KEEP YOUR OFFICE SAFE BY KNOWING THE SOUNDS OF FIRE SAFETY

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Every year, Fire Prevention Week is given a theme it focuses on. This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” And it’s no surprise that the sounds of fire safety were chosen as this year’s theme. It is well documented that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can profoundly affect fire safety if we know what to listen for.

For example, the NFPA reports that working smoke alarms reduce the risk of death during a fire by over 50 percent. They also found that 41 percent of household fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarm and that 16 percent happened in homes with alarms that failed to activate.

And though smoke alarms have been instrumental in saving countless lives, there are still steps we can take to make them even more effective and keep our workplaces even safer.  Though mainly our company works closely with other businesses to meet their fire and life safety needs; we all have our own personal dwellings and families to protect as well.

Below we’ll discuss what you need to know about smoke alarms and CO alarms and some tips for keeping yourself and your coworkers safe.

Smoke Alarms

• If you hear a set of three loud beeps (BEEP BEEP BEEP), the alarm has detected smoke or fire in the building. Your next steps should be to get out of the building, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• If you hear just one chirp from your smoke alarm every 30 or 60 seconds, this means its battery is low and needs to be replaced.
• If you replace the battery and your smoke alarm continues to chirp, this means the alarm itself is due for replacement. No matter what, all smoke alarms must be changed after 10 years.

CO Alarms

• If you hear four loud beeps (BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP), your CO alarm has detected carbon monoxide in your building. After you hear these beeps, leave your building, call 9-1-1, and stay outside.
• If your CO alarm chirps once every 30 or 60 seconds, the battery must be replaced.
• If your CO alarm continues chirping with a fresh battery in place, this means the alarm must be replaced.

Fire Safety Tips

• Because you don’t know who may be visiting your business or residence, it is best to make sure all of your smoke and CO alarms throughout the property work for those with physical and sensory disabilities.
• Install a low-frequency alarm for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
• Encourage everyone in your building to keep their glasses and phone on them at all times.
• Make sure all stairways and hallways are adequately lit and have a clear walking path so everyone can evacuate safely.

Make sure your coworkers know all of the above sounds and tips for fire safety, so everyone remains safe at your place of business.

7 Essential Workplace Fire Safety Tips

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Workplace fire safety is an essential concept that all employers and business owners should know. Since you never know when a fire may occur, you should always be prepared and know what to do should this unfortunate incident occur. The good news is that you can prepare in the case of a fire. And with the right preparation, you’re more likely to act calmly if an emergency occurs. Read on to learn about the importance of workplace fire safety and seven essential workplace fire safety tips.

Importance of Workplace Fire Safety

If you operate a retail store, restaurant, industrial business, or any other type of workplace, it’s vital to have proper workplace fire safety measures in place. With the right fire safety measures, you can get employees and patrons out safely and preserve the building. Best of all, with fire safety tips you can prevent fires from occurring in the first place.

Seven Tips for Improving Fire Safety in the Workplace

Now’s the right time to improve fire safety in the workplace. You may not know what you need to do to protect your business and occupants from fires. And if you do have fire safeguards in place, make sure you have everything you need for proper fire protection. Here are seven tips to help you improve fire safety in the workplace:

1. Plan an evacuation strategy
2. Have the proper fire safety equipment in place
3. Make sure your employees are trained in fire safety
4. Ensure proper exits and fire escape routes are clearly posted
5. Make routine fire drills an employment requirement
6. Maintain equipment routinely and safely store or dispose of hazardous materials
7. Be mindful of electrical hazards and eliminate them

If you want to operate your business safely and keep fire tips in mind, these seven items will help you do so. Always be sure to update new employees on the fire safety measures. Also, hold regular meetings with your staff and remind them of these tips as well.

7 Essential Workplace Fire Safety Tips

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Workplace fire safety is an essential concept that all employers and business owners should know. Since you never know when a fire may occur, you should always be prepared and know what to do should this unfortunate incident occur. The good news is that you can prepare in the case of a fire. And with the right preparation, you’re more likely to act calmly if an emergency occurs. Read on to learn about the importance of workplace fire safety and seven essential workplace fire safety tips.

Importance of Workplace Fire Safety

If you operate a retail store, restaurant, industrial business, or any other type of workplace, it’s vital to have proper workplace fire safety measures in place. With the right fire safety measures, you can get employees and patrons out safely and preserve the building. Best of all, with fire safety tips you can prevent fires from occurring in the first place.

