Archived Blog Posts
Fire Up the Grill, Not Your House: 7 Grill safety Tips Everyone Should Know
7/17/2023 (Permalink)
Stay safe this summer with these 7 grill tips
Gas grills are involved in an average of a little under 10,000 house fires each year, don’t let your house be one of them! Follow these steps to keep the fire on the grill and not in your house.
- Choose a safe location for your grill
Location is key! Right off of the house on the deck is a common spot to put a grill, but it isn’t a safe one! Grilling in close proximity to the house is a fire hazard. It’s a good rule of thumb to place your grill at least ten ft away from all structures. When choosing a spot make sure the surface is level and away from any overhanging branches and anything flammable.
- Keep a spray bottle on hand
When fat from whatever you’re cooking begins to drip, it’s common for the grill to flare up and cause a section of the grill to catch fire. Keep a spray bottle filled with water near your grill so you can quickly extinguish flames and prevent further spread.
- Never leave an in-use grill unattended
As goes for anything with flames, a lit grill requires constant supervision. It’s wise to stay close to the grill so you can easily see or smell signs of danger such as excessive smoke, flames shooting up higher than usual, or the scent of gas.
Strategically place your grill in a spot that is out of the way and not tempting for small children to go to. Enforcing the 3 foot “kid-free” is a great way to ensure safety and that no accidents occur.
- Clean your grill regularly
When not cleaned regularly, grease buildup on your grill can become a serious fire hazard. It’s a good idea to clean your grill with a grill brush after each time you use it and empty the grease tray as soon as you notice it filling up.
- Store propane tanks away from your house
Keep propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area. To ensure safety, always keep the tank upright and check the valves are turned off fully.
Closed-toed shoes, oven mitts, and an apron are good protective measures to wear. Avoid loose-fitting clothing, dangling jewelry, and tie your hair back if it is long.
Our integration of DocuSketch: a state-of-the-art 3D documentation technology
6/8/2023 (Permalink)
We use the best technology so we can provide you with the bests services!
SERVPRO® uses AI? Yes, we do! SERVPRO Team McCabe is always looking for ways to enhance our services, so integrating cutting-edge technology is a natural choice for us. We use DocuSketch, a 3D documentation tool to get precise digital floor plans to create estimates for scopes of work.
DocuSketch helps us capture 360-degree panoramic photos of every room. These sketches serve multiple purposes, being valuable for our team’s reference and frequently utilized by insurance companies, sub-contractors, and even customers!
So how exactly does it work? DocuSketch uses AI software to perform an automated review process that analyzes the compliance and completeness of a scope. This process ensures the information we use to create estimates is as accurate as humanly (or not humanly in this case!) possible.
The primary role of our on-site estimator is to gain a clear understanding of the specific tasks and volume of work necessary to restore an area to its preloss conditions. While AI helps with that process, our real-life estimator picks up on issues/concerns AI can’t. Our estimator prioritizes the safety and comfort of customers and promptly addresses any general, safety, or financial concerns.
With the help of DocuSketch, our estimator creates an estimate for the job, taking into account the severity of the damage, area dimensions, and many other factors to produce at the final price.
If you’re dealing with a loss, give us a call today and we’ll get you an estimate as soon as possible!
24/7, 365, we’re here for you!
Sold on Old? What to Watch for Living in/Buying an Older House
5/11/2023 (Permalink)
What's lurking behind your walls?
It’s been said that old structures are full of charm, rich history, and memories of what once was, but what else may still be lurking in the walls and halls? Not every part of a home will and should stand the test of time. It’s important to be aware of the structural and safety issues that come with an old house. Depending on what year your home was built, here’s what to look out for:
Before 1989:
The EPA issued a final rule banning most asbestos-containing products this year, no new products containing asbestos are to be manufactured. Asbestos exposure can cause several different types of cancer,
so it’s crucial to know what to look for.
Before 1980:
Cast-iron pipes were popular before 1980 for their durability and longevity. One of the reasons cast-iron pipes are no longer used is their susceptibility to corrosion and rust.
Before 1978:
Lead paint in exterior and interior paint is likely to have been used if it was built before this year.
