Recent Why SERVPRO Posts
What are the Signs of Water Damage in My Home?
4/26/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage to your structure or contents to lessen the loss.
If you do not already have a regular check-up plan for your home, it is a good idea to do monthly inspections and look for the early warning signs of water loss. Things to look for are:
- Water stains on sheetrock
- Sagging ceilings
- Warped floorboards
- A musty odor that does not diminish
- Loose tile
Can Carpets Get Saved From Water Damage?
Putting carpet in a home is often a significant investment, and it can be gone in a flash when water damage happens on your property if the water loss process does not begin within 24 hours or contains contaminants such as sewage.
SERVPRO technicians test the water and the fiber to determine the best restoration actions for the optimum outcome. The equipment the techs use works even to pull out deeply embedded moisture within the carpet and the pad. After they reduce the water removal down to doing "dry" passes where little to no further moisture comes up, they move on to the drying phase.
Special techniques such as "floating" the carpet assist with drying it from the bottom up and ensures that no residual moisture remains to cause issues such as foul odors or deterioration of the carpet. Another frequently used method involves putting plastic over the wet area, known as "tenting," and directing the airflow from the drying equipment into the damp carpet. The connected dehumidification equipment captures the moisture and ports it away, resulting in progressively drier conditions inside the tent. Afterward, the final touches include:
- Spot cleaning to remove water spots
- Treatments for stains that may be present
- Steam cleaning to remove any residual musty odors
SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404, is ready 24/7 to handle any size of water damage in your home. The certified technicians have extensive training to turn around the loss and restore your home to its preloss condition.
Actions to Avoid After a Storm
4/26/2022 (Permalink)
Three Activities to Avoid When Dealing With Flood Water Inside Your House
Do you know what to do with a flooded home after a storm? If not, you may accidentally participate in some dangerous activities that you think are completely safe.
Here are three activities that are some of the most important to avoid when dealing with flood water inside your house.
1. Walking Through Standing Water
If standing water is present in your home, avoid wading through it. This could be a very dangerous step to take due to possible contamination. Let water damage professionals help you because it is often better to delay the cleanup process than to risk your safety.
2. Cleaning Mold Yourself
If you find a lot of mold in your wet home, you may want to leave and wait for the remediation specialists to arrive. Don’t attempt to clean up a moldy area that you are not knowledgeable about, as you may do more harm than good to your home’s structure. A specialist can have a better idea of what to do in your particular situation.
3. Ditching Protective Gear
Wild animals and contaminated floodwater are just two hazards that you may want to consider before entering your home. If you are not wearing heavy-duty gloves and sturdy rubber boots, reconsider going inside. Once again, if you are not confident about the safety of the situation, it can be best to wait for the help of trained technicians.
It can be difficult to stand by and do nothing when your home may be at stake, but you owe it to yourself to use sound judgment and not make any hasty decisions that can be dangerous for you or your home. Flood water can be complicated, and the emotional aftermath of a storm often makes it even more so. Using calm logic by avoiding the actions above can help you stay safe during, and after, a flood. Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 24/7, 757-934-8404.
Your Business Fire Contingency Plan Should Include These Actions
4/26/2022 (Permalink)
Many Plans Contain the Following
Many business owners have included a contingency plan in their safety operations and employee handbooks. These plans can not only help save lives in the event of an emergency but may also contain important information a company may need quick access to.
1. Locations of Alarms and Extinguishers
One important thing to include in your plan is the location of all alarms and fire extinguishers. This can help ensure that your employees know where these important tools are if they ever need them.
2. Escape Route and Meeting Places
An essential part of any evacuation plan is the location of exits and a meeting place. There should be at least two possible escape routes from every point in the building, in case one is blocked, and all employees should know to gather at the designated location. The meeting place should be in a safe area outside the building.
3. Who Can Access Medical Information and Emergency Contacts
One thing many people don’t consider including in their contingency plan is who keeps track of the emergency contact or medical information needed for their employees. While the information itself should be kept private, you may want to state which staff members should be contacted if access is necessary. For example the head of HR or a department manager.
