Archived Blog Posts

Understanding Fire Damage in Washington DC

Name: SERVPRO of Washington, DC
Address: 10000 Business Pkwy, Lanham, MD, 20706
Telephone: (202) 737-8776

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are some simple things we can do to prevent fire in our homes.

The (USFA) says that cooking is the number one cause of home fires.

Take these steps today to prevent a cooking fire in your home:

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.

If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
Keep things that can burn away from your cooking area.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they won’t get bumped.

Put working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas.

Test your alarms each month.

Create and practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year.

If you need help because of fire damage, give SERVPRO of Washington DC a call (202) 737-8776.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is locally owned and operated, and we’re a part of this community. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.

Trained Technicians in Washington DC

Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your home look its best.

Protecting Your Washington DC Business When Severe Weather Hits

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Natural Disasters damages normally create water damage, Storm damage, unprecedented mold, and accidental fires. We don't want any loss to occur to your business, but it is a topic that needs to be talked about. Unexpected property damage happens more often than we like.

During natural disasters, profits can be reduced as a result of lost sales and additional losses. Insurance does not cover all costs, and it is unable to replace customers who defect to a competition.

Here at SERVPRO, of Washington DC, want to make sure that our community is prepared to face any obstacles.

Common Natural Disaster Damages

Natural disasters have caused severe damages. Here are common natural damages that have impacted small businesses in Washington, DC.

Flood + Storm Damage

Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain can remove roof tiles, break windows, and more. Depending on how severe the storm is, flood remediation might be needed, as well as water remediation and mitigation services.

Water damage mitigation services commonly consist of drying, cleaning, and sanitizing contaminated areas and items. Following that, materials that have been damaged are repaired. This preserves the structural integrity of water-damaged floors, walls, and ceilings. Restoration work starts after the remediation process is completed and continues until your property is completely restored to its pre-flood condition.

Fire Damages

Although in Washington DC, we don’t face many wildfires, other weather factors can. Lightning strikes, sparks in arid climates, and human error are the most common causes of fires. many commercial properties can be severely damaged by fire. In addition to fire and smoke loss, firefighting efforts may have resulted in significant water damage to your business.

Every fire damage situation is unique and necessitates a customized approach, but the general procedure remains the same. When different materials burn, the soot they produce varies greatly, necessitating a unique cleaning technique. The measures outlined below show how we handle “typical” fire damage reconstruction.

Emergency Contact

Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)

Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Cleaning and Repair

Restoration

Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

Water Damage

Burst, floods, rain, and a variety of other factors can all contribute to this type of injury. In either case, polluted water can damage surfaces and furniture, lead to mold growth, and cause objects to erode. When electricity and water damage are mixed, they can be extremely dangerous.

Mold

Not only is this unsanitary, but it's still unappealing to look at. Mold spreads easily as airborne spores within structures. Timely remediation is essential to prevent it from spreading out of hand. Mold can grow in any moist environment. Mold will grow even from a small leak under the bathroom sink in your office.

Every mold infestation is unique, from the amount of mold present to the materials that have been impacted. Each situation necessitates a different approach, but the overall procedure remains the same. Following are the steps in our mold remediation procedure for a "typical" mold infestation:

Emergency Contact - (202) 737-8776

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Restoration

How Can I Protect My Business?

Small businesses must protect themselves and stay proactive. All businesses should have a business continuity plan. According to Ready.Gov Planning, a business continuity plan includes the 4 steps below:

Conducting a business impact analysis

Thinking of a recovery strategy

Developing a plan framework

Testing and exercising the plan

Trust The Leader in The Restoration Industry

Don’t remain unaware of what can happen to your commercial building. And for emergency Fire and Water Remediation Services, call SERVPRO Washington DC. 202-737-8776

Commercial Site Damage and Restoration

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial property water damage presents unique challenges and can be very stressful. SERVPRO certified technicians understand the importance of getting your commercial property up and running as fast as possible.

Our trained technicians work quickly to assess the situation, communicate a cleanup and drying plan, isolate the damaged area, and start work immediately. We have the necessary resources to handle any job, large or small. Time is always of the essence to minimize damage, and to resume operations as soon as possible. SERVPRO has access to large loss teams specifically trained and ready to go in event of a large loss.

If your commercial property experiences a water damage event call SERVPRO of Washington DC so we can put our experience and resources to work for you. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we are readily available to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Professionally Trained Restoration Specialists in Washington DC

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Flooding and water damage events at Washington DC commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

If you have damage or questions about Commercial Restoration call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Hidden Water Damage and Mold in Your Home

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Washington DC for water damage and mold remediation services (202) 737-8776.

There are a number of things that can cause water damage in your home. Leaky pipes that you can't see, broken appliances, and even rain and flooding. What is important to remember is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Washington DC if you have water damage or suspect mold. There are some things to keep in mind until help arrives.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.

Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

Contact SERVPRO of Washington DC for mold remediation services (202) 737-8776.

What Not to Do:

Don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.

Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.

Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (202) 737-8776

Preparation and Planning for DC Area Storms

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

If your Washington DC home or business has storm damage call the experts at SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Spring and Summer bring sunshine and warmer weather to the Washington DC area, but also can mean thunderstorms.

According to Ready DC, it is important to know the difference between a thunderstorm WATCH and a thunderstorm WARNING. A severe thunderstorm WATCH means a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. A severe thunderstorm WARNING means that a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

In Washington DC severe storms can cause downed trees/power lines, flash flooding, lightning-related damage, tornado damage, hail and massive amount of debris on roads.

Ready DC recommends having these items organized before a storm strikes:

Water

One gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days, to be used for drinking and sanitation

Food

At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each member of your family (while non-perishables do last for a long time, you should be regularly checking these supplies to make sure that nothing in your kit is expired)

Battery, solar powered, or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for each

Flashlight and extra batteries

A whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Fire extinguisher

Extra cell phone with batteries/chargers

First aid kit

Prescription medications and eyewear

Emergency reference material such as first aid book

Important documents such as: insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, and bank account records stored in a watertight container

Cash and change

Copies of local maps

A list of emergency contacts with phone numbers

Call The Restoration Professionals SERVPRO of Washington DC

If your Washington DC home or business has storm damage call the experts at SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.

SERVPRO of Washington DC arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Fire Damaged Businesses IN Washington DC

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a risk for any business. No matter what type of business you have, the problem is, a fire can quickly destroy your building and put your staff in danger. Flames can damage costly equipment and vital paperwork.

Below are four top damage risks for local businesses:

Outdated Fire Safety Equipment Up to date fire safety equipment is a must. Having the correct tools on hand means you can act faster in the event of a blaze. Every office needs a fire alarm system and appropriate fire extinguishers on every level. Different extinguishers are suited to different types of fire, so SERVPRO recommends contacting a local fire extinguisher company to come onsite and do an assessment of your facility. Remember to test fire alarms and sprinklers regularly.

Electrical Equipment

Offices have plenty of electrical equipment including computers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, and servers just to name a few. Electrical equipment is vital to the running of an office, but it is also a severe fire hazard. It does not take much for electronic items to spark and start a fire.

Damaged or frayed cords, or worn out devices, are also a common fire source. It is a good system to all keep all electric devices in good working order.

Lack Of Training

Your employees need to know how to avoid fire damage risks, for example by being careful with flammable liquids and not overloading sockets. Your staff also needs to know what to do in the event of a fire. SERVPRO of Washington DC recommends every local business have an Emergency Plan and we can provide you with our Emergency Ready Plan at no cost. Emergency Ready Plan is a free app that helps you plan what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Combustible Materials

Every office has combustible materials such as paper and cardboard. Paper waste and old boxes seem like harmless junk, but they quickly burn once alight. Put a protocol in place for regular emptying trash receptacles to outdoor trash bins.

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Local Homeowners Dealing with Fire Damage

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you have fire or water damage in Washington DC call SERVPRO of Washington DC today (202) 737-8776.

Fire Damage in Your Washington DC Home

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to personal property and structures. Swift action is the only way to minimize the damage.

SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service.

The Right Training and Certifications Are Important

Our technicians are trained and certified. SERVPRO of Washington DC is an IICRC firm.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC, is a globally recognized organization whose mission is to establish higher industry standards.

As a referral source for consumers, IICRC certified firms are more likely to provide a faster, better service than non-certified competitors.

Fire And Protecting Your Home

Immediately after a fire, soot residue settles onto the property. Discoloration of porous materials is permanent, but other surfaces may be properly cleaned to remove the discoloration. Acidic soot begins staining other surfaces if not treated quickly.

Within hours all surfaces begin to suffer from fire and smoke damage. Wooden furniture may require refinishing. Metal begins to rust, pit and corrode. Painted walls begin to yellow. Clothing can become permanently stained. And finally, flooring may require refinishing or replacement.

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.

Prolonged soot exposure permanently harms all surfaces and embeds in fibers. If you have fire or water damage in Washington DC call SERVPRO of Washington DC today (202) 737-8776.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Professional Restoration After Residential Fires

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

In the wake of a residential fire, the primary focus is on repairing the damage done to the inside of the house. However, moderate to severe incidents can lead to visible marks and blemishes on the outside of the building too. It is why SERVPRO of Washington DC conducts a full inspection of fire-damaged properties before we start any restoration work.

The good news is that stains on masonry, concrete and other structural materials are almost always superficial. While brick and concrete are not impervious to fire damage in homes, they are extremely sturdy and don’t succumb easily to heat. It means that, in most cases, we can use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of the property.

Light Stains

If there is no structural damage to the masonry, the SERVPRO of Washington DC technicians use mild cleaning agents to wash soot and smoke deposits from the surface. Where the staining is very light, dry sponging is enough to wipe away grime on block, brick, and concrete. Stubborn marks get lifted with alkaline detergents and direct scrubbing. Sodium hypocrite is highly effective when it comes to soot removal, and it leaves no residues.

Moderate Stains

The difficult thing about soot is that it can be highly acidic. If it is not removed quickly, particularly from structural materials, there is a chance of corrosive residues becoming embedded deeper and deeper into the masonry. It is why SERVPRO of Washington DC specialists pay close attention to cracked joints.

They are delicately cleaned and re pointed to dislodge any soot deposits which may be trying to move into the capillaries. Once this is complete, larger areas are dry sponged and vacuumed. Then, they are jet washed with a high powered pressure cleaning device.

Heavy Stains

The most severe staining occurs when heavily combustible materials have caught fire and burned for some time. In some cases, jet washing is still a suitable method of cleaning. We can add soot dissolving formulas like high PH degreasers, dry ice, or soda ash to increase optimal results.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is ready to help, with trained technicians and the right equipment for your restoration. IF you have questions about fire damage, call us (202) 737-8776.

Ever Notice DC Fire Sends an Engine with an Ambulance? Wonder Why?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

DC Fire Emergency Response

The Fire and EMS Department in Washington DC is a fire-based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department. The vast majority of their employees are trained in both EMS and fire suppression.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, the DC Fire and EMS goal is for an EMT to arrive at your location within four to six minutes to start providing you with emergency medical care. They staff their fire trucks with EMTs, which are strategically located throughout the District, this allows them to meet their goal almost 80 percent of the time.

If you live in the District, it's good to know that help is nearby. If you have fire damage to your home you will want to call SERVPRO of Washington DC. After the fire, when it is safe to return to your home or business, call DC's trusted restoration company.

In many cases, restoration after a fire isn't easy. SERVPRO of Washington DC has trained technicians, that have the right equipment to restore your home. There maybe more to the restoration process than you realize.

Did You Know There Are 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 of Washington DC 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.

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. If you have questions about fire damage, give us a call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Storm Damage and Looking for Mold

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Stains on your floors can be an indication of water damage.

When it's contained properly, water doesn't pose too big of a threat to your home. The water that is not dried up or that sits causes a cozy environment for mold and mildew to begin growing. Mold is a fast-spreading, hard-to-remove fungus that can weaken your property's structural integrity. Here are several methods for detecting water damage in your house. Walk around and look carefully at both the interior and exterior of your home.

Walk around and Inspect Outside

Carefully look over the entire exterior of your house. Look for pools of water. These can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that maybe aren’t moving water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters. Any of those issues can threaten your homes foundation since water that’s standing may get into your home.

Make sure to check your roof. The most common signs of water damage to your roof often include pools of water; cracked, curled up or missing shingles.

Inside Check your Floors

No matter what kind of flooring you have throughout your home, if water damage is present the signs will show. For tile and wood floors, look for cracked, buckling or warping. On carpeted floors, be wary of damp spots, stains, gradual rises and soft spots.

Smell your way around

If you see any active mold growth it means that moisture is contacting microscopic mold spores in your home. Since mold often hides, you can’t rely only on your site. If there’s a smell of mold and dampness, then that water damage might be present. Water, when it’s stagnated, causes mold and bacteria can grow, which is what produces the musty, unpleasant smell.

Look for Stains Everywhere

Look for stains on your floors, walls and ceiling. If you find water stains on your floors or around your bathtub, toilet or sink than those are signs of water damage. If you find stains on your ceilings and walls than those too are some of the most obvious signs of water damage. Some of these stains can be concealing mold behind them beneath the flooring or in your walls since water damage that’s left unattended can often lead to mold. Unusual stains may indicate that there is a leaky pipe inside the wall. Perhaps there’s a leaky drain. Cracks in your drywall often mean there’s trouble. If any areas of your walls appear swollen and are soft to touch that too may signify trouble. If pain is peeing that is another sign of water loose within walls. When drywall gets saturated, paint will usually lose adhesion.

Look for Rust and Mold

Frequent Inspections of your water heater can be very beneficial. Checking for rust that’s developing on the tank or if you see rust already present on the tank, that typically indicates a slow leak. Rust around pipe connections can also be caused by water seepage.

If you suspect storm damage but you're not sure where it is, call the experts at SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.
SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Washington DC Homeowners Preparing for Emergencies at Home

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher classifications are always found on the sides of the extinguishers, many of which are rated for putting out different types of fires

As a homeowner you need to be prepared for emergencies. If you've ever had a house fire and had to call in professionals to restore your home, you understand the importance of having a fire extinguisher on hand.

Following the steps below can ensure that you're using it correctly.

1. Assess the Situation

First, understand what you're dealing with. If the blaze is already too big, the best idea may be to call the fire department and get yourself and anyone else in the house to safety. If you can safely douse it with a fire extinguisher, you need to next make sure that you have right type for whatever material is burning.

2. Use the Right Extinguisher for the Fire

Experts classify extinguishers based on the type of fire they can combat.

These include:

Type A: for fires involving plastics, wood, textiles and paper

Type B: used on fires involving solvents, gasoline, oils, paints and other flammable liquids

Type C: for electrical fires, including plugged-in equipment like computers or appliances

Type D: for fires involving combustible powders or metals

Type E: commonly used for a kitchen fire involving fats or cooking oils

These letter classifications are always found on the sides of the extinguishers, many of which are rated for putting out fires of more than one type.

3. Remember: "PASS"

The PASS method is an easy way to remember how to use most fire extinguishers. Each letter in "PASS" stands for the first word of an operational step.

The "P" tells you to pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher; it needs to be removed before operation.

The "A" tells you to aim the nozzle. The nozzle should not be aimed at the top of the flames, but at the bottom, where the combustion is taking place.

The first "S" tells you to squeeze the handle to start the flow, and the second one reminds you to sweep from side to side while spraying.

By acting quickly and following the instructions above, you can safely prevent fire damage in some cases.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Damaging Storms Can Leave Behind Dangerous Flood Water

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Washington DC Storm Damage and Understanding What's in Flood Water

Water damage is classified into three categories.

Category One water is clean.

Category Two water, or gray water, is contaminated, but does not contain solid waste.

Category Three water, or black water, is severely contaminated. This water originates from a flood or sewer backup.

Find out more about why it is necessary to disinfect any building materials and contents exposed to Flooding

Contaminants

Category Three water may contain a variety of contaminants. When flooding occurs, surface water may carry any of the following contents:

Bacteria

Chemicals

Hazardous waste

Heavy metals

Sewage

When a body of surface water overflows or heavy rain accumulates, this water may mingle with overflow from sewer mains.

Water accumulates more contaminants as it flows. For this reason, it is important to extract standing water before cleaning and disinfecting any parts of a commercial structure exposed to this type of water damage.

Protective Equipment

Building occupants should take measures to limit exposure to contaminated water. It may be helpful to keep the following personal protective items on site:

Goggles or safety glasses

Heavy work gloves

Hip waders

Watertight boots with electrical insulation

All of these pieces of equipment can be useful if a building occupant needs to move through flood water for any reason. Individuals should factor in the depth and speed of the water when deciding whether to cross.

Cleanup Procedures

There are several stages to cleaning up flooding. A commercial restoration company will extract black water with a pump or other specialized equipment. It may be necessary to tear out damaged building materials. Afterwards, the area should be cleaned, disinfected and dried. Once the area is totally dry, restoration can proceed.

SERVPRO ofWashington DC specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Washington DC.

If you have questions about storm damage, give us a call, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Washington DC Flooded Commercial Site and Downtime

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

There are many instances where water possibly floods your commercial site. Sometimes a pipe breaks or sprinkler systems default and go off overnight causing water to spill into the building all night long. In other scenarios, severe weather possibly causes unwanted, indoor moisture.

The extraction process is a vital step in mitigating moisture damage. SERVPRO's commercial water removal technicians always use the industry's best equipment during extraction. We implement the best procedures to complete the job in a way that does not negatively affect your business.

When first arriving at an emergency water situation our team ensures the work area is safe for our technicians, your employees, and customers. We fix as many hazards as possible in the area possible. Areas that are not safe to access are blocked off, and danger signs get posted.

Then the source of the problem gets repaired so that water is no longer pouring into the building. If the issue results from faulty sprinklers or a pipe break, a plumber gets calls and fixes the problem. If rainwater enters due to a broken or exterior wall, we board up the hole in the structure so that no more moisture enters.

Next, we begin the extraction process with either a portable or truck-mounted extractor. Portable extractors get used for places that are awkward to get into or if parking a van at your business is not possible. Portable extractors weigh 40 to 90 lbs., hold 5 to 12 gallons of wastewater, and the vacuum power has 140 inches of water lift.

Truck-mounted extractors get used for severe projects that contain much water. The van that has the extractor gets parked close to an entrance to your bar, and the vacuum hose gets pulled in for extraction. Truck-mounted extractors weigh 500 to 1,100 pounds and have storage tanks that hold from 60 to over 100 gallons of waste. The vacuum lift capabilities for these extractors are more powerful and have between 185.71 to 198.98 inches of water lift.

Sometimes we complete our extraction work during hours when your commercial site is not open so that extraction does not hinder your business operations. We sometimes extract the water one small section at a time, so part of your bar stays open. For professional help removing moisture from your place of business.

Flooding and water damage events in Washington DC commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is ready to help (202) 737-8776.

Restoration Experience and Expertise in Washington DC

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you are in need of water remediation services, call SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776

The Importance of Professional Water Damage Services in Washington DC

Dealing with water at home or in the workplace can be unsettling, and that is understandable. The prospect of expensive office equipment being destroyed or luxurious furnishings drowning in water in a flooded home is too much for any property owner to bear. When you pair that with the stress of making a claim with an insurance provider, the need for competent repair services becomes evident.

