warnings accordingly, and being able to tune into these alerts can potentially save a life. Instead of relying on a cell phone, get a battery or hand-powered weather radio so you can tune in even if cell reception becomes spotty due to storms.

Pack a Household Emergency Kit

An emergency kit in the home is a must, as storms can knock out power and floods can knock out utility services. Your kit should have everything your family might need for a few days, including light sources, food, water, and first-aid supplies.

Create an Evacuation Plan

In most instances, you will want to stay put in the event of severe weather—but if you are in the path of a flash flood, you will want to move to higher ground. Make sure you have an evacuation plan if this happens, and practice it as a family beforehand so you can execute it smoothly if you are in danger. Ask SERVPRO® how our Emergency Readiness Plans (ERP) can assist your home or business in a time of weather crisis.

If your home has water damage due to a storm or severe weather, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help®. You can contact us at 334.284.1612 to learn more about our restoration services or report damage to your home. 

Hurricane Facts and the Dangers They Present | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

picture of a hurricane over the gulf and the southeast states with Servpro logo The aftermath of a hurricane can be destructive and devastating. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is here to help ® with any storm cleanup and restoration.

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes, form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or the Gulf of Mexico each year. 

The word "hurricane" comes from Huracan, a name for the god of evil on some islands in the Caribbean. Never fear, though; SERVPRO® of Montgomery is here to educate you about hurricane facts and storm dangers. 

Hurricanes are damaging in many ways. On average, hurricanes will travel about 300 miles before dissipating, leaving behind a path of destruction. They can even dump 10 to 15 inches of rain on the areas they pass over, causing mass flooding and water damage. 

We often see news coverage of physical damage and displaced families. Sadly sometimes, we also see reports of injuries and casualties. Hurricanes have caused approximately 1.9 million fatalities worldwide over the past 200 years. Ninety percent of hurricane-related deaths result from storm surges, reaching over 20 feet high and extending nearly one hundred miles. Hurricanes cause more fatalities than any other type of storm.

However, when the news coverage ends, a looming uncertainty and the reality of rebuilding your future remains. 

The frequency of extreme weather events is taking its toll on many areas and industries across the nation, and Alabama is no exception. Our state alone has suffered from 83 tropical storms and cyclones in the last 20 years. We have also experienced three significant hurricanes that directly hit our coast.

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating. Storm surges, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high rip currents can be primary hazards.

Storm Dangers To Be Aware Of: 

  • Storm surges are historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.
  •  Storm surges can travel inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries. 
  •  Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Flooding can persist for days after a storm has dissipated. 
  • High winds can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during storms. 
  • Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands far from the storm's center. 

Hurricane Facts: 

  • Hurricanes in the Southern Hemisphere spin clockwise while hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere turn counterclockwise.
  • The right side of a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere is often more assertive regarding winds, tornadoes, and supercells. 
  • A hurricane makes "landfall" when its center, not its edge, crosses the coastline. 
  • Hurricanes never combine to form one stronger storm. However, the storms may circle each other, known as the Fujiwhara effect. 
  • Hurricane names come from the World Meteorological Organization. Each list repeats every 7th year. However, officials will retire names of hurricanes that have caused many damages or fatalities.
  • The costliest hurricane worldwide is believed to be Hurricane Katrina, with overall damage estimated at over one hundred and fifty billion dollars. 
  • Hurricanes typically last around ten days but can stay alive for several weeks.

Although hurricanes can cause terrible damage, they are essential to Earth's complicated weather system. Like giant fans, they take hot air from the tropics and move it toward the poles. They help balance temperatures and moisture around the Earth. Without hurricanes and other storms, vast areas of the planet would be too hot for animal and human life. 

Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than 1,000 miles offshore. 

If your home or business should sustain water damage from storms or floods, SERVPRO has local technicians on standby 24/7 for emergencies and is ready to handle your restoration needs. Click or call today to find out how we can help when disaster strikes. 

Restoration Services at First Baptist Church of Downtown Montgomery is ALMOST Complete! | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

multiple rooms in local church with Servpro logo “SERVPRO® of Montgomery knows what it means to have a disaster strike. We also know what it takes to fully restore your home or business."