Seven Tips for Improving Fire Safety in the Workplace

Now’s the right time to improve fire safety in the workplace. You may not know what you need to do to protect your business and occupants from fires. And if you do have fire safeguards in place, make sure you have everything you need for proper fire protection. Here are seven tips to help you improve fire safety in the workplace:

1. Plan an evacuation strategy
2. Have the proper fire safety equipment in place
3. Make sure your employees are trained in fire safety
4. Ensure proper exits and fire escape routes are clearly posted
5. Make routine fire drills an employment requirement
6. Maintain equipment routinely and safely store or dispose of hazardous materials
7. Be mindful of electrical hazards and eliminate them

If you want to operate your business safely and keep fire tips in mind, these seven items will help you do so. Always be sure to update new employees on the fire safety measures. Also, hold regular meetings with your staff and remind them of these tips as well.

Fire Damage Needs a Meticulous Clean

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

The dangers of fire damage can last much longer than the initial fire blaze. Two of the most toxic types of damage are the fire itself and the resulting smoke damage. Smoke and soot can damage a home by permeating through the walls, upholstery, ceiling, insulation, air conditioning vents, and other hard-to-clean places.
 
This is why it is important to understand that fire damage in Overbrook/Wynnefield homes can present itself in many ways. Depending on the type of fire that attacks your home, not only are the apparent soot, ash, and fire damage unsightly but possible structure damage and future contamination are possible.
 
Never Have Your Fire Damage Overlooked Again
For example, depending on where a fire burns in a structure, it can affect support beams, load-bearing walls, and it can wreak havoc on wiring and insulation. Even if your fire emergency seemed localized to a particular area in the house, remember, the attic must be checked for damage as well.
 
SERVPRO uses our advanced cleanup methods and detection tools to check from closet to closet, room to room, and floor to ceiling, to detect all fire and post-fire damages. We know where to check to make sure your HVAC system will not spread smoke and toxins after a fire. We will make sure that your insulation is intact and that the structure of your home is safe. If we detect any need for replacement and restoration, we provide a range of services, including building services, that can take care of any fire and water damage and debris.
 
Because secondary fire damage, such as water use from firefighting efforts can also be an issue, our specialists pay much attention to a full, detailed analysis of your home’s damage before making a plan of action and beginning cleanup and restoration.
 
Contamination is not always seen by the untrained eye. It can be hidden in places such as your HVAC (air conditioning and heating) systems. SERVPRO inspects the home from attic to basement, to ensure that all vents and air circulating systems are completely clean. If you were to neglect this part of fire damage cleanup, there is always the possibility of blowing toxic dust, ash, and soot, even on the microscopic level, into your cleaned home, effectively re-contaminating it and exposing residents to its dangers.

Our 24/7 Emergency Service line is at your disposal. Contact SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County anytime at (570) 424-2290 for a quick response to your fire emergency, or to ask questions.

Tips On Weather Proofing Your Home

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring your Southern Monroe County Commercial Property

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring Flooding and water damage events in Southern Monroe County is one of our specialties.

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 Southern Monroe County

SERVPRO of Southern Monroe 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.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm Damage

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls, or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health effects. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact a reputable property restoration company to help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living conditions.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjuster to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Storm Damage Unnoticed For Several Months

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Rain can be unpredictable enough, but when storm damage is involved it can make matters even more complicated. In fact, a local office building experienced just that. Through the holiday season, they were closed for business and did not discover the damage from the rain until the office manager returned two days later.

When she and the rest of the staff saw that every inch of the carpet was soaked and files in cardboard boxes have been saturated, they began to panic. When we arrived on the scene, we let them know everything was going to be okay. Our production team began to extract water immediately from the wet carpet while the production manager measured what areas were wet and which were dry in the corners. After thoroughly checking for moisture, extracting all water, and drying for a few days, we were able to save the carpet, saving the office and property manager hundreds of dollars.

If you have water damage due to a recent storm, let our office help! 

How to protect your home from water damage

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home can experience, costing billions of dollars annually. Safeguard your most important asset against water damage with the right insurance coverage and the following practical advice.

Water damage and insurance

Different types of water damage are insured by different types of policies.