4. After Fire Procedures and Cleanup Information
In addition to emergency procedures, you may want to include some information on what to do afterward. This can include insurance information or the number for a fire damage restoration service that can help with cleanup.
Including this information in a company’s contingency plan can help ensure that everyone knows the safety procedures before an emergency takes place. These things can both save time and keep everyone safe.
Any questions or needs you may have, SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is here, 757-934-8404.
How to Prepare for an Emergency
4/12/2022 (Permalink)
Collect & Protect Essential Records Before An Emergency
Family Preparedness
When we advise people to collect and protect important paperwork, we are referring to any important documents and personal data that might serve as proof of your insurance or identity or instruct others on how to help you in an emergency. This important paperwork includes an Emergency Action Plan, and medical, vital, and immunization records.
The Basics
Copies of medical documents and advance directives should include: Health insurance cards, vaccination records, living wills and power of attorney forms, birth & death certificates, and adoption records
Personal Id's to include: Passports, driver's licenses, social security cards, green cards
A current care plan for a child with special needs.
User manuals, models, serial numbers, and contact information for the manufacturer of medical devices, like glucose meters and nebulizers.
Quick Tips
Keep an up-to-date list of all your prescription medications with dosage amounts, your eye prescription, your medical supply needs, and any known allergies.
Save electronic copies of important papers in a password-protected format to a flash drive or an external hard drive or a cloud-based service. You should store these items in a fireproof container or with a trusted friend or relative, or even a safety deposit box at a bank.
Pet owners make copies of their pet’s vet records like rabies certificates, prescriptions, and a recent photo of their pet(s).
For all your home's water, storm, fire emergencies call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.
Call SERVPRO for all your emergency needs!
4/12/2022 (Permalink)
We are here to assist in your time of need 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. You can call at 10 pm on a Saturday night and your call will be answered by one of our trained managers. SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin understands that when your business or home has water coming through your ceiling, sewage backed up from your toilet, or water coming through your light fixtures you can not wait until Monday for emergency services.
If your home or office is affected by disasters like water damage or fire, SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to help you start the mitigation process and dry out your structure. Our teams of trained production techs are ready to walk through the process with you, just call us at 757-934-8404, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Fire Damage Restoration Process Explained
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
Recommended process for addressing the problem of fire damage in your home or business:
Contacting the Restoration Company
In case of a fire in home or fire in business, the first thing to do is to contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for emergency response. Massive smoke smell and smoke damage resulting from a fire in a business or in a home can only be controlled by a professional restoration company with experience in fire cleanup. In some instances, you may be required to board up to stop future commercial fire damage. Therefore, fire damage needs emergency response services.
Assessment
Assessment of the level of commercial fire damage is a very important step in the restoration process. The process involves determining the distance of travel by the soot or smoke, the level of smoke damage, and the smoke smell. The restoration company can only estimate the cost of restoration and design an appropriate fire cleanup plan after damage assessment. Moreover, one can only estimate the time it will take to restore the fire in business or fire in home damage through the assessment process.
Sealing Services
Smoke damage and smoke smell can be prevented from spreading to other areas in a fire in a business or in a home incident by sealing all the openings and leaks. For example, wall and roof openings may lead to water damage during the rainy season. For successful fire damage restoration to occur, it is important to seal all openings. Therefore, fire damage restoration is highly dependent on water damage restoration. Massive damage can be caused by a burst water pipe or tank in a fire incident.
Fire damage Clean-Up
It is important to clean away smoke, dust, and soot damage during a fire cleanup process. All the surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned as part of the restoration. It is important to look out for smoke damage, dark surfaces, stained surfaces as well as charred items. The only way to restore normalcy and clear the smoke smell is by cleaning up the affected property. After a fire in business or fire in a home, it is advisable to remove all standing pools of water by using a submersible pump. Soot damage and smoke odor are removed from the room by drying and sanitization the affected area. Moreover, bad odor and soot damage can be removed by carpet cleaning. Soot and smoke odor can spread to adjacent rooms, that is why the rooms should also be cleaned immediately. As a future precaution, you may be required to board up walls.
