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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

How To Save Money On Car Insurance

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Having car insurance is a smart and practical decision. However, it does add to the expense of driving. The best part is that premiums can vary, and you can easily save money on insurance while getting the coverage you need.

Here are many practical steps you can take to save money on car insurance.

#1. Look Around

Always perform comprehensive research when looking for car insurance. The premium rates can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on the insurer you choose. That is why you should look around, check rates, and compare different car insurers.

If you drive well and you have good credit, many insurers will offer you a reduced premium. That is why you must look around before making an informed decision if you want to save money.

#2. Look For Discounts

Many insurance companies offer various ways through which you can lower your car insurance cost. You can ask the company what discounts they offer, and if you qualify for them to avail their benefits. At Allstate, we offer various discounts.

Based on your lifestyle, vehicle, coverage option, and driving, we can offer anywhere from a five percent discount to set up automatic payments to a thirty-five percent good student discount. We also offer a usage-based insurance program in many states.

So, depending on your state, you may be eligible for different types of discounts. Don't forget to avail them.

#3. Be Mindful Of Your Driving

Yes, driving safely can cut your car insurance costs. The more careful you are, the fewer accidents you will experience, which will increase your insurance premium. Many insurance companies offer a safe driver's discount to people who have a good driving record.

That is why it is important to drive safely and have fewer violations so that your car insurance premium can be low. It is a great way to save money in the long-run.

#4. Enhance Your Credit

Credit is a significant factor when car insurance companies are calculating the premium to charge you. However, if you live in Massachusetts, California, or Hawaii, then insurers are not legally allowed to consider credit when setting your insurance premium and rates.

However, if you live in other places and you want to cut down cost, you can easily improve your credit through these steps:

• Make all credit card and loan payments on time
• Only open new credit accounts when it is necessary
• Don’t apply for too many credits
• Keep your credit card balance below your credit limit

These small habits will help you keep your car insurance premium low, and you will not have to pay too much. Improving credit also has various other financial benefits that you can enjoy.

Final Words

Car insurance is a smart idea, but it is not always affordable. Of course, there are ways you can cut down the cost. Implement our four ways and see how you reduce your car insurance premium in no time.

If you are looking for affordable car insurance, feel free to get in touch with us now.

Tips On Fire Damage Cleanup

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

We might view fires as something abstract, but they are very real. Fires happen every single day, to others due to a variety of reasons. So, one does not usually imagine the scenario in which they, themselves, would have to go through such an experience. This is why most of us, seldom read about what it is that we can do to help ourselves after. However, we are going to change that today. If a fire does happen to occur on your property, then fire damage cleanup tips are something that you should know as they will, undoubtedly, come in handy. 

1.0 What Exactly Is Involved In The Fire Damage Cleanup Process

First thing's first, to understand the tips that we provide for the fire damage cleanup process, you must first know exactly what it is that the process entails. The process involves the removal of any debris caused by the fire, resolution of any sort of water damage, and removal of standing water within your property. That is not all, to ensure that the air quality in your home is as good as it was before the fire, you must start by eradicating the smell caused by the smoke and removing any soot accumulation in your house and places, such as vents. 

2.0 Tips

Now that we know exactly what we have to do during the fire damage cleanup process, here are some tips that will make the entire process much more easy and efficient.

2.1 Safety

Before you start the cleanup process, it is vital for you to ensure that you are safe and using protective gear at all times. So, our first tip is for you to wear protective clothing, such as shoes with heavy soles and work gloves. Next, to make it easier for you to breathe through the dust particles, make sure that before you begin the cleanup process, you water the debris to minimize them. 

2.2 Efficiency

To make the cleanup process more efficient, there are certain ways in which you can make the products you are using work for you. Firstly, to reduce odors set in your clothes after the fire, you can use cleanup products that contain TSP, that is, tri-sodium phosphate. However, make sure to wear rubber gloves when using such products. On the other hand, when cleaning the walls of your property, make sure that you work on one small area of the wall at a time. You can easily use a mild detergent or soap to clean soot from your walls. In fact, you can even mix it with TSP for extra ease and efficiency. Work your way up as this will ensure that your walls don't have any streaking. Then, immediately rinse with clear water. Make sure that you wash your ceiling after you have cleaned all of the walls.  

When dealing with a situation such as fire damage cleanup, things can start to become quite overbearing and emotionally overwhelming. This is why you should take each task one step at a time and remember these tips and all will be well.