Homeowners' and renters' insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind-driven rain, and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Generally speaking, water that comes from the top down—such as rainfall and burst sprinklers—is covered by a standard homeowner's policy.

Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider for your homeowners' or renters' coverage.

Typically, water that comes from the bottom up—such as an overflowing river—is covered by a separate flood insurance policy, which can be purchased from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and from some private insurers. If you live in a flood-prone area, learn more about appropriate coverage.

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage from water disasters.

Prevent basement water seepage

• Reseal your basement. Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you've never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.
• Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows towards the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall potentially through any cracks.
• Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Maintain and understand your indoor plumbing systems

• Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Make it a practice every year to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers. You may also want to invest in a water leak monitoring and shut-off system that can alert you to any leakage issues. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks, and replace them all every five to seven years.
• Inspect showers and tubs. Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
• When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money, and time.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
• Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Repair and protect your home's exterior

• Caulk and seal windows to guard against water seepage.
• Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, and aging shingles and make necessary repairs.
• Check your downspouts. Remove debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters. Position downspouts so that they direct water away from the house.
• Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to be sure they are not creating water damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
• Install gutter guards to prevent gutter clogs and keep water flowing away from the house instead of accumulating on the roof.

Protect your possessions

• Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness, such as basements and attics.
• Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is a risk of destruction from water. Water and dampness also bring with it the threat of mold damage.
• Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged.
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage.

Why You Should Hire a Professional to Find Your Leaks

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Whenever you have a problem with your home, the first impulse is usually to tackle the problem yourself. Sometimes this can be the right choice, and the problem’s easy enough to solve on your own. Other times it’s much safer and smarter to call in the pros from the beginning.

Tracking down tricky leaks is one of those times. Sure, some leaks are easy to track down, but water has a way of traveling odd paths. So once finding a leak gets tough, then it’s time to call in some help. And here’s why:

They Know Where to Look

Water can travel strange paths before it finally comes out into your home, and you might be surprised how far it can come. That discolored spot on your basement ceiling could actually be caused by a leak in your roof or your wall on the opposite side of the house.

Professionals have tracked down hundreds, even thousands of leaks over the years. That experience gives them a wide variety of usual suspects to check, and a good number of unusual ones, too.

They Know What to Look For

That slight, turquoise line along your copper pipe? That’s where water has run along the outside and caused the copper to oxidize. It’s a sure sign that a leak is sending water traveling on the wrong side of the pipes.

Pros know these and dozens of other signs. What looks like a bit of dirt to you might indicate a serious leak in your roof, foundation, or wall. Or it might just be some dirt. A professional will be able to know the difference for certain.

They’ve Got the Right Equipment

Most of us can only use our eyes or sense of touch to lead us to water, but not the professionals. They have a wide variety of specialized equipment that can sense moisture and humidity through walls or probe underground for water deposits using ground-penetrating radar.

This equipment can be expensive to buy and tricky to use. They have years of experience using the equipment, and the know-how to put it to good use.

They Know How to Fix It

Once a professional has found the leak, they’ll know the best way to fix the leak, and will usually be able to take care of the work themselves. The truth is, any professional who comes to repair the leak will have to track it down anyway, even if you have a good idea where the leak is.

By using a professional in the first place, you remove that step from the process, saving you money and getting the leak repaired sooner.

Top 6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Major Causes of Water Damage
Did you know that a leaking faucet can cost you more or less 250 gallons of water each month? There are 12 months in a year; do the math and you will get an idea of the amount of money you get to waste each year for a single unfixed leaking faucet. Below are the 6 most common causes of commercial water damage.

Damaged sprinkler system
The law requires all commercial entities to have a sprinkler system, along with a fire alarm, installed in the building for safety purposes in case of fire. The sprinkler system should only get activated when there is too much heat from the fire. However, over time, the sprinkler can get broken and malfunction. When this happens, the sprinkler can get activated even without fire leading to serious flooding within the building.

Roof leaks
The roof should protect the occupants and everything within the building from external elements such as the heat from the sun and rain. But a leaky roof does otherwise. As the roof gets older, it also becomes more vulnerable to heavy rains and snow, resulting in water damage to your building’s roof.

