Smoke, Soot, and Fire Damage in a Garage

4/10/2024 (Permalink)

In this photo you can see a motorcycle on fire and firemen on scene. | SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry

You don't necessarily need your structure to burn in order to need our services at | SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County. In this particular instance, this customer had their motorcycle catch fire in their garage. None of the structure of the building caught fire, thankfully. However, damage was still done with smoke and soot.

I SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County ((717)-300-3347) helped by cleaning and neutralizing the space to make it "like it never even happened"!

Water Damage Restoration 101 | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

When experiencing water damage call | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

When your home is being threatened by water damage from flooding or leaks, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County Professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects water damage can have in order to help preserve and restore your property.

Our Professionals have the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and are available around-the-clock.  We concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting the areas flooded or damaged by water, utilizing the following:

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, & Anti-Microbial Treatments

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Hi-Tech Drying Equipment

• Drying equipment helps prevent property water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers minimize secondary water damage.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads and furniture, evaporating moisture.
• Some situations call for special drying techniques that require state of the art equipment and training.

Our Professionals are ready to respond 24/7 to mitigate any size loss in the Shippensburg area call 

| SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

How We Price Our Services | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

When providing estimates - people often want to know how we come-up with the price for the restoration services we provide.  We utilize Xactware to determine our pricing for the restoration services we provide. Xactware is an independent, third-party company that researches and reports on industry pricing. Currently, 21 of the top 25 property insurance companies in the U.S. and 10 of the top 10 Canadian insurers use Xactware property insurance claims tools

Xactware uses pricing information from general contractors, subcontractors, insurance carriers, insurance adjusters, and a host of other industry professionals as we research and report on the average market price for each price-list item. Xactware goes to great lengths to ensure that no one party or industry segment has any undue influence on the pricing data that we research and report on.

In order to provide the most accurate and defensible pricing information available, Xactware takes a unique, scientific approach to researching and reporting on market pricing for the insurance repair industry. This approach is based on a proven five-phased, iterative process.

• Phase 1: Conduct market pricing research.
• Xactware currently researches and analyzes millions of market price points each year from multiple, third-party sources. These include:
• Thousands of in-field estimates that are submitted to Xactware every day (i.e. estimates actually used to settle claims)
• Market surveys of industry professionals
• Retail pricing research
• Unit-price research based on surveys with over 100,000 contractors, insurance carriers, and independent adjusters
• Pricing feedback from in-field users
• Independent pricing verification requests
• Customer-specific cost data
• Catastrophe-specific pricing research
• Additional research surveys
• Multiple third-party sources for data such as worker’s comp, federal taxes, state taxes, local taxes, and so on
• Many other research initiatives
• Phase 2: Review and verify all the market research gathered; conduct data integrity checks.
• Phase 3: Analyze all the pricing research and perform a proprietary cluster analysis on various subsets of that research to identify the mid-range market price points. This proprietary process was designed by Brigham Young University Ph.D.’s and is monitored by an econometrician. (An econometrician holds a master’s degree in statistics and a doctorate in economics.)
• Phase 4: Report on and publish market pricing research results.
• Phase 5: Evaluate and refine our pricing research and reporting methodology.

For example, the building cost data used in Xactware’s products comes from:

• Time and materials costs
• Over 40,000 providers of materials, equipment and labor
• Over 84,000 surveys each year*
• Analysis of actual damage repair estimates (transaction-based research)
• Over 3 million estimates each year*
• Over 6 million data points each month*
• Direct surveys of construction market costs
• New construction/remodeling
• General contracts and sub-contractors
• Approximately 2,000 surveys each month*

For more details - visit http://www.xactware.com/en-us/resources/pricing-data-services/methodology/

Five Steps to Avoid Mold Growth After a Flood

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

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

What You Can do to Stay on Top of Commercial Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County are your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help and get you back in business.

The results can be devastating when your business is suddenly impacted by water damage.

Flooding can originate from many places inside your building. Internal sources like a busted pipe or a leaky roof can halt productivity and ruin every inch of your commercial property. Natural causes like inclement weather can even more destroy your business when you least expect it.

Strong storms, heavy rainfall and nearby hurricanes all create flash floods in Shippensburg/Perry County. Situations like this hit our local businesses hard and can leave them vulnerable to even more damage in the future.

Knowing what to do when these emergencies occur can help you deal with the remnants of a disaster much more easily. This guide will enable you to take care of any disaster as quickly as possible so your business doesn’t suffer too much damage.

Choose a Restoration Team That Knows Their Way Around Town | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

10/14/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too big or small. Call SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County today to schedule your estimate.

There are many advantages to choosing our SERVPRO team as your restoration partner. We provide a full spectrum of services, such as restoration after a fire, water damage and storm damage.

When you find mold growing in your home or business, we can perform certified remediation to control the growth and protect your property from further damage. And when you need the removal of biohazards or have vandalism that needs to be removed, we can get the job done.

But there’s one advantage that makes us the ideal restoration partner—we’re your neighbors!

Being close by provides numerous benefits that set us apart from other restoration businesses. Let’s go over why being locally owned and operated is so vital.

Be Prepared for the Destruction Caused by Lightning | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with a fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County about a restoration solution for your issue.

Homeowners work hard to protect their properties from flames by practicing fire safety and utilizing firefighting tools. While many interior fires are manmade and largely preventable, other house fires can start as a result of natural threats and can impact your home out of nowhere.

More than 70,000 damage claims resulting from lightning strikes were made in 2020. While it is actually very uncommon for a person to be struck by lightning, your property is considerably more prone to being hit. And when lightning does strike, it has the power to wipe out your electricity, destroy trees and even ignite a fire.

Approximately 6,000 lightning strikes are thought to occur per minute. This shows that nobody is truly immune to this danger and that every one of us needs to be ready to safeguard our homes and ourselves before a storm takes place.

Addressing the Flooding Risk for Your Property | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County to get the restoration process started right away.

No matter what your risk of flooding is, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Water can cause extensive damage, even when it is a seemingly small amount.

In addition to the extensive damages, floods can be tricky to recover from as not all homeowners insurance policies cover flooding. Thinking about having to foot the bill for the entire restoration should have you taking preventive measures today!

The highest risk of flooding occurs along any of our waterways, like Brandywine Creek. We are also always at risk of springtime flooding when the snow melts, as that water can raise water levels and also soak down through the earth and into our basements.

A Fire in your Home?

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County to learn more.

At SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County we know that going through a house fire is something that nobody ever wants to think about, but considering how you can prevent one can go a long way in protecting your home. Fires can spread in 30 seconds or less, jumping from a small flame to a major disaster situation quickly.

Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to ensure your home is as safe as possible from fires. While you will never be able to entirely prevent them from occurring, you will be able to significantly improve your chances of never having to experience a fire in your own home.

Reduce Your Chances of Experiencing a Fire in Your Home

Check your smoke detectors. Having smoke alarms is the foundation of fire safety, so it is important to make sure you have enough of them throughout your home. They should be on every floor and outside of every sleeping area, and it is recommended to test them monthly to ensure they have not malfunctioned.

Create a fire escape plan. Making sure your family does know how to get out of the house if a fire starts is so important. You will typically only have about two minutes to exit the house in a fire, so having a plan and practicing it often goes a long way in your overall safety efforts.

Limit your fire risks. There are many ways you can limit your fire risks simply through practicing good habits in your everyday life. Small things, like not leaving flammable objects near your stove, staying in the room if there is an open flame and storing chemicals safely, can all lower your risk of a fire breaking out to begin with.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. While fire extinguishers should only be used if it is absolutely safe to do so, they can prevent a small mistake from turning into a household disaster. Any time there is an open flame present, it is good to have an operational fire extinguisher nearby and be sure you know how to use it just in case things get out of hand.

If your home is damaged by a house fire, we are here to help. Our expert fire restoration technicians are here 24⁄7 to spring into action as soon as you call. Contact us at any hour to report your damage and receive a quick response. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County can be reached at 717-300-3347

The 3 Major Sources of Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County your first call.

Severe storms can be devastating for homeowners and can lead to costly damage that must be repaired. While some homeowners believe their home is prepared for this severe weather, many times they are proven wrong when an extreme storm passes through and creates significant losses inside and outside their property.

Strong winds and weather-related calamities can throw around debris as well as create heavy rains, hail storms, lightning and floods. Depending on the season and the type of storm, they are all a threat to your home and any of your belongings.

Depending on the kind of storm and events taking place, your home may be subject to different degrees of destruction. Multiple elements play a part in determining the intensity of potential damage, like the landscape around your property, the geography of the area and the quality of your home’s foundation or building materials. (We’re not going to deny that there is an element of chance as well.)

Being knowledgeable about the many kinds of weather threats is helpful, but understanding the specific conditions that frequently affect our area is even more beneficial. Lebanon faces thunderstorms, winter storms and flooding frequently. This weather has led to significant damage to properties all over our area.

To better prepare you for extreme weather, let’s examine the three primary types of storm damage:

Wind

When structures are subjected to powerful gusts of wind at extraordinarily high speeds, this type of destruction ensues. Tornadoes and hurricanes are the most common causes of strong winds, but thunderstorms can produce gusts of up to 100 mph.

Wind gusts might scoop up debris in your yard and toss it into your car or house. And the wind itself can also be powerful enough to rip shingles off the roof. It is critical to remain inside when a storm is on the way and away from any windows or outside walls in case glass breaks or the walls are pierced by debris.

Prepare your yard before a storm touches down to prevent excessive damage due to wind. Clean up any branches, large rocks, unsecured furniture or decaying trees to give strong wind gusts less to work with once they start blowing.

Water

Water damage is known to cause costly damage inside homes before and after a storm. Even a small storm can produce rain showers that cause water to collect outside your home and then leak inside through the seals on your doors and windows.

When there is a significant amount of water, it may soak into your foundation and seriously destroy its structural integrity.

Try utilizing strategic landscaping methods that help to direct water away from your property to minimize the degree of damage that water may do to your property. Alternatively, you could build a rain garden, which will help prevent water from accumulating near your home and make it look beautiful at the same time!

Also, be sure to keep your gutters clear of debris so they function as intended during severe weather. Clogged downspouts create backed-up water, which builds up until it eventually begins to leak down into your home.

Impact

“Impact damage” is another form of storm destruction that can have a devastating effect on your home. This damage presents itself as downed trees or debris being thrown into your home by heavy winds. Impact damage encompasses any damage done when an object hits or impacts your house or property.

To best avoid this type of damage, trim any branches that are near your home and have any decaying trees removed. This will prevent Mother Nature from sending them down onto your property.

Weather-related calamities cost more than $145 billion in losses in 2021 in the United States alone. These methods could help you save a significant amount of time and money and can help you prevent damage from occurring before a storm gets the chance to wreak havoc on your home.

Give SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County a call immediately if your household faces the devastating impact of severe storms. With state-of-the-art equipment and years of experience, our restoration specialists can handle any tragedy.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Stay Weather-Aware to Protect Yourself and Your Home | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg / Perry County

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County 717-300-3347

There are about 42 different types of weather warnings, each categorized into seven different weather-related groups. These alerts are sent out when severe weather conditions arise in your location. This information can be complicated to understand when a strong storm is forecast to strike your neighborhood.

Understanding what these weather warnings based on where you live can help you prepare for whatever circumstances may arise. These alerts are also a useful way to safeguard your home before severe weather impacts it.

While being aware of all kinds of weather scenarios is beneficial, being aware of the weather patterns that could hit our community here in Shippensburg / Perry County is even more vital.

How Alerts Are Issued

So, how are forecasters able to provide these weather warnings? Since weather forecasts are merely predictions, how can we determine the severity and location of a storm? There are many factors that impact why these alerts get sent out.

The National Weather Service works to provide accurate weather forecasts as well as weather alerts as these conditions develop. These advisories are issued by six regional offices around the country, allowing for more accurate predictions based on location. You’ll find Shippensburg and Perry’s alerts provided from the Eastern Region headquarters in Bohemia, New York, along with local offices nearby.

Meteorologists use solar activity, weather balloons, satellites and even ocean buoys to make forecasts. These predictions will vary based on the severity of the weather event, but the primary objective is to provide the most accurate forecast possible.

The Most Important Alerts to Understand

When deciphering these alerts, the words “watch” and “warning” tend to pop up often. You’ll see this language used in weather alerts, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms and flooding.

A watch means a storm is being monitored and could become dangerous, so you should make a plan to be able to withstand potentially hazardous conditions. Watches are often issued in a larger area, while a warning is issued in a smaller, more specific area like a county or city.

A warning means a severe storm is imminent and you should take precautions immediately.

It’s also crucial to know what kind of weather to expect in your area so that when you get these alerts, you’ll know what your next plan of action will be to keep safe. Here in Shippensburg / Perry County, we see a mixed bag of weather throughout the year.

Winters are snowy, icy and often very cold, while our summers are warm and humid. We may see strong winter storms, along with the potential for thunderstorms and even tornadoes in warmer times of year.

Protecting Your Home During a Storm

While monitoring weather alerts is the safest approach to defending your property and life during severe weather, there are a few other things you can do around the house to reduce the risk of damage.

Clear your gutters and fasten any outdoor furniture to protect your home from the impact of weather like floods or strong winds. Locate a secure place to wait out the storm and have an exit plan prepared in case your family needs to relocate.

SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County can take care of any of your restoration needs if your home is impacted by severe weather. We can devise and carry out an effective repair plan to restore your home to its original condition.

Staying informed about weather conditions that may affect your neighborhood is an excellent approach to protect yourself and your property from tragedy. Understanding the various weather alerts will help you best prepare for any storm that may pass through our area.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

The Cost and Frequency of Extreme Weather in 2020 | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg / Perry County

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County to start the restoration process.

Most of us are all too aware that 2020 was a devastating year. But the degree to which 2020 was disastrous might go even further than you realize—not only did the year see a global pandemic and a nationwide quarantine, it also broke existing records for extreme weather disasters.

In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year on record.

The National Weather Service classifies a weather event as a disaster once it causes at least a billion dollars in damages, and 2020 brought a record 22 of these events. That doesn’t even count the numerous storms that only caused a few hundred million in destruction—there were so many storms in the Atlantic last year that the NWS had to use letters from the Greek alphabet to give them all names because it ran completely through its planned list of names for the year.

And even here in Pennsylvania, we had more weather alerts in 2020 than “tornado alley” states like Kansas.

Not Just Hurricanes

The blame often falls on hurricanes first when we think of extreme weather damage, but in truth, the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorm systems and the tornadoes some of them birthed: Fourteen of the 22 major events were storm-related.

Not Just 2020

While we certainly would hope 2020 to be an extreme example, it does seem to be following a trend of especially dangerous years for severe weather outbreaks. The previous two years joined caused a combined $136 billion in damages, and 2017 saw a record-high $300 billion.

Indeed, each of the last 10 years has suffered at least eight major weather disasters in the U.S., and the last six years have seen a minimum of 10 each.

Storms happen year-round and are no respecters of locale, so it’s crucial that we stay alert and prepared when storms are forecast. But if extreme weather overcomes your preparations, remember that SERVPRO is on call 24⁄7 to help you through the restoration and recovery process.

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

Restoring Your Shippensburg / Perry County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County for all of your commercial water damage needs! 717-300-3347

Flooding and water damage events at Shippensburg / Perry County’s 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.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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.

About SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County

SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County 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.

For Immediate Service in Shippensburg / Perry County, Call SERVPRO

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Shippensburg / Perry County Residents: We provide immediate service day or night! 717-300-3347

SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Shippensburg / Perry County. 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 – 717-300-3347

Residential Services

Whether your Shippensburg / Perry County 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 Shippensburg / Perry County 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: Commercial Restoration Cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

How Can I Tell if My Basement Has Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced any signs of water damage in your basement, give SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County today! 717-300-3347

Basements are a wonderful addition to any home. While it’s a great place for additional storage, a “bonus” room or an at-home gym, it can also act as a safe place to go during the event of seriously inclement weather.

However, due to the nature of how basements are dug into the ground, they can come with their own challenges, particularly water damage. While it’s not a guarantee that your basement will suffer water damage, many homes do for a variety of reasons.

Because of this, it’s good to be extra vigilant for signs of water damage so that you can prevent any further damage later on. Here will be looking at some signs of water damage so that you can keep your basement in peak condition.

3 Top Signs That There Is Water Damage In a Basement

Musky, unpleasant odors. Water that gets into a basement can remain stagnant for quite some time, and when it evaporates, it can leave quite an unpleasant smell. This pungent odor is almost exclusively caused by mold and mildew in the environment, so if you suspect that it’s just the common “musty smell” that most basements have, remember that this is a common misconception and it may be a serious red flag leading to water damage.

Flaking paint from the walls. Waterproof paint is sometimes adhered to interior basement walls and masonry with all good intentions by homeowners and landlords. However, this paint can oftentimes simply mask any issues related to water damage and results in compounded problems later on. Even though it’s classified as waterproof, it’s still possible for this paint to chip, peel and bubble on the surface under the right circumstances.

Foundational cracks. Cracks in homes can sometimes be caused by the house settling over time, but finding cracks in the foundation should be investigated as it may be a sign of water damage. Hairline cracks aren’t a major cause for immediate concern, but if they grow in size or width, they should be seen and treated by a professional immediately.

If you have experienced any of these signs of water damage in your basement, give us a call. We’ll be happy to have our water restoration technicians review the damage and give you an assessment on how we can help treat it properly. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County today! 717-300-3347

Improve Your Air Quality: Duct Cleaning Can Help!

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

To schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County at 717-300-3347 today.

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, but you can help change that! Inspecting the ductwork in your home 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 home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and duct work clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. The professionals at SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County will inspect your HVAC system and duct will and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, the professionals at SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County can often restore the HVAC system and duct work to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends it be inspected for proper functioning and be services before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO duct cleaning system is proven and cost-efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, the professionals at SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County use a portable ventilation and ait duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Don’t Overlook the Water Damage Risks Heavy Rain Can Bring | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg / Perry County

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County is here to help restore your home to its original state. Contact us today! (717) 300-3347

Heavy rains might not be the first thing you think about when you list water damage causes. But it can be a serious problem for homeowners. Rain is common during the spring and summer months, and if your home is not properly maintained, these rains can cause costly damage.

It’s not as difficult as you might think to lessen your risk, though. A little creativity and some thoughtful planning can go a long way.

Protecting Your Home From the Hazard of Heavy Rains

We have a wealth of experience dealing with home water damage. We know what causes it and what you can do to make your home safer from it.

Here are some things we think you should keep in mind when you want to protect your home from rain damage:

Don’t allow yard drainage issues to go unaddressed. If you realize the water in your yard drains toward your home, it’s time to invest in your yard to help it move water more efficiently. Water moving away from your home is water that can’t damage it. Talk with a landscaping expert about how you can protect your yard.

Choose your flowers and shrubs for more than curb appeal. Most homeowners don’t look beyond the visual appeal of the landscaping they choose. But your landscaping can do more for you than just add color. Native plants are especially effective when it comes to making your landscaping an extra layer of water damage protection.

Repair loose and missing shingles. How important is repairing your roof when it suffers minor damage? The answer is very important. According to industry experts, 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles. This damage is preventable.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County is here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency.Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Experts Are Here When You Need Home Restoration Services | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg / Perry County

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County today. We work with you and your insurance company to get things back to normal quickly.

If you’re buying a new home, you’re considering a lot of issues. You’re likely shopping for floorplans, searching for must-have amenities and considering if the yard is big enough for your beloved family dog.

Home damage is probably one thing you haven’t put a lot of thought into dealing with. But you should. Why? Because it’s more common than you probably think it is.

If you find yourself in that situation due to a fire or natural disaster, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place now. Restoring your home can be a complex job, and you’ll want it done by experts.

The restoration team you choose can make all the difference in your quality and satisfaction with the job.

Millions of Homeowners File Claims

The Insurance Information Institute tallies statistics about the yearly numbers of insurance claims. Their work illustrates just how common insurance claims are.

About one out of every 350 American homeowners will deal with a fire damage claim each year. Water damage claims will be filed by about one in 50 homeowners, so they are actually the most common type of claim.

When all causes are considered, about one in 20 homeowners will file a damage claim this year. So if you know 100 people, about five of them will need help dealing with damage to their home this year.

So having a quality restoration team in mind now can make a difference for you or someone you love later.

Training Makes All the Difference

Beyond the training offered by SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides an array of certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians are able to use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.

And when you choose your local SERVPRO, these restoration experts will take the knowledge they’ve gained through our intensive training programs and use it to restore your home.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time

A Clean Home Can Aid in Fire Prevention | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.

House fires are the most common disaster in the country, killing thousands of people each year. Around 148 house fire-related fatalities were reported in Pennsylvania alone in 2021. It is more important than ever to keep your Shippensburg/Perry County home fire hazard-free.

The American Red Cross has already reported more than 20,000 house fires in 2022, and this figure is only a small percentage of the fires that have occurred in the United States this year.

Taking precautions to avoid house fires begins in your own home. Simply keeping your home and yard clean is one approach to lessen the risk of fires:

Put Returning Customers and Employees at Ease With a Deep-Clean | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg / Perry County

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County team.

From rural areas in Shippensburg / Perry County to major metro areas like Philadelphia, communities and families are high on hope that “normal” life is returning as the COVID-19 pandemic slowly makes its way to the rear view mirror, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic recovery as well.

But as cautious shoppers and contagion-conscious employees return to in-person shopping habits and on-site work, it’s now on you as a business owner to provide them with a place of safety, and to make sure they know you’ve made their health a priority.

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you both of those things. We’ll sanitize your building with a custom cleaning compound that’s proven effective against no less than MRSA to anthrax, and we’ll equip you with a way to let your customers know before they ever walk through the door that they’re safe in your store or office.

It’s all possible because of the three C’s:

Consult. Your business isn’t quite like any other, and we know that means it has sanitation needs that other area businesses don’t have. So we’ll come up with a cleaning plan that suits your business to a T. It helps that SERVPRO of Shippensburg / Perry County is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies of southeastern Pennsylvania.

Clean. Once we sort out your specific needs, we’ll get to work doing the work of disinfecting. With our proprietary solutions, we’ll give you an extreme clean that meets or exceeds CDC standards, is NSF-approved for use around food and is EPA-tested for safety around kids, pets and the elderly. And our focus is bigger than COVID-19—our methods are designed to reduce the risk of a host of other illness-inducing germs.

Certify. Now you can let your employees and customers know that you’ve gone the extra mile to make your business as clean and safe as it can possibly be by displaying the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your windows or on your door. We’ll also hook you up with other physical and digital resources to let everyone know your building is spick-and-span, instilling peace of mind in every prospective entrant.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Backyard Fire Hazard Awareness SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fire can be a beautiful thing! Be careful that it stays where it should.

Spring practically begs us to head outdoors. There’s so much to enjoy, from the mild, breezy weather to the incredible display of nature’s beauty. And there’s a renewed sense of life that it all brings that energizes us and calls us to get out of the house and enjoy the world around us, or at the very least to head out in the yard and play catch.

One of the things many people love to do most outdoors in this season is barbecue, and just about any excuse to fire up the grill will do. But the increase in grilling and backyard activity also unfortunately means a rise in spring and summer fires.

In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But keeping fires at bay is pretty simple, and you can stay ahead of the curve by observing a few simple guidelines:

The grill. The grill is the first thing to check to avoid fires caused in springtime. This is only natural because grills are basically billboards for fire danger. Make sure your grill is sturdy and on solid ground, away from anything flammable. Don’t use liquid accelerants to make your fire burn quicker or hotter (the same goes for fire pits), always stay with the grill while it’s cooking and make sure to clean it between uses. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

The fire pit. Visions of marshmallows roast in your head at this time of year, and you should by all means make them a reality. But be safe with your fire pit! Avoid flying embers by using a grate cover, keeping leaves and pine needles out of the fire and extinguishing your fire slowly instead of dumping water on it suddenly. Don’t ever leave it unattended, and don’t allow pets or kids near unsupervised.

Chimneys and dryer vents. While you’re thinking about fire safety, go ahead and clean that chimney out, removing dangerous soot and ash from inside, so you don’t end up with a hazard in the fall when you need your fireplace again. Take off your dryer’s vent pipe, removing any dangerous lint from the inside—and do this again in six months.

Your local SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County technicians are on hand 24⁄7 for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call us today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

A Clean Home Can Aid in Fire Prevention | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.

House fires are the most common disaster in the country. It is more important than ever to keep your Shippensburg/Perry County home fire hazard-free.

The American Red Cross has already reported more than 20,000 house fires in 2022, and this figure is only a small percentage of the fires that have occurred in the United States this year.

Taking precautions to avoid house fires begins in your own home. Simply keeping your home and yard clean is one approach to lessen the risk of fires:

Don't Let Storms Get the Better of You | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County right away.

You don’t want storms to catch you and your household off-guard. Their severe effects, such as lighting and heavy rain, can damage your home or even your well-being. There are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, and they can affect you at any moment.

In Shippensburg/Perry County, hurricane remnants can make landfall, leading to property damage and flooding. For example, Hurricane Ida had an impact on the county in 2021. More than four to eight inches of rain were dumped across the county.

This is why it’s vital to prepare for severe weather by putting together an emergency kit and communications strategy to deal the aftermath. Preparation will make a world of difference to reduce a storm’s impact on you and your home.

Water Damage Restoration 101 | SERVPRO® oF Shippensburg/Perry County

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

When your home is being threatened by water damage from flooding or leaks, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County Professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects water damage can have in order to help preserve and restore your property.

Our Professionals have the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and are available around-the-clock.  We concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting the areas flooded or damaged by water, utilizing the following:

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, & Anti-Microbial Treatments

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other microorganisms.

Hi-Tech Drying Equipment

• Drying equipment helps prevent property water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers minimize secondary water damage.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads and furniture, evaporating moisture.
• Some situations call for special drying techniques that require state of the art equipment and training.

Our Professionals are ready to respond 24/7 to mitigate any size loss in Shippensburg/Perry County and the surrounding area.  Call us at 717-300-3347.

Water Damage - More Than Meets The Eye !!!!! | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

This wall may LOOK dry - but it's not ! | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

No Disaster Is Too Big! | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

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 Shippensburg/Perry County 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.

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (717)-300-3347. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County proudly serves Shippensburg, Perry County, and surrounding areas.

Even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County Professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Business Restoration needs

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County knows the commercial restoration process inside and out.

Because we work with Shippensburg and Perry County area business owners who need our support during business restoration, we understand how difficult it is to move forward after a disaster.

We understand a lot about what it takes to restore your business. With that in mind, our team has pulled together our best tips to help you move forward if a fire, flood or storm impacts your business.

Advice Business Owners Can Use

Here’s what you might want to consider if your business needs restoration services:

Don’t forget your plan. This tip isn’t as straightforward as it seems. But the shock of dealing with a disaster can make it harder to focus. That’s why your plan is important. Follow the steps you laid out and look at your options, which could include moving to a backup location.

Get your insurance company any documentation they need. You’ll be asked to provide things like photos of the items’ damage and inventory inside your business. Have these prepared and ready to share. If your insurer requests any additional documentation, get it ready and share it as soon as you can.

Keep the people who matter to your business in the loop. Don’t neglect to reach out to your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your community.. Social media is the right way for you to reach your wider community, but consider reaching out personally to your employees, suppliers and your loyal customers.

Don’t forget your own needs. Many business owners and their families are stressed and worried if a disaster strikes the business that forces them to close or change their business for a while. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet and talk about how you’re coping with people you trust.

Choose restoration partners who offer proven results. Always choose trusted professionals who will give you regular updates and answer any of your questions.

If your business is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County at 717-300-3347 to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Prepare Your Business for Any Emergency With Strategic Planning | SERVPRO® of Shippeburg/Perry County

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

An office flooded after a disaster

Understanding the hazards your business may have to endure in the future can help you make smart decisions about risk management and damage prevention, especially when considering natural disasters. While a disaster can still be an inconvenience, if you are prepared in advance for one, you will have a much better time recovering and getting your business back to operational status in the aftermath.

While disaster preparedness may seem overwhelming, dividing it up into smaller tasks can make it much more manageable. With these three main categories, business owners can make sure they are hitting all the major points of preparedness and protecting their investment:

Your Commercial Insurance Coverage

Adequate insurance coverage is something that is extremely important for a business regardless of if a disaster is a possibility or not, but considering the impact that one can have, it makes it especially crucial. Many commercial policies are not enough to protect against disaster damage—specifics are excluded in some cases, and there are often gaps in what is covered at all. Be aware of what is built into your policy so you can know where additional coverage might be a wise investment.

Your Emergency Plan and Supply Kit

Being able to evacuate quickly in the event of a disaster can help you and your staff say much safer in the face of danger. Review the emergency evacuation protocol with everyone regularly to increase preparedness, including multiple scenarios and escape routes. Additionally, stock an emergency kit to be sure you have adequate supplies in case you are required to stay put instead of escaping.

Your Plan for Restoration and Recovery

Planning ahead for how you will go about restoration can be the single biggest factor in how quickly you are able to reopen. Being able to set the restoration process in motion quickly will be a big help, which is why we recommend working with a company in advance so that you know exactly who to call. It is also wise to look into the disaster assistance loans offered by the Small Business Administration as they can provide extra, low-interest funds for the recovery process.

If your business has been impacted by a disaster, you can contact us 24⁄7 for guidance on how to begin the commercial restoration process.

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347

Tips on How to Reduce Business Interruption | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Large Commercial Loss Team | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347

The best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster is to plan for it NOW.

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. 

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” 

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. 

SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a no cost assessment of your facility. It provides: 

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency - a guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
• Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

At SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County - we are commited to partnering with our commercial clients to reduce business interruption in the event of any type of disssaster.  To this end - we also work very closely with our partners at the Red Cross - leveraging their resources and capabilities to supplement our own when disaster strikes.  

Call us at (717)-300-3347 to get started - it costs you nothing.  Not making the call may be VERY costly. 

Grill Safely All Summer Long | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Grill Safely All Summer Long | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County (717) 300-3347

Summertime is a great season to take advantage of extra daylight and cook your dinners outside over the grill. While we love a good cookout as much as anyone, with the rise of grill fires in the summer, we also want to caution everyone to remember fire safety basics every time they go to start their own backyard barbecue.

Grill fires happen the most in the summer months, and it is estimated that over 5,500 occur every year, according to reports from the U.S. Fire Administration. Safety and prevention can go a long way in stopping fires, so let these tips be your guide all summer long.

Remember Fire Safety Basics Every Time You Grill

Create a safe zone around your grill. While convenience is likely top of mind when you are placing your grill in the yard, do not forget to consider how safety factors in, too. A three-foot barrier of empty space around your grill is recommended—this means there should be nothing flammable near your grill just in case a flare-up occurs.

Clean your grill grates often. As pieces of food are allowed to accumulate on the grates of the grill, they can cake on over time and become quite dangerous—especially if they are particularly greasy. By scraping down your grill grates after each use, you can prevent caked-on food from becoming a fire hazard and keep your cooking temps consistent, too!

Never leave the grill unattended. If a fire were to start and you (and your fire extinguisher) are nearby, you can put it out before it causes damage in many cases. However, if the grill is unattended, a disaster can quickly occur. Even if you are just taking a short break, be sure there is someone around to keep an eye on the grill at all times when it is lit.

Inspect the grill regularly. Check your grill before every use just in case there is the potential for a gas leak. Over time, propane tanks, valves and hoses can all wear down, and if there is gas leaking into the air when an open flame is introduced, there can be a serious problem. A simple visual check can go a long way in preventing this unpleasant surprise.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

Keep an Eye Out for Flooding | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

Did you know flooding is the most common natural disaster, claiming more lives in the United States per year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning? Flooding is difficult to predict and can destroy anywhere from a single home to entire communities.

Although floods affect every state and territory in the United States, they share many similarities in types and causes. There are just a few types of natural flooding you may see throughout the year.

Types of Natural Flooding

Flash floods are common, and they happen when heavy rain passes or sits over an area and overwhelms the ability of the ground to contain the moisture. Flash flooding can strike alone or accompany a larger problem, such as a hurricane. In 2021, Hurricane Ida dumped multiple inches of rain at once, leading the National Weather Service to release several Flash Flooding Emergencies.

River floods are exactly what they sound like. When there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, the water spills over the sides and causes destruction.

Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.

Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc. Pennsylvania, as a water-adjacent state, is susceptible to the fury of storm surges and hurricanes. Most recently, Hurricane Ida dumped multiple inches of rain on central Pennsylvania, leading to flooded roads and creeks.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.

Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

Get the Help You Need With SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

When it comes to keeping a business running smoothly, every little amount of assistance goes a long way. As business owner or manager, you are well aware that keeping things afloat demands the help of every available hand. Significant delays or losses to commercial properties might mean closing the doors for good.

However, your retail space, manufacturing facility or rental property already comes equipped with a silent helper to aid with cleaning and recovery, and it’s right here in Shippensburg/Perry County. SERVPRO is capable of meeting a broad array of business needs; it’s as if you have a secret business partner managing an entire aspect of your organization’s success plan.

Large loss recovery. Fires, storms and floods are among the leading causes of financial loss for companies in the United States. They can do a lot of harm, particularly if they are not addressed immediately. When you call SERVPRO, you can be certain that you are contacting a highly skilled staff that is ready 24 hours a day to provide dependable emergency services and minimize your downtime and recovery time.

Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery starts even before the tragedy strikes—that is, if your business is prepared. We can help you in establishing the best approach for when the time comes. You may need an emergency chain of command, alternate meeting or work places, and temporary suppliers during a crisis, and we’ll have you set up for a single button push to begin all of this.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We offer solutions for any situation, from specialized cleaning services such as trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to more routine needs such as carpet cleaning and upholstery restoration in high-traffic areas. We’ve been doing this a long time and have seen and cleaned everything.

Restoration Services. Storms are responsible for flash floods. The intern started a fire in the kitchen. A water pipe ruptures. All of these occurrences need repair and cleanup, which SERVPRO specializes in. From water removal to restoration, you can count on us to restore the sparkle to your company after a mishap.

Industry Specialization. We are able to assist any company, having spent decades learning the ins and outs of each. We can help you with any highly specific or unusual cleaning and restoration needs your company may have. In many cases, we may even surround the workspace to prevent interfering with the usual operations of other areas.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

A Look at Spring Storms and Weather Events in the U.S. | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is a click away if you experience any damage.

As one of the world’s biggest nations, the United States features a highly diverse climate across the board. As a consequence, seasonal weather in the United States is not one-size-fits-all—different parts of the country experience unique weather patterns, resulting in varying degrees of weather threats for different areas.

Let’s take a look at the weather patterns that may develop as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses mix throughout the country—as well as what we might expect here in Pennsylvania.

The Pacific Northwest’s spring months are prone to severe rain, which may cause floods and water damage. Snow will continue to build at higher altitudes, and the resulting melting and runoff may cause issues of its own.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast, including Pennsylvania, enjoy the longest winters and will have cold temperatures throughout the season. The Great Lakes’ lake effect snow poses a considerable challenge to our state’s northern area, which may get more than 100 inches of snow each year. From Maine to the Dakotas, folks can anticipate frigid weather, blizzards and heavy snow even until late spring or early summer.

The Southwest and southern West Coast, on the other hand, will need to be on the lookout for severe heat waves that may harm people and property. The South Pacific area, including Hawaii, will be on high alert for the risk of tectonic activity-caused tsunamis.

Windstorms, derechos and the possibility of wildfires, which can spread quickly when winds are strong and conditions are dry, will also be on the radar for the central United States, from Iowa to Texas. Tornado Alley, which is particularly prone to tornadoes, is a prominent component of this area.

Finally, we should anticipate a broad variety of severe weather occurrences in the Southeast, from thunderstorms and tornadoes in landlocked regions to early-season hurricanes along the coast later in the spring.

Extreme weather is a risk wherever you reside in the United States. While conditions differ by state, it never hurts to be aware of and prepared for extreme weather.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Have You Thought About Your Disaster Plan? | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County will be there to help.

When you operate a business, you have a full-time job as well as an endless to-do list that often follows you home. You have a lot on your plate, which is understandable! It’s just a lot of work.

But if you are not prepared for the worst, all of your hard work might be jeopardized. You’ve put in a tremendous amount of effort to get to this point. As a result, you want to do all you can to ensure that your company has the highest chance of surviving a disaster.

After a fire, storm, or other disaster, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to get your business back up and running. According to FEMA, following a catastrophe, 40% of small businesses close permanently, with a significant proportion shutting again within a year.

So, how can you plan for a successful disaster recovery? If your company is struck by a catastrophic event, having a strategy in place for what to do next might be the difference between survival and failure.

In fact, in the United States, three-quarters of small businesses lack a disaster plan. It just makes sense that businesses that are prepared for disaster have a better chance of recovering.

SERVPRO of Lebanon County helps companies like yours prepare for disasters by developing a customized Emergency Ready Plan that is tailored to business goals, location and industry. You will be able to reduce disruption if you have a strategy in place since you will know what to do in the case of a crisis.

Disasters are tough enough to deal with on their own. Make the most of every opportunity to prepare for a disaster before it happens. Right now, we’re ready to help you with your Emergency Ready Plan.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

SERVPRO Can Handle All Types of Cleanup and Restoration | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County to get the job done.

Color association is an amazing thing to help a product or service stick in your brain. For example, if we said, “Thirsty. Red,” you’re very likely to think of a particular soda. If we said, “Package. Brown,” there’s a good chance a certain three-lettered delivery service came to mind.

When you see the bright green SERVPRO trucks and vans rolling through Shippensburg/Perry County, we want you to have that same kind of association with us, knowing the industry-leading team from SERVPRO is on the way to help someone with a varied assortment of home or business needs.

When you think bright green, we want you to remember that SERVPRO can help you with:

Water damage recovery. Homeowners all across the country deal with water damage every day, and every day, SERVPRO agents are helping them get the homes dried and their damaged items restored.

Fire damage recovery. House fires, which happen more than twice a minute in the U.S., can do brutal damage to your home. But with some help from the pros in green, your home can look like new again.

Mold removal. Mold is unsafe to live with, and unsafe for DIY removal. It can eat away at your home and generally create an unsafe environment, but we can get rid of it for you safely and completely.

Storm recovery. The threat of tornadoes, heavy thunderstorms or even winter whiteouts can mean all sorts of unwanted effects on your home. But when they happen, your local SERVPRO team can make things right again.

Commercial needs. Obviously, fires and water damage aren’t limited to residential areas, and we help commercial managers and business owners get through these issues, too—plus we can provide custom cleaning solutions that help business shine.

General cleaning. If you’re moving into a new home and you want a stellar clean before you lay down your head, we’ve got you covered.

Specialty cleaning. From crime scenes to COVID-19 cleanup, we’ve spent more than 50 years innovating and pioneering techniques for every situation.

Construction. If a storm takes a toll on your home that’s deeper than a surface-level cleanup job, we can help there, too. From new drywall to reconstruction of whole homes, we’re your A-to-Z team for home recovery needs.

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Fires Start and Stop Based on the Same Root Causes | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is ready around the clock to help you recover.

You may not remember exactly what a tetrahedron is, so let’s review, because hey, that’s the kind of thorough treatment you’ve surely come to expect from SERVPRO. A tetrahedron is like a pyramid, but with a triangular base—and thus one fewer side. It consists of four triangular sides, all equal.

The fire tetrahedron is so named because it represents the four equal elements that must be present for fire to ignite and grow.

Without all these elements working together, a fire will stop—which clues us in about some important fire safety truths.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. Fire has a ravenous appetite. Put simply, there’s got to be something to burn. Be it wood or other organic material, or manmade substances—if there’s going to be a fire, there must be something for it to consume.

Heat. Having consumable materials isn’t enough for fire to start—those materials have to be heated to a level at which ignition becomes inevitable.

Oxygen. Fires don’t exactly breathe, but they consume oxygen the same as you, only at an incredibly rapid rate, leaving behind only carbon monoxide for nearby people to take in. This oxygen is a vital need for any fire.

Chemical Chain Reaction. This part of the tetrahedron is the least simple to explain, but a chain reaction has to happen, which essentially is the uninterrupted continuation of the previous elements interacting with each other.

The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

Cool it. An effective way to stop fire quickly is to cool its fuel source with water. Restoring the thermal balance of the material makes the rate of heat unable to compete at which the rate the material cools. You have to use a lot of water to restore that balance, though, because some of it sublimates as it hits the hot surface.

Smother it. You know that thing the cool kids do where they lick their fingers and smush them together on a wick to put out a candle? That’s a combination of cooling and smothering. Any way you can cut off the oxygen supply to a hungry fire, you can use to smother it. Even when you stop, drop and roll, that’s how you’re stopping a fire on your clothing.

Starve it. This one might seem overly simple, but it’s effective all the same. If either a fire runs out of material it can consume, or consumable materials are removed from the fire’s path, there remains nothing for it to burn, and it will have no choice but to diminish.

Interrupt the chain reaction. Fires can be stopped from the inside, with the application of the proper chemicals. Gases like halon (which is no longer produced because of its adverse impact on the environment) are able to trip up the repetitive reaction the fire requires, thus putting a stop to it without water or smothering it.

If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.

Water Damage Numbers That Will Wow You | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County.

Not to cause alarm, but there’s a struggle coursing through your home right this very moment, wherein a squadron of heavily armored heroes at working their hardest, holding at bay a destructive force that could devastate your peaceful abode.

This struggle, of course, is between your plumbing and the water it transports. You guessed it right away, didn’t you?

Your water supply is great, so long as it’s serving its proper purpose. But the minute it breaks containment, you’ve got a problem. That’s why it’s all-important to have a well-equipped and maintained plumbing system—so that the good guys always stay on top.

The widespread damage done by water in the home is overwhelming—check out these numbers.

24. This is the percentage of all U.S. home insurance claims that are water-involved. That’s one out of every four claims, which adds up to one in 50 homeowners filing a water claim every single year.

48. You have this many hours (or less) to deal with a water damage incident before mold sets in. Mold growth begins rapidly once water soaks into a surface, and it’s present well before you can make it out with your eyes.

98. This one’s admittedly a little disheartening, because it represents the number out of every 100 basements that will flood or experience water damage at some point in the life of a home. If there’s any number on this list you can almost count on, it’s this one.

10,234. The amount of the average water claim. Water is fast to take over a whole area, and it can settle in and do a lot of damage very quickly. Once it gets out, your insurance company is likely to have to shell out more than they’d hope to manage repairs.

14,000. If you have today’s date circled on your desk calendar, look down and try to imagine 14,000 little dots inside it, each of them representing a single water claim that will happen somewhere in the United States today, because that’s what’s going to happen. Every six seconds, a new event is occurring.

13,000,000,000. Those zeroes are not a typo—that’s 13 billion, and it represents the amount, in dollars, spent every year on water damage repairs in homes.

All these numbers serve to show you one thing: It’s incredibly important to take care of leaks early, and to maintain and update your plumbing, sewage and water systems. The more you can do to avoid being one of these statistics, the better.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Don’t Get Surprised by Winter Storms and Weather | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County for fast, restorative solutions.

Take it from that “thrones” guy—winter is most certainly coming. (How did he know?)

Whether you look forward to winter all year or you tolerate it as a mere bridge to spring, you can’t stop the sting of winter weather from reaching Lebanon County once again. So before your social calendar is full to the brim with family gatherings, holiday events or end-of-year parties, let’s take a look at a few things you’ll want to take care of before the reality of winter sets in.

Protect Your Family

If a winter storm suddenly overtakes the area, you’re going to be glad you have an emergency action plan. This will help your family know how and when to act, where to meet and how to stay in contact. Prepare and rehearse to protect your family.

Get your car ready, too—make sure your tires are in good shape, your anti-freeze and fluids are full, and conduct any needed maintenance so you don’t find yourself stuck out in the cold.

Stock both your car and home with emergency kits, which can keep you safe, fed and warm in a crisis.

Protect Your Home

Frozen pipes are an unfortunate reality for homeowners in winter, but they can be largely avoided by taking the proper precautions, be it insulating pipes or letting faucets drip.

It’s time to check up on your home heat system as well. If you have an electric or gas HVAC system, let a pro give it a once-over and perform any needed maintenance, to ensure that your system is primed to combat the winter chill.

If you burn wood, keep an extra supply on hand in case extreme weather keeps you stuck at the house for a while. Clean your fireplace or furnace to ensure safe use and a healthy breathing environment.

Protect Your Pets

Most pets are simply not equipped for Pennsylvania winters. Bring pets indoors during the cold months, and make a comfortable place for them to stay.

If you own any livestock or equine animals, make sure they have updated, adequate shelter and constant access to water that isn’t frozen.

Watch for Melts and Flooding

After long winters and periods of snow and ice, floods and ice dams can cause trouble in affected areas. From local waterways being overrun with runoff to ice and snow melting through cracks in your roofing, these can cause serious damage and danger.

If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO for fast, restorative solutions.

Commercial Cleaning Services That Make a Difference | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County for all your cleaning needs.

SERVPRO is the industry leader in home restoration, cleanup and recovery, and with good reason—we’ve taken care of more homeowners than you can shake a stick at.

But there’s another side to the coin, and that’s the care we provide for businesses and commercial properties. When businesses are damaged by disasters like fire, water and mold, we handle the A to Z of cleanup and restoration so business owners can get back to work.

But businesses can also take advantage of a special service offered only to them: the ultra-grade cleaning service only SERVPRO could create.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Size

Your dream clean is a click or call away! No matter the business, we can improve your standard of sanitation and set you up for healthy operations. We’ve got custom solutions for…

Retail stores, grocers and shops. From malls to mom-and-pops, hardware stores to software outlets, we’ve got you covered and cleaned like nobody else.

Education spaces. Well-intended cleanings at school are only killing half the bacteria on desks and student spaces, and we can’t have that, can we? We’ve got the tools to keep students safe from those hard-to-get bacteria.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities. Special cleaning care is required where young, elderly and immunocompromised people are receiving treatment, and we can take care of the disinfection so healthcare providers can focus on helping people.

Hotels and convention halls. Places where high numbers of people gather and move around need high attention to cleaning—let us focus on it so you can focus on hospitality.

Foodservice facilities From manufacturing and distribution to the café dining room, we’ve got what it takes to make sure all food prep is clean and surfaces are safe for dining.

Commercial complexes and managed properties. Whether your tenants are couples or corporations, we can keep them more than satisfied with the fresh state of your commercial property.

Companies lose $260 billion per year because of sick days and the loss of productivity that comes from employee illnesses. We can help you save your portion of that gigantic number by providing a commercial space that’s free of germs and bacteria—your teams will appreciate it and your customers will feel especially valued.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Asking the Right Questions About Your Service Company | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/PerryCounty.

Incidents that require home repair are an unfortunate but almost unavoidable part of the home ownership experience. The reality of owning a home means that at some point you’re likely to face some sort of natural or accidental damage, and when that happens you’ll have some thinking to do.

Who’s going to clear our your flooded basement or repair your fire-damaged kitchen?

These decisions can be difficult in a pinch, but keeping these questions in mind when sorting through service companies can help you render a sound decision.

Are They Legit?

Getting ripped off after experiencing a disaster is piling insult on top of injury. Sadly, scammers often roll into to town after major events and leave unsuspecting homeowners in precisely that situation.

At SERVPRO, we’ve built our top-tier reputation from the ground up, with no shortcuts. For 50 years, we’ve proven ourselves reliable over and over again, so that when you need a hand, you know who to trust.

And hey—if the PGA Tour trusts us as a cleanup and restoration partner, we feel confident we can meet or exceed your expectation as well.

Will They Be There When I Need Help?

Don’t be left wondering when your service company is going to return your emergency call. When you’ve got a crisis, you don’t have time to wait—that’s why we’re on call 24 hours a day for emergency service.

Where’s a Fleet When You Need One?

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County isn’t just the name of a local office; it’s the moniker that represents a full-service, locally owned franchise, right here in the neighborhood. But should an area-wide event present the need for extra help, you won’t get lost in the shuffle, because we’re ably backed by the full force of SERVPRO’s national network of resources and teams.

If your prospective service company can answer all these questions to your satisfaction, they may be worthy of your business. When you call SERVPRO, these benefits are the tip of the iceberg—we’d love to show you everything we’re capable of.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

Make Fire Safety a Priority This Fall | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The Eagles are back on the field, the morning and evening air is nice and crisp and suddenly everything is pumpkin-scented. That can only mean one thing—fall is back.

The season of roaring campfires, Halloween parties and beautiful leaf-peeping is here to relieve you from summer and give you a reason to break out your favorite hoodie.

But of course each season requires special care with regard to fire safety, and fall is no different. Keep your fall fire-safe with these quick reminders.

Campfire Safety

Cool fall nights are perfect for camping, and we say make the most of it. But when you’re setting up your fire, make sure to take proper precautions.

Build your fire in a pre-dug pit surrounded by stones if there is one provided by the campsite. If not, keep it at least 25 feet away from any tents or structures. Only light your fire with trusted methods like matches or lighters, never using kerosene or lighter fluid to light or accelerate the flames.

When it’s time to go, don’t leave anything hot or glowing. Any live embers you leave behind are potential wildfire threats. Don’t walk away from your campfire until all remaining wood and ash are cool to the touch.

Open Burning

Most of Shippensburg/Perry County restricts the burning of leaves, but much of the county approves open recreational burning (fire pits or bonfires) or even burning of some household paper items. Check with your local municipality to find out what’s allowed in your area.

If your township allows open burning, it’s likely you are required to use a burn barrel with a screen on top. Keep your fires at least 30 feet (50 is recommended) from any structures, and never leave a fire to burn unattended.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are frequent culprits of cold-weather home fires. If you’re breaking yours out of storage this fall, make sure you keep it at least three feet from anything at all that could catch fire—this includes curtains, furniture and clothing.

Keep your heater on a level surface, update to a newer model with automatic shutoff and tip-over functions if necessary, and only plug it directly into an outlet (as its electrical draw can overwhelm some extension cords).

Halloween

We’ll dig further into this later, but for now be mindful of your decorating, especially if you like to use candles or string lights, which can both present fire hazards.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Where You Might Find Water Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County team if you are dealing with any water damage.

There’s a fair chance you didn’t go to bed last night wishing upon a star that you could wake up this morning to a flooded garage. Dealing with unexpected water damage is on no homeowner’s list of hopeful tasks.

Obviously we can’t predict external factors like flooding, but there are some places in and around your home that you may be able monitor and gain an advantage as you try to keep the likelihood of water damage to a minimum.

Toilets. There are a few spots in this oft-used appliance that can degrade over time, namely the flapper inside the tank and the valve seal under it. These being rubber makes them prone to wear.

Appliances. Toilets, dishwashers, fridges and any appliance that uses water or feeds from your water supply are prone to leaks, especially from hoses that may dry out or crack, and joints where washer rings may decay. And how old is your water heater? Units over 10 years old have actually been known to explode.

Clogged gutters. This is the most preventable leak at home. Some time on the ladder can keep your gutters in tip-top shape and keep leaves and dirt from damming up the gullies and sending water inside.

Roof damage. Roof care is a whole other topic, but for now, let’s simply say that your roof is an incredibly important source of protection from the elements, and keeping it in good condition will help keep your interior dry. Inspect it regularly and after any major storm.

Pipes. Rust, faulty joints or even excessive water pressure can cause pipes to fail or burst, and tree roots can find microscopic cracks in outdoor lines, even your main water supply.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes.Putting the wrong things down your disposal can either cause your disposal to stop working or clog your pipes to the point of backup. Anything that clumps, solidifies or expands as it soaks up water is a no-no.

Water leaks can occur anywhere water flows, because water will find and take advantage of any available space. But keeping an eye on these common leak areas may help you stay ahead of the potential for water damage in your home.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Don’t Get Surprised by Summer Storms | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is on the line, ready to make things right.

It’s summertime in Pennsylvania, and that means most people can’t wait to get out and do something. The weather is warm, and the sun is out—what’s not to enjoy?

Maybe you’re heading to Philly to cheer on the home team, or planning a weekend indulging in Hershey. But wherever you go, don’t leave your umbrella at home.

Despite the heat and sunshine (or rather, because of it), summer weather is more likely to produce thunderstorms. Rainfall in Lebanon County peaks in summer, as moisture in the atmosphere combines with the warm summer air to create storm conditions.

Be Storm-Alert

Storms should never be discounted as child’s play. If warnings are issued, pay attention and go over the game plan. An NOAA Weather radio can be a constant help as well, providing frequent updates and giving you a source of information even if you lose power.

If the forecaster warns of potential flooding, take it seriously. You may need to rearrange travel plans or cancel events. And check the area around your house—you may need to move or tie down garbage cans, trampolines or other items that could be washed or blown away.

Storm prep isn’t as fun as watching Bryce Harper hit homers, but it’s crucial if you want to stay safe. Storms and resulting flooding claim a number of lives each year, and some simple preparation and caution could prevent a majority of those fatalities.

Be Storm-Safe

Hunker down indoors during a storm, and stay inside until thunder has stopped for at least 30 minutes—this indicates that you’re out of range for a lightning strike, which can still occur up to 10 miles from an active storm.

Windows can shatter in a storm, so don’t sit or stand near them during the storm. And tubs, showers and the water they contain can conduct electrical current, so wait until later to take that bath.

Make sure you’ve got an emergency kit in the house or shelter, and keep a ready kit in the car as well, in case things turn ugly and you need to evacuate.

Floodwater is a danger for a bevy of reasons. It’s incredibly strong (like, carry-your-SUV-away strong), it can wash away concrete roads and the ground under them, and touching it can cause health effects.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

Shippensburg and Perry County Residents Can Trust Us With Disaster Cleanup | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is your local restoration expert.

You’re used to playing a lot of roles as a homeowner of business owner. You’re an accountant and a chef. A CEO and a parent. A planner and an IT technician. You’re handling it all really well, and for that you deserve an award.

But regardless of the roles you’re playing, we’d be willing to bet you haven’t prepared to suddenly become a disaster recovery expert.

When natural disasters, accidental fires or water damage create an emergency that requires immediate restitution, you can’t handle it all—you need prompt, dependable help from someone you can trust.

Here’s why you should trust SERVPRO to see you through.

We’re Always Ready and Faster to Any Size Disaster

Like a superhero responding to their signal in the night sky, we’re sitting on go at all times, ready to act at a moment’s notice. With a crack team of experts on standby 24 hours a day, we’ll be on the way before you can say, “Gotham needs me.”

Every moment matters in a crisis, and the case of disasters it means more mold growth, stronger smell of smoke or dank carpet. A rapid response makes all the difference, and having a local SERVPRO franchise situated right here in Shippensburg/Perry County means you get the multiplied strength of a limber, knowledgeable neighborhood team with the backing of a resource-rich national network.

We’re Trained to Handle Residential and Commercial Services

Different solutions are necessary for different situations, and that means customized service for businesses and homes—we’re over a half century deep into being an industry leader, so we’ve got the knowledge base to be able to manage your situation, no matter the setting or cause.

We’ll Make It "Like it never even happened."

Brilliant work, immaculately executed—that’s what you can expect when we take up your cause. Our cleanup and recovery methods are extensive and thorough, and our footprint is so minimal that you’ll have to remind yourself that we were ever there.

We Offer the Services You Need in a Changing World

Disease prevention is a major concern for businesses, and we provide them ultra-grade cleaning assistance that far outshines standard sanitation services.

Your business will have never been cleaner, and your returning customers will feel it right away.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO.

Water Damage Days Before a Wedding

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County responds to Speedwell Heights BIC Church days before a wedding.

Days before a wedding event, Speedwell Heights BIC contacted SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County about their water damage in the basement. The source of this damage came from a defective dehumidifier that leaked water in the basement of the church. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County quickly responded to this call on a Thursday. Our technicians were able to dry everything out and deodorize in time for the wedding that following Saturday. 

When dealing with a water damage, it is important to act fast to prevent further damage and possible mold growth. Our highly trained technicians will have your home or business “Like it never even happened.” Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County at 717-300-3347 or visit our website for all of your water damage needs.

Playing Defense Against Wildfire | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is ready and able to repair any damage.

Of the many potential dangers homeowners face, there may be none more frightening or disheartening than the thought of seeing one’s home destroyed by fire. While most home fires in our region are caused by other things, wildfires are more of a reality than you might expect.

And they are so hot and move so fast that it’s surprising that fire crews are ever able to contain them at all.

But there are ways to safeguard your home from wildfires, aside from the obvious but still overlooked method of simply being careful, which is by far the best method of prevention.

Let’s look at one of those ways: “defensible space.”

What Is Defensible Space?

It’s not a new NASA program. “Defensible space” is a zone of buffers with which you can surround your home, giving it a greater chance of surviving a wildfire outbreak. You can slow or stop the aggression of a fire with the right combination of thoughtful planting and pruning, hardscape made of concrete or gravel, and removal of dead trees and brush—a quick, favorite fuel for wildfire.

Think of defensible space as a way of using the land around you to choke out a fire as it draws close. If there’s nothing to feed the fire, it can’t keep spreading. It also gives firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it gets to your home.

Why Defensible Space Matters

You may consider wildfires a West Coast issue, but they can and do happen everywhere in the United States. In fact, there were over 59,000 wildfires across the country in 2020.

Even if we omit California’s 10,000+ fires, there were still almost 1,000 fires per state on average in 2020, and there were no states that were totally spared.

Even Pennsylvania is not immune—we suffered almost 1,500 wildfires and saw almost 3,000 acres of land burned last year alone. And don’t look now, but 2021 is on pace to top last year’s total—there have been 25% more fires this year than over the same period last year.

Anything that can be done to stop wildfires should be done, and defensible space is one more way you can safeguard your home.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

How Thunderstorms Impact Pennsylvania | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help, contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County 717-300-3347

There are many things that can cause devastating damage to your home or business in Shippensburg or Perry County, but regardless of its source, experiencing damage is never easy. The mental and emotional impact can be significant, which is why recovering quickly is so important to restoring your quality of life and beginning to heal from tragedy.

Though recovery will always feel like an uphill battle, if you choose to work with a professional restoration company, the process can get much easier and go much more quickly. We are committed to salvaging as many of your belongings as possible due to our restore-first mentality and will do everything we can to restore your home to its pre-damage state.

Our Restore-First Mentality Makes All the Difference

We can help you save money on your insurance. Many of the types of damage you may sustain to your home will be covered by your homeowners insurance, but filing a claim can raise your premium, costing you money in the long run. Since we focus on keeping all of your belongings when possible, we can lower the cost that you have to file with your insurance.

We can protect your sentimental items. While getting your family to safety is the most important thing during an emergency event, that often means leaving behind objects that could never be replaced if lost. Family photos, documents and heirlooms all have value beyond their monetary properties, and by investing in the best restoration technology available, we make sure we can restore as much of them as possible.

We make sure your home feels like home again. It is truly the little things that make a house feel like a home, and we make sure to preserve as much of this as possible. Simple things like putting your belongings back where they go can make all the difference when you are able to walk through the door of your home again, and we are committed to making sure you are happy with the results.

If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us as soon as you need to in order to begin the restoration process. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County to learn more.

The Cost and Frequency of Extreme Weather in 2020 | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County to start the restoration process.

Most of us are all too aware that 2020 was a devastating year. But the degree to which 2020 was disastrous might go even further than you realize—not only did the year see a global pandemic and a nationwide quarantine, it also broke existing records for extreme weather disasters.

In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year on record.

The National Weather Service classifies a weather event as a disaster once it causes at least a billion dollars in damages, and 2020 brought a record 22 of these events. That doesn’t even count the numerous storms that only caused a few hundred million in destruction—there were so many storms in the Atlantic last year that the NWS had to use letters from the Greek alphabet to give them all names because it ran completely through its planned list of names for the year.

And even here in Pennsylvania, we had more weather alerts in 2020 than “tornado alley” states like Kansas.

Not Just Hurricanes

The blame often falls on hurricanes first when we think of extreme weather damage, but in truth, the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorm systems and the tornadoes some of them birthed: Fourteen of the 22 major events were storm-related.

Not Just 2020

While we certainly would hope 2020 to be an extreme example, it does seem to be following a trend of especially dangerous years for severe weather outbreaks. The previous two years joined caused a combined $136 billion in damages, and 2017 saw a record-high $300 billion.

Indeed, each of the last 10 years has suffered at least eight major weather disasters in the U.S., and the last six years have seen a minimum of 10 each.

Storms happen year-round and are no respecters of locale, so it’s crucial that we stay alert and prepared when storms are forecast. But if extreme weather overcomes your preparations, remember that SERVPRO is on call ²⁴⁄₇ to help you through the restoration and recovery process.

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

How Thunderstorms Impact Pennsylvania | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can be beautiful, but can also cause damage

Just over a week ago, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency sponsored a week dedicated to educating the public and bringing awareness to the severe weather patterns that impact our communities. The information discussed the ins and outs of thunderstorms, hail and flooding, and we wanted to help continue that conversation by looking at some of the ways that storms impact Pennsylvania.

Spring and summer are the most common times for thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are defined as any storm that has thunder and lightning.

A severe thunderstorm is classified as a strong storm that has thunder and lightning and contains hail that is one inch or larger in diameter and has straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour or greater.

The Main Differences That Mean a Storm Is Called “Severe”

Lightning strikes. Lightning is considered one of the most dangerous elements of a thunderstorm for various reasons, but its elusiveness has evaded scientists as they are not able to identify where or when the next strike will be. Not only does it have the ability to cause serious damage to property, such as starting a house fire or felling trees, it has also been reported that about 300 injuries each year are due to lightning strikes.

Hail damage. Hail that comes in a severe thunderstorm is at least one inch or larger in diameter, many times much larger than this. Couple this size with the speed at which it falls (up to 72 miles per hour), and it is a recipe for significant damage, especially to uncovered vehicles, people or pets that are not adequately protected, and the sidings and roofs of houses.

Flash flooding. It is a common misconception that flooding can only happen in designated flood plains. Flash flooding is possible at any time and under the right conditions, it can create a life-threatening scenario in mere minutes. If there is heavy rainfall, a backed-up storm drain or overflowing roadside ditches, these flooded roadways can do damage to vehicles and also have the potential to carry away a car in the tide.

Thunderstorms can be a serious problem for business- and home-owners. If you have been impacted by a storm, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County to see how our team and techniques can get your property back to pre-storm condition.

How Can I Tell if My Basement Has Water Damage? | SERVPRO® or Shippensburg/Perry County

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Signs of water damage in a basement

Basements are a wonderful addition to any home. While it’s a great place for additional storage, a “bonus” room or an at-home gym, it can also act as a safe place to go during the event of seriously inclement weather.

However, due to the nature of how basements are dug into the ground, they can come with their own challenges, particularly water damage. While it’s not a guarantee that your basement will suffer water damage, many homes do for a variety of reasons.

Because of this, it’s good to be extra vigilant for signs of water damage so that you can prevent any further damage later on. Here will be looking at some signs of water damage so that you can keep your basement in peak condition.

3 Top Signs That There Is Water Damage In a Basement

Musky, unpleasant odors. Water that gets into a basement can remain stagnant for quite some time, and when it evaporates, it can leave quite an unpleasant smell. This pungent odor is almost exclusively caused by mold and mildew in the environment, so if you suspect that it’s just the common “musty smell” that most basements have, remember that this is a common misconception and it may be a serious red flag leading to water damage.

Flaking paint from the walls. Waterproof paint is sometimes adhered to interior basement walls and masonry with all good intentions by homeowners and landlords. However, this paint can oftentimes simply mask any issues related to water damage and results in compounded problems later on. Even though it’s classified as waterproof, it’s still possible for this paint to chip, peel and bubble on the surface under the right circumstances.

Foundational cracks. Cracks in homes can sometimes be caused by the house settling over time, but finding cracks in the foundation should be investigated as it may be a sign of water damage. Hairline cracks aren’t a major cause for immediate concern, but if they grow in size or width, they should be seen and treated by a professional immediately.

If you have experienced any of these signs of water damage in your basement, give us a call. We’ll be happy to have our water restoration technicians review the damage and give you an assessment on how we can help treat it properly. Contact SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County today!

Backyard Fire Hazard Awareness SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can be a beautiful thing! Be careful that it stays where it should.

Spring practically begs us to head outdoors. There’s so much to enjoy, from the mild, breezy weather to the incredible display of nature’s beauty. And there’s a renewed sense of life that it all brings that energizes us and calls us to get out of the house and enjoy the world around us, or at the very least to head out in the yard and play catch.

One of the things many people love to do most outdoors in this season is barbecue, and just about any excuse to fire up the grill will do. But the increase in grilling and backyard activity also unfortunately means a rise in spring and summer fires.

In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But keeping fires at bay is pretty simple, and you can stay ahead of the curve by observing a few simple guidelines:

The grill. The grill is the first thing to check to avoid fires caused in springtime. This is only natural because grills are basically billboards for fire danger. Make sure your grill is sturdy and on solid ground, away from anything flammable. Don’t use liquid accelerants to make your fire burn quicker or hotter (the same goes for fire pits), always stay with the grill while it’s cooking and make sure to clean it between uses. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

The fire pit. Visions of marshmallows roast in your head at this time of year, and you should by all means make them a reality. But be safe with your fire pit! Avoid flying embers by using a grate cover, keeping leaves and pine needles out of the fire and extinguishing your fire slowly instead of dumping water on it suddenly. Don’t ever leave it unattended, and don’t allow pets or kids near unsupervised.

Chimneys and dryer vents. While you’re thinking about fire safety, go ahead and clean that chimney out, removing dangerous soot and ash from inside, so you don’t end up with a hazard in the fall when you need your fireplace again. Take off your dryer’s vent pipe, removing any dangerous lint from the inside—and do this again in six months.

Your local SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call us today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

Put Returning Customers and Employees at Ease With a Deep-Clean | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg/Perry County

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County team.

From rural areas in Shippensburg and Perry County to major metro areas like Philadelphia, communities and families are high on hope that “normal” life is returning as the COVID-19 pandemic slowly makes its way to the rear view mirror, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic recovery as well.

But as cautious shoppers and contagion-conscious employees return to in-person shopping habits and on-site work, it’s now on you as a business owner to provide them with a place of safety, and to make sure they know you’ve made their health a priority.

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you both of those things. We’ll sanitize your building with a custom cleaning compound that’s proven effective against no less than MRSA to anthrax, and we’ll equip you with a way to let your customers know before they ever walk through the door that they’re safe in your store or office.

It’s all possible because of the three C’s:

Consult. Your business isn’t quite like any other, and we know that means it has sanitation needs that other area businesses don’t have. So we’ll come up with a cleaning plan that suits your business to a T. It helps that SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies of southeastern Pennsylvania.

Clean. Once we sort out your specific needs, we’ll get to work doing the work of disinfecting. With our proprietary solutions, we’ll give you an extreme clean that meets or exceeds CDC standards, is NSF-approved for use around food and is EPA-tested for safety around kids, pets and the elderly. And our focus is bigger than COVID-19—our methods are designed to reduce the risk of a host of other illness-inducing germs.

Certify. Now you can let your employees and customers know that you’ve gone the extra mile to make your business as clean and safe as it can possibly be by displaying the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your windows or on your door. We’ll also hook you up with other physical and digital resources to let everyone know your building is spick-and-span, instilling peace of mind in every prospective entrant.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Appliance Leaks

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Dishwasher that caused a water damage

How often do you check your supply line to your appliances?  It is a good idea to check them on a regular basis to ensure there are no leaks, worn spots, or that a pest has chewed them.  The attached picture from SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County shows a dishwasher that had a slow leak that was not caught until the homeowner was sitting in her basement family room watching tv when water started to drip from the ceiling.  It didn't take long to figure out that the dishwasher had a very slow leak.  This leak got under the vinyl flooring in the kitchen which also soaked into the bottom of her cabinets and eventually down through the floor and insulation in the basement causing the drip that caught her eye.  When we arrived on site, the homeowner's sons had already tore out the vinyl and set up a few small fans to help start the drying process, saving us time to where we could just set up equipment and get the drying process underway with our professional grade equipment.  

Spring Cleaning Checklist

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Spring is officially here!  It is time to complete all those cleaning tasks you have been putting off.  Here is a list of things Martha Stewart says you want to make sure you don't forget to add to that list so you can keep your house looking prestige.

Wipe Walls and Ceilings: Use a vacuum to remove dust. Tackle stubborn surface grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface).

Reseal Grout Lines: The cement-based material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer; it’s best to apply it with a small foam brush. 

Vacuum and Shampoo Rugs: Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings, including Orientals, require professional cleaning. 

Dust Books and Shelves: Take everything off the Shelves, and brush shelves and books with a feather duster. Use the dust-brush or crevice tool on a vacuum to reach into tight spots. Wipe the spines of leather-bound books with a clean, soft cloth. 

Clean Upholstered Furnishings: Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. If there are stains, check the pieces for care labels. Use a vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions. 

Polish Metal Door and Window Hardware: Liquid polishes and polish-impregnated cloths work well for medium tarnished surfaces; pastes and creams are for heavier work. If tarnish doesn’t come off, try a stronger product. 

Dust Your Home Thoroughly: This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings. Always work from the top of a room down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. Avoid using dusting sprays. 

Wax Wooden Furniture: Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax, such as Butcher’s wax, a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Let wax dry; buff with a clean cloth. 

Ensure Fire Safety: Change batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year), and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans. 

Wash Window Screens: Using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush; rinse thoroughly. 

Clean Window Treatments: Many draperies and curtains are machine washable; check labels. Dry-clean fabric shades. Wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth; warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds. 

Wax Non-Wood Floors: Vinyl and linoleum floors that have lost their shine should be waxed with a polish designed for these surfaces. Most stone and tile floors can be treated with either a paste or a liquid wax designed for the material.

If you need assistance in the cleaning of your place, be sure to contact your local SERVPRO company and they will be able to assist you. 

Hurricane Irma

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

As our technicians loaded and ready to pull out.

After Hurricane Irma hit Texas, we set out with our local SERVPRO storm team to assist those affected by the terrible storm.  Our team set out September 7th and returned October 7th for a full month of helping those devastated.  It was an experience we are glad we had, but do not wish that devastation on anyone.  We did everything from removing items that were ruined or ripping apart walls and floors from the water damage done to just placing our dehumidifiers and air movers in to dry the houses out or just checking some places for moisture.  Some only had a few inches of water enter their house leaving minimal damage, while others had 6-8 feet of water enter leaving everything damaged.  Since it was storm water and entered from the outdoors after being in contact with anything and everything in its way, anything it touched was ruined because it was considered category 3 water, which is often referred to as sewage water.  Even though everyone we dealt with, whether they were located in Sour Lake or Houston areas, were affected by this storm, and many lost numerous or all of their items, they were very grateful for our services and treated us as guests to their area.  

Water Damage can cause Mold

8/22/2017 (Permalink)

This is just the beginning stages of what black mold will look like. Mold can look different depending on the type of mold.

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth.  Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control.  When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.  Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments.  If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply.  Organic materials found inside buildings, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.  Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.  

Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors.  Concerns are more likely to arise for 'at risk' people.  People most at risk include:

-infants and children

-pregnant women

-the elderly

- people with compromised respiratory systems or asthma and allergies

-people with weakened immune systems

If you think you have a mold problem, please contact a professional near you to take a look and treat it.  

1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know one of the reasons we are so unique is our 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline?  This helps us ensure timely communication and response to the situation.  Quick and accurate response time minimizes your loss expenses.  

1 - Within one hour from the notice of the loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional contacts the insured to arrange for services to be done.

4 - Within four hours from the notice of the loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional is on-site ready to start mitigation services when mitigation is necessary

8 - Within eight hours from the notice of the loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional contacts the insurance adjuster to give a verbal briefing of what the job entails and what their plans are moving forward.  

Refer to https://www.SERVPRO.com/emergency-restoration to see a water damage timeline on how quickly water damage can take effect of everything from drywall swelling to mold forming.