Before 1970: It’s likely your home doesn’t have any mitigation system in place since radon gas was not considered a serious threat until the 1970s. Unlike newly constructed homes, older homes don’t have the proper ventilation to direct radon gas out of living space.
Between 1960- mid-1970s:
Aluminum wiring on its own isn’t considered a hazardous material. When connected to a terminal made from copper or another metal a corrosive chemical reaction could occur, leading to an electrical fire.
Between 1890s-1930s:
Knob and tube wiring do not have a ground wire, making them incapable of servicing any three-pronged appliances. This type of wiring is far more likely to have unsafe modifications than modern wiring. The age alone of knob and tube wiring is the main reason it can be so unsafe.
Don’t let this information scare you! Most of these problems can be dealt with and resolved if handled properly. SERVPRO® Team McCabe has the resources and skills to help you with these issues, so feel free to reach out!
Calling all Landlords- Three Hacks to Make Life Easier for You and Your Tenants
4/14/2023 (Permalink)
You hold the key to a good landlord-tenant relationship!
Whether you manage one property or one hundred, follow these simple steps to ensure smooth sailing in the roaring sea of real estate!
- Communicate with tenants- The most obvious and perhaps most overlooked step of them all: clear communication between landlord and tenant helps everyone stay on the same page, ergo eliminating room for gray areas and misunderstandings. While communicating directly with each individual tenant is necessary for some instances, don’t shy away from mass communication. Chances are if one tenant has a question, others are likely thinking the same thing! Facebook groups are a great place to share helpful tips and updates with current and potential tenants.
- Give emergency contact info- In the event of an emergency, it’s crucial for tenants to know who they should contact. Get specific, and provide the names of the preferred vendors for any emergency. It will help put you both at ease knowing there’s a game plan in place.
- Have a written rental agreement- A written document signed by both parties ensures accountability and protection. Written agreements may include anything from who to pay when something breaks, to timeline stipulations, snow removal requirements, and anything in between. Expectations should be made clear in this agreement to prevent confusion down the road.
To simplify these steps further, use SERVPRO Team McCabe’s ERP! Our emergency-ready program enables you to keep all of your vital property information in one place. Our ERPs clearly map out what to do in an emergency. To learn more about SERVPRO’s ERP program please contact marketingstaff@SERVPROupperbucks.com
Halloween Decoration Safety
9/16/2022 (Permalink)
Halloween season is rapidly approaching. Many people have already started decorating for Halloween. Dried flowers, crepe paper, cornstalks, and decorative scarecrows may make your home look festive for fall, but these classic decorations can also pose a scary fire risk. As fun as it is to decorate your home it is important to keep in mind some safety tips to avoid a fire from starting in your home. The National Fire Protection Association says flammable decorations are the first things to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year; two of every five of these incidents start by a candle.
One of the most important things to consider is to keep your decorations away from open flames, lightbulbs, and heaters. This may seem simple but many people forget the risks of doing this and decorate in unsafe places. One of the most common is next to or above fireplaces. It is so easy for a stray ash to end up catching a decoration on fire. Even hanging your decorations near a lightbulb can be dangerous.
Another way to prevent fire is to check the quality of each item before you plug them in. Examining each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed wires or loose connections, and discard any damaged sets is the first step to take. Many people often try at home fixes such as tape on frayed wires. Any decoration with a frayed wire should be discarded or have a new wire installed if possible. Be careful not to overload sockets when plugging in lights and other electronic decorations. It is such an easy thing to avoid by unplugging objects that you are not using at any given time.
A big safety tip to keep in mind is to not use open flames such as candles inside your decorations. Consider glow sticks or battery-operated candles instead of real candles when lighting your jack-o’-lanterns or other luminaries. If you do choose to use real candles it is important to light it with a utility lighter. That way you can light it right over the wick and do not have a risk of hitting the side of the decoration with the flame. You also need to be mindful of where you are putting your decorations that have candles in them. Keep lit decorations off of doorsteps, yards, and sidewalks where excited trick-or-treaters may knock them over. Moving them off of your front door step or front walkway is an easy way to avoid injury.