Broken HVAC system
Your business’ HVAC system is an essential part of maintaining the temperature of your building and making its occupants comfortable. Studies have also shown that your HVAC system can also impact the productivity level of your employees. However, like any other part of your commercial building, your HVAC system can also experience issues such as clogging and leaking. An HVAC system that is not cleaned and maintained regularly can cause water damage from the excess water in the compression tanks.

Broken equipment and appliances
Sometimes, your building may have appliances such as a water heater, AC, washing machine, and others. Apart from that, there are also pipes within the building that can get damage anytime and cause water damage in the commercial space. Major problems happen if these equipment and appliances get broken and no one notices it or during off-hours as it can leak a significant amount of water.

Damaged windows
Another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings is damaged windows. Rainwater and moisture can seep through especially if the windows are not properly maintained and need re-caulking. While it may not cause immediate flooding, it can do great damage to the drywall and can encourage mold growth.

Natural disaster
Apart from the damage to your building’s foundation and roof, water damage in commercial buildings can also be caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rain resulting in flash floods. Clogged gutters can lead rainwater to flow towards the foundation of your building, making it more vulnerable to water damage.
Commercial water damage is a devastating problem that any business owner can experience. While there is no way to totally get rid of the threats of water damage on your building, knowing its most common causes will help you minimize the risk.

Sleeping With Your Bedroom Door Closed Could Save Your Life

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Notice the difference in the charring of the hallway versus the unburned walls in the bedroom.

Public Service Announcement: This picture taken by our firefighters while they operated at a structure fire today in The Hideout, Lake Township, Wayne County, shows proof that sleeping with your bedroom door closed could save your life. Notice the difference in the charring of the hallway versus the unburned walls in the bedroom. First arriving crews arrived to find heavy fire engulfing the entire home. The home was a total loss.

Research has shown that a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames, decrease temperatures, reduce smoke inhalation, and improve oxygen levels in the room.

Just a few decades ago the average time it took to escape a home fire was about 17 minutes. Now it is three minutes or less. This is because of the synthetic furniture, more open floor plans in homes, and other flammable materials. Just closing your bedroom door at night can give you more time to get out the bedroom windows safely and call the fire department.

Research proves that a closed door during a fire, can mean the difference between 1,000 degrees temperatures and 100 degrees temperatures. Keep your bedroom door closed to keep the extra heat out!

During a fire, a closed door can also keep carbon monoxide levels at 1,000 PPM verses 10,000 PPM when a door is left open.

Close Before You Doze. Statistics show that in 2019, every three hours and ten minute, someone dies in a house fire. Do your part and don’t become part of the statistics.

If you live in Jefferson County and are interested in joining their team, visit www.29firerescue.com/membership/ for more information.

SERVPRO’s Veteran Initiative

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

In early 2021 SERVPRO announced a new initiative called “driven to serve”. This initiative is designed to provide returning veterans with employment. This was a renewed effort on SERVPRO’s behalf to help the more than 225,000 veterans who are discharged from the United States military annually. SERVPRO set a goal of hiring 1,000 returning veterans by 2022.

SERVPRO has always valued employing service members. In fact, on November 10, 2020 the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Eugene Scalia, recognized SERVPRO Industries, LLC as one of the 675 recipients of the “2020 HIRE Vets Medallion Award’’ during an award ceremony at the U.S. Department of Labor. SERVPRO earned the Gold Award after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes job creators who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

I am proud to work for a nationally recognized franchise who values those who served our country and sacrificed so much for us. SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County recognizes the importance of this “driven to serve’’ initiative. We understand how challenging it can be for some veterans integrating back into the workforce. That is why we have decided to help in this effort. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly if you or someone you know has served and is looking for employment in the Poconos.

Please contact us directly at marketing@SERVPROmonroepike.com. We would be honored to work beside you.

--Michael Smitchel

Why Choose SERVPRO?

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

PA residents in Pike and Monroe can rest assured that the SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County Professionals will understand your situation. Our goal is to provide a premium service experience from start to finish on every claim you send our way.

Pocono Area SERVPRO Professionals are uniquely qualified to help. Our results create a measurable difference, giving you many competitive advantages.

Emergency Response to Claims

Restoring property in the Pocono Area is our SERVPRO Professional's first priority. Your customer will appreciate the immediate response and you will know everything is being done to limit the damage. We also understand the importance of having a production team that can comfort homeowners and business owners in their time of need.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Claims Professionals know the rule is, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." The Monroe Area SERVPRO Professionals make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability. We are able to get results fairly quickly in most circumstances.