Repair and Renovation
The best way to ensure complete and successful restoration is by ensuring that all the damaged furniture and items are repaired. Replacement of damaged cabinets is a very important process in fire damage restoration. However, those that are not badly damaged can be repaired. Renovation services are offered by most restoration companies for clients that need to renovate their property. As mentioned earlier, you can decide to board up your walls to avoid future destruction. The renovation process may involve coming up with a completely new design of the business premises or home that may be more appealing to the owner as compared to the previous design. It is also important to know that you can always benefit from the renovations services that are offered by restoration companies. You can hire extra redesign and renovation services depending on the level of damage.
Consultation
Apart from offering restoration services, the companies can be a source of information for those affected by fire accidents. You can always ask the experts questions related to soot damage and other fire-related damages. Moreover, you can also learn how to board up and the recommended room designs.
Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all of your restoration needs, at 757-934-8404.
The Fire Damage Restoration Process
4/29/2021 (Permalink)
The recommended process for addressing the problem of fire damage in your home or business: Contacting the Restoration Company. In case of a fire in the home or a fire in a business, the first thing to do is to contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for emergency response. Massive smoke smell and smoke damage resulting from a fire in a business or in a home can only be controlled by a professional restoration company with experience in fire cleanup. In some instances, you may be required to board up to stop future commercial fire damage. Therefore, fire damage needs emergency response services. Assessment. Assessment of the level of commercial fire damage is a very important step in the restoration process. The process involves determining the distance of travel by the soot or smoke, the level of smoke damage, and the smoke smell. The restoration company can only estimate the cost of restoration and design an appropriate fire cleanup plan after damage assessment. Moreover, one can only estimate the time it will take to restore the fire in business or fire in home damage through the assessment process. Sealing Services. Smoke damage and smoke smell can be prevented from spreading to other areas in a fire in a business or in a home incident by sealing all the openings and leaks. For example, wall and roof openings may lead to water damage during a rainy season. For successful fire damage restoration to occur, it is important to seal all openings. Therefore, fire damage restoration is highly dependent on water damage restoration. Massive damage can be caused by a burst water pipe or tank in a fire incident. Fire damage Clean-Up. It is important to clean away smoke, dust, and soot damage during a fire cleanup process. All the surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned as part of the restoration. It is important to look out for smoke damage, dark surfaces, stained surfaces as well as charred items. The only way to restore normalcy and clear the smoke smell is by cleaning up the affected property. After a fire in a business or fire in a home, it is advisable to remove all standing pools of water by using a submersible pump. Soot damage and smoke odor are removed from the room by drying and sanitizing the affected area. Moreover, bad odor and soot damage can be removed by carpet cleaning. Soot and smoke odor can spread to adjacent rooms, that is why the rooms should also be cleaned immediately. As a future precaution, you may be required to board up walls. Repair and Renovation. The best way to ensure complete and successful restoration is by ensuring that all the damaged furniture and items are repaired. Replacement of damaged cabinets is a very important process in fire damage restoration. However, those that are not badly damaged can be repaired. Renovation services are offered by most restoration companies for clients that need to renovate their property. As mentioned earlier, you can decide to board up your walls to avoid future destruction. The renovation process may involve coming up with a completely new design of the business premises or home that may be more appealing to the owner as compared to the previous design. It is also important to know that you can always benefit from the renovation services that are offered by restoration companies. You can hire extra redesign and renovation services depending on the level of damage. Consultation. Apart from offering restoration services, the companies can be a source of information for those affected by fire accidents. You can always ask the experts questions related to soot damage and other fire-related damages. Moreover, you can also learn how to board up and the recommended room designs. Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all of your restoration needs, 757-934-8404.
Safety During Flood Water
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Your location no longer seems to be a factor-there is always potential for flood damage.
Fema.gov reports that in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. It’s not a matter of if, but when and FEMA reports that nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000.
The American Red Cross claims that floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. Here are some tips they advise to follow:
Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, Stop, Turn around, and go another way.
If you approach a flooded road while driving, the same holds true. If you are in your car and waters are rising rapidly, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Keep children out of the water. Children may not recognize contaminated water and lack judgment.
If your home or business is affected by a flood, SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is your water damage restoration company. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure if not treated properly and quickly.
