Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Why Use SERVPRO for Challenging Clean-ups
10/14/2022 (Permalink)
One of our SERVPRO techs holding a trash bag with waste and opening a refrigerator
The restoration of your property following a biohazard event or a crime needs experienced and empathetic professionals like those at SERVPRO to safely clean them to our professional standards.
In the event that your property needs hazmat, trauma or crime scene cleanup, SERVPRO can help you. This type of situation requires competence, experience and respect for all involved. Our skilled professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. Once the police have completed their investigation of a crime scene, cleanup and restoration can begin. This involves an assessment of your property to determine the proper equipment and cleaning products needed.
In the event that your property needs hazmat, trauma or crime scene cleanup, SERVPRO can help you. This type of situation requires competence, experience and respect for all involved. Our skilled professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. Once the police have completed their investigation of a crime scene, cleanup and restoration can begin. This involves an assessment of your property to determine the proper equipment and cleaning products needed.
Because traumatic events often involve biological and chemical contaminants, it’s very important to know that the restoration process is being handled in compliance with all government, environmental and health regulations. Our professionals do this in the safest way possible for you, your property and everyone living or working on your property. We are trained and prepared both physically and mentally to handle biohazard, trauma, and crime scene cleanup and restoration with respect and professionalism.
Why You Should have SERVPRO Clean Your Air Ducts
9/27/2022 (Permalink)
this is a photo of a before and after of a dirty and clean air duct
Have you ever stopped to consider the air that circulates inside your home? It travels from your furnace, through your ductwork, into your home’s air, and back through the cold air return system. On its journey, it accumulates all kinds of nasty stuff: dust, hair, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, you name it. If it’s airborne, it will eventually collect in your ductwork. From there, it will get blown out into your home, making a dusty, dirty mess of your indoor air (you know, the stuff you breathe). Not cool! SERVPRO of Winston-Salem North provides professional air duct and dryer vent cleaning. Our company not only caters to residential but also commercial properties throughout the Winston-Salem area. Our highly trained technicians have the skill and HVAC ductwork and ventilation The Benefits of Servicing Your HVAC Unit Include: helping to restore peak energy efficiency It also may help to eliminate offensive orders. It also helps reduce the potential for mold growth.
Why Choose SERVPRO
9/27/2022 (Permalink)
Our SERVPRO logo of the orange house on a white background
SERVPRO has the expertise and equipment to quickly restore your property to pre-water damage condition. We use a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.
Every water damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.
Emergency Contact
When you call, our specialist will guide you through several questions that will help us appropriately respond to your unique water emergency. Beyond understanding your situation, we will want to set up a time for your local SERVPRO professional to inspect the property and create a restoration plan for you. Fast response is critical, so we’ll want to schedule this as soon as possible.
Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
After our professionals arrive at your home, they will thoroughly assess the water damage and help you understand its severity, hazards that may be present, and determine what can be restored. If necessary, we will also assist with stopping the source of the water damage. All of this is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in the successful restoration of your property.
Water Removal
Service work normally begins with a thorough extraction of water. This helps prevent the spread of water in the structure and reduces drying time. Typically, hundreds or thousands of gallons of water are removed using powerful pumps and extraction units during the water removal process.
Damaged Material Removal
If any materials cannot be successfully restored, this will be communicated to you. These materials are typically removed as soon as possible to expedite the drying of all restorable materials.
Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorization
Water damage can create cleaning, sanitizing, or deodorization needs for floors, furniture, and other personal belongings. SERVPRO professionals use a variety of specially formulated products, industry-leading equipment, and proven techniques to accomplish this important aspect of restoration.
Drying
After the bulk of the water has been removed, our specialists use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see. This will target water within materials to bring these materials back to their normal moisture level. This equipment is normally placed during the first visit to your property. The type and amount of equipment is based on your unique situation and industry standards.