After 309 days, SERVPRO® and the First Baptist Church of Downtown Montgomery are racing toward the finish line! Our teams have become one family, working together to make the terrible fire in early October of 2021 “Like it never even happened®”. 

We want to give you a quick update on the status of the Church as well as a little sneak peek at when we estimate the restoration will be complete. 

Since our last update, we have completed all carpets in the Main Sanctuary, the pews are replaced and secured, and we have completed the ceilings! All the walls have fresh paint, handrails are screwed tight, and the stairs are now in use. The only thing that remains is the lighting for the stage, cleaning the organ pipes, and resetting the choir loft. 

The grand piano initially taken out of the Church is being carefully brought back into the building and secured into its place. 

Fun fact! Did you know that over two hundred lightbulbs had to be replaced in the Main Sanctuary? Soot covered every light on the high ceilings, under the entrance, the balconies, AND the stage! 

The congregation will finally have their first morning of worship back in their Main Sanctuary on July 24th! Everyone is excited to be returning to one, big worship service. 

Our crews geared up and began restoration work in the Stakely Sanctuary yesterday. Monday, July 18th. We are removing pews, replacing carpeting, restoring the plaster, and replacing the stage floor. We are so excited to move on to this next phase of restoration! 

SERVPRO® Construction Managers estimate it will take approximately three to four weeks to restore the Stakely Sanctuary. From there, we will move on to the six elevators replacing the carpets with wood. The fellowship hall will have the carpet replaced as well. 

As of right now, SERVPRO® and First Baptist Church of Downtown Montgomery are projecting early fall for the completion of this project. Our crews have worked tirelessly to fully restore this Church for nearly a year since the fire damage occurred. 

With over 350,000 square feet of flooring affected, and soot taking over every surface in the building, we finally have an end in sight! This job will be bittersweet as we will miss our First Baptist Family. 

Stay tuned for another update coming soon! 

If you find yourself in need of fire or water restoration services, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 334.284.1612 to see how we can help you. 

Easy Ways to Prevent Fires in the Summertime | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

flames engulfing home and fence with Servpro logo “Most structure fires are preventable. SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help® show you how to be fire safe.” 

Making your home safer from fire hazards isn’t as difficult as you may think. You can add simple steps to your daily routine and simple home maintenance items to your checklist to lower your risk for common causes of structure fires. With summer heat blazing, it is essential to know what can spark a fire and how you can prevent it.

Know how to fight a grease fire.? 

Grease fires are a well-known cooking hazard. Part of their danger is because water cannot extinguish grease fires; it makes these events worse! When grilling, keep a fire extinguisher handy. Metal pan lids and baking soda can also work for smaller grease fires.

Pro tip: When using a charcoal grill, let your ashes cool before discarding them. 

Keep Your Burn Areas Free of Debris

One of the popular activities to do in the summertime is to host bonfires or burn yard debris. Ensure all fire areas are at least 15-20 feet clear of flammable objects. Keeping a water hose nearby is also a good idea to prevent rogue flames from spreading. 

Fully Extinguish Cigarettes in Safe Containers

Such a small thing as flicking a cigarette on the ground can cost thousands of dollars in damage. With this heat, it takes seconds for flames to spread throughout a building. Encourage others to fully extinguish their cigarettes and place them inside a cigarette receptacle.

Use a Mosquito Stand or Candle Properly

Everyone hates mosquitoes and summer bugs. They seem to be everywhere! While many of us see mosquito candles or stands as necessary, be sure to extinguish their flames when away from the lit area.  

Keep your smoke detectors working. 

Everyone should test their smoke detectors year-round to ensure they are operating correctly. Fires can start within seconds, and you need a way to be alerted to danger. Testing your smoke detectors, changing their batteries twice each year, and replacing them every ten years will ensure they continue to help protect your family. 

Consider switching to battery-operated candles

Scented candles are trendy but also pose a significant fire hazard. Switching to battery-operated candles lowers your threat of a house fire for obvious reasons.

Like most other disasters, fires can be powerful and challenging to contain, especially when the conditions are hot and dry. SERVPRO® of Montgomery encourages you to be fire safe and heed caution during these summer months. 