The last thing to keep in mind is to make sure you do not have any decorations blocking any exits out of your home. If there is an emergency it is important to keep a clear path out. Halloween is a fun time of the year and it is important to have fun while decorating your home. Just make sure you follow these tips to help keep your home safe.
Fall Fire Safety
9/13/2022 (Permalink)
At the end of summer most people are worried about getting ready for the back to school season. What people don't think about is that this is a great time to get your home ready for the cooler months. During the winter months there are a lot of fire hazards in your home. According to the American Red Cross, there is a drastic increase in the amount of U.S house fires during this time. There are several strategies to take during the early part of the fall season to help prevent fires.
The most important thing to do is replace your smoke alarms batteries throughout the house. This is something that is very easy, yet most people forget to do it. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of dying in a structure fire is 55% lower in a home with working smoke alarms. While changing the batteries, it is also a good idea to make sure your family knows where your fire extinguishers are. Having fire extinguishers in the house that still work is extremely important. Especially as you enter the cooler months where you heat up your house on a daily basis.
Another thing to keep in mind, especially with kids in the house is to create a fire evacuation plan. Having a plan and knowing of all the possible exits and escape routes is very beneficial ahead of time. According to the NFPA, creating a place to meet outside at a neighbor's house is an essential part of the plan. They recommend that you try out your plan at least two times per year. The more steps you take ahead of time the better as you will be prepared to act in the event of an emergency. Spending time with your family and creating a plan will pay off in the event of an emergency. SERVPRO Team McCabe offers an ERP plan which will help you plan ahead in the event of an emergency.
Getting your heating system serviced each year is also an essential fire safety step. This is especially important after the summer season. There is always extra debris left behind in the vents from all the hard work your unit does cooling the house over the summer. The most important step is replacing your furnace filter on a consistent basis. It is recommended to change it every three months. It is also important to reach out to a professional when your heating system is having issues. You should also be getting your unit serviced at least one time per year for general maintenance, according to the National Fire Protection Association. SERVPRO Team McCabe can help with this, we offer duct cleaning for commercial or residential properties.
Fireplace safety is another extremely important topic during this time of the year. When using a fireplace indoors you should always have the screen or glass door closed. It is also important to keep in mind not to store extra wood right next to the door of the fireplace. It is an easy way to spark a fire outside of the fireplace. One rule that many people often forget is leaving a fire unattended. Many people fall asleep or get distracted and leave the room while they have a fire going. This is one of the biggest causes of household fires due to fireplaces. Keeping these safety points in mind will help transition your house from the summer into the fall season in a safe way.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
If you were to ask most people what cleaning they should do to their dryer they would tell you, clean the lint trap. However, that is not enough what many people do not know is that you have to get your dryer vent cleaned as well. I'm sure you are asking, what's that? The dryer vent is the tube that runs from your dryer to outside and the vent part that it passes through. It helps you remove hot air and moisture from your laundry room.
Why does it need to be cleaned? Over time it can get filled up with dust and other debris from your washing machine. Debris and highly flammable lint can build up in your dryer vent, reducing airflow and backing up exhaust gasses. That mixed with the heat from the washing machine is a very dangerous combination. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, fire departments respond to around 15,970 home structural fires each year that involve clothes in dryers or washing machines. There is also a chance that gasses and carbon monoxide that should be released outside of the home through the dryer vent could get backed up into your home through a clogged vent. This is something that can be easily avoided by simply getting your vents cleaned.
How can I tell when it's time to get the vent cleaned? According to an article on the NCADA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) website these are some signs you are ready for a cleaning.
- Clothes take longer to dry than usual
- The dryer is hot to the touch after a cycle
- Your laundry room is hot after a cycle
- The dryer emits a burning smell
- There’s inconsistent airflow from the exhaust vent
- Excess lint appears in the lint trap after each cycle
- You find debris in your yard outside of the dryer vent or can see it trapped in the vent itself
Getting your vents serviced will help you reduce your energy costs over time. It will also help your clothes dry faster and improve the life of your dryer. Clearing events allows extra heat to come through that leads to shorter drying times which will save you money. The NCADA also lists some proactive steps to take in addition to getting your vent cleaned to help reduce fire risk.
- Empty lint trap after every load
- Let your dryer cool off for 15-20 minutes between loads
- Replace your flexible vent pipe with a solid metal one
- Move the dryer close to an external wall
- Use liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets
- Regularly inspect the vent pipe from outside the house to see if there is debris
Should I try to clean my dryer vent myself? No, many people who attempt to do it themselves often do not get them cleaned properly. Most people fail to remove all of the debris that is in the vent. The recommendation by the NFPA is to get your dryer vents professionally cleaned once per year. Doing so will make your home a much safer place for you and your family. Even though you will spend money to get them cleaned, it will save you big on your energy bill each month. It is definitely worth the investment, call SERVPRO Team McCabe to schedule your cleaning today 215-536-7989.
Why Build Containment?
5/26/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Team McCabe understands how important it is to return your home or business to preloss condition as quickly and smoothly as we are able to.
Containment is generally used to prevent the occurrence of additional damage to contents in the home that have been unaffected or only lightly affected. Once our crew arrives on site we scope the job and then begin work to either place containment or completely remove any content on the job site. Most content is packed out and moved off of the job site if it was heavily affected and needs cleaning. Our dedicated Content Crew will lead this process and advise on what can stay onsite and be contained. Containment plastic can be used to wrap specific items or to section off an area of the house by sealing off the doorways and vents. Another great use for containment plastic is to help create negative pressure by sectioning off an area and placing equipment inside the containment to aid in drying.
SERVPRO Team McCabe understands how important it is to return your home or business to preloss condition as quickly and smoothly as we are able to. An important part of this is to prevent any secondary damage to your contents that can be caused by a continuing leak, microbial growth, or even dust and debris caused by the remediation efforts.
Commercial Cleaning Services
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
Getting Back to Business, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward to provide your employees and customers ongoing safety as you operate after the COVID-19 pandemic. As America’s #1 cleanup and restoration brand, we have developed a program that is grounded in our 3 C’s – Consult, Clean and Certify. Visit our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned page and let us show you how we can make your building safer and ready to get back to business.
Commercial Building Restoration Services
We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services.
SERVPRO Storm Response
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
A Fast Response Is Crucial
In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency.
An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes:
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants can cause health effects.
SERVPRO Equipment and Technology
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide is a specific set of practical standards that incorporate the field of psychometry, which involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively.
Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment
Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.
- An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
- Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
Water Extraction Equipment
Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.
- Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
- Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
Drying Equipment
Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
- High-speed air movers causes moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
- Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.
- Air scrubbers remove airborne particles and contaminants.
- Thermal foggers and deodorization agents control odors.
Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments
The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.
- Cleaning agents help to stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other microorganisms.
Space Heater Safety
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
Every year, over 25,000 house fires can be attributed to the incorrect usage of space heaters, according to Consumer Reports.
Fighting the cold weather using these machines can be safe — referring to NFPA’s (National Fire Protection Association) “Heater Checklist” will guide you into making the correct decisions to ensure a safe home/environment for your space heater to do its work.
Some of these tips include, but are not limited to:
- When buying a space heater, make sure that the unit has a seal from a qualified testing laboratory on it.
- Keeping children away from these heaters will limit bodily injury and poor usage of the units.
- Make sure the unit is placed on a solid, flat surface.
- Allow at least 3 feet of space between the space heater and anything else, including humans. Items that tend to catch fire are: curtains, bedding or upholstered furniture.
- Turn off the units when you leave the room or before you go to bed.
If your property has been damaged due to a fire and you suspect that your space heater was the cause, call your local SERVPRO franchise for all of your restoration needs.
24/7/365
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
Our staff is available 24/7/365, allowing us to be ready for any sized disaster at any time of the day, at any point during the year!
We pride ourselves on the fact that we can quickly dispatch a crew of SERVPRO professionals soon after we receive a call to a job.
And not only that, we are available to you when others may not — yes, that means during the holidays and odd hours!
We want to make sure that we are able to assist you when you need us most, and our nonstop availability is just one of the many ways we strive to make that happen.
From fire and water restoration, to mold mitigation, to much more, we can tackle any sized disaster with the will to make your damages look "Like it never even happened."
If you are in need of any of those services, or want to learn more about SERVPRO, give your local franchise a call TODAY!
Commercial Duct Cleaning
4/18/2022 (Permalink)
Air Duct Cleaning and HVAC Cleaning
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the air duct work of your home or business.
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.
However, air duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.
The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:
- Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
- May help to eliminate offensive odors.
- Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.
For more information on air duct cleaning contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional today. With over 1,700 Franchises nationwide, there’s a SERVPRO Professional nearby and ready to serve you.
Commercial Storm Damage Restoration
4/18/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial Storm Damage Restoration
Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year.
Every hour that you spend cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give our Professionals a call and they’ll be there fast with the help you need.
We Do Board Ups!
4/18/2022 (Permalink)
After an emergency involving one's own property, whether it be a bad storm, fire or water damage, many properties need to be boarded up. Board ups are done to prevent the properties from incurring any further damage before the remediation process can begin. Board ups are one thing that should be left to the professionals. Most people are experiencing emotional trauma after an emergency involving their own property. By calling SERVPRO in for a board up, it relieves some of the stress and leaves our customers with time to deal with the accident on their own time.
Aside from the board up, we also can start the remediation and restoration process as soon as possible. Our services are available 24/7 and we always have a crew on call ready to assist in emergency situations.
Washing Machine Safety
1/25/2022 (Permalink)
Be sure to check your washing machine hoses regularly. If there is a leak SERVPRO is here to help.
Millions of Americans depend on washing machines for quick, easy, and thorough cleaning, as opposed to some older methods that do not do nearly as good a job.
As a matter of fact, researchers estimate that the average family of four does about 8 to 10 loads of laundry every week! If you're wondering what the quick math correlates to over the course of the year it's over 500 loads of laundry!
With a demand like that, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps and precautions to make sure it runs properly and without error.
There is a lot of wear and tear that comes with this type of usage, so we wanted to run through some maintenance tips to make sure your machine remains in tip-top shape and in great working order.
- First and foremost, you are going to want to replace your washing machine lines at least every 3-5 years; each time the machine is turned on or off, the lines contract which could eventually lead to bursts.
- It is highly recommended that you switch from rubber hoses to stainless steel braided hoses.
- Before you replace these hoses, make sure your water is turned OFF!
- Finally, check your hoses for leaks at least once a year!
We hope you learned how to take better care of your washing machine, and remember: for all of your restoration needs, call SERVPRO!
Routine Appliance Checks
1/21/2022 (Permalink)
Appliances should be checked regularly to avoid any hidden water damage. If any damage occurs call SERVPRO we are here to help.
Typically water damage in a home or other property are due to common things like floods or burst pipes however, there are other causes that can sometimes go unseen. The most common cause of hidden water damage is household appliances which can pose a threat to your home of business when left unattended
Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, and hot water heaters are the biggest culprits that are typically to blame for costly water damage repairs.
Refrigerators and dishwashers can definitely cause damage in your kitchen and should be regularly pulled away from the wall to check your flooring for any leaking water. While pulled out you should also check the water lines and try to keep them from tangling which can increase your chances of an issue once the appliance is back in place. Dishwashers are sometimes not covered in your insurance policy so be sure to check up on your dishwasher regularly because it could be the source of a huge headache for you.
Washing Machines use a lot of water and are also used often so they can also be a common cause of water damage. Washing Machines need the same care as your other appliances so just be sure to pull them out regularly and check your floors and hoses for any water leakage. These hoses have a lifespan of about 5 years and should be replaced on a schedule to avoid any unnecessary damage.
Air conditioners do have implementations that remove moisture as the machine runs, but any issues with these designs could allow water damage to occur. Make sure to follow all of the company's guidelines and to check regularly for leaks.
Hot water heaters are something we sometimes forget about because they are often tucked away out of sight and they end up out of mind. They do have a life of about 8-12 years and are usually forgotten about until it’s time to get a new one or until the old one blows. Try to keep an eye on your hot water heater regularly checking on the external components, making sure the seals and pipes aren’t leaking anywhere. Because your hot water heater is typically hidden away it has the potential to cause a good amount of damage before being remediated especially if it’s in a place like a closet or basement where it can affect a lot of other content in your home or business.