Monitoring
During the drying process, our specialists will want to visit your property daily to help ensure materials are drying properly, check drying equipment performance, and make changes as needed. This monitoring process is critical to effective and efficient drying of your property.
Repairs and Construction
After these initial steps, your home may need construction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. The repair step can be minor repairs or rebuilding entire areas of your home. We can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.
Why Would You Use SERVPRO to Clean Your Carpets?
9/27/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO techs cleaning carpets
Your home’s carpets get the most use and abuse of any surface in your home. You can keep your carpet looking good for years with the carpet cleaning services of SERVPRO
A professional carpet and upholstery cleaner can remove deep-seated dirt and grime to keep your carpet and rugs looking their best and extend their lifespan. Even the most high-quality items can become soiled with dust, dirt, pet hair and the daily traffic of family life. SERVPRO applies its more than 50 years of knowledge and experience in restoration to carpet and upholstery cleaning projects of all sizes. We use a variety of cleaning methods depending on your situation. Our goal is to clean carpets, rugs and upholstery to your satisfaction to restore them to their original appearance. We take pride in the quality of or work we do and handle our costumers property like we would want ours to be. Once we are done cleaning your carpet or upholstery it will look brand new!
Why Use SERVPRO For Storm Damage Clean Up?
9/27/2022 (Permalink)
A house in a storm background with the SERVPRO 24hr serves logo
Without warning, nature can take a violent turn: flood cleanup, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards. Any of these can have a devastating effect on your home, turning your life upside-down.
SERVPRO’s highly-trained professionals are close by and customer-focused. We want you to be back in your restored home as quickly as possible. Whether you have minor storm damage or something larger to deal with, we have the experience and the equipment needed to cleanup and restore your home and help get life back to normal following storm damage.
With more than 2,000 locations, there’s a SERVPRO® location waiting to serve you 24/7.
If you’re a business owner in need of storm remediation, you can trust our Disaster Recovery Team to help you get back in business after a storm or flood disaster. We have elite large-loss specialists that are pre-qualified and strategically placed throughout the United States and Canada to handle any size disaster. Past industries we served have included hospitals, property management, universities, municipalities and even The Pentagon.
Why Use SERVPRO for Your Board Up Needs
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
A garage that had fire damage now boarded up
After a fire emergency occurs, there are several important steps that need to be taken to restore the property and prevent additional damage or loss. One of the most effective ways that home and business owners can secure and minimize the damage that occurs after a fire emergency is by boarding up the property. When a fire occurs, there are often several areas of the property that are left exposed and vulnerable to additional element and damage.
Windows, doorways, the roof, and any other sections of the property need to be secured as soon as possible to prevent more severe damage and protect it from the elements. If left unaddressed, exposed areas of the property can also invite unwanted intruders to enter the premises. In addition if the fire occurs during winter, your property is vulnerable to snow, wind and rain that can degrade the structure and potentially cause a collapse. By boarding up a property after a fire emergency, home and business owners can secure their assets and prevent a complete loss. Here at SERVPRO we take care of your property like it is our own and our emergency team of specialists will quickly arrive at your residential or commercial property prepared to assist with properly and efficiently securing the structure. SERVPRO has extensive experience providing board-up services – our restoration experts have the know-how to quickly assess each specific situation and take the appropriate actions to mitigate the damage to your property. Our team uses only the most durable and secure board-up products to ensure your property will hold up under the harshest of conditions.
Why Use a SERVPRO ERP?
8/2/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO- Faster to any size disaster.
A no-cost assessment of your facility.
This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
It takes just a short time to complete the profile but could save long hours of time and effort if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
Having an immediate plan of action can help minimize the downtime to your business in an emergency. Establishes your local SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by.
Why should you use Certified:SERVPRO Cleaned
7/25/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO uses our own line of cleaning agents, products and chemicals
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program is the answer. With a tailored cleaning program that is customized for your business needs, our expertly trained staff cleans and decontaminates your property according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards.