Things That Should Be Present In an Emergency Kit

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

A situation in which human health and security are in jeopardy is typically known as an emergency. In such events, the authorities of the state fail to cope up with the chaos, and the only option left is to evacuate people from their house. Hence an emergency can either be a natural calamity, for instance, tsunami, and earthquake or can be due to the turbulent condition of the state. So, whatever the reason is behind an unanticipated eviction, you should have an emergency kit prepared in your house. 

 The survival kit should be kept at somewhere noticeable, to refrain from getting all worked up. Here are a few things that should be present in an emergency kit:

A Compact Flashlight:

In case of a natural casualty, for example, urban flooding, the very first outcome of such circumstances is the complete power outage. Therefore, it is mandatory to keep a durable and a handy torch or lantern along with other survival equipment.

 It is safe and convenient to use LED lights since they operate without any batteries and give out bright light. These portable devices usually hang at the front or side pockets of the bag to be more accessible.

A First Aid Box:

When travelling overseas or within the domestic region, packing a first aid kit is considered a necessity along with other essentials. Generally, people do keep band-aids in their pants pocket or purses, hence stowing something similar for an emergency shouldn't seem strange.

 Any multipurpose pouch would be suitable to fill in as a handy medical kit. It should contain lots of bandages, medical tapes, alcohol swabs, and medications like anti-inflammatory, antibiotic or antiviral. 

Adequate Quantity of Non-perishables:

To accomplish tasks as basic as walking or writing requires energy. This energy comes only from food that has to be delivered to our body. An emergency kit lacking food supplies is nothing but futile.

 There have been situations where people have starved to death due to no food availability. So, to avoid such dreadful situation, one should always keep non-perishables in adequate amount. The non-perishables supplies include dry fruits, parched and canned foodstuff. They are safe to consume even after 30 years due to their extended shelf life.

Potable Water Supply:

An individual may survive for months without consuming any solid foodstuff, but it is very difficult to spend a day without water. Deficiency of water content in the body causes dehydration followed by fatigue and finally death. Therefore, packing drinkable water should not be forgotten during emergency preparation. Since water usually doesn't last for a prolonged time thus, it is wise, packing a handy water filter device in your emergency kit.

Backup Thermal Coverlets:

These thermal blankets are manufactured exclusively for uncertain predicaments. Since it is not known what kind of emergency one will be facing, therefore, these are made highly durable. Most of these thermal blankets can also be transformed into emergency tents.

When preparing an emergency kit, you need to be precise and think of only those items that will help you survive. Matchboxes, masks, power batteries and  a multipurpose knife are some other survival articles that should not be left behind.

The Benefits of Commercial Sewage Cleaning

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

You may think that your office building is clean and spotless, and that it does not need any commercial cleaning services. However, you are wrong. Large buildings are exposed to many chemicals and bacteria on a regular basis, which can result in the buildup of residue in your sewage system. If the sewage system of the building is not kept clean, it can lead to contaminated water running through the pipes of your building which is a serious health hazard for all your employees.

In order to avoid such an emergency, it is important to invest in commercial sewage cleaning on a regular basis. By outsourcing the work to professionals, you can easily ensure that your drains and pipes are cleaned thoroughly with no grease or waste buildup. A clean office is likely to result in a motivated, healthy, and productive workforce. Apart from this, here are a few benefits of commercial sewage cleaning:

1. Preventing Blockage in Drains

In case you have a large building where many people use the washroom and kitchen on a daily basis, you probably have a large production of organic waste. This waste can eventually build up in the pipes and drainage system – resulting in blockages of water supply. To ensure that the water runs smoothly through your building and nobody faces any problems, it is important to contact a professional cleaning company who can thoroughly service your sewer and drain system.

2. Keeping the Pipes in Good Condition

Like all other parts of your building, the pipes and fixtures need to remain clean and kept in a good condition to ensure that they do not leak or cause other problems. If there is too much stress and pressure on your drainage and sewer pipes, it can lead to breakdowns in the sewer system, requiring you to replace the entire plumbing system of the building. This type of repair can cost a lot of time and resources for a commercial building. In order to extend the lifetime of your pipes, you should invest in regular cleaning in order to avoid any long-term implications.

3. Prevent Clogged Drains

When your drainage system has buildup of waste and grease, it can result in cogged drains that could have a backflow of dirty water into the main pipes of the building. Such a situation can expose everybody in the building to contaminated water – thus resulting in a biohazard situation. Exposure to contaminated water can cause many illnesses in the workplace and even cause a bad reputation for your business amongst the clients.