Water damage recovery is time-consuming, costly, and risky if the proper protocols are not followed. Water cleanup activities necessitate a level of commitment and expertise that the average property owner can lack. SERVPRO of Washington, DC is here to assist you every step of the way, from restoration to assisting you to manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Skilled Flood Damage Restoration

Mitigation of water damage has its share of complexities which increase with the severity of the situation. If a pipe break or a supply line break led to flooding, the water cleanup crew has to factor in the malfunctioning plumbing system during the repairs. In the case of rain or storm damage, a building may have to contend with clogged gutters and overflowing downspouts. These aspects determine the necessary mitigation efforts.

SERVPRO trains their workers on how to deal with such problems. Their experience and expertise allow them to apply the correct measures for drying a flooded home as efficiently as possible without posing any more inconveniences than necessary.

Fast Restoration

In cases of water in the home or company, helpful hints from a SERVPRO professional can go a long way. Some flood damage cases spiral out of control because people don't know how to recognize when something is wrong. How does one respond, for example, if a pipe bursts? Following mitigation, a property owner should understand how to safely return to recovery. SERVPRO Professionals can also assess how far the harm has spread. Following a supply line split, a homeowner may determine if such components need repair or replacement.

Expert Advice

Helpful tips from a SERVPRO professional go a long way in instances of water in the home or water in business. Some cases of flood damage spin out of control because people don’t know how to detect when something is wrong. If there is a pipe break, for example, how should one respond? After the mitigation, a property owner should know how to transition safely to recovery. SERVPRO Professionals will also offer their take on how far the damage has spread. After a supply line break, a homeowner can learn if there is a need for repair or complete replacement of certain components.

Prevent Mildew and Mold Growth

SERVPRO can inspect every inch of a residential or commercial building for mold and mildew growth in addition to removing water and drying surfaces. When water damage is ignored, it provides an ideal atmosphere for microorganisms such as fungi to thrive. SERVPRO technicians use devices to fully extract moisture, removing the possibility of mold and mildew. If mold has already taken hold, the water cleaning crew will perform skilled mold remediation to eliminate and treat the contaminated areas.

Decrease Losses

The longer a home or company goes without cleaning up after a pipe break or supply line break, the greater the damages. Owing to substantial water damage, a wall that would have only needed minor repairs if the reconstruction was immediate would have to be demolished. Another concern for a flooded-out household is the loss of valuables, especially sentimental items such as photo albums and family heirlooms. When a cleanup team reacts quickly after a report of flooding, several things can be salvaged and restored. Damage to hardwood floors and carpets can also be restricted by easy water extraction and drying. Decreasing the water exposure to a building preserves floors and walls.

Why SERVPRO of Washington, DC

SERVPRO of Washington, DC offers a range of services for customers suffering from water at the home and water in the business. Whether the flooding was due to a supply line break, leaking roof, or pipe break, our team will fix the source and restore the property. If you are in need of water remediation services, call SERVPRO of Washington, DC. and we will restore your home back to new, “Like it never even happened."

CALL US

(202) 737-8776

Spring is on the Way, But We're Not Quite Finished with the Cold

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather is a concern for many business owners, especially those who operate out of warehouse facilities where exposed pipes are part of the commercial site.

Cold weather instigates freezing, which in turn threatens a business with the risk of a burst pipe or water line. Thankfully, there are several ways you can prevent frozen pipes.

1. Keep Doors Closed

While it may seem obvious, keeping doors, especially warehouse garages, closed during business hours can be one of the easiest ways to prevent a frozen pipe. Warehouses often have exposed water lines, and if these lines are not insulated properly, they can freeze and possibly burst, creating a significant amount of damage and expense.

2. Open Faucets a Small Amount

When expecting cold or below-freezing temperatures, merely opening the cold-water supply on faucets nearest the exterior water lines can minimize the risk of a frozen or burst pipe. The moving water will not freeze as easily as standing water.

3. Maintain a Steady Temperature

Likely, the best way to prevent freezing in your company’s pipes is to maintain a steady temperature, no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While lowering the temperature of your business after closing or during extended holidays may seem like a fiscal responsibility, you may be putting your business at risk for water damage, which may lead to significant business interruption.

4. Have a Plan in Place

Lastly, if the worst happens despite your preventative actions, it may be a good idea to have an emergency plan in place. While you can and should create an in-house emergency action plan and checklist, you may also want to contact a restoration company because many of these companies offer emergency planning services.

These services typically include an initial inspection of your property and the customization of an action plan in the event of an emergency or disaster.

A burst pipe can be devastating for a business, not only due to the damage but also the operational interruption. Avoiding a pipe burst due to freezing can be as easy as keeping doors closed, opening a faucet when necessary, and maintaining a steady temperature throughout your facility.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you have fire damage in your home. We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776, and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Keeping Your Washington DC Business Running When the Power is Out

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have storm, water, or fire damage in your business call the professionals at SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Weather and Other Factors That Knock Out Power for Washington DC Businesses

One of the most common issues is a loss of power, especially during thunder and windstorms. Dealing with a power outage can be frustrating, but there are a few strategies you can use to continue daily operations when bad weather tries to interrupt them.

Be Prepared with a Generator

Having a portable generator on hand can help you keep your business operating during a storm. This can be especially useful when you have a store full of customers. A generator can keep the lights, heat or air conditioner on. If you own a restaurant, a generator can keep your fridge and freezers running to avoid food spoilage.

Find Nearby Wi-Fi

If you own a small business, you can move your operations to a nearby café or coffee shop to take advantage of free Wi-Fi services. Consider using the downtime to hold a meeting there or catch up on invoices. You can also contact storm damage and cleanup service from your laptop if your phone service is down and you do not have access to a cell phone.

Connect at Home

If a power outage forces you to temporarily shut down your building, you can save time by working from home and connecting with your employees from there. This is fairly obvious after recent events, but make sure your employees are set up and ready to work from home if needed. Have your social media manager work on new infographics and inform your followers of the temporary closure. Your content writers and bloggers can write from home and send you their articles via email. While this is not the most ideal way to operate, it may help you avoid a complete shutdown until the power returns.

If you have storm, water, or fire damage in your business call the professionals at SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776. When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Talking to Your Family About Fire Prevention and Safety

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have questions about fire damage restoration, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Understanding Washington DC Residential Fires

Talking to your family about fire safety can be a challenge. It can be difficult to explain the dangers to children without causing them unnecessary worry.

The American Red Cross provides the tips to help you have a conversation with your family about fire prevention and safety. According to the American Red Cross, you and your family have about two minutes to get out of your home.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Washington DC has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

What is the Risk for Flooding in Your Washington DC Business?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

Washington DC Businesses and Flood Insurance

If you own a business inside or outside of the high-risk flood area, you should consider flood insurance for the protection as well as the peace of mind it brings. Many business owners, particularly those in high-risk flood areas, may be required to have flood insurance.

Commercial flood policies are issued by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) either directly or through licensed insurance agents in the District of Columbia. The policies fall within the jurisdiction of the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP offers two types of coverage, building coverage and business property coverage. The licensed insurance carrier must follow all guidelines of the NFIP relating to all coverage, underwriting, premiums, and claims.

Depending on where your business is located, flood insurance is worth consideration. If you have water damage to your Washington DC business call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776. Flooding and water damage in Washington DC commercial properties are often complicated.

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Getting Ahead of Roof Leaks in Washington DC

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington DC, our equipment is always ready to go, when you need help.

Storms, wind, snow and ice cause several issues with a roofing in the Washington DC area. One big risk is that water may seep past the barrier of protection that the roof provides your home. The water may saturate the wooden structural support system of your home. This will soon weaken and possibly fall apart from water damage.

It is best if you know how to find a roof leak to catch the problem before it is too late.

Moisture or Dark Water Spots

You may notice less severe symptoms, such as dark water spots on your ceiling. Moisture without a clearly identifiable source could be a sign of a roof leak. Water spots on the lower levels may be a sign of internal water leaks from a bathtub, toilet, or other appliance.

Granules

If you take a closer look at your shingles, note the consistency of the granules attached to them. Granules are small pebble-like pieces that help protect your roof from the sun. If there are large portions of your roof missing granules, you might need to consider repair or replacement.

Dark Stains on Roof

If the shingles have any abnormal appearance, you know that a leak is certainly a risk. This implies that your home is much more exposed to the elements and vulnerable to damage from the weather.

Ceiling Issues

A bulging ceiling may indicate that water is building up without draining from the ceiling. It can cause even more serious damage by completely falling into the room below.

If you have a leaky roof or other water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776. We specialize in water damage restoration, it's the cornerstone of our business.

SERVPRO of Washington DC has the specific water damage training and experience to help you restore your home. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We can get to your emergency faster because we are locally owned and operated. We are able to respond, with the right resources, which is extremely important.

Training That Makes a Difference

SERVPRO of Washington DC is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies.

Quick Response to Washington DC Commercial Damage

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician is cleaning water damage in a commercial property. If you have questions about restoration, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202)737-8776

Recently, a local business called us about water damage. Our technicians were able to respond and access the damage. Clean-up started quickly and our staff was able to use their valuable training.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage. SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

When dealing with water damage, mold can sometimes be an issue. This is another reason that it's important bring in professionals to restore your home or business. SERVPRO of Washington DC provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Cleaning Up Before the Mold Can Spread

Here to help, with the right equipment and training. If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

The SERVPRO of Washington DC team is always ready (202)737-8776.

Winter Storms Lead to Water Damage In Your Home

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Ice Dams Forming on Washington DC Homes

Ice dams can potentially due damage to both your gutters and roof. It’s critical that you do your part in preventing ice dams.

Ice dams cause water to collect, moving moisture to damage the roof, and soffits on your home. Icicles can also form which adds additional weight which the gutters cannot handle. This can lead to gutters detaching from the roof and causing damage.

Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and runs into the gutters. It can re-freeze due to the cold temperature of the gutters. This can cause the formation of an ice dam that prevents proper drainage. This can be made worse by gutters that already have a buildup of debris.

Dealing With Water Damage in Your Home

Flooding and stormwater can cause a considerable amount of damage to your home. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and can get absorbed into floors, and walls. If you call SERVPRO of Washington DC, our technicians arrive quickly and start the water extraction process. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and restoration costs.

If you have water damage caused by storms don't wait call us right away, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

With water in your home, you can expect these in the first 24 hours:

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.

After 48 hours:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Washington DC, and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely.

Washington DC, Mold in Water Damaged Homes

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington DC teams quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment (202) 737-8776

Tracking Leaks in Your Home

If you suspect you may have pipes that are leaking in your home, don't hesitate, try to locate the problem right away. You can begin by starting to look for water damage.

Water damage often shows up as brown stains in your ceiling or walls. If your house has vinyl flooring or wallpaper, look out for areas where it has begun to peel or bubble. It may even be possible to see mold growing.

If you have an idea of where the leak is, run your hands along the wall looking for cold spots in the wall, or for flaking paint. This method can be unreliable as the cause of cold spots can simply be cold water lines.

The sound of dripping water is annoying, especially when you can't find the source. If you hear dripping water, and you’ve made sure that all your faucets are off, you may have a hidden leak and it's time to call for help. In Washington DC, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC has trained restoration professionals that can help with your water damage. Most water damage requires professional odor removal and deodorization since wet materials have a distinct smell.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial mitigation and rebuilding damaged areas. If your home has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to handle your mold remediation.

Call SERVPRO of Washington, DC and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation (202) 737-8776.

A Quick Reminder of Ways You Can Prevent a Fire in Your Home

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.

In the United States, firefighters respond to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. This is according to the National Fire Protection Association. Most of the dryer fires are caused by dust, fiber or lint. The fires caused washing machines was problems with wire and insulation.

These fires can be avoided with regular maintenance. One-third of all reported dryer fires were caused by a failure to clean.

Here are a few other tips to avoid dryer fires:

Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.

Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.

Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.

The air exhaust vent pipe should not be restricted, and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.

Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional.

Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.

If you have a fire in your home, you'll want to get started on cleaning up as soon as the first responders leave. If you have fire damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

Our teams are well trained, from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, you can be sure our staff is ready to restore your property. Don't try to take on the restoration alone, it’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Washington, DC and let our professional crews handle the situation safely. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.

If you would like to learn more about SERVPRO of Washington, DC and restoration of fire damage SERVPRO of Washington, DC

Winter Weather Has Definitely Arrived, Things to Think About Regarding Your Home

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Winter weather is here and the SERVPRO of Washington DC team is here when you need us (202) 737-8776

Washington DC Weather and Your Home

Washington DC, weather changes quickly and can be unpredictable. One thing that is certain, when the winter months arrive it will at some point be very cold and will snow. Are there spaces in your home where your heating system just doesn't provide enough warmth? If so, you're probably considering a space heater.

When choosing a space heater there are some things to consider. How well will it heat the room where you are going to use it?

Space heaters come in either watt ratings (labeled “W”) or British thermal units (labeled BTUs). Most electric space heaters are rated for either 750 or 1,500 watts. The smaller size is suitable for small rooms, and the larger size for larger spaces. When working in BTUs, a heater that produces 9,000 BTUs is typically suitable for even a large bedroom.

Another consideration is energy efficiency. Heating an entire home with space heaters is not efficient use of energy, using one to heat a bedroom while the rest of the house stays at a lower temperature would actually save you money.

The issue of safety is a big part of the decision for many. Placement is critical, a heater placed too close to a bedspread, curtain, or other combustible object could start a fire. It's important to ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Consider that many manufacturers install safety features on their space heaters, the most important of which may be the tip-over switch, which shuts off the unit if it tips over.

The winter months in Washington DC can also bring on frozen pipes which might later leak. Heavy snow and ice can cause roof damage that eventually leads to damage to your home. If you have damage to your home this winter call the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Washington, DC. They have the right training, experience and will bring the right equipment to restore your home.

If you do have fire damage whether it's caused by a faulty space heater or something else, SERVPRO of Washington, DC is the team to call (202) 737-8776.

Why This Team?

SERVPRO of Washington, DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We Are Ready to Help

SERVPRO of Washington, DC provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fire damage, flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is the restoration team to call (202) 737-8776.

Water Damage in Washington DC, Who Should You Call?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

When you have a water emergency you don't have time to sort through all of the companies claiming to be the best. What sets one company apart from the rest? We believe there are a number of factors you should consider.

If you have a water emergency right now, call SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776, you can come back and read the blog later.

Choosing A Leader in Water Restoration

SERVPRO of Washington, DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event.

Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Water damage that is not addressed quickly can lead to mold. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

If you have water damage or suspect mold call SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

Fires In Washington DC Commercial Properties

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you have questions about commercial fire damage call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Businesses are vulnerable to fire dangers, from restaurants to gas stations, from office buildings to manufacturing, commercial sites are all exposed to fire risk. A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 64 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 89 seconds. This is according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

(NFPA) research has found that structure fires accounted for 20% of the fires, but 49% of civilian deaths, 80% of civilian injuries, and 67% of direct property damage.

They have also learned electrical distribution and lighting equipment was the leading cause of structure fires in industrial properties, accounting for 24% of the total, while heating was the leading cause of structure fires in manufacturing facilities, accounting for 15% of the total.

A serious fire in a business is dangerous and costly. Even if everyone gets out and the fire is controlled quickly, there is still likely going to be damage. SERVPRO of Washington DC has trained staff and the right equipment to respond.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Washington DC commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Leaky Pipes Can Be A Significant Problem In Washington DC

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776

Some Ways To Know If You Have Leaky Pipes

Musty smell

Old water that accumulates smells musty. So if you clean your bathroom, but it still has a musty smell, chances are there is a hidden leak somewhere that’s allowing water to accumulate somewhere in your home.

Significantly higher water bills

If your water bill has been way above the norm for several months, and you can’t recall any change in your water usage, you may have a hidden leak.

Water meter shows you’ve got a leak

Your water meter can confirm that you have a water leak in your home.

Mold or mildew on non-shower walls

A leaky pipe in your wall is the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Stained, damaged, or sagging walls, ceilings and flooring

Warping, bubbling, sagging or staining on your walls, ceilings or flooring can be caused by hidden leaks.

Keep in mind that high humidity can cause some of these problems. If you combine the issue of humidity with high water bills and the previously mentioned symptoms, chances are you have a hidden water leak.

If you have water damage call SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Washington, DC provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Call today (202) 737-8776.

Water Damage In Washington DC, A Hidden Leak Could Lead To Costly Repairs

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a water damage event.

Signs you have a hidden leak

If you notice any of the following, you may have a leak somewhere in your home:

You hear water running without any open faucets

You notice signs of mold or mildew

Your tile or concrete floors feel warm

You have excessively high water bills, with no extra usage

Your carpets feel wet or damp

What causes pipes to leak?

The material of your pipes: Some pipe materials wear out faster than others, causing them to spring a leak. We especially see leak problems with copper pipes (pinhole leaks).
Hard water: If you have hard water, which means you have corrosive minerals in your water supply. These minerals can wear down pipes, especially if the pipe is made out of weak material.

Lightning or construction damage: Both of these can cause pipes to crack and form leaks.

The conditions of your soil: Some of the minerals found in soil can corrode pipes. Additionally, if soil shifts under your foundation, it can increase pressure on the pipes, eventually causing a leak.

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

The IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. If you have questions about water damage or restoration in general call us today (202) 737-8776.

With More Rain In The Forecast, How Well Is Your Sump Pump Working?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

If your sump pump does fail and your basement is flooded, give us a call. SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

With late summer storms moving through the area, flooding is on the mind of many in the area. A sump pump can be a great way to avoid basement flooding.

A sump pump protects homes with basements and crawlspaces from damaging groundwater, directing the water into a pit where it's then pushed out and away from the house. This small but important addition to your home helps prevent your basement from flooding.

If the system ever fails or the power goes out, water overflow may occur. While your sump pump will usually protect you from a flooded basement, sometimes it is not enough or just fails altogether.

Make sure any landscaping around the foundation slopes away from the house.

Be prepared by having the proper insurance coverage in case your sump pump fails.

Install window well covers to keep rain from leaking in.

Clean your gutters and downspouts to keep them from clogging and overflowing.

Install a backup battery or generator in case you lose power.

Install a second sump pump if you live in an especially rainy area.

Install window well covers to keep rain from leaking in.

If your sump pump does fail and your basement is flooded, give us a call. SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is important. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

If you have any questions about restoration and what we do call us SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

Warm Weather And Good Times Outdoors, What About Lightning?

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

Lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun, it can reach temperatures around 50,000 degrees F. That is according to the National Weather Service. While we still have some good outdoor weather ahead, use caution.

Here are some outdoor activity guidance from The National Weather Service:

–Coach of Outdoor Sports Team
Your little league team has an evening game at the local recreational park. The weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, with a chance of thunderstorms by early evening. When you arrive at the park, you notice the only safe buildings are the restrooms.