We use EPA-approved cleaning solutions, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.
As a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned participant, you’ll provide reassurance to your customers and employees that you’re taking all the steps needed to get the highest level of clean for them. This dedication will be on display through a decal window emblem, and other digital marks to show your commitment to clean.
Why should you use Certified:SERVPRO Cleaned
7/25/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO uses our own line of cleaning agents, products and chemicals
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program is the answer. With a tailored cleaning program that is customized for your business needs, our expertly trained staff cleans and decontaminates your property according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards.
We use EPA-approved cleaning solutions, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.
As a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned participant, you’ll provide reassurance to your customers and employees that you’re taking all the steps needed to get the highest level of clean for them. This dedication will be on display through a decal window emblem, and other digital marks to show your commitment to clean.
Call the Cleanup Team That’s Faster to Any Size Disaster
10/20/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one.
Imagine it’s 8:00 pm on a Sunday, and you walk into your home after a relaxing vacation expecting to switch on the lights, put the kids to bed then get some rest yourself.
The only problem? A water pipe burst over the weekend, dumping thousands of gallons of water over your hardwood kitchen floor, your carpeted living room floor, and your cement utility room. You realize this problem is far beyond the reach of your shop vac. What do you do now?
No matter what time of day or night, contact your local SERVPRO of Winston Salem North. We can be onsite within 4 hours to begin drying your building and restoring your contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your home or business. Every member of our team is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damage.
When it is your home or business that is underwater, mitigation cannot wait. You need mitigation to begin immediately. The cost of water damages can increase exponentially with time. Wood floors warp, drywall soaks in moisture and mold develops in hard-to-reach areas of your home or business. So, remember to give your local SERVPRO of Winston Salem North team a call, any time, any day if water damage strikes you or your customers!! We are here to help you!!!
Who to Call For Water and Fire Damage Emergencies
9/28/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one
Homeowners and business owners have many choices when they have a fire or water damage emergency. The choices can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing on who to call. Should you call a local company or take the recommendation of a friend or insurance agent, the choice comes down to ultimately who you feel confident in and comfortable having in your home. At SERVPRO of Winston Salem North, we try to be the best restoration company in the area with excellent communication, trust, and being there when called upon. If you have questions about us or our services, please don't hesitate to call. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish makes your life easier and gets you back in your home or business faster. "Like it never even happened."
If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Winston Salem North today (336) 744-5104.
We Are Sanitation And Biohazard Experts
9/28/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home or business, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one
SERVPRO is Here in your community, and Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home, business, or commercial building, 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 performs on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages the 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
- High Traffic Areas
- Required Touch Areas (doorknobs, chair backs, etc)
- 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 the 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 Winston Salem North
336 744 5104
or EMAIL
sp9743@gmail.com
The Best Biohazard Cleaning Company In Winston Salem
9/28/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home or business, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health effects. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Winston Salem North is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.
Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (336) 744-5104
The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.
We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:
- Sewage backups
- Crime scene residues
- Suicide/death accidents
- Homicide cleanups
- Blood cleanup
- Accident cleanup
- Hoarding scenes
- Animal waste/remains
- Chemical spills
- Tear gas cleanup
Why SERVPRO For Water Damage Cleanup
9/28/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home or business, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one.
Flooding and water damage events in Winston Salem's commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.
Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area.
In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints.
We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
Why do we do what we do ?
7/26/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one
When we start to tell people what we do, we tend to get some crazy looks. Yes, we do fire and water cleanup and restoration but when we tell people about some of our bio jobs and other jobs we have done it is hard for them to believe and they never knew we do these other things.
Our main focus and concern is our customers! We want to make sure we are giving them the best of everything. Most of the time when our customers call us we know they are already not having the best day. All we want to do is help! We also understand that when our crew gets in the home and begins demo it is hard to live out of your home and our main concern is getting your home back together.