Claims Inventory Service

Pocono Area SERVPRO Professionals can provide an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items.

Electronic Claims Information

Our Claims Information Center provides fast, accurate information you need to make sound decisions, creating a well documented and well organized file for every claim.

• A Complete Electronic Job File
• First Notice of Loss
• Detailed Estimate
• Digital Loss Photos
• Scanned Forms and Paperwork
• All delivered by email or hard copy
• On-line Access to All Files
• New Assignments
• Pending Jobs
• Completed Jobs
• Informative Reports to Improve Results
• Job Cost Data

Superior, Time-Tested Training

Effective training is the best way to help ensure your customers receive the service they deserve. Franchises are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration. In addition, continuing education classes are available to franchise professionals and insurance clients at our state-of-the-art IICRC Approved Training Facility.

Vendor Qualification Compliance and Professionalism

If you call SERVPRO, we will use only qualified vendors to service your customer. That commitment resulted in:

• A Customer Care Center to achieve prompt handling of the claim
• Implementation of best practices and job process programs
• National Accounts qualification criteria and annual compliance checks
• Crew and vehicle standards
• Insurance requirements
• File documentation requirements
• Quality assurance program

Serving Adjusters and Their Clients

A SERVPRO Professional's job is to perform premium service and report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim, and not to deal with problems from vendors! Working together we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you are assigned. 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file are available to you within hours.

--Michael Smitchel

How SERVPRO Cleans and Disinfects Your Home or Business

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO always follows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting your home or business:

• Wear reusable or disposable gloves for all cleaning and disinfection.
• Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
• Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
• Focus cleaning on frequently touched surfaces. High touch surfaces include:
  • Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

SERVPRO always uses EPA-approved disinfectants and follows the EPA guidelines for safe and effective usage.

To schedule a cleaning and disinfection of your home or business, call us today at 570-424-2290

-Michael Smitchel

SERVPRO on the Frontlines of the Pandemic

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been on the front lines of this pandemic since it hit our shores. Early in the pandemic, the federal government was bringing people back from overseas. The government along with the world was still figuring out how the COVID-19 was spread. Even with a lack of consensus at the time, SERVPRO was the trusted Cleanup and Restoration company that the government turned to in their time of need. 

That is because SERVPRO is a leader in cleanup and restoration. We have over 50 years of experience in biohazard cleaning. Our trusted employees are trained, familiar, and equipped with leading industry technologies and supplies to clean up any Biohazard including COVID-19. We arm our cleaning support team with protective equipment, proprietary cleaning products which are FDA approved, and top of the line production equipment to get the job done safely.

Each of our employees undergoes vigorous training and shadowing in the field to help them become familiar with safety protocols and procedures. This helps to ensure that they are getting the job done safely and effectively.

As we start to open our country up and hopefully put this pandemic behind us, it is important to remember that the standard of clean has changed.  In a recent survey, 80% of consumers surveyed expressed concerns about visiting brick and mortar locations, citing cleanliness as a top concern for them.

Having your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned with a decal on the front window can help communicate to consumers that you hear their concerns and you take their safety and well being seriously.

Call today to make an appointment to have your Monroe County home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! 570-424-2290

--Michael Smitchel

SERVPRO’s Newest Employee

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Onboarding

Onboarding at SERVPRO as a sales and marketing representative (SMR) has been exciting. I, like many SMRs who start at SERVPRO, have not come from a Fire, Water, or Mold restoration background. Learning the new industry and learning how to represent such a great brand has been a lot of fun. However, the experience has been slightly dampened by the global pandemic, which has thrown a proverbial wrench into what I have learned are SERVPRO’s normal day-to-day operations.

Normal Operations

Prior to the pandemic, SERVPRO utilized in-person visits to keep their clients and customers up-to-date on the latest happenings. Part of this was monthly visits to real estate, insurance, and other offices with which SERVPRO has a strong relationship.

The Wrench

With many employees working remotely, there are less people in the community to visit in-person. And those still working in an office don’t need excessive interactions for the time being. SMRs have had to shift the way they keep their customers informed.

The Plan Until Things Get Back to ''Normal''.