Shortly after sunset, the sky gets cloudy and you see bright flashes in the sky. What should you do? Get everyone into vehicles or the restrooms. Do NOT stay in the dugouts; they are not safe during lightning activity. Once in a safe place, wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before resuming play.

–At the Beach or Lake

Your family plans to go to the beach today. The weather forecast calls for a nice morning followed by a 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms. When you get to the beach, you see that the only nearby structures are open-sided picnic shelters.

The parking lot is a 5 minute walk from the beach. By early afternoon skies are darkening and hear distant thunder. What should you do? Go to your car! Do NOT seek shelter under the beach picnic shelters. Wait 30 minutes until after the last rumble of thunder before going back to the beach.

–Camping, Climbing and Other Wilderness Activities

You're cooking dinner on the camp stove when you hear distant rumbles of thunder. Your tent and a large open sided picnic shelter are nearby. Your vehicle is about quarter of a mile away parked at the trail head. What should you do?

Go to your vehicle! The tent and picnic shelter are NOT safe places. Wait 30 minutes until after the last rumble of thunder before going back to the campsite.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

We specialize in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

If you have storm damage call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

Understanding The Research On Electrical Fires May Help You Avoid One In Your Home

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Aging electrical systems in older homes can be a source of arc faults.

Electrical Fires In Washington DC

Fires involving electrical failures or malfunctions accounted for the highest share of civilian deaths (18%) and direct property damage (20%). This is according to a National Fire Protection Association report that was done in 2019.

Home electrical fires can start in wiring, electrical distribution systems, and lighting equipment, as well as in any equipment powered by electricity such as cooking, heating, office and entertainment equipment, washers and dryers, as well as electrical distribution or lighting equipment.

If you own an older home in the Washington DC area it's important that you have your outlets and wiring checked. Aging electrical systems in older homes can be a source of arc faults, either through normal wear and tear or because the systems cannot accommodate the greater demands of modern appliances.

Proper care of electrical outlets and appliances will help to prevent electrical fires. It is very important to follow manufacturer guidelines when using electrical appliance and systems, such as the wattage guidelines given when changing lightbulbs.

Be sure that you do not plug in too many electrical units into one outlet, as this could burn out the outlet and cause a fire. Be sure that you have your wiring checked regularly by an electrician.

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires and is a common problem in homes. If you hear a sparking sound near a particular electrical outlet or appliance, or see smoke or smell burning after plugging a unit in, immediately unplug the object and call an electrician to check your wiring.

The NFPA report also points out that smoke detectors are important. Home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction are less likely to occur in the overnight hours between midnight and 8 a.m. (22% of total), but these fires account for 60% of the civilian deaths. Working smoke alarms can provide an early warning of fire and allow additional time for evacuation.

The peak months for home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction are November through March (47% of total), and these fires account for 52% of the civilian deaths. Having this information can be helpful when it comes to prevention. It is also helpful to know who to call if you have fire damage in Washington DC.

Fire Damage In Your Home

Training And Experience

We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Quick Response Around Washington DC

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Give us a call if you have questions about fire damage or the restoration process. SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.

Powerful Storms Around Washington DC Can Be Bad For Business

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington DC Can Help Get Your Commercial Space Back Up And Running

Spring is here, and as we head for summer powerful storms continue to make their way through the Washington DC region. With these heavy storms there is always a lightning, lots of wind and of course flooding. This can be very bad news for your business.

Some of the storms start with light rain and then shift to more pronounced lines of showers and thunderstorms along with strong winds, causing damage to businesses throughout the region.
This can also mean power outages, which also doesn't help your Washington DC business.

Knowing You Have Help And Resources

Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Flooding and water damage events at Washington DC commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.

SERVPRO of Washington DC offers the resources locally and on a national level to restore anything from a small or complex commercial water damage scenario. We exceed your needs both to repair your property and also to restore the trust the companies and individuals have invested in your professional commercial management.

SERVPRO of Washington DC professionals understand how important it is to limit the downtime of your and your tenants’ business operations. We make every effort to clean and dry the structure quickly, staging the restoration process with an eye to reestablishing business operations even before the entire remediation is accomplished if appropriate and safe.

Preventing secondary damage from contaminated water is important, this is more likely if we are involved as soon as possible in the process. We follow up with our state of the art procedures for saving and drying paperwork, books, pictures and other crucial work products you and your lessees may have feared would be lost due to the water infiltration.

First Call For Commercial Water Damage In Washington DC

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event, call us if you have questions (202) 737-8776.

Commercial Property Fires In Washington DC Can Lead To Large Loss Situations For Businesses

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Loss In Washington DC

Fire losses account for approximately $2.3 billion in commercial and industrial direct property loss each year. At times you can have large-loss fires that damage buildings such as apartments, facilities, and places people work.

These types of losses affect multiple lives. It can take a lot of effort on everyone's part to provide support.

Here are some tips for commercial property owners to consider:

Make sure everyone is safe and away from the property. Safety is the number one concern.

Get the community involved in helping families or workers that may be affected.

Bring your adjuster in early to help manage things such as photos, mitigation, and documenting.

Analyze your policy, including all clauses, additions, extensions, and exclusions.

Bring in experts, SERVPRO of Washington DC to check out the damages.

Communication is key.

Everyone should stay in good contact to get the job done as smoothly as possible.

Know that the process can be long and require a lot of patience.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Washington DC commercial property.

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. SERVPRO of Washington DC is your first call (202) 737-8776.

Whether it's commercial or residential damage SERVPRO of Washington DC has you covered.
SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service

Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

Highly Trained Restoration Technicians

A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

Locally Owned and Operated

Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Water Damage From Storms And Flood

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Floods And Damage Across Several States

Storms and heavy rains can cause heavy flooding in a short period of time. Certain parts of the country experienced heavy rains earlier this year. People experienced dangerous storm water and flood damage in 6 states in early March. The National Weather Service is warning that rivers will stay in flood stage for days. The flood waters forced evacuations and millions in damage.

After The Flooding

Flooding means that not only will a homeowner have to think about the current situation of being displaced from their home and losing some of their personal belongings, but the results after the water is gone. Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Once the water has subsided the presence of dirt, grime, bacteria and mold will be present. The level of expensive damage depends on how long the standing water is left unattended. There is no telling when the water can be extracted from the towns let alone peoples houses.

After the waters have subsided and before you immediately enter your home refer to this checklist.

1. Watch out for wild animals, poisonous snakes that may have entered the home, check thru the debris.

2. Watch out for plaster, loose ceiling structures and document everything for yourself and for insurance purposes.

3. Throw away any food, anything that may have come in contact with the flood waters, anything in the fridge.

4. Check electrical systems, gas leaks, sewage and water lines all for damage.

Call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776. Even if your flood damage is not as dramatic as what we saw in the south earlier this year, we'll be there to help.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

We'll Get To You Faster

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

If You Understand Water Damage And Mold, You Understand Why You Need Trained Pros When You Have Damage

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington DC, specializes in mold cleanup and restoration.

Training, Experience, Equipment, And Response Time, Are All Important When You Have Damage To Your Washington DC Home

If you suspect mold in your home or business, don't hesitate to call professional help. Water damage can turn to a large mold problem quickly. SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

So What's Causing The Mold In Your Washington DC Home?

Flooding from storms coming from outside

Sump pump overflow

Roof leaks from damaged roofs, ice dams or blocked gutters

Rain from storms through window frames, exterior walls, or doors

Leaking pipes, sewer back-ups or overflows

Damp basements due to high water table or badly managed water drainage

Condensation on cold surfaces

Mold needs these 3 main things to thrive and stay alive.

High humidity

Warm or temperate Temperature

Poor ventilation

Mold is easier to prevent than it is to clean so keeping a watch on common sources of mold and maintaining a dry, ventilated home and drying homes from water damage within 24 hours of the incidence is the best way to prevent mold from happening in the first place. If you have a mold problem and you would like information about how to get it professionally cleaned, please call us and we will direct you on the companies that we use to test for mold.

SERVPRO of Washington DC, specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

So How Are Our Teams Trained?

If you need more reasons to call us for your water damage or mold issue, call us today (202) 737-8776.

Fire Research Information Might Help To Keep Your Family Safe

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

More than one-quarter of the reported fires occurred in home environments, according to the National Fire Protection Association. They have also researched specific causes.

Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.

Here are some tips to help avoid some of these causes:

Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.

Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.

Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away.

Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.

Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off.

Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.

Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires.

Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.

If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet.

Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.

Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.

Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters.

Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.

Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.

Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.

Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.

Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.

Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services In Washington DC

If you have fire damage in your home, SERVPRO of Washington DC can help.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day for restoration after damage, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is critical.

A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the damage.

We are ready to help when you have fire damage, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Water Damage In Washington DC

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Contaminated water can be a lot to handle, SERVPRO of Washington DC is here to help (202) 737-8776

Washington DC Water Damage

Damage from Clean Water:

· Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.

· Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock.

· Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

· Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

· Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

· Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

· Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

· Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

· Do not turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

· Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.

· Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is here to help. Give us a call if you have water damage or additional questions. (202) 737-8776.
SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Washington DC has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

Storms And Flooding Require Preparation And Planning

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. FEMA reports, in the last 8 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. As most of us have recently experienced, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.

Here are a few Flood Facts provided by FEMA:

Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.

Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.

Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires.

A 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12 feet of water damage could cost more than $50,000 to repair.

Here are a few supplies you need to prepare for a flood:

Stock up on First Aid items

Non-perishable foods

Three gallons of water per person for 3 days

Battery operated radio for weather reports

Extra batteries

Personal hygiene necessities

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Washington DC provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Washington DC arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

Give Us A Call, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776 and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly.

If You Suspect Mold In Your Home, Bring In The Experts To Find Out

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can occur anywhere in a home but mainly is concentrated to areas where moisture is present. These moisture areas are common to the bathroom and basements. Mold should be removed if found as soon as possible.

One of the first places mold can collect and you may not think to check is under the refrigerator. Under the fridge tends to collect moisture and dirt which can cause a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Another place is the AC unit. AC units are known to collect debris, dust and moisture from the air, which can lead to mold spores.

Mold can even grow in or around a washing machine or its parts. Moisture and lint can cause a presence of mold spores.

Other area in the house include anywhere moisture and dirt may form such as window corners.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow. Those conditions include:

Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.

Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.

Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.

Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Call For Help

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Washington DC to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (202) 737-8776.

How Quickly Do Washington DC Firefighters Respond?

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

We'll never be as fast as the fire department, but SERVPRO of Washington DC has technicians ready to respond 24 hours a day (202) 737-8776

Washington DC Firefighters Responding To Your Home In 5 Minutes And 20 Seconds Or Less

If you live in Washington DC how quickly can you expect firefighters to respond if you have an emergency?

According to a recent performance report from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, they'll get to you pretty fast. In 2020, 96.6% percent of the time it less than 5 minutes and 20 seconds for a first responding engine to arrive to a structure fire in Washington DC.

Your going to need quick response after the fire as well

SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to responding immediately to your home and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Following a fire, wall surface areas can be harmed by soot. Non-water based cleaners need to be used to remove soot from walls. These kinds of chemicals should be handled by a specialist due to the fumes and toxicity. Water-based cleaning items can cause spots to bleed into plaster walls which is why a trained specialist should be left to deal with these chemicals.

Because of the convection pattern that flames typically form during ignition, smoky residue saturates every opening. The soot constructs up in layers that may end up being solidified and tough to eliminate which is another reason to leave the cleaning to a specialist. When the cleaning teams do arrive, they promptly different salvageable items from charred debris, taking the things creating the strongest odors out for cleaning.

Most importantly, a restoration effort reduces the after-effects a blaze can have on the health of those who return in. If a homeowner does not have the property restored by a professional, the results can be found later. To an untrained eye they might believe the issue has been fixed, but instead they experience the remaining impacts of indoor air pollution for months.

SERVPRO of Washington DC has technicians that are leading experts in fire restoration. They are trained to help remove your belongings as well as cleaning and storing them until your property has been restored to its original condition. If you have fire damage, call today (202) 737-8776.

Washington DC Saw Record Rainfall In 2020, SERVPRO of Washington DC Was There To Help

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

If your Washington DC basement ever looks like this, call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

Washington DC saw less snow in 2020 but lots of rain

With records going back to 1871 the average rainfall for Washington DC is 39.74 inches a year. In 2020 Washington DC was recorded to have had 57.34 inches according to the National Weather Service. That is a lot of stormy weather and increased chances for flooding and water damage.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

When dealing with any type of water damage situation there are a few steps you can follow that will help you:

Do as thorough an assessment as possible of all property that has sustained damages from the event. Look behind appliances, lift up carpeting, check the crawl spaces, and make sure you are using a light source that allows you to see exactly what is going on.

If you find items that are damaged beyond repair or will not dry out properly, get rid of them immediately to avoid mold from taking hold.

Take pictures of all your findings, no matter how small. Once things dry out, you will have no evidence of what has happened, and that might create a challenge when attempting to recoup losses.

Using fans and dehumidifiers in enclosed spaces are an efficient way to alleviate damp and moist circumstances quickly and thoroughly before mold can set in.

Contact government officials if the damage comes from a city or county source, and give them as much information as you can. Stay onsite to walk them through your property if at all possible, and share pictures with them if they ask.

Get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance company and send them all the documentation and images that you have collected.

Be clear and precise, describing every instance of damage thoroughly and completely so that all records will be accurate.

Once all the information has been shared with the above entities, make arrangements to allow your property to dry out completely. Keep an eye open for mold colonies taking hold.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Washington DC we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 202-737-8776

A Flooded Basement Can Lead To Structural Issues And Mold

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

When severe weather threatens your home, SERVPRO of Washington DC technicians are available to help (202) 737-8776

Heavy Rain Can Mean Big Problems For Your Basement

A basement can flood at any time, although Washington DC flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level.

There are a number of reasons why your Washington DC basement could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

Storm sewer backup

Sanitary sewer backup

Foundation drainage failure

Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 202-737-8776

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. Mold is also a threat if the water damage isn't treated.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

A flooded basement can jeopardize your safety, and your home’s integrity.

It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Washington DC and let our trained crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques

We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

SERVPRO of Washington DC technicians are available to help (202) 737-8776

Heavy Rains, Flash Floods And Water Damage In Washington DC

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let flooding and water damage leave your home a mess. Call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

Flooding And Water Damage To Your Home In Washington DC

Weather patterns in the Washington, DC area can be unpredictable. Flash flooding, heavy rains, and road closures are part of life in the metro area.
Sometimes floods develop slowly and forecasters can predict where a flood will happen well in advance.

There are times that flash floods occur in minutes and even on occasion, without any sign of rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) believes being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.

National Weather Service recommends following these tips before a flood:

1. If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so. Filling sandbags can take more time than you may think.

2. Have a professional install check-valves in plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure your sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are clearly marked for each area of your home.

3. Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, ensure coverage by contacting your insurance company or agent to purchase flood insurance. This must be done before there is even a threat of flooding as insurance companies stop issuing policies if there is a threat of flooding. (i.e. an approaching hurricane). Many flood insurance policies take at least 30 days to go into effect so even if you can buy it as a storm is approaching, it may not protect your investment.

After The Flooding

If your home is damaged by flooding don't hesitate to call the experts at SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.
SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Training And Experience

SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

If you have questions about water damage, mold, fire damage or other restoration call us SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776.

Here To Help DC Businesses!

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Growing storm waters have the ability to cause damage to parking garages.

When heavy rains cause flooding, one of the most severe problems is found underneath DC's commercial buildings. Cars parked inside parking garages tend to suffer water damage as the amount of water pouring into city streets overwhelms the drainage system.

The problem is so prevalent that Danish architects have devised proposals to construct parking garages that rise with the water level.

Before this form of the system becomes popular, it is important to ensure that your building's drainage system is sufficient.

If the rains do overwhelm the drainage system, SERVPRO is ready to alleviate the water in the structure as well as repair any damaged vehicles.

Why SERVPRO?

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to react more quickly with the appropriate resources, which is critical. A quick response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and lowers the cost of restoration.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When hurricanes strike DC, we have the opportunity to scale our resources to cope with a major storm or flooding disaster. We have access to equipment and resources from a network of 1,650 Franchises around the world, as well as elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically positioned across the country.

How to Minimize Fire Damage

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

One of the first concerns after a fire in a home or a fire in a business is minimizing additional fire damage. Commercial fire loss may have a significant impact on a company's ability to continue operations. A restoration company should be contacted as soon as the premises are secure in order to recover as much value as possible from a property that has suffered fire, smoke, and soot damage. The fire cleanup team will assist in assessing the property's damage and listing the objects that are present. They can also do fire damage repair and have an estimate on the spot.

Repair

A repair company will also help with boarding up a property if commercial fire damage has destroyed any doors or windows. Roofs and walls that may have been cut into by firefighters during the fire may also need to be boarded up. Because of the need to test the structural integrity of much of the building's structure, this task may be much more complex than it seems. Before a person tries to board up his or her own property after a fire in a home or a fire in a company, a licensed contractor should be contacted. Boarding up a property that has suffered fire damage is necessary both to prevent the building from collapsing and to protect it. Boarding up a fire-damaged property is necessary both to prevent the building from collapsing and to protect it from intruders who could cause further harm.

Fire Cleanup

The fire cleanup would also include drying up any water that firefighters might have flooded the area with in order to extinguish the fire. This water can cause significant water damage and encourage mold growth. A qualified technician may use a variety of techniques to dry out the property and prevent mold formation, including the use of industrial equipment such as a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover. This method would also help to eliminate the smoke odor that will linger after a burn.

The fire cleanup would also include drying up any water that firefighters might have flooded the grounds with in order to extinguish the fire. This water can cause significant water damage as well as promote mold growth. A qualified technician may use industrial equipment such as a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover to dry out the property and prevent mold growth. This procedure would also help to eliminate the smoke odor that will linger after a burn.

Restoring

If such objects cannot be restored due to fire loss, they can be more easily replaced. In this situation, the repair company will also assist in disposing of these objects properly. After a fire in a home or a store, there will be a lot of debris to clean up. While smoke and soot damage is reversible, property owners can opt to repair objects and surfaces instead.

After The Fire

After all soot and smoke damage has been repaired, all surfaces are sanitized and swept. The fire cleanup crew will also educate property owners on how to avoid potential commercial fire damage. Any lingering smoke odor will be ventilated until it is gone. If the smoke odor persists, chemical remedies such as ozone treatment or thermal fogging are also options, depending on the property owner's needs. Additional treatments can be needed weeks, if not months, after the initial incident.

Critical First Aid Tools for Washington, DC Businesses

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Reading time: 1 min 2 sec

First aid kits, also known as emergency kits, are much too essential to wait until the last minute. Any company should have one on hand at all times. Since accidents tend to happen unexpectedly, make sure your Washington, DC business is prepared by stocking at least one first aid kit ahead of time.

What To Include

Having an emergency kit on hand is necessary, but what goes in it is more important. The products listed below should be kept in your kit at all times for a team of two to three people. Check the list against your supplies to ensure you have everything you need.