Please be sure to follow these routine checks so there are no surprises in your home but if you need us we are here to help! For all of your water restoration needs, call SERVPRO!
Water Damage Tips
1/21/2022 (Permalink)
Follow these tips if you experience any water damage while you wait for help to arrive.
What you can do until help arrives
After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
What To Do After Flooding
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT To Do After Flooding
- 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 ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Flash Floods
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
We all get those “Flash Flood Warnings” on our phones during a heavy rain storm and most people don’t think much of it. Flash floods are actually very dangerous and can cause some serious damage. A flash flood is defined as a flood that develops in less than 6 hours.
These floods can occur anywhere but are more prone to occur in areas that deal with poor drainage systems. Heavy rain in the main culprit for starting a flash flood but ice james, dam failures and large amounts of snow melting can also cause one. Areas that are densely populated are actually most at risk for flash flooding as there is a lot of paved roads and less area for water to be absorbed. If you find yourself in an area where a flash flood is occurring or may occur try to get to higher ground and no matter how low the water looks, do not attempt to cross it. The scariest part of a flash flood is how fast the water can rise. If you do receive a flash flood warning this doesn't always mean there is one occurring at the time but there may be one that could occur.
If you find your house has been affected by water damage due to a flash flood or a heavy storm give SERVPRO of Upper Bucks a call at (215)- 536-7989 today!
Content by:https://www.ajc.com/weather/everything-you-need-know-about-flash-flood/gkAop4v0kxRS6N2NJxKNFJ/
Thunderstorm Facts
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
There are three different types of thunderstorms; all of which can be identified with a humbly trained eye. Dennis Mersereau, from Mentalfloss.com, breaks down each of the types of thunderstorms.
First, there are single-cell storms, which pulses up, rains for half an hour, and dissipates. Although it may seem pretty straight forward, these storms can cause heavy winds from its downdrafts that can trigger more storms in a chain reaction.
The second type of storm, and the most common one that contains squall lines, are called multi-cell thunderstorms. These storms have the possibility of becoming dangerous due to their squall lines, which are a narrow band of high winds and storms associated with a cold front.
The third and final thunderstorm, called a supercell storm, has a rotating updraft. The twisting updraft helps these supercell storms survive for many hours and produce more severe weather, like: large hail, higher winds, and strong tornadoes.
1-4-8 Response
1/7/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is committed to a fast response for any size disaster.
We talk a lot about how SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster but, what exactly does that mean? Well when we get a call in for an emergency loss we work based off of a 148 Response. Within 1 hour of receiving notification we will have a call out to the customer to discuss the situation. Then within 4 hours of the initial call we will have at least a three man crew on site. There may be a need for extra Technicians depending on the severity and size of the loss. At times we will recall Techs from the field to come assist wherever necessary. This initial team includes a Crew Chief and at least two Techs who can begin to remedy the situation as soon as they arrive onsite. By 8 hours we will have provided a verbal briefing to the adjuster including all the information we have attained so far along with photo documentation. While all this is being done we are communicating with the customer every step of the way, we do our best to ease any concerns as we understand how stressful an emergency loss situation can be.
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
1/3/2022 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today
Emergency Ready Program
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is happy to offer our FREE ERP Service. Email us today if you'd like to schedule an ERP for your business.
Can we determine when disaster strikes?
Unfortunately, we can never really know when a disaster will strike. Anything could happen at any moment, so as a business, it is essential to prepare for an emergency.
Why should you prepare for an emergency?
There are a few reasons:
1.Safety! Being prepared means keeping everyone involved safe during an emergency.
- To minimize damage done to the building. If you understand where the water shut off is for instance, then you can turn off the water during a pipe burst, therefore stopping the source.
- Save money!! Less damage=less expensive.
SERVPRO® provides an Emergency Ready Profile to help you prepare for disaster.
This FREE Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is designed to organize all of the critical information necessary during a disaster. For example, locations of shut offs for utilities and Emergency Contact information.