We are currently working on a fire job. The homeowners were pretty upset. We were able to talk to them and tell them that we are going to be sure to put their house back together and be there every step of the way. To be able to help people the way we do makes each and every one of us feel so good! You will be surprised how great it feels to be able to help people that really need it. That is why we do what we do!
Why Should You Call SERVPRO of Winston Salem North
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home or business, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one.
Here at SERVPRO of Winston Salem North, we care so much about our customers. We want our customers to know how much we appreciate them but also why it is important to pick a restoration company you can trust.
It is very important to us that we...
- Have a quick response rate. In most situations, it is better to get there as quickly as possible to avoid the problem from becoming more complicated or worse.
- Have highly trained teams.We want to do everything we can to ensure our customers are receiving the best services.
- Offer a detailed plan for mitigation and repairs.We understand that living in your home after a disaster is hard. We strive to provide a plan you thoroughly understand so that we can put your home back together quickly and precisely
- Know how to navigate through the insurance claims process with you.We completely understand our customers have a lot on their plate when they call us. The last thing they want to do is try to understand the insurance process. We do our very best to explain everything and answer any and every question our customer has.
- Treat you, your home, and its contents with respect.Ultimately your home deserves the best care and so do you!
Don't be caught by surprise humidity, and mold can still happen in the cold.
9/28/2020 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home or business, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one.
Now that the temperature is dropping, you may start to wonder what you can do to keep your home healthy and prepared for the colder months.
While mold like growth may not occur more frequently in the winter compared to other times of the year in a controlled indoor setting, there are problems to look out for in the colder months that can affect the moisture in your home and cause mold-like growth.
Common winter problems including frozen pipes and improper insulation can lead to more than simply a cold home.
Mold like growths can be a scary concept to any homeowner, but here are some steps you can take to prevent mold like growth from growing due to the brisk temperatures.
Ensure that your gutters are clear to help prevent ice from building up and that your dehumidifiers are running in lower levels of your home.
Check that your attic and any pipes in your crawl spaces are insulated to help prevent pipe bursts or condensation.
Following these procedures will keep your home properly insulated and free of mold caused by uncontrolled moisture levels.
If you suspect any mold or mold like growth is happening in your home. We highly suggest you give us a call!
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home or business, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one. Just give us a call any time 24/7 we are always here to help.
CLICK TO CONTACT NOW
OR
SERVPRO of Winston Salem North
1105 Fairchild rd,
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 744-5104
Email: sp9743@yahoo.com
When to Call a professional.
9/23/2020 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one
"IF I could turn back time" or even Hindsight is 20/20, either way, My DIY is now a HEADACHE.
I moved back into Winston-Salem around 4 years ago, and I had my heart set on a fixer-upper. I was unfazed by the Red, White and Blue kitchen color scheme, and the water damage that had occurred from 90 years' worth of wear and tear. My home was built during the Great 12 Day Ardmore Scandal of 1925. It didn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, my kitchen still has the large bathtub sized porcelain sink that was installed the year it was built. It's so beautiful, but please, just don't look down. The flooring has seen better days. Actually, the flooring saw better days 50 years ago. I would soon learn that about every 10-15 years, the new owners or renters of the home would just lay down another layer of flooring. They would install new baseboards. They would paint and call it a day.
It all started with an idea and some YouTube videos. They make it look so easy. Well there is a reason they make it look so easy. It's because they have done it over and over, exactly like the professional flooring installer they are.
I was determined for this flooring to go, and YouTube told me I could do it. DIY, hear me roar, I could fix anything. I was prepared and ready, I watched countless videos. I went to Lowes and Home Depot and bought supplies. I was like a kid in a candy store. I rationalized the price of different things and equipment to myself. Of course, I needed that Tile and Vinyl cutter. I most certainly needed that professional heat gun. These items were pricey, but I would use them later, or so I told myself.
Where it all went wrong.