Cleanup can be overwhelming and that’s why SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is prepared to handle any size disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, let your local SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin help you take it back.
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 757-934-8404.
Water Damage Prevention Tips
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
Do you know what the number 1 culprit is that weakens the foundation of your home? WATER DAMAGE!
Similar to the core strength of your body, water damage hits the core strength of your house causing harm to your property. Below are some strategies on how to prevent any future water damages.
1. Make sure your home has good drainage
Gutters need to be cleaned on a routine basis. If not, a clogged gutter can damage the siding and foundation of your home. The maintenance cost of cleaning your gutters depends on the size and height of your home. On the contrary, it cost no money for you to clean your gutters yourself.
2. Test your sump pump regularly
Your sump pump should be checked to see if it's running properly at least once a year. When it comes to storm seasons, several checks should be conducted. To test your sump pump, slowly fill the sump pump pit with water, watch the "float' to rise and then watch to make sure that the water level falls. It's free to get your sump pump professionally tested.
3. Check for water leaks and fix them
If you get the chance to fix a leak shortly after it started, there may be no long-term damage at all. However, if you have persistent leaks, it can lead to mold growth, termites, ants, and more. To check for leaks, check dark spots under pipes, inside sink cabinets, and stains on ceilings.
If you have any questions/concerns, please call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404. Our team is certified and well trained to make it look and feel "Like it never even happened."
Know the Dirty Facts About Sewage Backups
3/24/2021 (Permalink)
When a sewage system backs up in a home and floods the entire bathroom and surrounding areas, this is called a category 3 water contamination. The cleanup requires professionally trained technicians and professional equipment.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.
SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin 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.
After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
- Floodwater can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
What To Do After a Contamination
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
- Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.
What Not to Do After a Contamination
- Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don’t use television or other household appliances.
- Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin Today –757-934-8404
The Fire Damage Restoration Process
3/15/2021 (Permalink)
The recommended process for addressing the problem of fire damage in your home or business:
Contacting the Restoration Company
In case of a fire in the home or a fire in business, the first thing to do is to contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for emergency response. Massive smoke smell and smoke damage resulting from a fire in a business or in a home can only be controlled by a professional restoration company with experience in fire cleanup. In some instances, you may be required to board up to stop future commercial fire damage. Therefore, fire damage needs emergency response services.
Assessment
Assessment of the level of commercial fire damage is a very important step in the restoration process. The process involves determining the distance of travel by the soot or smoke, the level of smoke damage, and the smoke smell. The restoration company can only estimate the cost of restoration and design an appropriate fire cleanup plan after damage assessment. Moreover, one can only estimate the time it will take to restore the fire in business or fire in home damage through the assessment process.
Sealing Services
Smoke damage and smoke smell can be prevented from spreading to other areas in a fire in a business or in a home incident by sealing all the openings and leaks. For example, wall and roof openings may lead to water damage during the rainy season. For successful fire damage restoration to occur, it is important to seal all openings. Therefore, fire damage restoration is highly dependent on water damage restoration. Massive damage can be caused by a burst water pipe or tank in a fire incident.
Fire damage Clean-Up
It is important to clean away smoke, dust, and soot damage during a fire cleanup process. All the surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned as part of the restoration. It is important to look out for smoke damage, dark surfaces, stained surfaces as well as charred items. The only way to restore normalcy and clear the smoke smell is by cleaning up the affected property. After a fire in business or a fire in a home, it is advisable to remove all standing pools of water by using a submersible pump. Soot damage and smoke odor are removed from the room by drying and sanitization of the affected area. Moreover, bad odor and soot damage can be removed by carpet cleaning. Soot and smoke odor can spread to adjacent rooms, that is why the rooms should also be cleaned immediately. As a future precaution, you may be required to board up walls.
Repair and Renovation
The best way to ensure complete and successful restoration is by ensuring that all the damaged furniture and items are repaired. Replacement of damaged cabinets is a very important process in fire damage restoration. However, those that are not badly damaged can be repaired. Renovation services are offered by most restoration companies for clients that need to renovate their property. As mentioned earlier, you can decide to board up your walls to avoid future destruction. The renovation process may involve coming up with a completely new design of the business premises or home that may be more appealing to the owner as compared to the previous design. It is also important to know that you can always benefit from the renovation services that are offered by restoration companies. You can hire extra redesign and renovation services depending on the level of damage.
Consultation
Apart from offering restoration services, the companies can be a source of information for those affected by fire accidents. You can always ask the experts questions related to soot damage and other fire-related damages. Moreover, you can also learn how to board up and the recommended room designs.
Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all of your restoration needs, 757-813-7775.
Preparing for an Emergency
3/10/2021 (Permalink)
Collect & Protect Essential Records Before An Emergency
Family Preparedness
When we advise people to collect and protect important paperwork, we are referring to any important documents and personal data that might serve as proof of your insurance or identity or instruct others on how to help you in an emergency. This important paperwork includes an Emergency Action Plan, and medical, vital, and immunization records.
The Basics
Copies of medical documents and advance directives should include: Health insurance card, vaccination records, living wills and power of attorney forms, birth & death certificates, and adoption records
Personal Id's to include: Passports, driver's licenses, social security cards, green cards
A current care plan for a child with special needs.
User manuals, models, and serial numbers, and contact information for the manufacturer of medical devices, like glucose meters and nebulizers.
Quick Tips
Keep an up-to-date list of all your prescription medications with dosage amounts, your eye prescription, your medical supply needs, and any known allergies.
Save electronic copies of important papers in a password-protected format to a flash drive or an external hard drive or a cloud-based service. You should store these items in a fireproof container or with a trusted friend or relative, or even a safety deposit box at a bank.
Pet owners make copies of your pet’s vet records like rabies certificate, prescriptions, and a recent photo of your pet(s).
For all your home's water, storm, fire emergency' call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.
The Fire Damage Restoration Process Explained
4/7/2020 (Permalink)
The recommended process for addressing the problem of fire damage in your home or business: Contacting the Restoration Company. In case of a fire in home or fire in business, the first thing to do is to contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for emergency response. Massive smoke smell and smoke damage resulting from a fire in a business or in a home can only be controlled by a professional restoration company with experience in fire cleanup. In some instances, you may be required to board up to stop future commercial fire damage. Therefore, fire damage needs emergency response services. Assessment. Assessment of the level of commercial fire damage is a very important step in the restoration process. The process involves determining the distance of travel by the soot or smoke, the level of smoke damage, and the smoke smell. The restoration company can only estimate the cost of restoration and design an appropriate fire cleanup plan after damage assessment. Moreover, one can only estimate the time it will take to restore the fire in business or fire in home damage through the assessment process. Sealing Services. Smoke damage and smoke smell can be prevented from spreading to other areas in a fire in a business or in a home incident by sealing all the openings and leaks. For example, wall and roof openings may lead to water damage during a rainy season. For successful fire damage restoration to occur, it is important to seal all openings. Therefore, fire damage restoration is highly dependent on water damage restoration. Massive damage can be caused by a burst water pipe or tank in a fire incident. Fire damage Clean-Up. It is important to clean away smoke, dust and soot damage during a fire cleanup process. All the surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned as part of the restoration. It is important to look out for smoke damage, dark surfaces, stained surfaces as well as charred items. The only way to restore normalcy and clear the smoke smell is by cleaning up the affected property. After a fire in a business or fire in a home, it is advisable to remove all standing pools of water by using a submersible pump. Soot damage and smoke odor are removed from the room by drying and sanitizing the affected area. Moreover, bad odor and soot damage can be removed by carpet cleaning. Soot and smoke odor can spread to adjacent rooms, that is why the rooms should also be cleaned immediately. As a future precaution, you may be required to board up walls. Repair and Renovation. The best way to ensure complete and successful restoration is by ensuring that all the damaged furniture and items are repaired. Replacement of damaged cabinets is a very important process in fire damage restoration. However, those that are not badly damaged can be repaired. Renovation services are offered by most restoration companies for clients that need to renovate their property. As mentioned earlier, you can decide to board up your walls to avoid future destruction. The renovation process may involve coming up with a completely new design of the business premises or home that may be more appealing to the owner as compared to the previous design. It is also important to know that you can always benefit from the renovations services that are offered by restoration companies. You can hire extra redesign and renovation services depending on the level of damage. Consultation. Apart from offering restoration services, the companies can be a source of information for those affected by fire accidents. You can always ask the experts questions related to soot damage and other fire-related damages. Moreover, you can also learn how to board up and the recommended room designs. Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all of your restoration needs, 757-934-8404.
Flood Water Safety
4/1/2020 (Permalink)
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Your location no longer seems to be a factor-there is always potential for flood damage.
Fema.gov reports that in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. It’s not a matter of if, but when and FEMA reports that nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000.
The American Red Cross claims that floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. Here are some tips they advise to follow:
Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, Stop, Turn around, and go another way.
If you approach a flooded road while driving, the same holds true. If you are in your car and waters are rising rapidly, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Keep children out of the water. Children may not recognize contaminated water and lack judgment.
If your home or business is affected by a flood, SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is your water damage restoration company. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure if not treated properly and quickly.
Cleanup can be overwhelming and that’s why SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is prepared to handle any size disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, let your local SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin help you take it back.
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 757-934-8404.
Water Damage Prevention Tips
4/1/2020 (Permalink)
Do you know what the number 1 culprit is that weakens the foundation of your home? WATER DAMAGE!
Similar to the core strength of your body, water damage hits the core strength of your house causing harm to your property. Below are some strategies on how to prevent any future water damages.
1. Make sure your home has good drainage
Gutters need to be cleaned on a routine basis. If not, a clogged gutter can damage the siding and foundation of your home. The maintenance cost of cleaning your gutters depends on the size and height of your home. On the contrary, it cost no money for you to clean your gutters yourself.
2. Test your sump pump regularly
Your sump pump should be checked to see if it's running properly at least once a year. When it comes to storm seasons, several checks should be conducted. To test your sump pump, slowly fill the sump pump pit with water, watch the "float' to rise and then watch to make sure that the water level falls. It's free to get your sump pump professionally tested.
3. Check for water leaks and fix them
If you get the chance to fix a leak shortly after it started, there may be no long-term damage at all. However, if you have persistent leaks, it can lead to mold growth, termites, ants and more. To check for leaks, check dark spots under pipes, inside sink cabinets, and stains on ceilings.
If you have any questions/concerns, please call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404. Our team is certified and well trained to make it look and feel "Like it never even happened."
We are Cleaning Experts
3/24/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is 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 or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin - 757-934-8404
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Preparing for an Emergency
2/27/2020 (Permalink)
Collect & Protect Essential Records Before An Emergency
Family Preparedness
When we advise people to collect and protect important paperwork, we are referring to any important documents and personal data that might serve as proof of your insurance or identity or instruct others on how to help you in an emergency. This important paperwork includes an Emergency Action Plan, and medical, vital, and immunization records.
The Basics
Copies of medical documents and advance directives should include: Health insurance card, vaccination records, living wills and power of attorney forms, birth & death certificates and adoption records
Personal Id's to include: Passports, driver's licenses, social security cards, green cards
A current care plan for a child with special needs.
User manuals, models, and serial numbers, and contact information for the manufacturer of medical devices, like glucose meters and nebulizers.
Quick Tips
Keep an up to date list of all your prescription medications with dosage amounts, your eye prescription, your medical supply needs, and any known allergies.
Save electronic copies of important papers in a password protected format to a flash drive or an external hard drive or a cloud-based service. You should store these items in a fireproof container or with a trusted friend or relative, or even a safety deposit box at a bank.
Pet owners make copies of your pet’s vet records like rabies certificate, prescriptions and a recent photo of your pet(s).
For all your home's water, storm, fire emergency' call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.
Always Be Prepared for Unpredictable Events
2/27/2020 (Permalink)
The fact of the matter is that no one plans for or is prepared to deal with a fire or water damage. These emergencies happen without warning and can create chaos in your life. This is where SERVPRO comes in! With franchise professionals on standby 24 hours a day 365 days a year, we are always Here to Help!
Own a business? Our Emergency Ready Profile can help you minimize business interruptions and get back to serving your clients faster than ever!
With over 40 years of industry experience, our franchise professionals receive training from The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
A property owner or manager? Keep your homes or apartment units occupied by inviting a team of our dedicated franchise professionals to get the space move-in ready: we offer a variety of cleaning services including floor cleaning, ceiling, and wall cleaning, deodorization, air duct & HVAC Cleaning as well as upholstery and drapery cleaning.
Our franchise professionals are on standby 24 hours a day 365 days a year to respond quickly to your emergency!
Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.
Is Your Family Being Exposed to Mold?
2/26/2020 (Permalink)
You may have written off your itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing as seasonal allergies, but the truth is you may be dealing with an even bigger problem: Mold.
Mold is not a new problem. Every house, every environment has mold spores, but mold becomes an issue when the mold spores in the home are greater than what is found outside.
Mold is one of the more threatening organisms and SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin takes it very seriously. The danger lies in the fact the mold is often not easy to find. It likes to hide and can be harbored in any cool, damp place inside your home or place of business. Most people only think of showers and bathrooms as harboring mold, but truthfully, it can hide in attics, crawl spaces, closets, even inside the walls or under the floor.
Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:
- Emergency Contact - 757-934-8404
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
- Mold Containment
- Air Filtration
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
- Cleaning Contents and Belongings
- Restoration
Explained : The Fire Damage Restoration Process
4/22/2019 (Permalink)
Recommended process for addressing the problem of fire damage in your home or business:
Contacting the Restoration Company
In case of a fire in home or fire in business, the first thing to do is to contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for emergency response. Massive smoke smell and smoke damage resulting from a fire in a business or in a home can only be controlled by a professional restoration company with experience in fire cleanup. In some instances, you may be required board up to stop future commercial fire damage. Therefore, fire damage needs emergency response services.
Assessment
Assessment of the level of commercial fire damage is a very important step in the restoration process. The process involves determining the distance of travel by the soot or smoke, the level of smoke damage, and the smoke smell. The restoration company can only estimate the cost of restoration and design an appropriate fire cleanup plan after damage assessment. Moreover, one can only estimate the time it will take to restore the fire in business or fire in home damage through the assessment process.
Sealing Services
Smoke damage and smoke smell can be prevented from spreading to other areas in a fire in a business or in a home incident by sealing all the openings and leaks. For example, wall and roof openings may lead to water damage during a rainy season. For successful fire damage restoration to occur, it is important to seal all openings. Therefore, fire damage restoration is highly dependent on water damage restoration. Massive damage can be caused by a burst water pipe or tank in a fire incident.
Fire damage Clean-Up
It is important to clean away smoke, dust and soot damage during a fire cleanup process. All the surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned as part of the restoration. It is important to look out for smoke damage, dark surfaces, stained surfaces as well as charred items. The only way to restore normalcy and clear the smoke smell is by cleaning up the affected property. After a fire in business or fire in a home, it is advisable to remove all standing pools of water by using a submersible pump. Soot damage and smoke odor are removed from the room by drying and sanitization the affected area. Moreover, bad odor and soot damage can be removed by carpet cleaning. Soot and smoke odor can spread to adjacent rooms, that is why the rooms should also be cleaned immediately. As a future precaution, you may be required to board up walls.
Repair and Renovation
The best way to ensure complete and successful restoration is by ensuring that all the damaged furniture and items are repaired. Replacement of damaged cabinets is a very important process in fire damage restoration. However, those that are not badly damaged can be repaired. Renovation services are offered by most restoration companies for clients that need to renovate their property. As mentioned earlier, you can decide to board up your walls to avoid future destruction. The renovation process may involve coming up with a completely new design of the business premises or home that may be more appealing to the owner as compared to the previous design. It is also important to know that you can always benefit from the renovations services that are offered by restoration companies. You can hire extra redesign and renovation services depending on the level of damage.
Consultation
Apart from offering restoration services, the companies can be a source of information for those affected by fire accidents. You can always ask the experts questions related to soot damage and other fire-related damages. Moreover, you can also learn how to board up and the recommended room designs.
Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all of your restoration needs, 757-813-7775.
