Recent Posts

How to Handle a Storm in the Winter

8/5/2024 (Permalink)

Winter storms are common in the US. They have intense winds and even heavy snowfall at times. During such times of crisis, staying safe can become a huge challenge especially for families who live in low-lying coastal areas. Since winter storms bring extreme temperatures and roads full of ice with them, it is necessary to prepare yourself accordingly in case a winter storm is expected to hit your area. Apart from extreme cold, winter storms can also cause power outrages – resulting in cold homes and no source of heat for you or your loved ones. A time of crisis like this requires a clear disaster plan to ensure the safety of your family.

Below are a few steps that you can take to prepare for a winter storm:

  1. Weatherproofing the House

Since cold weather is extremely dangerous when there is a power failure, it is necessary to weatherproof your home to ensure that the heat remains inside the house and the cold winds from the outside do not enter through the windows. You can weatherproof your home by installing caulk or strips to the edges of doors and windows to prevent any air or snow from coming inside your home. Another great way to keep the house warm is to insulate all of your walls and especially the attic. It is also beneficial to insulate your water pipes to ensure that your water supply remains warm even during the storm. Since storms are dangerous, you should repair any roof leakages before the winter season arrives.

  1. Chimney Inspections

Most houses in the US have a fireplace that they plan to use in case of an emergency. To ensure that your fireplace is safe to use, it is necessary to have it inspected each year by a professional fireplace company. This lessens the risk of a fire in your home in case the chimney had been blocked.

  1. Install Smoke Detectors

Lighting up a fire in the fireplace in your home can lead to collection of carbon monoxide in the air. To avoid gas poisoning during extreme temperatures caused by a winter storm, it is necessary to have a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector inside the house, near the fireplace. Other precautionary measures relating to a fire emergency include having a working fire extinguisher available at home and keeping all burning equipment such as coal or oil outside the house.

  1. Have an Emergency Kit

In case you need to evacuate your house during a heavy winter storm, it is necessary for you to have a pre-prepared emergency kit that you can keep in the car. This kit should include a spare cell phone that is charged, a portable charger, and a battery-powered radio to keep you up to date on the news. Equipment to stay warm such as coats, blankets, and gloves must also be kept in the kit. Since you may have to evacuate your home for quite some time, it is beneficial to have dry snacks inside the kit such as chips or biscuits that do not turn bad. Since your car GPS or phone may shut down during a heavy storm, it is important to include a detailed road map in the kit in order to guide you accordingly. You can also keep a shovel and a windshield scraper in order to cope with the heavy snowfall.

5 Immediate Steps to Handle a Water Damage Emergency

8/5/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can be infuriating. It is classified as one of the most serious emergencies that your property could suffer from – one that could possibly have long-term implications as well.

There are many ways that your property could get damaged by water, such as a heavy storm, flash floods, extreme rainfall, damaged pipes, overflowing water appliances, or even a leaking roof. Regardless of where your water damage stems from, it is mandatory to address the problem immediately to prevent further damage and to allow for repair strategies to be helpful.

When you face a water damage emergency at home, you should already have a plan in place that tells you exactly how to handle the situation. Here are a few steps that should ideally be part of your contingency plan:

  1. Protecting Yourself

The reason why water damage is considered extremely serious is because not only will there be floating water around your home, but the water can also further create more emergencies around the house. If the water is contaminated, there can be serious health implications if you come into contact with it. If you let the water reach electrical appliances, there can be a short circuit in the house or lead to electrocuted water.

To protect yourself, the first step in a water damage emergency should be shut off all electricity in your home. In case the water damage is caused by flooding, it is important to evacuate the home and reach a safe destination ASAP. Remember to wear protective clothing such as gloves and boots when you come in contact with the water to avoid the risk of contaminated or electrocuted water. You should also protect important possessions first – including important documents and electronic devices.

  1. Stop the Damage

In order to prevent further damage to your property, it is important to identify the source of the water damage and stop it immediately. If you have a burst pipe, you can shut off the water supply. If there is a flood in the area, you can use sandbags to lessen the impact. If you are suffering a ceiling leak, you should identify the exact point of leakage and reach out to a roofing expert.

  1. Call the Insurance Company

Since most houses in the US are insured, it is important to call the insurance company as soon as you identify water damage on your property. They are likely to guide you regarding what to do next, including getting a claims adjuster and taking photographs of the property damaged. This step is important to save money on damage repair in the future since your insurance company is likely to have it covered.

  1. Dry Everything

If it is possible, you should begin drying your wet furniture and flooring as soon as possible. Leave your rugs out in the sun to dry and turn on the fans to help dry out the entire house. This step is essential to eliminate the possibility of mold growth on your property due to still water and moisture in the home.

How To Get Rid OF The Toxic Mold?

8/5/2024 (Permalink)

Are you concerned about the mold growing on your property? The growth of mold is an extremely serious issue for all the property owners. Apart from destroying the property, it can put your health at risk too. The mold thrives in a humid area and is extremely toxic. This is why you need to take immediate steps to get rid of it. There are many ways through which you can deal with the mold. Want to know how? Stay tuned then.

Figure Out The Problem

Before you start the mold removal process, you need to figure out how big the problem is. It will help you decide whether you should try to get rid of it yourself or hire some professionals for the job. If the problem seems manageable enough, then you can do it yourself. But, if the infected area is too large for you to handle, then it is advisable that you take the assistance of a professional service provider.

Dry Out The Area

Mold grows in a wet and humid area. Therefore it is extremely important that you dry out the area if you want to have it removed. Clean and dry all the mold-infested areas and materials before you start the removal process. To reduce the spread of mold spores, you can remove the unsalvageable items from the infected area and store them in plastic bags. This will ensure that your precious items stay safe and secure from the mold.

Wear Proper Clothes

If the affected area is small and you decide to get rid of the mold yourself, then you need to dress properly to do the job. Do not head out to get rid of the mold if you are not properly dressed. Wearing proper clothing and using the right equipment is extremely important to remove the mold. It will keep you safe and also reduce your exposure to mold spores. You will be prevented from inhaling the mold spores as well. you should also wear a respirator to avoid breathing into mold spores.

Use The Right Cleaning Solution

You can decide upon which type of cleaning solution to use for cleaning of mold by looking at the surface that you are going to clean. Although hard surfaces can be cleaned using soap and water, you will require stringent chemicals if you want to clean the mold properly. If the material has become too moldy, then you might need to throw it off as well.

Get The Help Of Professionals

If the mold affected area is too large for you to handle then you will not be able to get rid of the mold yourself. This is why you should get the help of professionals to deal with the situation. They will take care of everything professionally while you sit back and relax.

If your property is infested by mold, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. Dealing with the problem is extremely important for your property and your health as well. Looking for the best service providing company in town? Contact SERVPRO of Woodbury/Deptford to benefit from the expert services.

5 Things To Do After A House Fire

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

A fire occurring in your house can be both surprising, overwhelming, and confusing. One can easily feel confused about what it is that they should do after going through such an experience. However, reading up and learning about what it is that you can do after a house fire can make you better equipped with dealing with such a situation. So, in order to help you protect yourself and your property, here are 5 things that you can do after a house fire.

Call An Emergency Helpline

Of course, the first step in any emergency situation is to call an emergency helpline. However, you must first ensure that everyone within your house is outside first. The first responders will arrive at your home and will focus their attention on the safety of you and others who live in your house. After all of the house occupants' are out of danger, they will then focus their energy on saving the structural integrity of your house. 

Take Some Time 

While the first respondents are working on dousing the flames, make sure to take time for yourself so that you are able to process the situation. Try to remind yourself and those who surround you that everything will be okay as spiraling will only make you feel more stressed and won't help the process go any faster. Be sure to take everything one step at a time so that you do not overwhelm yourself. 

Contact Your Insurance Agency 

After you have collected your thoughts, contact your insurance agency and ask for their timeline on securing your property, which includes the removal of any standing water as well as covering the doors and windows of your house. The entire process depends on the amount of damage your house has taken, both from the fire and the dousing. Your insurance will help in starting this process for you and will then authorize their company for restoration to secure your property.

Find A Safe Place

As your house, despite the ventilation holes, will now be filled with chemicals, which lowers the air quality drastically, to prevent any health issues, you must then find a safe place to stay for the time being. In fact, the restoration and recovery process can take several months to finish, which is why most people end up residing in a relative's house rather than a hotel. So, be sure to be monetarily prepared. 

Secure Your House 

If you are in a situation where the fire department tells you that your house is safe to live in, you will still have to take certain precautions, such as boarding up your house. This will prevent any outside impurities from entering your house. 

All in all, knowing the steps that you have to take after a house fire will not only help you but will also make you feel more at peace. So, if you ever do go through something like this, we hope that you do not, you will not feel confused rather you will, by default, go into autopilot and start taking the required steps. 

How a Water Softener Can Prevent Water Damage

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Having hard water in your home can be a problem that becomes costly over time. Hard water is mainly groundwater that contains dissolved minerals. When this water is combined with heat as it flows through the piping system of your home, it can leave behind residue and buildup which can damage the pipes in the long run.

Hard water is simply water that has collected calcium and magnesium from the surface of the earth before it flows through your pipes. While it is not exactly harmful to your skin or health, it can be a contributing factor towards water damage in your home.

What is a Water Softener?

To find a solution to your hard water problems, it is recommended to invest in a water softener. This simple device processes the hard water and removes the void of minerals present in the water through an ion-exchange process. The ion-exchange process replaces the mineral ions in the water with sodium and potassium ions – thus converting the hard water into soft water.

A water softener can be especially useful for homeowners who have prominent water damage in their homes that is caused by hard water.

Signs That You Have Hard Water

Since a majority of the US has hard water flowing through the pipes, it is difficult to determine whether or not your home actually needs a water softener. Below are the few signs of water damage caused by hard water:

  • Water marks on faucets despite cleaning them
  • Lime and chalk buildup in the sinks and shower heads
  • Smelly water
  • Low water pressure caused by damaged pipes
  • Damaged water appliances and fixtures

Benefits of a Home Water Softener System

  1. Saving Money

The biggest benefit of installing a water softener in your home is that it can prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars on water damage repair. Soft water will not allow for any mineral buildup in your pipes, resulting in a smooth flow of water with regular pump pressure. By replacing hard water with soft water, you can prevent havoc on your appliances such as dishwashers or laundry machines and save costs on frequent repairs or replacement.

  1. Less Cleaning Required

If you have hard water running through your home, you may constantly find yourself cleaning the sinks and showers because there is mineral buildup visible around the edges. The dishes and the laundry may never appear fully clean because of all the mineral ions present in the water. Installing a water softener system at home will allow you to prevent all of this problems since soft water will not allow for any mineral or soap buildup around your faucets and sinks. This means that you will spend less time cleaning and have a cleaner house as well.

  1. Preventing Water Damage

Water damage can be a huge problem in your house if the pipes start leaking internally or externally. Since the repair cost and time of water damage can be extensive, it is important to avoid the instance of any water-related damage in your home. By opting for a water softener system in your home, you can keep your pipes and fixtures working effectively without incurring a risk of water damage.

How To Choose The Best Insurance Company

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Deciding to purchase insurance can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. It would be best to consider many things, such as coverage, premiums, conditions, exclusions, and much more. The process can be confusing and tedious.

However, if you have the right insurance company, they will help you every step of the way. So, here are the top things you need to consider when choosing the best insurance company.

#1. The History And Reputation

Research is the most important thing when choosing the right insurance company. You need to learn their history and check their reputation in the market before deciding to go for them. Here are some things you need to be on the lookout for:

  • How long they have been operating
  • Their values, vision, and mission
  • Their financial strength
  • Online and first-hand reviews from peers

All of this will help you assess the company's reputation, and you can make an informed decision. Of course, you need to consider other factors too, which brings us to our next point.

#2. Ease Of Conducting Business

Technology rules the world. A great insurance company will easily conduct business with you, so the process can be much simpler for you. Here are some things that provide ease and accessibility to the customer:

  • 24/7 customer service support
  • Online claim reporting
  • Online payment of bills
  • Detailed information on their website

These features will help you find support when you have a query, and it will make your interactions with the company much easier. So, always be on the lookout for these features.

#3. Pricing

Of course, you need to have a budget for your insurance policies. Many people take out a few policies at once, such as life, car, home, etc., to reduce their cost. You can do that too.

However, you can compare prices of the same policies from different companies to check what will work better for you. The best policy for you will be in your budget while offering you a solid plan. So, don’t forget to compare pricing and premiums.

#4. Discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts to their users. They can vary from policy to policy, and it depends on the company what kind of discounts they are offering on their policies.

Here are some common discounts you may find among various insurance companies:

  • Financial stability
  • New and updated homes
  • Multi-car families
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Great students

Of course, these are just a few things. Insurance companies can offer discounts on anything with any conditions. So, be sure to check out if they offer any discounts so you can benefit from the policy even further.

Final Words

That is all you need to know about choosing the right insurance company. If you are looking for a diverse insurance company offering various policies with the best rates, look no further. Allstate Insurance aims to provide the best to its users.

For more information, feel free to get in touch with us now, and we will be happy to assist you.

How Big Of A Health Problem Can Mold Be

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Mold, a layman term used to identify a variety of fungi, which can easily be classified as unappealing and disliked. Mold can exist both indoors as well as outdoors in the form of variously colored, smelly, and unsightly fuzzy patches. However, the sight and smell of mold are the least of your worries as the effect on your health has been far worse. 

How Does Mold Spread Health Problems

While mold exists on surfaces, it does produce a variety of spores, which then spread throughout the air in your property. In fact, if a patch of mold exists on your property, there isn't much that you can do that will prevent it from spreading these spores, which will only allow for the health issues to persist. Certain types of molds are even known to digest the surface that they are growing on. This is why you need to remove the mold itself. 

Health Issues Caused By Molds

There are a variety of health issues inflicted on people who are exposed to mold. In fact, mold can affect different people with different health issues. So to show you how big of an issue mold can be on your health, here is a list of health issues caused by exposure to mold. 

Respiratory Issues

The spores from mold that float in the air can produce a variety of irritants, mycotoxins, and allergens. Some of them have toxic nature and can greatly affect those who might be sensitive to them. So these toxic elements can then cause irritation within your throat, nose, and even lungs, which can cause you to become asthmatic or develop a chronic lung problem.

Allergies

Mold can also cause you to develop symptoms that overlap with different types of allergies, which can include seasonal allergies and even hay fever. So, symptoms, such as an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, excessive sneezing, and even watery eyes could persist as it affects your upper respiratory tract. People who are already asthmatic could begin to have asthma attacks due to the mold. 

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a variation of mold that can cause a variety of different types of health issues in different types of people. The health issues can include issues with lung function, headaches, coughing so severe that it could cause you to cough up blood, respiratory issues, and weight loss. 

Other Health-Related Issues

Apart from toxins and irritants, mold also can produce bacteria and microbes. If one is exposed to such productions, then it could trigger their body to have an inflammatory response. It can also cause infections, such as a fungal or bronchial infection. In fact, for some, mold can even cause issues, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and insomnia. 

All in all, the growth of any variation of mold can and should be treated like the plague as it is quite a significant threat to your health. This means that all of the necessary precautions should be taken in order to ensure that it does not damage you or your loved one's health.

The Difference Between Water Mitigation and Damage Restoration

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF DELAWARE COUNTY AND WEST CHESTER 484-841-6669

Water mitigation refers to the process of reducing or preventing the amount of water damage that occurs after a flood, leak, or similar event. This may involve steps such as drying out the affected area, repairing any damage to the structure of the building, and cleaning up any contaminated materials.

The goal of water mitigation is to minimize the amount of damage and restoration that is needed, and to prevent the growth of mold and other contaminants.

Damage restoration refers to the process of repairing or restoring a property or structure to its pre-damaged condition. This may involve a variety of tasks, including water mitigation, as well as repairing or replacing damaged building materials, cleaning and decontaminating the affected area, and taking steps to prevent future damage.

Damage restoration can be necessary after a variety of events, such as natural disasters, water damage, fire damage, or other types of property damage.

In summary, water mitigation is a specific part of the damage restoration process that focuses on reducing the amount of water damage that has occurred, while damage restoration encompasses a wider range of activities that are necessary to repair and restore a property after it has been damaged.

Including  water mitigation is a specific aspect of damage restoration that focuses on addressing and controlling water damage as soon as possible, while damage restoration is a broader term that refers to the process of repairing or restoring a damaged property.

Effective Winter Storm Restoration: Our SERVPRO team has the answers to your property damage repair concerns

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

As we settle in for what may or may not be an arctic cold and blizzard filled winter, it makes sense to review some basic steps to help shield your home and family or your business and employees from the worst that Northeast Winters can offer. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, blizzard conditions with high winds and dangerous wind chills all contribute to the possible threat of a Pennsylvania residential or commercial property disaster. Whether it is a burst plumbing pipe or your water heater, an electrical fire or your furnace or fireplace has a puff back, winter poses a serious threat to your home or business from a fire, smoke, water or sewage property damage event.

Has your West Chester home or business experience a pipe break over the last several weeks?

Our SERVPRO of West Chester/ Southern Delco team has been helping our local communities for nearly 30 years, we are prepared with expert training and quality equipment to mitigate and restore your commercial or residential property. Our technicians are available 24-7 with our Emergency Service Team to help cleanup and repair your property damage from water, sewage, smoke, or fire. Our priority is providing quick and effective service and solutions to restore your property and belongings, “Like it never even happened.”

When West Chester winter storms are coming to your property it is important to be prepared, our SERVPRO teams are ready and always prepared to handle any size property disaster. Call SERVPRO of West Chester/ Southern Delco after you experience water damage. Whether it is from ice dams, basement flooding from ice buildup, or excessive snow melt; we can make the difference from a quick cleanup and mitigation from becoming a costly restoration, construction, and mold remediation services.

UNDERSTAND WINTER WEATHER TERMINOLOGY

  • Winter Weather Outlook: Meteorologists issue this typically 3-5 days prior to a winter storm when they believe wintery conditions are possible.
  • Winter Weather Advisory: Issued typically 2-3 days prior to a possible hazardous winter weather storm that could cause “significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.”
  • Winter Weather Watch: Watches are typically issued 12-48 hours before a winter storm is set to hit. This is to advise the public of the possibility of a winter storm, blizzard, or other hazardous wintery conditions such as freezing rain.
  • Winter Weather Warning: Warnings alert the public 2-24 hours before a winter storm occurs. Issued for hazardous winter weather that can cause “significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.”

………………………………………………………………………………….

Blizzard Warning: Sustained wind or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 miles per hour accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, frequently visibilities less than 1/4 of a mile for at least 3 hours.

Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snow (snow accumulation of 6 inches or more in 12 hours or 8 inches or more in 24 hours), Sleet (accumulation of ice pellets 1/2 of an inch and greater), Ice (accumulation of 1/4 of an inch or more) and/or heavy Snow and Blowing Snow (wind is below blizzard criteria).

SERVPRO CAN HELP WITH WATER PROPERTY EMERGENCIES FOLLOWING STORM FLOODING OR FREEZING WINTER WEATHER

Northeast Winter Storms can bring any number of potential hazards to your West Chester commercial or residential property. This is including fallen tree limbs, hail, blizzard winds and heavy rain and snow. Your home or business is at risk from a collapsed roof, or frozen pipe burst, once a significant amount of water from flooding or moisture affects your home or business, problems from water damage can start to occur.

It is critical to take quick action and call our SERVPRO of West Chester/ Southern Delco team to begin taking steps to stop the damage from becoming an even bigger disaster. Our professionals first assess the severity of the situation and determine the full extent of the storm, flooding, or additional water damage. Restoring your home or business quickly, takes specialized equipment and highly skilled IICRC professionals. Our team closely inspects the damaged areas; measuring the moisture content, humidity, and temperature to assess the full extent of the damage. They provide a step-by-step solution to restore and repair your property and contents to help minimize additional damages.

OUR LOCAL WEST CHESTER STORM & WATER MITIGATION SERVICES INCLUDE

  • Water Extraction
  • Drying of affected areas, including walls, carpets, and furniture
  • Cleaning and Restoration of affected possessions
  • Remediating mold and mildew
  • Reconstruction and Repairs 

Our SERVPRO of West Chester/ Southern Delco Storm Team has the experience and resources to handle your winter weather property damage quickly and professionally. We know what comes next after the storm and we are prepared 24-7 with Emergency help when you need us! Call our Cleanup, Restoration and Repair teams @ 484-841-6669.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEAN, DISINFECT & SANITIZE

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

As businesses and stores begin to show rapid employee call outs due to sickness, and slowing of customer service due to flu season and the common cold circling the Pennsylvania area, it is important that your business is clean, sanitized, and disinfected regularly. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into establishments have evolved, and staying safe and healthy is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and SERVPRO has developed a program to help businesses meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Do you know the difference between Clean, Disinfect & Sanitize?

Clean:  General surface cleaning, physically removes visible dirt, organic matter, viruses, fungi, and bacteria while using water, detergent, and physical scrubbing of the surface.

Sanitizing: Reduces but does not eliminate all the bacteria on a treated surface. To be a registered sanitizer, the test results for a product must show a reduction of at least a 99.9% in the number of each type of bacteria tested.

Disinfecting: Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill, destroy, or inactivate infectious or other microbes.

If you would like to have your establishment cleaned, sanitized and/or disinfected, call the team at SERVPRO, Building Service Maintenance. We are offering a proactive clean that is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!