Day 1. Heat guns and my own hair dryer were brought out. I had to peel that first layer of vinyl back. Only to see another layer. No big deal, I was told this was common in older homes. Let's do the next layer. Then the next layer. By the 3rd layer, I was slightly confused but still determined. YouTube was my friend, it wouldn't lie to me. I Googled it again, how many layers of flooring can a house have. That's when some Red Flags appeared. Asbestos! I wasn't painting, I wasn't doing anything crazy like that, why would I have to be concerned about Asbestos. Well, Asbestos was one of the best glue additives for floors until it was outlawed in 1973. Asbestos is one of the leading causes of Mesothelioma and COPD. FULL STOP. No more peeling up flooring. It was a big RED reminder that I was not in fact a professional, and I wasn't prepared for something like that. YouTube didn't warn me at all. I could have exposed myself and my kids to some pretty harmful chemicals, had I just kept going with my 'can do attitude'.
Slightly started, but unfazed, I decided to continue on. The floor was pretty level and it decided we'd just put the new flooring down. We had removed the nasty first thru 4th layer. I figured we were close to the bottom layer anyways. It was time to prep, that's when we started really looking close to the bottom half of all the drywall. Only to realize, oh wait, this isn't normal drywall. I have Plaster Walls. Behind these walls lurked a nasty secret. Each and every time they got wet, the frame behind it would swell, and then the outward plaster would crack. Each layer of flooring has essentially hidden the bottom of the walls, until I brought it out to show the world. I was done. I was defeated. My DIY is now a Disaster. Tail firmly planted between my legs. I have turned around, and decided to find someone professional to take over.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm all about DIY. I will still fix my own sink when it's leaky. I installed new lamps and light fixtures. I am determined to build a new deck out back. There are some things that YouTube, Google, and a Good Book can help you accomplish. I learned an expensive lesson, that sometimes professionals are going to be the first step. The flooring expert would have known my home was old , and expected to find asbestos. Plaster walls are a lost art, and finding a Craftsman to fix them will take me awhile. I can rent machines. I can buy the materials. I can just go for it, and hope for the best. The Wonderful Professionals at SERVPRO of Winston-Salem North, have one thing that I cannot put a price on. It's EXPERIENCE. They could have walked right into my home and with a quick inspection, would have seen my water damage. There's a time for DIY, and there's a time to pick up the phone and call for help.
What SERVPRO of Winston Salem North can do for you!
9/23/2020 (Permalink)
While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one
Our Top 10 Reasons why you should call SERVPRO of Winston-Salem North
- We Get It
We understand your situation. You want to keep costs down, repair the damage, and get back to normal. Those are our goals, too. - Qualified
Our repair and restoration team members have the best training in the industry. Our results will create a measurable difference for you. - We Respond To You Immediately
You can reach us 24/7. When a disaster strikes we respond as quickly as possible. - You’re Part Of Our Team
We work with you and for you. You are in charge. You receive a complete explanation of the work we will do and why it needs to be done a certain way. Like you, we don’t appreciate surprises. - We Use The Latest Technology
The past few years have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow us to restore your property to pre loss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively. - We Practice The Golden Rule Of Restoration
"Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." We make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability. - For Claim And Other Purposes, Your Loss Is Itemized
We can give you an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items. - We’ll Help You Prevent Losses, Not Just Deal With Them
Our Emergency Readiness Plan
Our services start with prevention. We’ll come out to your business or home and do a review of how you can protect yourself, your family, your business, and your property from potential losses. Which we provide Free of Charge. - We Handle Any Loss From A Natural Disaster—Big Or Small
Have multiple locations? No problem. Suffer a small loss from water or fire or wind? We can handle it. Have a massive, complex disaster to recover from? That’s within our scope of services, too. - We’re Approved, Certified, And Experienced
We’re trained to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our professionals attend SERVPRO continuing education classes. SERVPRO has been in business for more than 50 years. Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry.