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Five Steps to Avoid Mold Growth After a Flood | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD
9/14/2023 (Permalink)
| SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347
Flooding is the leading natural disaster in the U.S and flooding can wreak havoc on a home or building that lasts long after waters recede. Over the past five years, the average paid flood insurance claim was more than $35,000, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). From damaged personal items to the growth of mold spores that can impact the health of a home and its inhabitants, taking the proper steps to restore a property after a flood can limit the extent of the damage incurred.
To help direct home owners and businesses during cleanup efforts, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration and Certification (IICRC) and the Healthy House Institute (HHI) share the following five steps for preventing mold growth after a catastrophic flood.
Step One: Check it out!
- Once a building is flooded from a river, lake, stream, hurricane or rainstorm, inspecting and documenting damage is very important for several reasons, including insurance and tax purposes. Electrical, gas, structural and other safety hazards present must be eliminated "before" assessing physical damage to the building and contents.
- Once health and safety hazards have been eliminated, inspect the building and all contents. Generally, the rule of thumb is that everything below the water line gets thrown out. Building materials and contents above the water line should be inspected for discoloration, odor and damage.
Step Two: Get it out!
- Extract standing water with a pump or wet vacuum from slabs, basements, crawlspaces, heating systems and anywhere water could be sitting. Shovel or flush out remaining silt and sand with water.
- Next, remove all wallboard material (e.g., plaster, drywall, paneling), finished flooring (e.g., carpet, hardwood, vinyl flooring), insulation and any other wet materials that are below the water line.
- Remove contents damaged by floodwater. Keep a record of your activities before, during and after cleanup. Take photo or video recording inventory of discarded material.
Step Three: Clean it up!
- Start with vacuuming as much loose debris and soil as possible. It is preferable to use a HEPA vacuum, but a simple wet/dry vacuum can work. When using a wet/dry vacuum, attach a hose to the exhaust and vent the exhaust air to the outside. This keeps dust, spores and other fine particles from being suspended in the air and settling back on clean surfaces.
- Clean framing with a pressure washer or low-pressure flushing. Scrub framing with a mild detergent (e.g. dish soap) to remove embedded soils. Wipe all adjacent surfaces with a mild detergent. Rinse by low-pressure flushing or wiping with clean water. Vacuum all remaining moisture using a wet/dry vacuum.
- If mold is visible and remains after cleaning, additional scrubbing or multiple rounds of cleaning may be necessary. If significant mold growth is present, or if occupants have immune deficiencies, are elderly, pregnant, or if there are young children present.
- After all surfaces are clean, wipe surfaces with a sanitizer such as a solution of up to ¼ cup of bleach to one gallon of water. After 20 minutes, wipe surfaces using clean water. This step helps neutralize remaining or embedded contaminants.
- For those with chemical sensitivities, perform multiple rounds of cleaning as an alternative to using bleach.
Step Four: Dry it out – quickly!
- Mold spores are everywhere, and it is impossible to remove all spores and potential contaminants. All spores need to grow is moisture. To inhibit future mold growth, dry affected areas as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 to 48 hours from the completion of cleaning and sanitizing.
- The key is directing warm, dry air across wet surfaces. This directed airflow should be exhausted outside or collected using dehumidification equipment. Take care to not spread contaminants. Properly directing airflow may require putting up barriers or containing the affected areas to prevent the spread of contaminants to unaffected areas.
- Drying a wet building correctly is an art as well as a science. IICRC trained and certified experts know how to use state-of-the-art moisture detection and monitoring equipment that identifies hidden moisture in building materials, ventilation systems, flooring and walls. Certified restorers also understand and use the equipment necessary to dry buildings, while preventing the spread of contaminants.
- In a community-wide flood, the availability of power and rental equipment to complete structural drying can be a challenge. If drying cannot be properly initiated, contact an IICRC Certified Firm.
Step Five: Keep it dry
- The cardinal rule for preventing mold growth is to keep surfaces dry. Strive to ensure your home stays dry and you will be following industry best practices for preventing mold growth and protecting the health of others in your home. It’s also a way to protect the investment of your home, since excess mold growth and moisture will damage the structure. Try to keep indoor humidity below 50 percent using air conditioning or a dehumidifier.
- Tip: Use a water-sensing alarm (battery-operated) in moisture-prone areas such as next to the washer, hot water heater, in the basement and other possible wet zones, so you are alerted to the accumulation of excess moisture.
No one wants to experience the devastation of a flood, but by keeping mold outside where it belongs, you can limit its impact on the health of your family and home.
At SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County we are ready and able to address any and all water damage issues that you may have in your home or business. We have the resipources and the capabilities to remediate any size loss. Give us a call at 717-300-3347
Note: the source of the above information is http://www.healthyhouseinstitute.com/a-1328-Five-Steps-to-Prevent-Mold-Growth-after-a-Catastrophic-Flood
What To Do AFTER The Fire | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD
9/14/2023 (Permalink)
| SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347
A fire will change your life in many ways that you cannot imagine. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important.
Put Safety First
The safety of you and your family must be the first priority.Follow the advice and directions issued by local authorities. If the authorities ask you to evacuate, do not return until they report that it is safe and secured.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The typical homeowners policy will provide reimbursement for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) such as the cost of hotels and food when a covered loss to your home makes the residence uninhabitable.
If you do not have insurance, your family and community might help you get back on your feet. Organizations that might help include:
• American Red Cross (717) 234-3101;
• Salvation Army (717) 233-6755 ;
• religious organizations;
• public agencies, such as the public health department;
• community groups;
• State or municipal emergency services office; and
• nonprofit crisis-counseling centers.
What To Expect
A fire in a home, whether you live in an apartment, a single family, or multifamily home, can cause serious damage. The building and many of the things in your home may have been badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke, and water. You will find that things the fire did not burn up are now ruined by smoke and soggy with water used to put out the flames. Anything you want to save or re-use will need to be carefully cleaned. The firefighters may have cut holes in the walls of the building to look for any hidden flames. They may even have cut holes in the roof to let out the heat and smoke. Cleanup will take time and patience.
Restoration Services
You do not need to make a quick decision on who will perform the restoration services. You will, however need to have someone perform board-up services to secure the property. Many restoration companies - including SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara perform board-up services. You are not required to use the same company to provide mitigation and restoration services. Take you time to decide after consulting with your insurance adjustor and do some of your own research before you decide.
Restoration and Mitigation Services Include:
Restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara provide services that include the following:
- Documenting all items affected and items to be removed for cleaning / restoration
- Removing unsalvageable items and material
- Storing and cleaning contents and personal items
- Restoring furniture and other personal property
- Cleaning clothes, linens, etc
- Drying the structure and contents
- Deodorizing the structure and content
- Preparing the structure for rebuild
Once the structure has been miigated for the fire damage - the home owner can negotiate with contractors to rebuild. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County can help the homeowner with the rebuild process as well.
What to do AFTER the Hurricane | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347
9/14/2023 (Permalink)
| SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347
See graphic below for what to do after the devastation of a hurricane hits your home.
Flood Watch vs Flood Warning | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347
9/13/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347
Know the difference in flood prediction terminology - especially if you love in an area that is prone or susceptible to periodic flooding.
Don’t Try This at Home/Call a Pro
7/6/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Shippensburg Perry County Cleaning Services:
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.
Biohazard
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.
Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.
Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPROFranchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
Crime Scene and Vandalism
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.
Vandalism
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also provide general vandalism cleanup for graffiti and deodorization services for situations involving spoiled foods and human and animal waste.
Don’t Try This at Home/Call a Pro
7/6/2023 (Permalink)
Biohazard Symbol
SERVPRO of Shippensburg Perry County Cleaning Services:
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.
Biohazard
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.
Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.
Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPROFranchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
Crime Scene and Vandalism
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.
Vandalism
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also provide general vandalism cleanup for graffiti and deodorization services for situations involving spoiled foods and human and animal waste.
Be Prepared For Flood Damage! | SERVPRO® Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347
6/8/2023 (Permalink)
| SERVPRO® of Shippensburg Perry County 717-300-3347
Many people deal with the ravages of flood damage in our region.
Our partners at the Red Cross have prepared a very helpful list of action items to follow before and after you are impacted by flood damage.
When flood damage threatens to take-over your life - we at SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County are here to help you take back control. Our hero's are ready to help 24/7.
NO Job is Too Big or Too Small for SERVPRO!
5/31/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO logo with water drop and fire
SERVPRO Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration
Disaster Recovery Team
When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.
No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.
With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,600 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.
Recent mobilizations of the Castastrophic Storm Response Teams include:
- 2012 Sandy
- 2010 Nashville Floods
- 2008 Ike
- 2007 Chicago floods
- 2007 Ohio floods
- 2007 California wildfires
- 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita
Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (717) 300-3347. SERVPRO SHIPPENSBURG services Shippensburg Pa and surrounding areas.
Even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara Professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Why SERVPRO?
5/17/2023 (Permalink)
Aerial view of the Shippensburg franchise and the vehicles parked in the parking lot
Have you ever had fire damage, water damage, storm damage, or mold damage at your home or business and wondered what restoration company should I use, why SERVPRO®? Here are 3 reasons why you should choose SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County versus other local restoration companies. But, there are plenty of more reasons.