Oh, and it is FREE
If you are interested in learning more about this tool, please contact us at (215)-536-7989 or email marketingstaff@SERVPROupperbucks.com
Are you prepared? We can help!
Ho! Ho! Puff?: A Cold Weather Dilemma Puff Back
12/23/2021 (Permalink)
Puff back can damage your walls, carpets, and electronics. Call SERVPRO if you need help after a Puff Back.
Crank up the heat! The colder weather is upon us and your heaters are soon going to be roaring back to life. For many of us, our heating systems will turn on flawlessly and get to work toasting our freezing feet. But for many others, the consequences of having left your heater sit unattended and inactive throughout the warm-weather months; can leave you with a costly and time-consuming mess.
Puff Backs are a result of a misfiring in your furnace. This misfire causes an explosion of soot and debris that shoot back into your home leaving your walls, furnishings, carpets and many other household items coated in a difficult-to-remove film. The explosion of soot brings to the forefront an underlying, usually simple, problem with the mechanics of your furnace such as a valve or filter in need of replacement.
However, even though the mechanical fix may be relatively simple, you won’t realize just how many things can be affected in your home by a puff back until you have one happen. The soot somehow finds a way into the smallest nooks and spaces of your home leaving you with a very difficult mess to clean up.
The best thing for you to do in this situation is to call in the professionals. The soot and debris are not only hard to clean up but may be dangerous without the proper knowledge due to the chemicals released during the explosion.
SERVPRO has a very unique, hands-on approach to dealing with puff backs which we tailor to every incident. If a puff back occurs on a porous material/surface, for example, then we are able to perform a more abrasive wet-cleaning process. However, if the soot has landed on a non-porous material/surface, then our highly-trained techs will spend the time strenuously cleaning your walls and surfaces with a dry sponge ensuring that everything in your home returns to its pre-damage condition.
Some things you may be able to do to prevent a puff back include;
Ensuring your oil-heating system is free of dust and debris
Inspect and provide service to your heating system before you need to use it
If you hear strange noises or begin to see any soot residue around your furnace, call your heating company immediately
If you are unable to perform those steps or if you find yourself standing in an inch-deep pile of soot and debris, call SERVPRO today and we’ll send our crews out to make it, “Like it never even happened.”
Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration
12/23/2021 (Permalink)
Basement flooded? Call SERVPRO we are here to help.
There have been too many homeowners that have descended down their basement steps to find a pool of murky water greeting them. This instance is an all-too-familiar one, as many Americans claim to have dealt with a flood in their basement at least once.
Water follows the path of least resistance, finding cracks and holes through basement walls. Flooding can often be attributed to insufficient drainage around basement walls, heavy rains, a faulty sump pump, or a combination of these factors.
The water that goes unseen could wreck havoc in your foundation, causing further damage and could also welcome an infestation of mold. This is a scenario you should strive to avoid at all costs!
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are highly trained in water damage restoration including basement and crawlspace flooding. They have the experience, expertise, and equipment to remove the water and dry your basement properly. Their water removal and drying process emphasizes monitoring and documentation to validate your property is dry.
Home Inspection Issues? SERVPRO Can Help!
11/29/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help with any issues that may appear during a home inspection.
Home inspections are an important step to ensure the buyer knows what they're investing in long term and are often a requirement for obtaining a loan. Sellers are also made aware at this stage of what issues may hold up their sale, or affect their asking price. According to economists at the National Association of Realtors, About 1 in every 4 real estate transactions are delayed because of something that came up during the home inspection.
Even when homeowners complete routine maintenance and repairs, an official home inspection can turn up surprises.
SERVPRO is here to help with any large issues you may face during this process. If you had Puff Back that you didn’t want to get into cleaning up at the time that has worn away the walls and even your electronics we can clean and restore the home. Maybe the home inspector found mold that was growing in the basement from a flooding three years ago that you thought you had cleaned up enough to prevent any further damage. SERVPRO can come in and safely mitigate any mold found in the home.
SERVPRO also can provide small services to help your home get market ready such as Air Duct Cleaning, Covid-19 Cleaning, and even General Cleaning for drapes, carpets, floors, ceilings, and walls. Give us a call if you need any of these services to get your home ready to sell.
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