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us anytime to learn more about our fire restoration services and how we can help your family. 

Recovering at Your Business After a Disaster Strikes | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

people discussing insurance policies and emergency forms with Servpro logo “SERVPRO® of Montgomery has seen it all when it comes to disasters. Call us today for all your fire, storm, and water restoration needs.”

Careful planning and strategizing are a vital part of being a business owner, both for all your everyday business decisions and when it comes to emergencies. Disasters devastate businesses every single year, leaving many business owners confused and unsure of how and if they will be able to reopen. Through careful planning, you can mitigate quite a bit of this uncertainty. 

When considering how a disaster could impact your business, the first thing to be aware of is safety. Plan to ensure you and your staff will be safe when a dangerous situation arises. Consider how you will recover if there is damage to your building. Your restoration provider, insurance company, and customers will all want to keep in touch. You also need to have many resources available from organizations for financial assistance.   

Contact Your Insurance and Restoration Providers 

No two commercial insurance policies are the same, so getting in touch with your insurance provider quickly after damage occurs is recommended. The process of filing a claim will vary. Once you get the details settled with your insurance company, you should reach out to your restoration provider as quickly as possible so they can begin working on the damage. 

Keep the Community Updated 

Social media has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with your customers in real-time. Consider providing updates regarding your reopening timeline and any options customers have for supporting you while you work to recover (i.e., purchasing gift cards, making online orders, etc.). 

Consider All Your Options for Financial Assistance 

While a disaster is always challenging, business owners have plenty of resources available for recovery through the Small Business Administration. Their disaster loan program is quite possibly the most significant help, as it is easy to qualify for, offers flexible repayment solutions, and provides financial assistance for various post-disaster expenses. 

If your business suffers damage from a disaster, we are Here to help®.

Contact us at any time to report your damage or learn more about our commercial restoration services. 

Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

south eastern states with Here we GROW again! Team Bowen is ready to make it “Like it never even happened®.”

Team Bowen is excited to announce our expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will add to the existing SERVPRO franchise in East Mecklenburg/Matthews. East Charlotte, Northeast Mecklenburg County, and South Mecklenburg County are now a part of the Team Bowen franchise. This means over 250,000 additional households and 8,000 businesses will receive support when in need of emergency response due to fire, water, or mold damage.

These additions are part of our commitment to helping our local communities flourish. We are available 24/7, 365, and are ready to take your call. Although we can’t prevent a disaster, we are ready for whatever happens!

“We are humbled yet excited to continue to grow and expand our market presence in the Charlotte community,” Bruce Bowen, CEO of Team Bowen, commented. “Our team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect, have allowed us to expand our footprint and still provide that same quality service throughout the southeast. These locations are key to our regional coverage. Whether it is a storm event or a complex commercial/industrial loss, quick response time is critical. Our team has the resources, manpower, and equipment necessary to respond to these specific situations. We are the National Disaster Recovery Team.”

About SERVPRO®

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional service network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO® to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Team Bowen

In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen decided to follow their passion for service to others with their careers and set out on a mission to build a reputable and respected property damage restoration company in Tuscaloosa, AL. Having grown up entrenched in the family business, it was no surprise when the current owners, Bruce and Brian Bowen, took over in 2004. Now based in Montgomery, AL., the Bowen Team has franchise locations in Montgomery, AL., Norcross, GA., Charleston, SC., and Charlotte, NC. Today, due to their continued dedication and hard work, we are a leader and trusted name in mitigation, remediation, restoration, reconstruction, and premier cleaning throughout Southeast and U.S.

Our team has more than a century of combined restoration experience. Each team member is equipped with unique and practical skills to excel in every project and exceed the expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we have an extensive inventory of restoration equipment designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of every facet of mitigation and reconstruction for damaged homes and businesses that we serve, no matter how big or how small.

Click below to find more information on our expansion:

SERVPROeastcharlotte.com 

SERVPROsouthmecklenburgcounty.com

Summer Grilling Safety | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

man grilling food outside with SERVPRO logo  “SERVPRO® of Montgomery is Here to help® if your summer grilling goes from flames to ashes.”