1. Proprietary Products
The SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products, LLC., team works diligently to help Franchisees succeed with top-notch cleaning products so we can clean and restore your home or business to make it "Like it never even happened."®
SERVPRO, through SPCP, offers an extensive cleaning product and agent line to the Franchise System. We produce 89 cleaning products on-site year-round. Plus, we have 61 cleaning products from outside vendors. Combined, the SPCP team offers a total of 150 cleaning products to assist our Franchise so we can assist and best serve your residential or commercial property. We make the best products because the heroes at SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County believe you deserve the best.
Why is this important? When SERVPRO production crews are out on a job for you, they are likely using SERVPRO’s proprietary products. This allows us to own the cleaning and restoring products by offering an exclusive line available only to SERVPRO customers. The SPCP team motto is, “Supporting Franchises through research, development, testing, and production of high-quality cleaning products.
2. Community & Globally Oriented
SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is both a community-oriented and globally-oriented company. We love to give back to our community year-round. We do this through a myriad of community efforts, such as Food Pantries, partaking in local events, golf tournaments, and more. Get a glimpse at some of those local events here.
We do things on a larger scale, too, such as sponsoring children in third-world countries. We understand the importance and impact of giving back. Being community & globally-oriented is one of many reasons we attribute our success to.
We’re a locally owned and operated business, so we live, work, play, and worship in this community, too, just like you.
3. Capacity to Handle All Jobs
No matter the size or extent of damage you have at your commercial or residential property, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County has the capacity to handle all jobs -- large and small. We have the resources to handle storms and disasters. When a major storm hits, it may overwhelm other local restoration companies. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County can scale our resources by accessing the equipment and personnel of 1,800 Franchises. Additionally, we have easy access to Disaster Recovery Teams, which specialize in major storms and catastrophic events.
We have the capacity to handle any of these jobs:
• Fire damage repair & restoration• Water damage repair & restoration• Mold remediation & restoration• Biohazard• Carpet & upholstery• Ceilings, floors & walls• Odor removal• Sewage• Trauma & crime scene• Vandalism & graffiti• Commercial cleaning• Document restoration
Why SERVPRO? Here are 3 reasons why you should choose SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County for your next residential or commercial cleanup and/or restoration job: proprietary products, community & globally oriented, and capacity to handle all jobs. Remember, those are just three, but there are a number of other reasons. The next time you need the leading restoration company, simply call (717)-300-3347
Fire Extinguisher Training Is Crucial for Your Shippensburg Workplace | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County
4/5/2023 (Permalink)
Fire extinguishers and their importance for employee safety SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347
A workplace crisis can be stressful, and if your team is unprepared, it will only exacerbate the situation. If a fire emergency were to erupt on your commercial property, you’ll need to trust your team to respond appropriately.
Creating a fire-safe commercial environment through fire extinguisher training can help you ready your team against the unexpected. While it may appear to be a simple task, many of your employees may be completely unaware of the proper usage of this vital tool!
Fortunately, training your team is simple, and before you know it, your entire workplace will know how to fight back against flames
Start With the Fundamentals
OSHA mandates that any workplace that includes fire extinguishers must supply the baseline training needed to operate them. This includes demonstrating to your team how and when to use them, as well as the various types of extinguishers available.
Begin with the basics of how to hold and aim the extinguisher. Once employees have mastered this step, show them how to pull the pin, press the handle and sweep over a fire. During your training, explain the importance of keeping a six to eight feet distance from the fire.
To assist them in remembering your training, introduce the helpful PASS method. Running through these fundamentals at least once a year is another way to keep this essential topic fresh in the mind.
Because newer employees may lack experience with this critical tool, assigning roles can help you ensure it never falls into the wrong hands. Select a couple of employees who are well-trained to be in charge of the fire extinguishers you have stored in your Shippensburg building.
There’s a Time and a Place
Highlighting any commercial hazards that require the operation of a fire extinguisher will help your employees understand when they need to be utilized. Go over any unique risks or scenarios present in your Shippensburg workplace as well as the kind of extinguisher that needs to be used for a specific fire.
A break room kitchen fire, for example, will necessitate its own type of fire extinguisher.
Emphasize the importance of realizing when it’s time to put the extinguisher down and walk away. This is critical because fires can quickly escalate, and the safety of your team is far more important than fighting back.
When flames spread beyond a fire extinguisher’s control, your employees need to know to back away, get to a safe place and alert local authorities.
Fire extinguisher training is the best place to start as you introduce your Shippensburg workplace to a complete fire safety plan. Once you are all done with your hands-on training, you can begin your next big steps to ensure your team is fully equipped to respond to any size fire emergency.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.
If you have a fire at your workplace or home SERVPRO of Lebanon County is your best choice!
717-300-3347