The 3 Categories of Water
4/5/2019 (Permalink)
Water damage can cause stress in the home or workplace. Whether your water loss is large or small, it is crucial to remediate the situation quickly to prevent any further issues. Water is classified into 3 categories, and it’s important to be able to distinguish the differences among them.
The first category is “Clean Water.” Clean water is the least contaminated, and comes from a clean source, like a leaky faucet or water line. It can turn into a category 2 or 3 if left untreated and exposed to factors such as temperature and other contaminants.
The second category is “Gray Water.” Gray water is contaminated and can come from a dishwasher or washing machine overflow. It is important to remediate gray water as quickly as possible, as it may contain bacteria. And if left untreated, it can turn into a category 3 “Black Water.”
Blackwater is severely contaminated. Having contact with black water can cause serious illness, and in some cases even death. Examples of black water include flooding from waterways and standing water. Blackwater may contain chemicals, microbes, and sewage. Avoid any contact with black water.
At SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, we want our customers to have peace of mind knowing they will be taken care of by our certified professionals. Our state of the art equipment will have your home or business dry, clean and back to normalcy in a timely and professional manner. If you have any concerns related to water damage, or to schedule an estimate, please call us today at 757-934-8404.
How to Handle Flood Water
4/2/2019 (Permalink)
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Your location no longer seems to be a factor-there is always potential for flood damage.
Fema.gov reports that in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. It’s not a matter of if, but when and FEMA reports that nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000.
The American Red Cross claims that floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. Here are some tips they advise to follow:
Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, Stop, Turn around, and go another way.
If you approach a flooded road while driving, the same holds true. If you are in your car and waters are rising rapidly, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Keep children out of the water. Children may not recognize contaminated water and lack judgment.
If your home or business is affected by a flood, SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is your water damage restoration company. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure if not treated properly and quickly.
Cleanup can be overwhelming and that’s why SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is prepared to handle any size disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, let your local SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin help you take it back.
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 757-934-8404.
SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, Call for all your emergency needs!
2/19/2019 (Permalink)
We are here to assist in your time of need 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. You can call at 10 pm on a Saturday night and your call will be answered by one of our trained managers. SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin understands that when your business or home has water coming through your ceiling, sewage backed up from your toilet or water coming through your light fixtures you can not wait until Monday for emergency services.
If your home or office is affected by disasters like water damage or fire, SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to help you start the mitigation process and dry out your structure. Our teams of trained production techs are ready to walk through the process with you, just call us at 757-934-8404, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sewage Backups - The Dirty Facts
2/11/2019 (Permalink)
A sewage system backed up in this home and flooded the entire bathroom. This is called a category 3 water contamination. The cleanup requires professionally trained technicians and professional equipment.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.
SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin 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.
After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
- Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
What to Do After a Contamination
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
- Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.
What Not to Do After a Contamination
- Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don’t use television or other household appliances.
- Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today –757-934-8404
Are You and Your Family Exposed to Mold?
2/11/2019 (Permalink)
You may have written off your itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing as seasonal allergies, but the truth is you may be dealing with an even bigger problem: Mold.
Mold is not a new problem. Every house, every environment has mold spores, but mold becomes an issue when the mold spores in the home are greater than what is found outside.
Mold is one of the more threatening of organisms and SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin takes it very seriously. The danger lies in the fact the mold is often not easy to find. It likes to hide and can be harbored in any cool, damp place inside your home or place of business. Most people only think of showers and bathrooms as harboring mold, but truthfully, it can hide in attics, crawl spaces, closets, even inside the walls or under the floor.
Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:
- Emergency Contact - 757-934-8404
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
- Mold Containment
- Air Filtration
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
- Cleaning Contents and Belongings
- Restoration
Improving Indoor Air Quality
2/1/2019 (Permalink)
More often times than not poor air quality in homes and commercial buildings can be attributed to a dirty ventilation system. Your HVAC system should be a high priority and demand your attention regularly. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.
A routine service that SERVPRO offers is inspections of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the lifespan of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money!
SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost-efficient. We use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule a duct cleaning appointment!
SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404
24/7 Emergency Service