Medical items to keep in a first aid kit

Gloves
Adhesive bandages: box of Band-Aids; at least two triangular bandages
Gauze pads: small – 4 x 4 inches; large – 8 x 10 inches
Roll of gauze bandages – 2-inch width
Equipment for resuscitation
Splint
Sealed towelettes to clean wounds

Additional Items:

Scissors
Tweezers
Blanket: minimum of one
Minimum of elastic wraps
Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small teams, so prepare accordingly if your team is larger. To optimal insurance, it is best to have more than one kit in a company. Within the kit, provide guidelines for contacting external medical services, such as an ambulance, if necessary.

Where To Keep It

Staff members should have access to the emergency kit at all times. Keeping staff aware of its position will make any emergency easier to handle for anyone concerned.

MOLD 101: Is Your DC Business At Risk?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Reading time: 1 min 32 sec

There are various forms of mold, and all molds can cause health effects. One of the old myths is that people believe ALL mold is evil. Mold is used in the making of penicillin.

What Is Penicillin?

Penicillin is an antibiotic widely used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, ear, skin, and throat infections. As you can see, not all mold is harmful. A mold is sometimes used to produce blue cheese. I know what you're thinking right now: "Yuck," but a lot of people enjoy Blue Cheese dressing on their salads.

How Does Mold Grow?

Mold needs moisture and oxygen to grow. Mold can grow on any organic material, including

wood
paper
Carpet
food

It is virtually impossible to remove all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment; however, mold growth can be managed simply by monitoring indoor moisture.

Mold spores can begin growing and digesting whatever they land on to survive if they land on a damp spot indoors. Molds will gradually ruin the items they grow on if they are not removed.

Is My DC Business Property At Risk Of Mold?

Today's builders construct buildings that are tightly enclosed and can lack proper ventilation, possibly resulting in moisture accumulation. Since mold requires water to grow, it is vital to prevent moisture issues in buildings. Building materials, such as drywall, can make it difficult for moisture to escape. Moisture issues may be caused by roof leaks, landscaping, and a failure to maintain moisture problems on time.

My Property Has Mold, What Now?

If left unchecked, mold will easily spread across a property. SERVPRO of Washington, DC will react rapidly, containing the infestation and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the house. Following that, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and efficiently to handle the situation. We have the necessary preparation, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and restore it to preloss condition.

Learn more about SERVPRO's Washington, DC Commercial Mold Remediation >

Accidental Fires in Washington DC

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Reading time:1 min 44 sec

Burning food can cause harm to the smell of your home

Why do the last five minutes of a soccer game on TV seem to take an hour? You've wanted to make the salmon dish that your uncle was telling you about, so you've prepared the first thing this morning.
Starting the fourth quarter, you wanted to put it in the oven right when your team fell behind 14 points and the game appeared to be over.

That's when the magic starts! The rookie they've just drawn will be put into the game and the biggest revival in the history of the franchise will begin.

With 10 seconds remaining, they tie up the game as the wide receiver torched the defender. It was so bad that you could smell the burning as though you were there.
Wait, this isn't a torched protector... that's your Salmon burning in the oven!

It happened to the best of us, and we see it every day. If this happens to you, call SERVPRO of Washington, DC. and we’ll come out and fix the damage. Not all smoke and soot are the same, and qualified professionals like us at SERVPRO of Washington DC know how to deal with each form that occurs.

Smoke and Soot Facts

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and to the upper levels of the building.

Smoke moves around plumbing systems, drifting through the holes used by pipes to move from floor to floor.

The type of smoke can have a significant impact on the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

The most common smoke damages that occur after a fire are wet smoke and dry smoke. As a consequence, after a burn, there are various forms of soot residues. Before the restoration starts, SERVPRO will examine the soot to assess which type of smoke damage has occurred. The cleaning procedures would then be focused on the information found during the pre-testing process. Here is some more 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

Because each situation of smoke and fire damage is slightly different, each needs a unique solution tailored to particular circumstances. Here at SERVPRO of Washington, DC, we have the tools, skills, and experience to repair fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and reverence, as well as your property.

Don't Get Carried Away By Flooding

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Read time: 1 min 20 sec

When looking for travel tips, you might have come across advice to avoid driving on a flooded path. This is more than just good advice; it will save your life and avoid expensive harm to your car. Here are some of the reasons not to drive on flooded highways.

Swept Away

Most of the flood deaths that occur in cars happen because the car driver misconstrued the depth of the floodwater. However, even a little bit of water can cause major problems on a flooded street. Here's what can happen at specific depths of water:

6 inches: Water up to 6 inches deep will cause your tires to lose traction on the ground. Your vehicle will skid when this happens. Although you're probably not drowning in this case, losing control of the vehicle may cause you to crash.
12 inches: a foot of water will cause small and medium-sized vehicles to float. If the water moves quickly, the vehicle can be swept away by the current—with you still inside.
24 inches: Even big pickups and SUVs can be washed away by two feet of water on a flooded street. Worse still, as the vehicle is being carried along, it may tip over, trapping you inside with the floodwater already rising.

Stranded at S(treet)ea

In most cars, the engine air intake is near the edge. Driving on flooded roads can lead to the sucking of water from the air intake into the engine, which can cause serious damage. Floodwater also poses a risk to the electrical components of your car, which may cause you to stall and stall in the middle of the flood. And if you and your car make it safely across the floodwaters, your vehicle will still have water damage that is likely to be costly to repair later.

When there is a flood around the city, prepare alternative routes and stay up to date with changing weather conditions. In general, it is best to stop driving on flooded roads if at all necessary.

Restoring DC Businesses From Water Damages

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage incidents in Washington DC commercial properties are often challenging, with many problems requiring a skilled and versatile response. If you are dealing with a small water damage situation or a large-scale incident, we work quickly on assessing each situation and isolating the damaged sections. In certain cases, will continue our work in a temporary space while we're restoring your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are qualified to be aware of legal and environmental issues and completely rebuild the damaged area when operating within your budgetary constraints. We recognize that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost income and productivity. So when you have an emergency in your company, give us a call; we'll be there quickly with the support you need.

Watch Our Video On Restoring Commercial Properties

About SERVPRO of Washington DC

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in cleaning and restoring commercial and residential properties after a water damage incident. Our team is highly skilled in repairing property loss. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to standard IICRC-industry certification, be assured that our staff will have the expertise to restore your property.

Learn More About Our Training Process

Certifications

AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician

CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician

ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

FCT - Floor Care (Hard Surfaces) Technician

FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

HST - Health and safety Technician

IICRC Certified Firm

MSR - Master Fire & Smoke Restorer

OCT - Odor Control Technician

OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

RCT - Rug Cleaning Technician

RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation

RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician

UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Spring Is Coming

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Is Coming!

Birds are chirping and the temperatures have warmed up – spring is finally COMING! Spring Cleaning is a tradition allowing us to freshen our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your business.

We Are Here To Help!

SERVPRO of Washington, DC can help get your facility in tip-top shape. In addition to air duct and HVAC cleaning, SERVPRO of Washington, DC professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet, as well as focused stain removal and stain resistance applications. Other services include upholstery and drapery cleaning, hard floor cleaning and care, and odor deodorization.

Trust The Leading Company In Our Industry

A clean environment is a healthy environment! Improve your living and workspaces this spring. SERVPRO of Washington, DC Spring has the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time!

4 Ways Floods Damage Impact Local Businesses

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Floods damages repairs can be devastating to local company companies, and while insurance can cover some of the costs, there are some that are not recoverable.

Here are four ways that flood disasters can affect businesses.

1. Stock and asset losses

Floods damages may result in major losses, such as stock and other properties. Stock, equipment, appliances, and fittings, as well as important machinery, can be irreparably impaired. Businesses that can’t immediately replace these products will face significant financial losses. This means they will be unable to adequately operate and serve their customers.

2. Business Premises Closure

If companies hire unqualified restoration companies, they could close for weeks or months. This means cannot return to the premise and business owners will see a decrease in sales. Of course, since bills must always be charged, this can easily devastate funds or savings. Consider calling SERVPRO of Washington DC to help get your business back up and running.

Learn more about our Highly Trained Restoration Specialist

3. Loss of Power and Data

Aside from the damage that flooding can do to electrical equipment, an unreliable power supply during a flood can also cause serious destruction. Since most machinery and tools cannot function without electricity, this can result in significant losses. Businesses can lose data as a result of damaged computers and servers.

4. Loss of Revenue

During the wake of a storm, the vast majority of businesses would be forced to close their doors. This will result in a loss of sales for several days or weeks before the business is able to reopen. Employees could be unable to report to work for a variety of reasons, including imminent roadblocks, flooded highways, or even relocation. When you factor in the cost of replacing missing inventory, you're looking at a financial situation that could take months or even years to recover from.

Trust The Leading Company In The Restoration industry.

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee disinfecting

In your daily life, making a good first impression is crucial. Especially If you are trying to impress a client or customers For example, if you want to build a good, long-term relationship with your customers, you'll need a clean business "setting."

SERVPRO of Washington DC is Here to Help

We here SERVPRO of Washington DC want to be the Capital provider to assist the DC community with any restoration needs. Our goal is to become the world's best cleaning and restoration company while building a team of high-quality employees who value outstanding service, fairness, and mutual respect.

Trust The Leading Company In The Restoration Industry.

SERVPRO was named Entrepreneur Magazine’s #1 Franchise in the cleaning and restoration industry for the 21st consecutive year! We offer residential and commercial facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are committed to being quicker to any size catastrophe as a locally owned and operated business. We have ample experience, preparation, and facilities to manage all of your restoration and cleaning needs.

Here For Your Emergency Needs

There no job too big or too small for SERVPRO of Washington, D.C. We are here to assist in the aftermath of larger disasters and handle and clean the small useful things that have been damaged by the disaster. Carpets, upholstery, drapes, and blinds are all examples of this. We will breathe new life into your old tile and make your floors sparkle once more. We can also deodorize your property and eliminate residual odors.

Available 24/7/365

SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your emergency restoration and cleaning needs. We will assist you in maintaining and shining your residence or company while you continue to make numerous first impressions.

Water Damage | What is Covered Under Rental Insurance?

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Depending on the type of policy, Renters insurance protects you against water damage caused by a number of situations that you may experience as a tenant in Montgomery County, such as accidental overflows or water discharge.

Accidental water damage incidents include:

Pipe burst
Machine malfunction (dishwasher, washing machine, etc)
Plumbing.
Damage to neighboring units

What Is My Landlord Responsible For?

Your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of your rental home, which includes preventing and fixing leaks. Any flaw in the building that could be linked to a possible future cause of property damage and water damage repairs must be reported.

Almost all rental agreements claim that you are not responsible for water damage repairs that are caused by structural issues if you inform your landlord in writing as soon as you find them. This involves leaks in the ceiling, assuming you aren't the one who caused them.

Double-Check Your Lease And Your Renter Policy

Although most policies cover losses caused by accidental water damage, call your insurance company and discuss what your rental insurance covers. Also, read your lease carefully. Make sure you understand your and those of your landlord's responsibilities in the event of a crisis. And in times of emergency, make sure your landlord knows to call SERVPRO of Washington, DC when water damage restoration services are needed.

Learn More About Our Water Damage Repair and Restoration Process

Home Water Damage - What Will My Insurance Cover?

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common insurance claim among homeowners. If you are about to make a claim on water damage to your home it’s good to know what to expect. There are some items that homeowners generally have an easier time making water damage claims for than others.

Problem Areas

There are some losses that homeowners typically run into problems when trying to make a water damage claim to their insurance company. These include loss that resulted from gradual damage.

What Is Gradual Damage

Gradual damage is anything that happened over the course of a prolonged period, as opposed to an accident, or sudden damage, which happens as the result of one single event.

Will My Insurance Cover My Gradual Damage?

Loss such as leaky ceilings due to plumbing defects, water damage caused by cracks in the foundation, and in some cases, mold, fall under the category of gradual damage. These things are generally not covered by insurance. However, there may be some exceptions. For example, if mold was the result of another claim that was covered under insurance, but was not properly fixed, the insurance company would likely cover it.

Will My Insurance Cover My Water Loss?

On the other hand, if the water damage is sudden and accidental you’ll probably have a much easier time getting covered for the damages. This is the true nature of insurance – to cover accidents. Of course, everything is dependent upon the language of the policy that you purchased, but this is the very nature of insurance: coverage for sudden and accidental loss. A good practice for homeowners is to keep a record of all repairs and transactions for services that are made to your home.

About SERVPRO of Washington, DC.

At SERVPRO of Washington, DC, we are not only experts at restoring your home as if it never even happened, but we are also experts at dealing with insurance companies. For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you through the entire recovery process today!

Call SERVPRO of Washington, DC

(202) 737-8776

Be Ready With the Emergency Ready Profile

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile Logo

Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small leak, pipe break or an area flood. The best time to plan for such water events is not when it happens, but before it happens. Facility owners and maintenance staff never plan on a disaster, but now you can plan for it by calling SERVPRO we can ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens", with our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).

The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including:

Emergency Contact Information
Shut-off Valve locations
Priority Areas
Building layout

The ERP is also accessible online using your computer, tablet or smartphone.

For more information, visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/readyprogram

Steps to Repair Water Damaged Electronics For Your Business

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

After investing heavily in the equipment and technology that keep your business in action, flooded electronics and the ensuing water damage can feel overwhelming. Is it possible to repair the damage on your own?

Corrosion Damage

One of the most serious causes of damage is the corrosion caused by hidden moisture. The combination of metal, water, and oxygen creates an iron oxide or rust. This gradually breaks down the metals within your equipment. The damage may be apparent within a few hours, but it could also take days before you notice it. The damage to flooded electronics isn't limited to your equipment. Your outlets, circuit interrupters, light switches, timers, and other wired conveniences often experience electronic damage.

Removing Corrosion

As you begin cleaning up after water damage, carefully consider the risks. It is possible and often very likely that you'll cause further damage to the equipment, and you could put yourself at risk of injury. Some solutions sold for rust removal aren't appropriate for all kinds of technology.

Unplug the device and remove batteries. Be aware of exposed connectors that may be fragile or affected by corrosion.
Watch out for white or green buildup on charging ports or battery, SIM card, and metal connectors. These are areas of corrosion.
Use cotton swabs or a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to wash off the corrosion. The cleaning solution may be a mix of baking soda and water, vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol. If the corrosion doesn't come off with gently wiping, you may need to let the solution sit on the area and wipe it off later.
Allow the electronics to dry completely before plugging it in or replacing batteries. Do not use a heated hair dryer on equipment.

The best step for cleaning your electronics is to contact a professional,. You risk doing further damage to the equipment, suffering from injuries, and voiding insurance coverage or equipment warranties when you DIY this task. Keep these risks in mind before trying to clean corrosion from flooded electronics on your own.

Don't PANIC! | Preventing Accidents at Home

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

We are often told that staying proactive is the best approach in life. It keeps you one step ahead of the game and is the key to success. But when it comes to preparing home accidents, it could drive you crazy to think of all the catastrophic scenarios and how to best prepare yourself for each.

The truth of the matter is, we can’t always be one step ahead of the future. Just take COVID-19 for example, coming into 2020, no one could have imagined how this pandemic would have affected the world! However, there are some suggestions that you could implement that can make your household just a little bit safer than before.

Preventing Accidents At Home

Make an emergency plan.
Changing smoke detector batteries as soon as they die.
Have your wiring installation checked at least once every five years by an approved contractor, or straight away if you are buying an older property.
Opening windows and turning off suppliers if you suspect a gas leak.
Taking out built-up lint from the dryer vent.
Have electric blankets serviced and checked regularly.
Never leave any pans unattended while cooking.

Despite how trivial these suggestions may be, many accidents could have been avoided if simple tasks would have been implemented. We don’t want you to drive yourself insane to prepare for every worst-case scenario that could possibly happen, so just take it one step at a time. Lastly, as always, if you need any additional help while dealing with home damages, SERVPRO is always here to help.

For more information on how to prevent an accident at home visit https://www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/General/Preventing-Accidents-in-the-Home.aspx and

https://www.ready.gov/

We Have the Solutions!

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the unique ability to help property owners in a variety of ways. Disasters come in many shapes and sizes. With over three decades of experience we have seen most everything. We cannot say everything because even in the decades of helping our neighbors in the Carthage/ Joplin Area, we still see new things. But here are a few disasters we commonly take care of.

Water Damage – We see water damages from all kinds of sources. Busted pipes, malfunctioning appliances, human accidents or neglect, and ground flooding to name a few common sources. No matter the cause, or the epic story that explains it, we have a solution to return you to normal “Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Restoration – A fire can be very a huge inconvenience but it is not the end of the world. Many times, you would be surprised at how much of your personal property can be restored. We specialize in cleaning and deodorizing anything from family heirlooms, documents, to the very walls in your home or business.

Mold Remediation – With naturally high levels of humidity in the area of the country we live in mold can be an issue if a water intrusion is not properly taken care of. Not only do we offer remediation services but we also do mold testing and offer preventative measures such as crawl space moisture barrier installation.

Bio Hazard Clean Up – This area of our work is not enjoyable to talk about but many times it is necessary. We have the training and experience to properly clean up any area they may have the threat of blood born pathogens being present. These cases include trauma and crime scene clean up.

These are by no means the only services we offer. Frankly, whatever mankind or mother nature can throw at a structure, we can more than likely assist in the restoration.

How to Minimize Fire Damage

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Minimizing further fire damage is one of the first considerations after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Commercial fire damage can greatly affect the ability of a business to continue operations. In order to recover as much value as possible from a property that has undergone fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage, a restoration company should be contacted immediately after the premises are secure. The fire cleanup team can aid in evaluating the damage to the property and listing the items that are present. They can also perform fire damage restoration and offer an estimate onsite.

A restoration company will also be instrumental in boarding up a property if commercial fire damage has compromised any doors or windows. Roofs and walls that may have been cut into by firefighters during the fire may also need to be boarded up. This process can be much more difficult than it originally appears due to the need to evaluate the structural integrity of much of the buildings foundation. A professional contractor should be contacted before an individual attempts to board up his or her own property after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Boarding up a property that has undergone fire damage is important both to prevent the collapse of the building as well as to protect it from any intruders who may cause additional damage.

The fire cleanup will also involve drying up all the water that firefighters may flood the premises with in order to put out the fire. This water can cause extensive water damage as well as promote the growth of mold. A certified technician can employ all manner of techniques to dry out the property and prevent mold growth using industrial equipment that may include a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover. This process will also somewhat remove the smoke smell that may persist after a fire.

After a list of personal belongings have been identified and list along with the property owner, a restoration company can work with him or her to reverse the smoke damage and soot damage that may have settled into the property. Surfaces can often be fully cleaned, even if it is porous like carpet. Deep vacuuming and steam injection are often successful in removing the oily soot that may lead to residual smoke smell. Fire damage restoration requires techniques that require specialized equipment, and these techniques can be discussed with the property owner in order to decide whether or not to proceed with restoration.

If fire damage restoration is not possible on certain items, they may be more easily replaced. In this case, the restoration company will also help to dispose of these items in the appropriate manner. After a fire in a home or a fire in a business, much debris will need to remove anyway. Smoke damage and soot damage is reversible, but property owners sometimes choose to replace items and surfaces instead.