What better way to spend a summer night than grilling out with your loved ones? Summertime is the season for enjoying hamburgers and hotdogs out by the swimming pool with ice-cold lemonade in hand. While one may think it is easy to light the grill and start cooking, there are a few safety measures you should take. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started yearly by grills. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August. 

Did you know that 61% of U.S. households own a gas grill? 64% own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously. 

The NFPA offers these essential tips for fire-safe grilling. 

For Gas and Propane Grills 

Always check the gas tanks for leaks before using them. Clean the connection between the propane tank’s cylinder valve and regulator output with soapy water or a specific leak detecting solution. The cylinder valve must be slowly opened. If there is a leak, bubbles will form.

Opening the lid to a gas grill before lighting is essential for safety. Gas can quickly fill your grill if the top is closed, causing the flame not to be able to escape and creating an explosion.   

For Charcoal Grills 

Only use charcoal starter fluid to start the fire. NEVER add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is already burning. It can cause an uncontrollable fire causing harm to any structure or persons around you.

Also, ensure coals are completely cool before you dispose of them in a metal container.

For All Grills 

Place your grill far away from any structure as well as deck railings. Do not place under eaves or branches. Maintain clear surroundings near your grill. Grills need proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide and smoke building up to dangerous levels. 

Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and tray after each use. Cleaning will improve the safety of your grill and the taste of your food. 

Key Reminders 

  • Never leave the grill unattended when in use. 
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill. 
  • Clothing is highly flammable. Keep shirt tails, sleeves, and apron strings tucked in, so they do not dangle over the grill. 
  • If the flame goes out on your grill, wait to re-light! A minimum of five minutes should pass by before restarting your fire. 
  • Have baking soda on hand for a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you do not have a fire extinguisher, keep a sand bucket next to the grill. NEVER use water to put out a grease fire. 

Basic precautions set the stage for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. Life is unpredictable, but you can take steps to control the risk of house fires. Whether you are a summer grilling warrior or a year-round grilling pro, we can all agree that the only smoke we want to smell is the sweet aroma of steaks and vegetables cooking. 

SERVPRO® of Montgomery specializes in fire and water restoration, helping to remediate damage for commercial and residential customers. Contact us today at 334.284.1612 for all your restoration needs. 

Firework Safety and Hazards | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

6/25/2022 (Permalink)

fireworks in the sky with SERVPRO logo and fireworks safety “More fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year. Use caution and be safe when using fireworks.”

Independence Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means! Celebrating our freedom, parades, remembering our country’s history, enjoying tasty food, swimming, and watching FIREWORKS! Many of us look forward to spending the day with our loved ones and watching fireworks together.

Did you know that China invented fireworks as a tool to frighten evil spirits away? They believed lighting fireworks would scare them back into the underworld, shunning them from entering our earthly world. The only thing you should be frightened of now is using fireworks irresponsibly. 

Each July 4th, thousands of people are injured while consuming fireworks, most often children and teens. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, including devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.  

Let’s Talk About Statistics

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2020 Fireworks Annual Report, there has been a fifty percent increase in deaths and injuries since 2019. The same report shows an estimated 16,000 injuries reported for fireworks and 900 injuries reported for sparklers. Of those injuries, 44% were severe burns comprising 14% eyes, 22% head, face, and ears, and 31% hands. With statistics like these, it is crucial to know how to be safe and prevent injuries.

Light In A Safe Area 

When using fireworks, you want to ensure you are lighting them in a safe location. The ground must be clear of trees or brush, with ample open space. Make sure it is flat and sturdy as well. Fireworks must be used away from structures, people, and flammable objects.

Ensure Your Fireworks Are Legal

Check your local laws and regulations to ensure that fireworks in your area are legal BEFORE buying or using them. Some counties do not allow for the use of fireworks and can carry hefty fines.

Light Fireworks Responsibly 

It is essential to light one firework at a time. Remove the firework from the container, light it with a long flame lighter, and move away quickly after lighting the fuse. Ensure anyone observing the fireworks is maintaining a safe distance. Remember, do NOT try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks! Soak them in water and ditch them immediately. 

Position fireworks away from homes, trees, and shrubbery. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hand. You want to ensure the safety of everyone and prevent as many injuries as possible. 