4. Eliminating Huge Costs

In case your plumbing system malfunctions, you will be forced to pay a huge amount of money in repairs and new fixtures. You can easily avoid the occurrence of this cost by taking precautionary measures beforehand, such as having a professional company clean up your sewage and drains on a regular basis.

5. Complying to Local Rules

All governments impose strict rules for hygiene and cleanliness for all office buildings. To ensure that you remain in compliance with all the rules and regulations, it is necessary to invest in thorough cleaning services that ensure that there is no underlying sewage problem in your building.

Preparing Your Home for an Earthquake

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

An unexpected natural disaster like an earthquake can hit at any point in time. Earthquakes can be extremely dangerous, especially if the foundational structure of your home is not strong enough to endure the shocks.

Places in the US such as states that are situated along the west coast, in the southern areas, and at the center of the country are prone to more earthquakes than the rest of the country. People who live in such areas are recommended to plan ahead in case a dangerous earthquake is to hit their area.

Here are a few precautions you can take to prepare your home for an earthquake:

1. Know the Signs

The most important part in saving yourself from the implications of an earthquake is to identify the signs of the natural disaster as soon as possible. The earlier you know there is an emergency, the sooner you can react accordingly and reach a safe place. When a earthquake hits, you are likely to hear a loud rumbling sound that will become louder with time. In some cases, there is also a rolling sensation that can be felt on the ground. You may also see some furniture items swinging due to the pressure.

2. Know the Safe Spots

Most injuries during an earthquake are a result of heavy objects falling and collapsing on people. This can include large chandeliers, cabinets, or even decorative ornaments hung around the house. In order to avoid such health emergencies, it is necessary for you and your family to determine the safe areas in each room of the house. This place must be away from any large objects that could potentially fall down and hurt anybody. A common safe spot during earthquakes is usually under a strong and sturdy table that is away from any walls or big cabinets. If you are in bed when the earthquake hits, you can cover your head with a pillow to avoid any injuries.

3. Have an Emergency Plan

If you have children or elderly people in your home, it is necessary to plan ahead and practice the emergency plan for an earthquake strikes. Each person in the house must know exactly what they should do without creating any panic or chaos that may result in further damage. Running an earthquake drill with your family is extremely helpful to prepare them for such emergencies.

4. Drop, Cover, and Hold

The first step to protecting yourself from an earthquake is to drop on the floor onto your hands and knees. This position protects your entire body from any falling objects but also allows you to stay mobile.

The second step is to cover your head (top priority) and your body. You can place your hands over your head and neck to protect them. If you have a strong and sturdy table in sight, you can take cover under there in order to protect your whole body.

Once you have taken cover, it is necessary to hold on to that position for as long as the earthquake does not end. You may have to move your position a few times in order to fully protect yourself during intense earthquake shocks.

Keep Mold Under Control

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage and mold tend to go hand in hand. Luckily for you, SERVPRO can handle both problems for you! Typically, water damage doesn’t end once the water is removed. In reality, mold will still form in the damp areas of your property. It is essential to take action immediately after you notice water damage to prevent all unwanted mold growth for your home in Vermilion Hill, PA.

Even if you haven’t experienced water damage, there Is a chance that mold can still grow in your home. It is important to incorporate mold inspections into your regular home maintenance routine to properly protect your property. These actions are vital for mold protection and prevention:

Fixing leaks

Controlling Humidity levels

Addressing a Mold Problem

Fixing leaks

If you have leaky roofs, pipes, and windows, you also have a breeding ground for mold. Patch up and dry leaks as soon as you discover them. Ventilate bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to prevent mold growth.

Controlling Humidity levels

Experts recommend maintaining a consistent 30% to 50% humidity inside the house at all times. Air conditioning and dehumidifiers can help manage these levels. As previously mentioned, you must perform regular mold inspections by checking problem areas frequently and discovering spores early to minimize the amount of damage done to your home.

Addressing a Mold Problem

If you follow these tips thoroughly the risk of falling victim to a mold problem will be reduced. If you do find mold growing in your home, don’t attack the issue alone. Enlist the help of trained professionals at SERVPRO to deter the problem quickly and efficiently. Mold is a pest that must be completely eradicated to stay gone. Doing the job correctly the first time can save you additional headaches and expenses down the road.

It is hard enough to deal with water damage. Take action to prevent mold growth to minimize future stress for good.

How Big Of A Health Problem Can Mold Be

8/2/2023 (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.