All surfaces are sanitized and cleaned after all soot damage and smoke damage has been reversed. The fire clean up team will also instruct property owners on how to prevent commercial fire damage in the future. Any residual smoke smell will be ventilated until gone. If the smoke smell persists, chemical solutions like an ozone treatment or thermal fogging are also options depending on the needs of the property owner. Additional treatments may be needed weeks or even months after the initial incident.

Fire cleanup is extremely daunting for an individual who is shocked by a fire in a home or a fire in a business. However, fire damage restoration is normal for a fire cleanup specialist, even after extension commercial fire damage. A specialist who has the experience and the expertise to guide a property owner will ensure that fire damage is minimized as much as possible.

SERVPRO's Relationships

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Involvement by our SERVPRO at all levels in the community cannot be understated. One of these levels is at the city and county economic level. Every town and city has a vested interest in trying to help their local business survive and thrive, providing much needed jobs to the members of their communities and also providing economic stimulus and tax revenue generation.

These needs get interrupted when disaster strikes a business and it is vital to get their operations back up and running, as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened." This is where the relationships you form with SERVPRO prior to the disaster striking are so important. Does your business already have a SERVPRO Representative (SMR) assigned to you? If not, complete a internet search for your local SERVPRO franchise and ask for one to be assigned to you. This SMR will go through the process of educating your business about all that they can do in advance of the coming disaster, to help you prepare so that when it happens, it is not as costly to you in downtime and lost production.

There are many different ways to get involved with your community business members. Building relationships with our local businesses is key for when large events happen at this level, those leaders run in small circles and great relationships are needed here, so those business leaders can get their business's back up and running and restore their communities to like it was before the disaster.... "Like it never even happened."

What's in a Flood?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Not all water damages are the same. Many of our friends have found that out after recent flooding. The cleanup caused by recent flooding is much different than say a burst pipe you may have experienced in the past. In this blog we will look at the different water types.

What we call “clean” water when referring to water damage is water from a broken supply line for example. Clean water is pretty self-explanatory; it comes from a clean source. Rain water CAN be considered clean water if it is an isolated incident not related to wide spread flooding.

The second type of water is “grey” water. Grey water is slightly contaminated water. A good example of grey water is drain from a dishwasher. Keep in mind that water types can change. Clean water left too long without cleanup becomes grey water as bacteria and other contaminates can begin to grow.

The final classification is “black” water. Black water is highly contaminated as it is the result of encountering sewage, chemicals, or harmful bacteria. The tragic flooding we experienced this spring would be considered black water. Yes, we said earlier rain water was considered clean but as this water flowed out of control through farms and cities it picks up contaminates. Flooding to this extent has mixed with local sewage systems, as well as been in contact with an endless list of chemicals and contaminates.

SERVPRO always recommends you leave water damage cleanup to the professionals but we cannot stress enough how harmful black water can be. The type of water determines our protocol for proper cleanup. When handled improperly, it is easy to contaminate other areas of your home or business and instead of mitigating damage you may accidentally increase it. Black water should always be left to the pros.

Spring Mold Prevention

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and temperatures are getting warmer little by little. It’s evident that spring is in the air. Spring weather motivates us to open windows and breathe in the fresh air, but it may be surprising to know that doing so can increase the chances of mold growth in your home due to the presence of moisture and humidity in the air. Many different surfaces, such as carpet, wood, and insulation, can serve as reservoirs for mold as long as moisture is present. It is also important to note that mold is capable of growing at any point during the year, but warmer temperatures and greater humidity in the spring increase the risk of mold growth during the season. Understanding what actions you can take in order to prevent mold growth will prove absolutely essential in protecting your home and those living in it from the harmful effects of mold this spring.
It is extremely important when protecting your home from mold growth during the spring to facilitate the circulation of air within your home so that warm air will not become stagnant in one area. Air can be circulated efficiently with the help of fans and moisture in the air can be decreased through the use of a dehumidifier. It is important to remember that humidity levels indoors should not be greater than 45%. It may also be beneficial to keep an eye on areas of the home that are cold or dark, which are especially susceptible to mold growth. To help prevent mold growth in these areas, do your best to expose these areas to natural or artificial light.
Finally, after rain showers or storms, which are prevalent during the spring, make sure to frequently check areas around windows and doors for mold growth. Moisture from rain water can gather around windows and doors, which can lead to mold growth if not dried immediately. Additionally, because temperatures indoors and outdoors differ during the springtime, condensation is often prevalent on doors and windows. Moisture from condensation, when met with humidity, can also lead to mold growth if the area is not dried.
If mold becomes visible on a surface in your home, be sure to diligently scrub the surface with water and detergent. After doing so, make sure that you dry the surface thoroughly in order to prevent further mold growth in that area. Small-scale, isolated mold growth is typically manageable, but larger-scale mold growth can be overwhelming and require professional remediation. Call the mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO in order to assess the situation and take care of your home’s mold infestation in a timely manner.

Commercial Fire Deodorization

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

This is a large commercial fire damage we produced as a result of an electrical malfunction. SERVPRO of Washington D.C. had a first responder on site quickly to expedite cleaning, demolition, and deodorization scope and planning. As this was located at a gymnasium, the vast majority of space was warehouse, with built-in tiered offices and party rooms. Total affected space in the building was 15,500 square feet, which made for an enormous amount of volume to conduct final deodorization. After weeks of demolition and specialized cleaning, we conducted thermal fogging for the final deodorization. Our two technicians donned their proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and fogged the entire cubic area of the gym. The photo shows the fogging after disperse, with the capability of it penetrating into high and small cavities.

Trust Your Certified SERVPRO of Washington D.C.

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

In these times of stress and uncertainty, the best way to combat the threat of COVID-19 is to be prepared.

When it comes to disinfection and sanitization, SERVPRO cleanup practices follow CDC guidelines and use EPA-approved products. We’re here to help you protect your business and your employees – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

This is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Washington D.C. at 202-737-8776

Smoke Alarms

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire prevention is one of the most important things for you and your family. Ensuring that your home has smoke alarms are one of the first steps in fire prevention. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused because of no smoke alarm or no working smoking alarm. Smoke alarm cut the risk of people dying. Hardwired fire alarms operated 94% of the time versus battery powered alarms. The battery may tend to fail because of missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires and can detect a fire faster during the night hours when you are sleeping to give you extra time to safety assist or waken others to evacuate from a fire.

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Your home or commercial facility contains many of your most valuable possessions. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals understand the trauma that follows a loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back.

Contents Services

Inventory – One of the first priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all your belongings. Your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs and bar codes for each item, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time consuming process.
Move Outs – When the structure has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating the contents for cleaning, deodorization and storage while structural repairs are being completed. A supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your home or office.
Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized as close to preloss condition as possible. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more.

Structural Cleaning

Ceilings and Walls – Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to analyze the extent of the damage to your ceilings, walls and woodwork. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can reduce the cost of recovery by expertly cleaning lighter soot without incurring the expense associated with repainting. When higher concentrations of soot exist, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals will clean the area to prepare the surface for smooth painting.
Carpet & Floor Restoration – After a smoke or fire damage, carpeting and floors will often need a deep and thorough cleaning. Residue from smoke or soot settles and is ground into flooring every time someone walks on it. Whether it is wall-to-wall carpeting or the most expensive tile floor, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have the experience, equipment and cleaning products to clean and protect all types of flooring surfaces.
Ductwork – The ductwork and HVAC system will be inspected to determine if they were affected by the smoke damage. Depending on the amount of damage, the proper restoration process will be determined to clean and deodorize your HVAC and duct system.

Deodorization

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. Ask your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

Questions?
Call Us Today – 202-737-8776

Fire Safety

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

Dryers were involved in 92% of the Washer/Dryer fires; the risk of fire was basically the same for both gas and electric-powered dryers.

Safety tips:

Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Unexpected Water Damage

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it is the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call us, we will ask questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring. This includes how many trained SERVPRO professionals we may need.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. is here for you 24/7 all 365 days of the year. Call us at 202-737-8776.

Faster to Any Size Water Damage

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides 24/7/365 fire and water damage restoration service.

We do not wait for regular business hours. SERVPRO provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, plus more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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 pose serious risks to occupants.

If you need further assistance with your water damage, please call SERVPRO of Washington D.C. at 202-737-8776.

Commercial Building Storm Damage

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

When preparing for an upcoming spring storm, protecting your home is the priority and something you should take seriously. As a business owner, you have to do double duty because it is crucial to ensure that your business is as secure as your home.

Here are a few ways to help you avoid storm damage to your commercial property:

1. Watch, Listen, or Read

By watching the local news channel, listening to the radio throughout your commute, or reading a weather app on your phone, you will know exactly what is coming your way as well as how to prepare for it.

2. Protect the Property

Be knowledgeable about where your pipes are located. With a quick visit to the hardware store, you can gather insulation supplies for the pipes that are easy to reach. Hate the drip, drip, drip from a leaky faucet? In the event of a cold front that brings freezing weather, turning the faucet on to a drip can help you avoid a potential serious and costly pipe break. This is because the drip keeps the water moving in the pipe and does not allow it to sit and freeze. When left alone, the water can freeze and expand, and this pressure is what will break a pipe.

3. Ask for Help

Utilize others’ knowledge on how to keep your business safe. Know who you can call to help prevent damage or to fix an already broken pipe. Save the phone number of a cleanup and restoration company in your phone contacts for quick reference in case of an emergency.

No one wants to deal with the headache of storm damage or a pipe break. By being prepared and creating a plan for your business, you can ease the burden of an upcoming winter storm. Your business storm strategy can also be easily applied to your home so that you won’t have to worry if a storm hits while you’re at work.

The Fire is Out, Now What?

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Residential and commercial fires are unpredictable and can be devastating.

Hopefully you have given thought to fire prevention for your home. In addition to taking these steps, you have also developed an escape plan with your family. In the unfortunate case of a serious fire, would you know where to turn after the fire crews leave?

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. 202-737-8776 is the simple, effective solution. We'll respond quickly and get to work restoring your property.

One of the first steps in our fire damage restoration process is the inspection.

Without proper and careful inspection, we cannot be sure of risk factors in the environment, the extent of damage, critical utility locations, and numerous other important factors. Inspection can sometimes be a lengthy process, as SERVPRO inspectors have to look for and catalog many different factors.

Here are some of the things that we look for in homes that have taken fire damage.

Structural Instability

One of the most important considerations when inspecting fire damage is structural stability. Fires, as they burn through supports and other structural components, can create unstable conditions and high potential for collapse. Our technicians look for signs of structural weakening to ensure the safety of both you and SERVPRO technicians, such as warped walls, burned columns, caved-in ceilings, buckled door frames, and scraping between doors, windows, and their upper frames. Any of these may be an indicator of a weakened structure, so knowing of them before any work begins has the potential to save lives.

Spots for Tarping and Boarding

Immediately following inspection, our crews move in with tarps and boards to seal up any windows, doors, or holes in the home that leave it open to the elements. Inspectors look for these openings and compose plans to seal them most effectively.

Damage Inspection

Of course, the central part of any fire damage inspection is what has been hurt, and how much. Inspectors will catalog items, surfaces, and areas which have taken damage, describing in detail for our other teams how bad the situation is and what factors caused it. From there, our technicians can work to apply appropriate cleanup processes and measures. If you have used our ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) system, this process may be greatly accelerated as our inspectors will have access to plans and inventory lists beforehand.

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. works with you to get fire damage cleaned up quickly, cheaply, and with the minimal safety concern. Call us at all hours at 202-737-8776

You Can Count on Team SERVPRO

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

When commercial property owners and managers are expected to produce excellent business operations and a disaster strikes, it can be an overwhelming experience for these individuals. SERVPRO has completed some of the area’s largest disasters including the Pentagon clean up after 9-11, the U.S. Treasury, NIH, Francis Scott Key schools, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the Department of Health. We also assist with any industrial services. Facility managers love working with SERVPRO and rely on us for their disaster solutions.

General adjusters and consultants in D.C. Metro area trust SERVPRO with their largest losses and overwhelmingly complicated claims.

Some of our specialties include, but are not limited to:

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military
Universities
Schools
Restaurants
Commercial Disaster Recovery Services
Commercial Reconstruction

When a disaster strikes, SERVPRO is here to make it seem “Like it never even happened.” Choose SERVPRO of Washington D.C. as your team who will assist you with any future disaster.

We Are Cleaning Experts

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have 45 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform daily.

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Washington D.C. at 202-737-8776

Puffback Prevention

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

For those who live in colder parts of the United States, there are home appliances that play a critical role when it comes to your furnace. A quality furnace can ensure optimal comfort inside your home while minimizing the amount of energy you consume at home. Even a top-quality furnace will not provide consistent results if you do not maintain it properly.

Those who neglect regular furnace servicing may find themselves dealing with a wide variety of issues, including a common problem such as a puffback. Here are some key points to know about your furnace at home and how it could produce a puffback when it is least expected:

What is a Puffback?

Puffbacks are explosions of soot and smoke caused by improper furnace ignition. They typically occur when excessive amounts of fuel vapors accumulate inside of your furnace’s burner chamber. When the furnace ignites, these vapors explode. Fortunately, this explosion does not have the force to put you and your family at risk. However, over time, a puffback can make a serious impact on your HVAC system.

When an oil burner does not ignite immediately, excess oil builds up within the combustion chamber. The fuel could then ignite explosively, like the backfiring of a car. Depending on how much fuel has built up in the chamber, the result can range from a small explosion to a cloud of oily smoke.

This disaster poses the greatest threat due to the excessive amounts of soot and smoke they produce. Over time, soot builds up on the inner surfaces of your furnace and heat exchanger, often leading to problems such as corrosion and clogged burner nozzles. The worst aspect of a puffback is that both soot and smoke will find their way and impact your home’s air quality.

Oil and Gas Furnaces Can Have Puffbacks

Puffbacks can occur in both natural gas and oil-burning furnaces. All furnaces have the capability of accumulating fuel vapors in the combustion chamber if it is not properly maintained. With that said, a puffback poses a more common problem for oil furnaces.

Fun fact, oil furnaces have greater maintenance needs. A neglected oil furnace will accumulate issues that lead to a puffback at a faster rate. Furthermore, oil furnaces tend to experience more severe puffbacks. Heating oil dissipates at a lower rate than natural gas. This will ultimately allow it to accumulate in greater quantities.

Issues Leading Up to a Puffback

A puffback may stem from a variety of furnace problems, many of which relate back to a lack of maintenance. The most direct mechanism of puffback involves leaks in or around the furnace’s combustion chamber. These leaks allow fuel to trickle into the combustion chamber even when the furnace is not running. As soon as the burner turns on, fuel will ignite.

A puffback can also be due to the exhaust flue or chimney. If exhaust gases cannot vacate the system quickly enough, they will remain inside of the furnace. This specific scenario alters the delicate pressure balance needed for proper combustion, changing the air-fuel ratio and leading to a puffback. Such pressure problems may cause additional damages to the heat exchanger.

Puffbacks frequently happen as the result of clogged burners. When fuel cannot enter a furnace efficiently, misfires allow for fuel (that was not burned) to accumulate inside the combustion chamber. Finally, puffbacks may stem from excessive dirt ignition electrodes. A dirty electrode may fail to generate the spark needed for combustion, instead of allowing fuel to puddle inside of the furnace.

As a result, the mess of soot and debris will be mixed with oil. It can quickly spread throughout your home, covering cabinets, walls, furniture, and everything else you would never want covered in black, sticky grime. In addition to the mess, puffbacks contaminate the air and surfaces with unhealthy material. The consequences can be unpleasant, but SERVPRO of Washington D.C. can work with you in the cleaning and restoration process of your home and belongings.

Should a puffback occur, here are some helpful tips to follow:

Assess the damage
Wash all affected clothing and throw out exposed food
Contact a technician to repair the malfunctioning furnace
Contact SERVPRO of Washington D.C.

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to quickly restore your home to its original state. If you need someone to help with any type of smoke, soot, or fire damage, our high trained technicians will by there to start the restoration process. For more information about what it takes to manage a puffback and prevention steps towards avoiding an expected disaster, please reach out to us at SERVPRO of Washington D.C. at 202-737-8776.

Cleaner Air Leads to Healthy Employees

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Think about the air quality you breathe regularly: both indoors and outdoors. Which type of air quality do you think is cleaner? If you believe the indoor air quality is cleaner as opposed to the outdoor air quality, think again. The EPA estimates that indoor air contains two to five times more pollution than outdoor air quality. Poor air quality causes problems such as reoccurring colds and sore throats or even headaches, asthma, allergies, and chronic fatigue. As a result, this could cause more employees to need copious amounts of down time ultimately leading them away from productivity.

When dust, debris, and other contaminants build up in your heater, ventilation system, and air conditioner, they can trigger allergies and other health issues. Additionally, these contaminants reduce your energy efficiency, which can ultimately increase your energy costs. These are two compelling reasons to confirm the air ducts and HVAC system in your workplace are running efficiently.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. We suggest that you make it a priority to inspect the duct work of your home or business when it is being built. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating at least one of the following unwanted contaminants throughout the space that which you spend most of your day breathing in:

Dust
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and debris
Other contaminants

SERVPRO professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) units. Keeping these machines clean not only extends the equipment’s lifetime, but it will also save money and time. This will, therefore, provide a better air quality experience throughout your everyday life.

Although, duct cleaning is not always necessary, we will at least make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Additionally, this will boost the quality of air that is currently circulating your work environment that will contribute to your peace of mind.

Here are the benefits of servicing your HVAC unit regularly:

Restores peak energy efficiency.
May help eliminate offensive odors.
Reduces the potential for mold growth.

At least one of these benefits should help you take a step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining a cleaner HVAC system. If you do not, it can become detrimental to your health.

Do Not Succumb to a Storm’s Norm

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Floodwaters are known for carrying mud and silt from the exterior of a home to the interior. Water removal is critical when limiting the damages to the first onslaught of storm waters. Minimizing non-salvageable materials to contaminated elements that can be demolished and discarded is challenging.

As you can see in the picture to the right, floods carried mud and silt from the exterior of this home and deposited it onto basement floors. The before and after picture above illustrates what a residency can look like after a storm’s floodwaters create water damage as well as after SERVPRO restores the property’s basement. If you have recently experienced a similar situation with water or storm damage, contact SERVPRO of Washington D.C. We will assist you in anyway we can to help you recover from a disaster like so.

While in 45 years of business, we have saved our clientele and their insurance companies from inconvenience, stress, and spending additional money. With the help of our team carefully planning an execution strategy, we always tailor our strategy towards the size of the cleanup, no matter what the damages may be, “Like it never even happened.”

Pipes 101

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is right around the corner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that cold temperatures will disappear immediately. Rather, temperatures will fluctuate in the coming months, with some warm days that are characteristic of spring, alongside some cold days. These variable temperatures can wreak potential havoc on your business through their effects on pipes, which can lead to water damage if they burst. Water within the pipes expands and contracts when temperatures fluctuate, which leads to increased pressure in the pipes. Pipes burst under this pressure. Because burst pipes can cause devastating water damage to your commercial business, it is important to understand ways in which burst pipes can be prevented in addition to the best deal with the water damage if pipes were to burst in your building.

Prevention

First and foremost, make sure that your business is protected by an insurance plan that covers water damage caused by burst pipes. The bottom line is, clean up services can be costly. Pipes that are located outdoors or in unheated places should be wrapped in insulated sleeves in order to prevent the water inside from freezing during cold weather. If pipes do freeze, it may be beneficial to let water run through the pipes in order to avoid bursting. Finally, checking pipes daily for small leaks is a helpful preventative measure to take, especially when temperatures decrease.

If Your Pipes Burst…

Immediately turn off water, electricity, and heating systems at the first sight of burst pipes in order to limit the damage caused by the ruptured pipes. Documents, inventory, and other important items should be moved to a safe location as soon as possible, as they can become damaged or destroyed in water in the wake of burst pipes. If it is safe to do so, check the building for signs of water damage, such as stains or discoloration, musty smells, or mold growth. It may also be beneficial to open doors and windows, as doing so allows air to move through the building, drying any damp areas and preventing the growth of mold or mildew. It is important for your business to quickly get back on its feet following burst pipes, so call SERVPRO in order to restore any impacted areas of your affected business by water damage as quickly as possible “Like it never even happened.”

Spring into Your Spring Cleaning with SERVPRO

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning is a tradition that kick-starts efforts to “restart” your cleanliness prior to some of the busiest times of the year: the spring and summer seasons. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your work space.

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. can help facilitate your spring cleaning to the best conditions you have ever seen. In addition, our professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet. Not only can we complete air duct and HVAC cleaning, we can meet your cleaning needs through our stain removal and stain resisting applicators.

Improve your living and work space this spring. Choose SERVPRO of Washington D.C. to assist you with your home and/or business spring cleaning. We will have it sparkling in no time, “Like it never even happened.”

When a Hurricane Knocks You Down, Get Boarded Up with SERVPRO Washington D.C.

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing for a potential disaster, such as a hurricane, is not as simple as it sounds; however, it is without a doubt something we should all consider for various safety reasons. Whether if there has been a recent fire, hurricane, or another structural damaging disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should have to experience.

Fun Fact: When a slower moving hurricane, such as many of the hurricanes that make its way to the DC Metro area, can produce more rainfall and cause excess damage due to flooding than faster-moving and higher category hurricanes.

Boarding up damaged property incorrectly can cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion. The process of boarding up after an unexpected damage can also be as dangerous as the storm’s strength itself.

Our SERVPRO® Franchise professionals can board up your damaged property, mitigate, and remediate the original damage while providing you with peace of mind “Like it never even happened.”

Qualifying the Best Air Filter for Your Home

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Air pollution is a justifiable concern for most people who live in a city. Dust, contaminates, odor, and pollutants (also known as smog) sometimes are heavy enough to be seen outside. In your home, you can develop dust, contaminates, and odor problems. Using a fan to move air in a home that contains these particles is not the best solution. It will only move the problem from one room to another. Consider an air filter to help clean your air quality at home.

Finding the Facts

Mold, dust, and odors are can be found all around us. When particles are inside your home, they are typically considered to be inside air pollutants (including dust mites, cooking odors, mildew, and animal dander), and generally, they fall into one these three categories:

Gaseous
Biological
Chemical

Breath at Ease

Air filtration systems filter the pollutants out of the air from all three categories. Keeping the allergens and mold spores filtered out of the air can provide a cleaner atmosphere inside your home; therefore, combatting lingering odors, as well as deliver fresh and most importantly, quality air.

Removing the Particles

Different purifiers utilize different methods to filter the air. They typically work in one of the following ways.

Electrostatic precipitation
Ionization
Filtration

Each method has its pros and cons. Most people find the HEPA filtration system very cost effective. The air moves through the filter where the particles are captured. As the clean air rushes out of the filter, it then fills your home with refreshed air.

When deciding which of these systems is right for your family, contact a team of air and mold specialists. Look no further, SERVPRO of Washington D.C. can help you choose the best air filtration system for your cleaner air. We will help restore your home’s air quality “Like it never even happened.”

How to Prepare for a Flood

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

When living near a flood zone or if you are a first responder, it is important to prepare for a flood in advance. When a disaster takes place, keep these three flood response guidelines in mind.

1. The Right Immunizations

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all disaster responders receive a tetanus booster if they have not been vaccinated against this disease in the last 10 years. Either the tetanus/diphtheria or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccination can be used. Additionally, the CDC recommends the Hepatitis B vaccine for responders who plan to provide medical care.

2. Wear Protective Equipment

First responders should take precaution in protecting their skin from contaminated flood water. It is advised to wear electrically insulated watertight boots with a steel shank, toe, and insole. Hip waders can also limit exposure to standing water. A first responder should also wear thick, waterproof work gloves and safety goggles or glasses. Long pants or overalls, a long-sleeved shirt, and a protective head covering are also suitable for flood response work. If responders expect to enter locations that may be experiencing mold growth, a respirator may also be necessary.

3. Steer Clear of Moving Water

Flood water is threatening even if it does not seem deep. One may not be able to walk how they typically walk through water moving six miles per hour. Water has the capability of causing a loss of traction and footing when walking through it. Vehicles have the capability to float in 12 inches of water moving at the same speed. Exercising caution and only walking through flood water that is no more than four inches deep, not moving, and has a visibly hard surface underneath is a necessary safety measure.

Water Damage Timeline

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

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.

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.
An 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.
Bio-hazard 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 contaminants can pose serious risks to occupants.

Rain Rain Go Away

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Its never a good time for it to be raining inside a building. A very in-depth work plan are developed quickly to get the water out and dry the interior. Industrial water extractors, desiccant humidifier, plenty of staff, and SERVPRO know how to get the job started quickly and correctly.Working around the clock, our staff and hundreds pieces of equipment work to get and business or school ready for the next day. What a sense of satisfaction it is to see a business or school open up on time due to the hard work of our SERVPRO employees along with the facility and staff of the community!! It show there is is no job to big or small for our team here at SERVPRO.

Flood

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

The rushing floodwaters carried a lot of mud and silt from the exterior of this home and deposited the mess on the hardwood floors. Fast water and moisture removal are critical to limiting the water damage to the first onslaught of the storm waters. SERVPRO team members understand the importance of the initial day of cleanup and restoration. Minimizing non-salvageable materials to only contaminated elements for demolishing and discarding is a challenge. The After Photo illustrates the results that can be had when a professional outfit does the storm damage work. We can save our customers and their insurance companies money, inconvenience, and stress with a carefully laid out plan and then its execution.

Wireless Emergency Alerts - Stay Informed Of Weather Alerts

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to you mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g. AMBER Alerts).

Government partners include local and state public safety agents, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service. WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

This is America’s wireless industry helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens.

The great piece of this is that there is no signup required, and Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. With WEA, alerts may be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters. WEA message will include a special tone and vibration, with both repeated twice.

The National Weather Service will send the following types of messages:

Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings

Fire Damage Risks for Commercial Buildings

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Risks for Commercial Buildings

Fire damage is a risk for any business. No matter what type of business you have, the problem is the same: A fire quickly decimates your building and puts your staff in danger. Flames can damage costly equipment and vital paperwork. Below are four top damage risks for local businesses:

Outdated Fire Safety Equipment Up to date fire safety equipment is a must. Having the correct tools on hand means you can act faster in the event of a blaze. Every office needs a fire alarm system and appropriate fire extinguishers on every level. Different extinguishers are suited to different types of fire, so SERVPRO recommends contacting a local fire extinguisher company to come onsite and do an assessment of your facility. Remember to test fire alarms and sprinklers regularly.
Electrical Equipment Offices have plenty of electrical equipment including computers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, and servers just to name a few. Electrical equipment is vital to the running of an office, but it is also a severe fire hazard. It does not take much for electronic items to spark and start a fire.
Damaged or frayed cords, or worn out devices, are also a common fire source. It is a good system to all keep all electric devices in good working order.
3. Lack Of Training Your employees need to know how to avoid fire damage risks, for example by being careful with flammable liquids and not overloading sockets. Your staff also needs to know what to do in the event of a fire. SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor recommends every local business have an Emergency Plan and we can provide you with our Emergency Ready Plan at no cost. Emergency Ready Plan is a free app that helps you plan what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster.
4. Combustible Materials Every office has combustible materials such as paper and cardboard. Paper waste and old boxes seem like harmless junk, but they quickly burn once alight. Put a protocol in place for regular emptying trash receptacles to outdoor trash bins.

IICRC Training
Employee Certification Training
e-Learnings

Continuing Education Classes

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt - Helping Reduce Potential for Damage and Health Risks

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional uses a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can often restore the ductwork to pre-damage condition.

A powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.

Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.

As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

Removing Odors After a Flood

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Removing Odors After a Flood

Flooding can cause a lot of damage, and air quality can be one of the biggest casualties of this type of disaster. You can pump water out of a flooded area, clean obvious mold growth and set up drying machinery, but it takes a lot of work to dry your commercial property of offensive odors. Here’s a look at the process used by experienced remediation contractors when working to restore a scent-free environment to buildings in the aftermath of a flood.

The Causes of Odors

Before addressing the problem, your contractor will first need to determine the cause of the offending scents. The most common reason for musty odors is excessive moisture that encourages mold growth , which is why it’s important to fully extract all fluids before rebuilding. Besides spores, there are a few other common causes of smelly conditions:

Bacteria growth in clean standing water
Black water from sewage loss
Chemical spills

The Deodorizing Process

Once the underlying causes of the odors have been identified, technicians will get to work deodorizing the entire area. After setting dehumidifiers up in the space, the workers will use appropriate chemicals to remove odor-causing spores so they won’t grow back. If the affected region is small enough, you might be able to handle it on your own, but anything larger than 10 square feet should probably be cleaned by a professional.

The Importance of Oder removal

In the wake of flooding, you want your employees and customers to think of your building as a safe place to visit, and musty odors from mold growth could work against you. The unpleasant scents that often follow after flood water recedes are an indication of a problem, but they can also be used to track down stubborn spores that would otherwise evade detection. By hiring a team of experienced remediation professionals to address these issues, you can get back to business with the flood’s destruction safely in your rear-view mirror

Equipment Used in Basement Water Removal

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Equipment Used in Basement Water Removal

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and taking a trip down to the basement only to find out that it’s filled with two feet of water. Whether it’s rain water or a broken pipe, the result is the same: Your basement, is flooded. The next questions that you probably have are how do you get rid of the water and what equipment can you use. The first thing you should do is look for an expert who can help you out with the following equipment used for deep water removal:

Truck

Most home restoration experts use a truck to carry their equipment. A sump pump or trash pump may be mounted to the vehicle.

Sump Pump

This type of pump is used for simple water removal. If a pipe breaks or your basement floods with water, an expert may use this kind of pump to remove it. These pumps are designed for the following:

• The removal of water
• Draining a flooded basement
• Not generally used for water containing large debris

Trash Pump

A trash pump is similar to a sump pump in that they are both centrifugal pumps. However, this type of pump can be used to pass solids in the volume of water. This can help when you have gray or black water filled with sludge or twigs. Typically when a sewer backup or a flood from a storm enters your basement, there is going to be a lot of debris in the water. In this case, a trash pump may be the right kind of equipment for your situation.

At the end of the day, you should never leave standing water in your home. When it comes to water removal, oftentimes sump or trash pumps are the equipment that specialists employ to take care of the flooding problem and dry out your dwelling.

The Science Behind Drying out Water Damage

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Drying out water damage in customer's home

When Water Damage happens in your house the first things we all think about is to grab towels and mop up the water and finish with placing our house fans to dry up the area. Did you know that there is a Science of Drying and restoring your property?

With all the factors that go into what can happen with water damage its time that matters the most to help prevent other problems to arise. When you call SERVPRO we have the state-of-art equipment to speed up Mother Nature. When a property is wet it can naturally dry itself but also takes too long and with this process other damage such as mold and a weaken structure can happen creating more damage than if it was taken care of faster.

Here at SERVPRO we have the knowledge of psychrometrics which is essential to restoring water damage to its preloss condition. Our Team has been trained on all of the drying techniques that we use every day and are knowledgeable on how to dry your home the fasted way possible. SERVPRO has equipment to help dry your hard wood floors and carpets, hard to reach spaces in your walls and many more.

SERVPRO has tools to monitor the drying process allowing us to take pictures and different readings to track the restoration progress. With the readings that we get we use our program SERVPRO DryBOOK to record information to ensure your restoration is done properly and efficiently every time.

We are here for any size Water Damage situation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!

What Kind of Water are you dealing with?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Always be informed on what you’re dealing with

When facing a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensure proper cleanup. There are three types of water.

Clean Water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean.
Gray Water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean Water becomes Gray Water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.
Black Water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black Water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black Water should always be handled by trained professionals.

Are you not sure what type of water damage you are dealing with? Let the professionals here at SERVPRO help!

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is

Things to Know About Sewage Backups in your Home

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage Backup in Customer Basement

When it comes to water damage there is important things to remember about the different hazards that can contaminate the water that is in your home. Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease-causing. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards that sewage presents.

Here are the key principles homeowners should know about sewage back-ups and how to handle the situation with caution:

Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic – disease causing – fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage losses must have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on prescription drugs or chemotherapy, or are AIDS victims.
It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly. This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too. There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
Only the most highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. Then, a “third party” indoor environmental professional can provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure that the home or building is safe to re-occupy.

SERVPRO is always available 24 hours a day when a loss becomes overwhelming from a Water Loss or Sewage Backup in the workplace or in your home. These simple tips will help you with prevention and awareness where its most important so seconds don’t turn into disaster.

Water is Everywhere! Are you prepared in case of a Flood?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

There more to flooding then just a wet basement.

With any situation that involves water damage big or small it can be devastating to say the least. The good news is that with a flood plan and basic safety precautions you can keep yourself safe.

Make a Flood Plan

Know your flood risk.

Make a flood emergency plan.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Consider buying flood insurance.
Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building, or to evacuate.
Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.

Basic Safety Tips

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of water can sweep your vehicle away.
If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the US.
If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

After the Flood

Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.
Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded.
Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.

These easy steps to take could save your life and other things that are important to you.

Leave it to the IICRC Professionals

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified Firm

When it comes to your business, are you putting your property in professional’s hands? With any size disaster, there’s always a different approach depending what the damage is to your business. Our employees are IICRC Certified to make sure accurate structural renewal.

IICRC Certified Firms must

Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for the Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Water Damage Strikes When You Least Expect It

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Home

Water damage can happen at any time, often when you least expect it. This was the case for Mr. Jackson and his family in . Their washing started to leak while they were away on vacation. His first call was too SERVPRO. The water damage had affected the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and bedroom. We were able to respond within the hour and preserve most of the flooring in those rooms. We set up drying units throughout the rooms. We then replaced a small portion of the tile in the bathroom. Because we were able to come out so quickly the water damage was cleaned up within two days.

3 Steps To Smother a Grease Fire

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Grease fire can burn hotter that other types of kitchen fire

3 Steps To Smother A Grease Fire

Grease fires can burn hotter than most other types of kitchen fires. It is important to know how to safely extinguish these fires, as using a pressurized fire extinguisher may actually cause this type of fire to spread. Here are the three steps necessary to safely smother a grease fire.

1. Turn Off the Heat

The first step to handle smoking grease or a fire is to turn off the source of heat. This can prevent grease from becoming even hotter. Do not attempt to move a pan or pot off of the burner, as motion can intensify the fire.

2. Smother the Flames

There are two effective ways to quickly smother flames. It is a good idea to keep baking soda and salt handy if you are cooking with large amounts of grease. Baking soda consists of sodium bicarbonate, which releases carbon dioxide. Salt draws heat out of grease to limit its combustibility.

An intense grease fire will draw in oxygen through convection and may resist this smothering effect. Limit the supply of oxygen by immediately covering the pot or pan with a metal lid, cookie sheet, or another pot or pan.

3. Make Sure the Fire Is Out

Monitor the situation to make sure that a fire is not spreading. Wait at least 20 minutes for grease to cool before checking the condition under the cover. Lifting a cover too quickly can introduce a surge of oxygen that may cause a fire to reignite.

Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher

A portable fire extinguisher can be a life and property saving tool when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National

Fire Prevention Association suggests remembering the word PASS:

-Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release
the locking mechanism.

-Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar
with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have
limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility. For more information
on the different types of fire extinguishers and to ensure you have the proper one, visit nfpa.org.

What To Do Before Help Arrives

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

What To Do Before Help Arrives

Fire Damage

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems.
Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough
professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until your local SERVPRO®. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

DO:

Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.

Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.

Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.

If electricity is off, empty freezer/refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.

If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T:

Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® of West Knoxville and Farragut

Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.

Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated.

If the ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans.

Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.

Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set
in smoke odor.

Can Lightning Start a House Fire?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Can Lightning Start a House Fire?

If your home sustains damage from a lightning fire, contact a company that provides fire restoration services.

Lightning is the cause of a number of house fire every year. A lightning fire typically occurs when a hot flash strikes a combustible object or travels through conductive metal objects and then ignites combustibles. It is important to recognize the risks of a direct strike and a phenomenon called side flash in order to safely respond to a strike on or around your home. It is almost always a good idea to call the fire department if your home has been struck.

1. Direct strike: A direct hot strike can cause a fire, particularly if it makes contact with combustible material in or around your home. As soon as your home is struck, check for any signs of fire and contact the fire department from a cellular phone as soon as possible. Avoid using a landline in case current is traveling through the wiring. You can rest easy once you are sure that your residence is not running an elevated risk for lightning fire.

2. Side flash: This phenomenon occurs when a strike travels through conductive metal features such as downspouts, gutters, gas lines, water pipes, window frames, or wiring and then ignites combustible building materials such as insulation. Lightning does not require conductive objects to travel down to the ground, but if a side flash occurs, it may lead to hidden fires within the attic or walls of a house.

Whether a direct hot strike starts a fire or the transmission of current through materials in your home in the event of a side strike ends up igniting combustible materials, only the fire department can ensure that your home is safe. A hidden house fire can put homeowners at risk and cause extensive damage prior to being detected. If your home sustains damage from a lightning fire, contact a company that provides fire restoration services

How to Minimize Fire Damage

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

How to Minimize Fire Damage

Minimizing further fire damage is one of the first considerations after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Commercial fire damage can greatly affect the ability of a business to continue operations. In order to recover as much value as possible from a property that has undergone fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage, a restoration company should be contacted immediately after the premises are secure. The fire cleanup team can aid in evaluating the damage to the property and listing the items that are present. They can also perform fire damage restoration and offer an estimate onsite.

A restoration company will also be instrumental in boarding up a property if commercial fire damage has compromised any doors or windows. Roofs and walls that may have been cut into by firefighters during the fire may also need to be boarded up. This process can be much more difficult than it originally appears due to the need to evaluate the structural integrity of much of the buildings foundation. A professional contractor should be contacted before an individual attempts to board up his or her own property after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Boarding up a property that has undergone fire damage is important both to prevent the collapse of the building as well as to protect it from any intruders who may cause additional damage.

The fire cleanup will also involve drying up all the water that firefighters may flood the premises with in order to put out the fire. This water can cause extensive water damage as well as promote the growth of mold. A certified technician can employ all manner of techniques to dry out the property and prevent mold growth using industrial equipment that may include a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover. This process will also somewhat remove the smoke smell that may persist after a fire.

After a list of personal belongings have been identified and list along with the property owner, a restoration company can work with him or her to reverse the smoke damage and soot damage that may have settled into the property. Surfaces can often be fully cleaned, even if it is porous like carpet. Deep vacuuming and steam injection are often successful in removing the oily soot that may lead to residual smoke smell. Fire damage restoration requires techniques that require specialized equipment, and these techniques can be discussed with the property owner in order to decide whether or not to proceed with restoration.

If fire damage restoration is not possible on certain items, they may be more easily replaced. In this case, the restoration company will also help to dispose of these items in the appropriate manner. After a fire in a home or a fire in a business, much debris will need to remove anyway. Smoke damage and soot damage is reversible, but property owners sometimes choose to replace items and surfaces instead.

All surfaces are sanitized and cleaned after all soot damage and smoke damage has been reversed. The fire clean up team will also instruct property owners on how to prevent commercial fire damage in the future. Any residual smoke smell will be ventilated until gone. If the smoke smell persists, chemical solutions like an ozone treatment or thermal fogging are also options depending on the needs of the property owner. Additional treatments may be needed weeks or even months after the initial incident.

Fire cleanup is extremely daunting for an individual who is shocked by a fire in a home or a fire in a business. However, fire damage restoration is normal for a fire cleanup specialist, even after extension commercial fire damage. A specialist who has the experience and the expertise to guide a property owner will ensure that fire damage is minimized as much as possible.

Be Disaster Aware Take Action To Prepare

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency or disaster. While each situation is unique, your family can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies.

The following are measures you and your family can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your family, home, and the community. Review the following questions to learn if your family and home are prepared.

Be Informed
Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your home or daily life? Do you know what you and your family will do in an emergency situation?
Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Practice the Emergency Plan
Have you practiced your plan recently? Does your family know where to go in the event of a natural disaster? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage
Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?
Secure Your Home
Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what safety measures can be taken?
Improve Cyber Security
Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software?
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your family and home for an emergency or natural disaster.

How to Minimize Fire Damage

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

When To Get a Commercial Mold Inspection

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

When To Get a Commercial Mold Inspection

You have your heart set on buying a commercial property. One catches your eye and it is love at first sight. Before you sign the papers, do you need a mold inspection? Here are some helpful tips to know when to take this step.

What Does an Inspection Involve?

When a professional investigates a potential mold problem, they often perform these tasks:

Look for evidence of visible mold or moisture inside and outside the building.
Investigate potential problem areas, such as older roofing or windows. If you have disclosure papers or building records, provide these to the inspector.
Use specialized equipment to measure humidity, test air quality or obtain samples for analysis.

When Is This Step Necessary?

It is always your choice whether or not to have a mold inspection completed on the building. It may seem costly upfront, but save you money in the long run. You should strongly consider this step in these instances:

You notice evidence of current or past water damage. Pay close attention in bathrooms, on ceilings and around doors and windows.
You observe visible mold. Oftentimes, when present it goes further than the naked eye can see.

There Is Mold, Now What?

If the assessment reveals a mold problem, you need to make a decision. You can walk away from the property or purchase and remediation the issue. If you choose the latter, partner with a mold restoration specialist to ensure that the work is done safely and effectively.

When in the market to buy a new commercial property use your heart and your head. Choose your dream property, then consider all relevant information before you finalize the purchase. If you notice water damage or other potential problems, have a comprehensive mold inspection completed. If you then choose to go forward, work with a specialist for proper mold remediation.

Property Loss and Flood Damage: How To Make a Flood Damage Claim

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Standard Process To Filling A Claim

A flood claim can be overwhelming since, at times, it follows in the wake of significant property loss. Thankfully, as insurers are at the tip of the bureaucratic food chain, there is a standard process to filing a claim, which should ease some of your stress.

1. Notify Your Insurance Provider

While the emotional response to a flood can be devastating and even mentally crippling, the first thing to do is notify your insurance provider. Notifying your insurance provider accomplishes two things:

It begins the process of rebuilding your life and your property.
It provides clear expectations of responsibility between homeowner and insurer.

After initiating contact, your insurer will likely schedule a visit from an adjuster to assess the damage to your property and to determine ultimate causality.

2. Document All Property Damage

The essential piece of any flood claim is the documentation of all property damage. True, the adjuster will take note of obvious property damage, but you will want to do your own walk-through and photograph any damage you see; not because adjusters aren’t trustworthy, but because you know your property better.

3. Compile and Complete a Proof of Loss Statement

An insurance claim typically requires a Proof of Loss statement, which is submitted within 60 days of the incurred damage. This document consists of your sworn statement, the claim amount, and any supporting proof or documentation. You can and should include any photographs and receipts in this file.

4. Collect Restoration Estimates

Once you have filed your claim and an adjuster approves further action, you can collect estimates for any necessary restoration work. Collecting estimates is as easy as calling a few emergency restoration companies from the, area and scheduling a visit. Once a list is compiled, you can present it to your insurer, and they will help you select the best option.

Flood damage is a nuisance, and it can be emotionally and physically exhausting sorting through the destruction. Fortunately, a flood claim is a predictable procedure with standard practices and steps that are typically followed by every insurer.

SMOKE ALARMS

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury by half.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the follow tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from cooking appliance.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

HEPA filters are mechanical air filters

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Is an Air Purifier Right for Your Home?

Look For An Air Filtration To Clean Your Home Air

Air pollution is a valid concern for almost anyone that lives in a city. The dust, contaminates, and odor can sometimes be heavy enough to be seen, and they have even been given the pollutants a name – smog. However, your home in, can also develop dust, contaminates, and odor problems. Moving air about with a fan is not the best solution; it only moves the problem from one room to another. Why not look into an air filtration device to help clean your home’s air?

Finding the Facts

mold , dust and odors are almost always in the world around us. When those particles are inside your home, they are typically considered to be inside air pollutants, and generally, they fall into one of these categories:

Gaseous
Biological
Chemical

This includes dust mites, cooking odors, mildew, viruses and animal dander.

Breathing Much Easier

Air filtration systems filter the pollutants out of the air from all three categories. Keeping the allergens and mold spores filtered out of the air can provide a cleaner atmosphere inside your home, and this can combat lingering odors, as well as deliver fresh, breathable air.

Removing the Particles

Different purifiers employ different methods to filter the air, but often they work in one of these three ways.

Electrostatic precipitation
Ionization
Filtration

Each method has its pros and cons, but most people find the HEPA filtration system the most cost effective. The air is forced through the filter where the particles are captured. As the clean air rushes out of the filter, it can then fill your home with fresh, renewed air.

When trying to decide which of these systems is right for your family, contact a team of air and mold professionals that can help you choose which of the air filtration machines will effectively remove the particles in the room. Allergens, dust, and mold can try to take over your home, but you can fight back with an air purifier system just right for your home.

SERVPRO trailer ready for any storm damage

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

4 Reasons You Should Avoid Driving Through Flooded Streets

A significant downpour in, can backup drainage systems and cause waterways to overflow, resulting in flash floods. Traversing a flooded street can be extremely treacherous and should be avoided, if possible, for several reasons.

1. Water Depth

It’s easy to underestimate the depth of standing water. High water levels could stall your engine, eliminating your ability to control your vehicle. Attempting to restart a stalled vehicle could also result in significant engine damage.

2. Washed Out Road

flood waters can also wash away roadways, removing the surface for your tires to grip. Without grip, you will have no control over your vehicle and will be at the mercy of water currents.

3. Fast-Flowing Water

If you drive into fast-flowing water, your vehicle could be easily swept away, endangering the welfare of yourself, your passengers and the emergency personnel dispatched to rescue you.

4. Dangerous Debris

Swift water currents can also carry large debris. If you enter a flooded street, your vehicle could be struck by floating debris. This could result in serious injuries or significant damage that could impede your ability to escape from the vehicle.

Additional Safety Tips

Avoiding flooded roads is the best course of action. However, if you are not able to find an alternate route, take extreme caution and follow these safety tips:

Drive slowly but steadily through the water
Try to drive in the middle of the roadway where the water may be shallower
Avoid driving through areas with downed power lines
If your vehicle gets washed off the road, abandon it for higher ground

A Dangerous Situation

Floods are dangerous, can cause significant destruction and often require extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. Most travel tips advise avoiding flooded streets because navigating flooded roadways can damage your vehicle’s engine and potentially endanger the lives of everyone inside the vehicle. If you cannot find an alternative route, drive cautiously and be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it becomes trapped in high water.

SERVPRO of Washington D.C can assess your situation and help to remediate your mold problem!

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

What are the dangers of space heaters?

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Chord burning while plugged into a wall.

Fire Hazards for Electric Heaters

SAFETY TIPS

CPSC recommends the following for the safe use of electric heaters:

Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged.
Before use, inspect the heater, cord, and plug for damage.
Follow all operation and maintenance instructions.

Visit www.SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled.

Never leave the heater operating while unattended, or while you are sleeping.
Keep combustible material such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at least 3 feet (0.9 m) from the front, sides, and rear of the heater.
Be sure the heater plug fits tightly into the wall outlet. If not, do not use the outlet to power the heater.
During use, check frequently to determine if the heater plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is HOT! If the plug, outlet, or faceplate is hot, discontinue use of the heater, and have a qualified electrician check and/or replace the plug or faulty wall outlet(s). If the cord is hot, disconnect the heater, and have it inspected/repaired by an authorized repair person.
Never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip.
Insure that the heater is placed on a stable, level surface, and located where it will not be knocked over. Never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting. This can damage the cord, causing it and nearby objects to burn.
Prevent electrical shocks and electrocutions, always keep electric heaters away from water, and NEVER touch an electric heater if you are wet

3 Ways To Deal With Water Damage

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to care for items that have been damaged by water. No matter if a broken pipe, appliance, or backed-up toilet is the culprit, it is important to fix the source of the leak and carefully care for any vulnerable items in your home as soon as possible. If you wait a long time, these items may degrade or even begin to mold. Depending on the type of items that were exposed and the extent of the water damage, you may want to consult experts on water in the home who provide dry cleaning services.

Whether you think you can handle the water damage yourself or you want to start the cleanup process while you wait for the experts to arrive, here are three general guidelines for handling items with water damage.

1. Gently clean and rinse items that are still wet. Try not to grind debris into the surface. Be especially careful when handling delicate items such as art, paper, photographs, or other fragile materials. These should be removed from walls or any folders and containers and allowed to air dry.

2. Air dry objects indoors to avoid causing additional damage with sunlight or heat. Direct sunlight can compound the damage resulting from water in the home and lead to splitting, buckling, or even warping items and furniture.

3. Increase airflow and decrease humidity as much as possible to speed drying and prevent mold from forming.

If you are dealing with water in the home after a broken pipe or another kind of leak, you should focus on drying and airing out the affected area as quickly as possible. In most cases, it is best to lay out damp items indoors and circulate and dehumidify the air. Skilled restoration experts may also be able to answer any of your questions if you are concerned about whether you can safely clean or dry a delicate item.

What TO Do Until HELP ARRIVES

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Tips For Your Home or Office

Water Damage from Clean Water

DO:

Shut off the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
Remove as much of the excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Remove to a safe dry place any paintings, art objects, computer, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DON’T:

Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazard may exist.
Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.
Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall to wall carpets to cause staining.
Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retaining water.

Fire Sprinklers Save Money and Lives

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

No business, wants to deal with the destruction caused by fire. One of the best ways to minimize potential damage and associated expenses is to maintain a commercial fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a highly effective fire suppression strategy that can prevent many significant losses.

1. They're Activated by Heat, Not Smoke

A sprinkler system is not activated by smoke Instead, the heat generated by a fire rises to the ceiling, where the sprinkler heads are located. Sensors recognize the change in temperature and trigger the release of water. Only sprinklers in the area of the fire will be activated. It is possible that only a single sprinkler head will deploy.

2. They Use High-Pressure Water

The pipes that feed the fire sprinkler system are filled with pressurized water at all times. There will be no delay between the activation of the system and the release of water. The volume of water from even a single sprinkler can help contain a fire, which reduces fire and water damage to the rest of the structure. By the time the fire department arrives, the fire will likely not have spread further. It may even be extinguished by the sprinkler system.

3. They Can Minimize Cleanup After a Fire

Minimal fire sprinkler cleanup is another key advantage of a sprinkler system. While there will still be fire and water damage, it is likely to be much less extensive than what you'd find in a building without a sprinkler system. The fire damage should be limited to the area where sprinklers activated. The water damage from sprinklers is far less intrusive than water damage caused by fire hoses.

Any fire will cause structural and water damage. The primary benefit of a fire sprinkler system is that inevitable damage will be kept to a minimum, resulting in saved dollars and saved lives.

Can Smoking Indoors Lead to a House Fire?

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

For regular cigarette users, smoking inside of your home may be a common occurrence. Unfortunately, this practice leads to thousands of home fire incidents each year. Mistakenly starting a cigarette fire may be easier that you think. See if you are following these basic practices to prevent a fire in your home:

Smoking Outdoors

As obvious as it may seem, choosing to smoke outdoors when possible can greatly reduce your likelihood of starting a fire in your home. Smoking outside cuts back the risk of igniting household items. These are some of the most commonplace objects sparked by cigarettes:

Trash
Bedding
Furniture upholstery

As a rule, never smoke indoors where medical oxygen is in use. While medical oxygen itself is not flammable, the high supply of oxygen can quickly fuel a fire if one begins.

Using Proper Ashtrays

To prevent a cigarette fire, fully extinguish your cigarette before disposing of it in a proper ashtray. Look for a tray that is wide and deep enough to safely contain cigarette butts. Always place your ashtray on a solid, non-flammable surface. It is a good practice to keep ashtrays outdoors and away from your residence. Never place an ashtray near these or other easily ignitable objects:

House plants
Books
Drapes and upholstery

If smoking has occurred in your home, always check the area for loose cigarette butts. Look between couch cushions or under chairs for stray cigarette butts that may have fallen out of view. Be sure they are fully extinguished and properly disposed of. Following these simple guidelines may prevent an ashtray fire in your home.

Cleaning Up Indoor Smoke Odors

Whether a cigarette fire has occurred in your residence and you want help with fire cleanup, or you are seeking aid for the removal of indoor smoke odors, it can be smart to turn to a fire restoration service in your area. A restoration crew should have the tools and training to penetrate lasting smoke smells and restore your home to a clean and odor-free state.

How To Prepare For A Disaster Situation

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

If you live in or near a flood zone and plan on being a first responder, it is important to prepare for a disaster situation ahead of time. Keep these three flood response guidelines in mind.

1. Get the Recommended Immunizations

The Center for Disease Control recommends that disaster responders receive a tetanus booster if they have not been vaccinated against this disease in the last 10 years. Either the tetanus/diphtheria or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccination can be used. The CDC also recommends the Hepatitis B vaccine for responders who plan to provide medical care.

2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment

First responders should take measures to protect their skin from contaminated flood water. Wear electrically insulated watertight boots with a steel shank, toe, and insole. Hip waders can also limit exposure to standing water. A first responder should also wear thick, waterproof work gloves and safety goggles or glasses. Long pants or coveralls, a long-sleeved shirt, and a protective head covering are also suitable for flood response work. If responders expect to enter locations that may be experiencing mold growth, a respirator may also be necessary.

3. Watch Out For Moving Water

Flood water poses a threat even if it does not seem very deep. If a person slips and falls in just six inches of water moving at six miles per hour, he or she may not be able to regain footing. Vehicles may float in 12 inches of water moving at the same speed. Exercise caution and only wade through flood water that is no more than four inches deep, is not moving, and has a visible hard surface underneath.

Tips for Kitchen Fires

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know...

A majority of fires that take place in homes begin in the kitchen.

The holiday season is approaching, which means that many of us will be spending a lot more time in the kitchen. This also means that, with every pumpkin pie and each batch of Christmas cookies you make, there is a greater risk of a fire emergency.

Aside from calling 9-1-1, which should be one of your first moves, here are some quick tips for dealing with a fire emergency in your kitchen.

Always watch your cooking; don't leave anything unattended
Set a timer so that you don't accidentally burn something or forget that an appliance is being used
If something on the stove catches on fire and it is small, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen near your cooking area where it is easily accessible
Add baking soda to a grease fire, not water
Clean your appliances regularly so that grease does not accumulate and start a fire
Clean and dust around and behind appliances, as dust accumulation can cause fires if it is close to electrical wiring
Keep flammable objects away from cooking appliances, especially those things like tea towels and potholders
Install a smoke alarm in your kitchen
Test your smoke alarms and make sure they will work when you most need them!

Keep these quick tips in mind, and prevent a major fire damage emergency from taking place in your home this season!

Mold and Your Business

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

In the business world, time is money, as the saying goes, and you should spend your time growing your business....not repairing water damage or removing mold from your property. Protect your business with mold prevention.

What Causes Mold?

The short answer is simply water. Did you know mold exists nearly everywhere water exists? Mold is a natural occurrence, and any type of moisture can lead to mold growth in a short period of time. Water damage is worrisome because it can unbalance natural mold levels. Your commercial building could experience water damage from various sources:

• Natural disasters
• Heavy rainfall
• Broken pipes
• Leaky plumbing

Untreated leaks, humidity, and moisture may lead to mold, which will continue to spread until the source of the moisture is repaired.

Disasters Happen

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

As a business owner, insurer or property manager, you are a leader in your community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers and community to follow.

This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes.

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster. You can do this by taking three simple steps:

Plan to stay in business
Encourage your employees to become ready
Protect your investment

We must work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, places of worship and neighborhoods are ready. At Ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to begin preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

The Do's & The Don'ts of Water Damage

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Do's & Don'ts

Do:

Shut off the source of water if possible, or contact a qualified plumbing technician to stop the water source.

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

Pin up upholstered furniture skirting to keep off damp floors.

Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with carpeting or floors.

Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Don'ts:

Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

Do not enter effected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items that may cause staining on wet carpet or floors.

Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damaging the vacuum cleaner.

Do not use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
Do not turn on ceiling fixture if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retaine

Mold in Heating Ducts

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold In Heating Ducts

Mold in heating ducts is a serious problem. Of course, household mold is never a good thing, no matter where in the home it's found. Exposure to mold has been linked to health effects and it can literally eat away at some building materials, including wood. There are a few reasons mold in heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts is particularly problematic, though. We'll tell you why it's such a bad thing and what to do if you think you may have mold in your heating ducts.

You Can't See It

Mold can grow unseen in heating ducts for a long time before you ever realize it's there. Even if you suspect you have mold in your home and look for it, you might miss mold in your heating ducts. It can be hard to see even if you try to look in your heating ducts, since only a small portion of the duct work in your home can be seen without special equipment. Even if you can't see it, though, mold in your heating ducts can grow and spread and make you sick.