Sparklers Are More Dangerous Than You Think 

Sparklers alone can burn up to 2,000 degrees resulting in severe burns. That is as hot as a blow torch, and that level of heat can burn through some metals! Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing; many children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five years old, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the estimated injuries. Children must be heavily supervised if you allow them to use fireworks. 

Supervise Children Closely

Ideally, children should not use fireworks. The highest number of reported injuries comes from  . Ensure you have close adult supervision if you allow children to use fireworks. Do not allow children to play with or light fireworks unattended. 

Disposing Fireworks Properly

It is a good idea to keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a fire. After fireworks finish burning, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or garden hose before discarding them. 

Fireworks can not only lead to severe injuries but also destructive fires. House fires, damaged entertainment venues, and wildfires are typical results of the misuse of fireworks. Know how to use fireworks safely and how to educate those around you on taking safety precautions.  

Should you find yourself with fire damage because of fireworks, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 334.284.1612 for all your fire restoration needs.

The Latest Scoop on First Baptist Church of Montgomery | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

images of a church sanctuary and reception area “SERVPRO® of Montgomery and First Baptist Church have become one team working together to restore our local Historic church.”

We are aware that everyone in the community has been keeping a close eye on the status of the devastating fire that occurred late last September. SERVPRO® of Montgomery and First Baptist Church of Montgomery have worked side-by-side to restore the Historical Church to its original state. Now we are here to give you the most recent updates! Let’s start from the beginning and review the events bringing us to today. 

The suspect started the fire in the Main Sanctuary, pouring gasoline from the back doors to the pulpit. Before exiting the church, she stopped at the reception desk, soaking it in gasoline and lighting the match! Flames engulfed the Church, and the Fire Department was notified of the emergency. Thankfully the carpet was flame retardant, so the fire did not spread the way she intended. Regardless, the damage was already done. The fire damage spread throughout the six-story building, traveling through walkways and air ducts. Soot covered every organ pipe, speaker, microphone, baseboard, window, and ceiling tile. Because the church is such a massive building, you can imagine the work we had cut out for us. 

One of the perks of being the #1 Restoration Company is our footprint and resources. First Baptist Church called us to assist, and we reached out to our SERVPRO® family across the Southeast. Within 24 hours, we were all hands-on deck! We immediately jumped into action, bringing in two trailers and over one hundred and fifty crew members ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

We went to work immediately, wiping, scrubbing, painting, washing, and restoring everything in our path. SERVPRO® uses specialized cleaning products to remove soot and grime from materials. These cleaning products allow us to restore instead of replace items, especially when artifacts are not easily replaceable. We can proudly say that we have been able to restore more than half of the damage that occurred in the Church.  

All walls have a fresh coat of paint. All baseboards have been cleaned, painted, repaired, and reinstalled. The carpet has arrived and is now laid within the two Sanctuaries. Paintings have been appropriately cleaned and are hanging back in place. Every handrail, doorknob, and light switch are free from soot. 

The pulpit is back in its original place. Organ pipes visible to the congregation are clean, and we are working on the pipes behind the wall. 

The Sanctuaries have fifty-foot ceilings with ceiling tiles made in the early 1900s. Some of these tiles could not be restored, so we arranged to have ceiling tiles custom-made to match the rest of the building. We also brought in scaffolding to access the high ceilings. After several weeks, the crew successfully put all the ceiling tiles in place, and they look brand new!  

We are still waiting for the arrival of new pews but expect it will not be much longer. It is a process to have every item fully restored, but things are moving quickly!  

SERVPRO® of Montgomery is dedicated to restoring the Church to its original state. While there is still work to complete, we are finally in the home stretch! The First Baptist Church Montgomery family has been so patient during the restoration process, and we are now part of that family. Months of working side by side with one another have created a close relationship. We have even given each other nicknames! While we will rejoice when the building is fully restored, we will also be sad when it is over because we will miss the second home we have been in every day for nearly a year. Stay tuned for more updates on how the restoration process is going! 

It is not just about the restoration process for SERVPRO®. We truly invest our time and efforts into serving our community. We understand how devastating disasters can be, and we are Here to help® you. Contact us today at 334.284.1612 for all your restoration needs!