It Can Easily Spread Throughout The House

Most strains of mold grow and spread easily. The duct work that runs through your house provides a pathway for mold to move easily from room to room, throughout the whole house. Turning on the heat helps mold move through the duct work even faster, as the forced air carries the mold spores effortlessly along. Even worse, when the heat is turned on, the air blowing through the vents carries mold spores into every room. In no time at all, you could have mold throughout the entire house.

Mold In Heating Ducts Is Difficult To Remove

It's one thing to clean mold off shower stalls or to remove moldy carpet from a room. It is another thing to remove mold in heating ducts. While mold can be removed from nonporous surfaces like metal or fiberglass heating ducts, it's difficult to reach the ducts in order to clean them.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends calling in a professional if you need to have mold removed from your heating ducts and we definitely agree. Special equipment is needed for the job, including manual or mechanical brushes, blowguns or air skippers that drive mold particles and other debris toward a collection device, a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to remove potentially harmful mold and other contaminants from the heating ducts, and negative air pressure devices that create negative pressure within the duct work so that mold spores are unable to drift into other areas during the mold removal process. The job must also be done carefully in order to avoid inadvertently damaging the duct work in the process.

Look for a professional that is certified by, or at least adheres to the standards established by, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. If you have fiberglass ducts or fiberglass liners in your ducts, look for a professional that also is familiar with and follows the cleaning procedures established by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. Many techniques commonly used to clean heating ducts can damage fiberglass, so it is important to choose a professional with the skills and experience needed to properly clean fiberglass ducts.

Until you can get a professional to look at your heating ducts, don't turn on the heat!

Making Sure Mold In Heating Ducts Has Been Removed Completely

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests having your home tested for mold after mold remediation has been completed and we think that is especially important after having mold removed from your heating ducts. You want to make sure no mold remains in the duct work because if even a little bit of mold remains, it can grow and spread throughout the home again. Make sure you find a professional mold tester that adheres to the standards established by professional organizations like the American Industrial Hygiene Association or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

Note that you want to hire a professional mold tester who is not affiliated in any way with any company or professional performing mold remediation in your home or cleaning the heating ducts in your home. You want someone completely independent and objective.

Inspecting For Mold

Having your heating ducts cleaned may not be enough to ensure your home is free of potentially hazardous mold. Since mold spreads easily, especially through heating ducts, we recommend checking the rest of your home for mold. A professional mold tester can test the rest of your home or you can schedule a free inspection by a mold removal specialist. If any additional mold is found, the mold removal professional will provide a written estimate for the work and answer any questions you may have.

Protect Your Business

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

When natural disasters happen suddenly without warning, it can be tough as a business owner to know what steps to take. Today we’re providing you with a couple of tips to ensure that you’re not left unprepared if your business is victim of a disaster.

First – protect your workers!

Talk with each employee to ensure they know just what to do if a disaster hits during work hours. Plan evacuation routes, emergency shelter areas, and have regular drills to practice your safety plans.

Secondly – secure your assets!

Protect your facilities, equipment, and more by contacting us to see what we can do for you in case of disaster. Back up data and software regularly, and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all equipment.

Third – remember us!

Keep SERVPRO of Washington DC contact information handy so you can get back to work as soon as possible following the disaster. SERVPRO of Washington DC is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to clean or restore your business. We understand that your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of Washington DC has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Whether it be small offices or large restaurants, we can help with it all. We’re available 24/7 to get your business back up and running.

Storm Damage

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Storms happen quickly and if your business experiences storm damage we know your recovery must happen even quicker. Even the biggest commercial building seems small in a storm and can experience damage as easily as a home.

No matter how big the storm, SERVPRO Washington DC can provide a quick and safe clean up. We’ve cleaned messes like standing water in multi-floor buildings and are equipped to handle the cleanup your business needs.

We work with you every step of the way and do our best to work with little interruption to your normal schedule. With our service on call 24/7 we can have your business open by lunch time the next day. Storms may be big, but no amount of damage is too big your SERVPRO of Washington DC

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help 202-737-8776

Water Damage Timeline

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

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 contaminants can pose serious risks to occupants.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Washington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event.

Commercial Water Loss

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss is something we all have to deal with. It can sneak up on you in a matter of minutes potentially causing tremendous amounts of damage to building or structure in which it has originated from. SERVPRO prides itself on continuing to set an industry high standard on the protocols and procedures used to deal with commercial water loss. From the state of the art drying software and equipment, we use to the continued training the SERVPRO staff receives to make sure that the job is not just done correctly, but done on time and done in a professional fashion. Next time you or anyone you know suffers a devastating loss call SERVPRO and we will come out and get the job done right.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Washington DC Home.

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 of 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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today 202-737-8776

For Immediate Service in Washington DC Call SERVPRO

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington Dc provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Washington Dc . We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 202-737-8776

Residential Services

Whether your Washington DC home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Washington DC commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROofwashingtondc.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Have Questions
Call Us Today 202-737-8776

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Different types of disasters and emergencies happen in communities across the country, but there are key steps that every household can take to be better prepared for them. If you do nothing else this month, take time to create a disaster plan including an emergency escape plan.

Make a clear plan of what to do in an emergency and in case of an evacuation.

Identify clear roles for everyone in the house.

Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that can happen at home, work, and school.

Make a list of all the important things you may forget when in an emergency.

Have a disaster kit assembled for everyone in the house.

Have an out of the area emergency contact person saved on a smartphone.

Practice evacuating your home twice a year, especially if you have kids or pets. This makes it a routine and can make a real emergency situation less stressful.

According to the Red Cross there are many disaster apps now available for smartphones and tablets that can be downloaded to help with emergencies. Some of these apps include a full emergency app, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, wildfire and flood apps. If any of these disasters are common in your areas I would recommend downloading the corresponding app. With these apps you can know when to evacuate, where a shelter may be located, and exactly where the disaster occurred.

Go to: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps for more information

Different Types of Mold

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

The most common types of mold include aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold).

Aspergillus is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems. Cladosporium is typically a black or green "pepper like" substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces and fiberglass air ducts. While this mold is nontoxic to humans, it can trigger common allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, rashes and a sore throat.

Mold that appears to be orange or red in color is typically found outdoors, given its nature to thrive on decaying plants or moist wood. This type of mold, which can appear slimy, is harmless and should only be removed for aesthetic purposes.

White mold is not technically a type of mold, but the good news is that this typically indicates the mold is only in the early stages of growth and can easily be treated.

For more information check out:

https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/mildew-vs-mold

Mold Vs Mildew

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to mildew vs. mold, homeowners often have trouble identifying the differences between these two fungi. Knowing their different characteristics will help you when preparing for the battle against these household culprits.

Mold and mildew are both members of the fungi kingdom.

Mildew is common and will grow on damp materials like paper, leather and fabrics in addition to walls and other wet surfaces. Because of this, mildew is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Mildew usually gives off a musty smell.

Unlike mildew, certain types of toxic molds can result in serious health problems for you and your family. Black mold can lead to serious respiratory complications.

Once mold is found in your home it is important that you make the call to SERVPRO to have the experts come and remove from your home.

Frozen Pipes

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, mainly ones outside of your house or in cold areas. It is great to be aware of the areas that pipes can burst from freezing such as; basements, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. To prevent pipes from freezing it is good to:

Be sure to drain water completely from swimming pools, sprinkler lines and outside hoses.

Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing.

When it is extremely cold, let the water drip from the faucets that may come from exposed pipes.

Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.

These things are very important when winter temperatures kick in as freezing pipes can cause you time, money and become an inconvenience.

Get Your Property Winter Ready

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.

Roofs, gutters and water pipes should all be inspected before a snow storm may occur. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from the building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior problems.

Inspect walkways and parking lots on properties for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

Inspect handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery areas. Install mats or non slip surfaces.

Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing.

Is Your House Ready For Santa?

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

As we start December and get excited because the holidays are upon us, we must also keep in mind the importance of safety. Here are some tips to remember during the holidays.

Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item.

Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

If using a natural tree, make sure it is well watered to avoid dry branches from catching fire from the heat of light bulbs.

Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use.

When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture.

Prepare your car for the winter by checking items such as the brakes, spark plugs, battery, and tires. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for a tune-up.

Refer to the link below for more safety tips.

http://www.nsc.org/NSCDocuments/Holiday-Safety-Tips.pdf

FIRE SAFETY

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that 3 out of 5 home fire deaths are due to non- working smoke alarms? Have you checked yours? It is as simple as looking on the back of the smoke alarm for the date of manufacture.

It is recommended that you try and change smoke alarms every 10 years if not sooner to avoid problems.

To find out more information on fire safety week visit the website of Fema:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.

August Ladder Safety

9/7/2017 (Permalink)

As the summer comes to an end and people are having work done to get ready for fall such as; paint jobs, cleaning gutters, one should pay careful attention to the following ladder safety tips.

Ladder climbing takes place in almost every home and workplace.

Falls off ladders are near the top in causes of fatal work related injuries in the construction industry and the third leading cause in all industries combined.

- Be sure to inspect the ladder before using it. Check for broken or missing parts, as well as grease, oil or other substances that could result in a slippery surface.

- To ensure stability, place the ladder on firm, even ground. Make sure it is not near any electrical wires or power lines.

- When setting up the ladder, use the 4 to 1 rule. For example, if the ladder touches the wall 16 feet above the ground, the feet of the ladder should be 4 feet away from the wall.

- Before climbing the ladder, make sure the braces are fully extended and locked in place. Never climb higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder, and never try to “jog” or “walk” the ladder to a new location. Descend and relocate the ladder instead.

-When working from a ladder, stay in the center and do not reach more than a comfortable arm’s length away. Keep your feet braced against the side rails and lean slightly forward.

-Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.

-Whenever possible, work within sight of someone who could provide assistance in the event of an emergency.

Back To School Home Safety

9/7/2017 (Permalink)

As we are nearing the end of August, and parents are enjoying their last few days before school we can only think of the many safety tips that parents should consider around the house.

In the Kitchen:

-Are knives, forks, scissors, and other sharp tools in a drawer with a childproof latch?

-Are glass objects and appliances with sharp blades stored out of reach?

-Are matches and lighters stored in a locked cabinet

In Bedrooms:

-Are window blind and curtain cords tied with clothespins or specially designed cord clips?

-Is there a smoke alarm outside the bedroom?

In Bathrooms:

-Are razor blades, nail scissors, and other sharp tools stored in a locked cabinet?

-Are all medication bottles, loose pills, coins, scissors, and any other small or sharp objects out of reach?

- Are all bleaches, detergents, and any other cleaning products out of reach?

Electrical:

-Have you checked for and removed other potential electrical fire hazards, such as overloaded electrical sockets and electrical wires running under carpets?

-Are all unused outlets covered with safety plugs?

Hurricanes

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are some of the most violent storms on Earth. ...

Tropical cyclones are like giant engines that use warm, moist air as fuel. That is why they form only over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air over the ocean rises upward from near the surface.

Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure pushes in to the low pressure area. Then that "new" air becomes warm and moist and rises, too. As the warm air continues to rise, the surrounding air swirls in to take its place. As the warmed, moist air rises and cools off, the water in the air forms clouds. The whole system of clouds and wind spins and grows, fed by the ocean's heat and water evaporating from the surface.

Storms that form north of the equator spin counterclockwise. Storms south of the equator spin clockwise. This difference is because of Earth's rotation on its axis.

As the storm system rotates faster and faster, an eye forms in the center. It is very calm and clear in the eye, with very low air pressure. Higher pressure air from above flows down into the eye.

To learn more go to :

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/hurricanes/en/

Importance of Chimney Cleaning

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Keeping a clean chimney can eliminate the possibility of chimney fires. The issue that can lead to fires is the creosote can build up when the firewood is not burned completely.

A smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can condense inside the flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a chimney fire. You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace by providing adequate combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.

To check for creosote, shine the light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber and around the damper. And check the flue, too, especially on exterior chimneys, where creosote builds faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures

For more information check out:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/

Spruce Up Your Space

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Birds are chirping and the temperatures have warmed up – spring is finally here! Spring Cleaning is a tradition allowing us to freshen our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your business.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC can help get your facility in tip top shape. In addition to air duct and HVAC cleaning, SERVPRO of Washington, DC’s Professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet, as well as focused stain removal and stain resistance applications. Other services include: upholstery and drapery cleaning, hard floor cleaning and care, and odor deodorization.

A clean environment is a healthy environment! Improve your living and work spaces this spring. SERVPRO of Washington, DC has the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time!

Lightning Safety Tips

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only around 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck. Here are a few lightning safety tips.

Be aware. Check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities. If it calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity, or make sure adequate safe shelter is available.

Go indoors. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.

Avoid electronic equipment. Do not use computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio, and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Equip homes and offices with whole-house surge protectors to protect appliances.

Tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control; cdc.gov.

Be Storm Smart. Be Storm Ready.

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

Sever weather can happen any time, and anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms*:

· 10,000 severe thunderstorms

· 5,000 floods or flash floods

· 1,000 tornadoes

· 2 land falling, deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage.* Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home or business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

*Facts provided by http://www.stormready.noaa.gov.

Build An Emergency Checklist

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

· Water (one gallon per person per day)

· Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

· Manual can opener

· Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio

· Flashlight and extra batteries

· First aid kit

· Whistle to signal for help

· Clothing

· Dust masks or bandanas

· Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape

· Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

· Hygiene items

· Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information

· Cash

· Fire extinguisher

· Matches in a waterproof container

Keep Your Kitchen Safe!

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

Recipe For Kitchen Safety:

· Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

· Stay in the home when cooking food and check on it frequently.

· Watch children closely. It is a good rule of thumb to keep children three feet away from the cooking area.

· Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.

· Keep curtains, towels and pot holders away from hot surfaces and store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. Never keep gasoline in the house.

· Turn pan handles inward to prevent food spills.

· Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

· Make sure your smoke alarms are working by testing them prior to beginning food preparation.

Tips and statistics reproduced from NFPA’s Web site, nfpa.org

Happy 40 year anniversary!

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

Forty years ago, John and Nancy Hargrove acquired SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac with no idea as to how successful they would become. John started working for SERVPRO three years prior to becoming an owner as a crew chief. At that time this franchise only handled carpet and upholstery cleaning as well as water losses. Over the years, John has gained extensive knowledge on how different aspects of the business should be run effectively and is certified in all areas of mitigation and restoration. As a working owner, John has gained the respect and admiration of his peers and competitors by being a “hands on owner”, present in the daily operations of the business.

Since the day it was acquired, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac has helped countless families and businesses recover from unexpected disasters. We were brought on for an extensive part of the clean-up and restoration of the Pentagon after 9/11. Whether you have a problem with water damage, fire damage, or need a cleaning service we have had you covered through the years.

We have been consistently expanding our franchises as well as our equipment over the years. John and Nancy Hargrove now own 5 franchises in total including Bethesda/Potomac, Washington DC, Chevy Chase/Silver Spring, College Park/Hyattsville and District Heights/Landover. Now, in addition to Water Damage Restoration, we are able to serve a vast majority of the Washington Metropolitan area with Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, Odor Control, Biohazard/Trauma Cleanup as well as Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Today, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac has a 40,000 square foot warehouse full of equipment, a fleet of vehicles, and a crew of highly trained technicians who are on call 24/7, ready for whatever disaster comes next.

We have paved the way in these 40 years. Here’s to many more years to come!

SERVPRO Named to Entrepreneur's Top 10 Franchise List for 7th Consecutive Year

8/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the top ranking in the Restoration Services industry for the 13th consecutive year and moves up to the number four spot overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine. This is the seventh consecutive year SERVPRO has been included in the magazine's Top 10 list, standing out in a group of more than 951 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list.

Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 selection process uses "objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation" to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are "financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system."

"This recognition affirms that SERVPRO is a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension its customers," said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc., chief executive officer. "The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confirmation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer."

According to Steen, a number of differentiators set SERVPRO apart from the competition and fuel the attractiveness of the company to both existing franchisees and would-be entrepreneurs looking for a strong business opportunity. Key among these are:

SERVPRO's strength as a brand with a national footprint, wide-spread market penetration, laser-focused brand messaging, and the ability to create national partnerships with organizations such as the PGA TOUR and the American Red Cross.
SERVPRO's commitment to being a learning organization, which keeps training and support at the forefront of the company's culture and philosophy of success and helps franchisees plan, track, and deliver best-in-class services to consumers.
SERVPRO's focus on continued development and support for proprietary software and systems to allow the company's operational capacity to keep pace with an aggressive growth strategy.

Steen adds, "One of the potential pitfalls of growing too quickly is outpacing your capacity to train and support the franchisees. SERVPRO is a conservative company, and early on we took the time to build a strong system and put the building blocks in place to support growth without sacrificing support to our franchisees." "Today," Steen continues, "as a mature franchise organization with more than 1,700 locations under a single brand, recognition like this makes it clear we are reaping the rewards of having laid a solid foundation and a framework to handle quick growth. As our brand continues to grow, we will continue our winning strategy of supporting and improving upon our infrastructure and investing resources in training and support."

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies "Like it never even happened." For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com/.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (202) 737-8776

Archived Blog Posts

Understanding Fire Damage in Washington DC

Protecting Your Washington DC Business When Severe Weather Hits

Commercial Site Damage and Restoration

Professionally Trained Restoration Specialists in Washington DC

Hidden Water Damage and Mold in Your Home

Preparation and Planning for DC Area Storms

Call The Restoration Professionals SERVPRO of Washington DC

Fire Damaged Businesses IN Washington DC

Local Homeowners Dealing with Fire Damage

Fire Damage in Your Washington DC Home

Professional Restoration After Residential Fires

Ever Notice DC Fire Sends an Engine with an Ambulance? Wonder Why?

DC Fire Emergency Response

Storm Damage and Looking for Mold

Washington DC Homeowners Preparing for Emergencies at Home

Damaging Storms Can Leave Behind Dangerous Flood Water

Washington DC Storm Damage and Understanding What's in Flood Water

Washington DC Flooded Commercial Site and Downtime

Restoration Experience and Expertise in Washington DC

Spring is on the Way, But We're Not Quite Finished with the Cold

Keeping Your Washington DC Business Running When the Power is Out

Weather and Other Factors That Knock Out Power for Washington DC Businesses

Talking to Your Family About Fire Prevention and Safety

Understanding Washington DC Residential Fires

What is the Risk for Flooding in Your Washington DC Business?

Getting Ahead of Roof Leaks in Washington DC

Quick Response to Washington DC Commercial Damage

Winter Storms Lead to Water Damage In Your Home

Ice Dams Forming on Washington DC Homes

Washington DC, Mold in Water Damaged Homes

Tracking Leaks in Your Home

A Quick Reminder of Ways You Can Prevent a Fire in Your Home

Winter Weather Has Definitely Arrived, Things to Think About Regarding Your Home

Water Damage in Washington DC, Who Should You Call?

Fires In Washington DC Commercial Properties

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Understanding The Research On Electrical Fires May Help You Avoid One In Your Home

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