When I was hired at SERVPRO, I was asked what ideas I may be able to bring to these extraordinary sets of challenges that we faced. My answer was merely a suggestion that we rely on newer technology and evolve while sticking to our roots. The root of SERVPRO, as I have come to understand, is helping people when disaster strikes. The idea is the quicker we respond, the quicker a business or homeowner gets back to normal. The main goal of these visits is to educate and potential clients to allow them to become familiar with the SERVPRO brand and process.

Adapting to Whatever ''Normal'' Is.

I come from a digital marketing background, and I know the value of informing the community. It’s my belief that, now more than ever, it is imperative that we take this time to utilize technology and the brand that SERVPRO has worked so hard to build. I have been brought on board to make those suggestions where I see an opportunity for us to grow our digital footprint. We intend to stick to our roots of educating clients by visiting those who still don't mind us stopping by in the traditional manner dropping off the most recent literature regarding our services. We plan to continue to have our traditional ‘’lunch and learn’’ with them whenever indoor dining becomes available again. Those who wish to socially distance, we have decided to offer a chance to participate in a digital ''lunch and learn''. This involves utilizing video call technology to walk clients through presentations while they munch on some of their favorite local takeout. We felt this would be a good way to help struggling restaurants who are still dealing with ever changing restrictions on their businesses.

Where There is Change, There is Opportunity.  

SERVPRO is happy to be able to offer Coronavirus disinfection services. We offer both preventative cleaning, as well as for when there have been confirmed cases.

We have proprietary disinfectants and a trained team of professionals to get the job done safely. COVID-19 has made businesses question how they clean their buildings. Once a business learns the level at which we clean, they see the value in having a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned decal on their window. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned decal communicates to their customer base that they care enough about the safety of their customers that they hired the largest and most trusted brand in restoration to provide a clean environment to conduct business.

SERVPRO has been sticking to our roots, providing our clients with top-notch service, and making fire, water, mold, and surface contamination "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning vs Sanitizing vs Disinfecting

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

It is important for all parties to understand the different levels of cleaning that may or may not be possible for each surface. All surfaces can be cleaned, many surfaces can be sanitized, and some surfaces can be disinfected.

The three main levels of microbe control are:

General surface cleaning – physically removes visible dirt, organic matter, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. General surface cleaning is accomplished with water, detergent, and physical scrubbing of the surface. The guiding principal is to remove microbes if possible, rather than kill them (with a sanitizer or disinfectant). In addition, thoroughly cleaning a surface can reduce the need to disinfect because without the nutrients and moisture needed to survive and multiply, most microbes cannot live on a clean and dry surface for very long.

Sanitizing – reduces but does not necessarily eliminate all the bacteria on a treated surface. Sanitizers do not have claims for viruses or fungi. To be a registered sanitizer, the test results for a product must show a reduction of at least a. 99.9% in the number of each type of bacteria tested on non-food-contact surfaces. Examples of non-food-contact sanitizers include carpet sanitizers, air sanitizers, laundry additives, and in-tank toilet bowl sanitizers.

Disinfecting – works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. Disinfecting destroys or irreversibly inactivates infectious or other undesirable microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi. The number of microbes killed during a disinfecting process will vary, depending on the specific chemical and how it is used.

High-Touch Cleanup vs Enhanced Cleanup

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

A COVID-19 cleanup scope is dependent on the type of coronavirus situation.

High Touch Cleanup: Cleanup of high touch surfaces is required for a situation involving a person who is suspected to have COVID-19 or a Person Under Investigation (PUI); which is someone who is involved in a quarantine situation or has come in contact with someone who has been in a quarantine situation, or has come in contact with someone testing positive. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of high touch nonporous surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing of high touch porous surfaces.

Enhanced Cleanup: Enhanced cleanup is required for an area in which a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 has inhabited. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of all nonporous surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing of all porous surfaces. This enhanced cleaning includes walls up to 8 feet but excludes ceilings.

A combination of High Touch Cleanup and Enhanced Cleanup may be needed within a structure based on where the infected individual has directly traveled or occupied.

Five Tips to Protect Employees’ Health

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Five Tips to Protect Employees’ Health

Healthy employees are crucial to your business. Here are 5 ways to help them stay healthy.

3) Develop other flexible policies for scheduling and telework (if feasible) and create leave policies to allow employees to stay home to care for sick family members or care for children if schools and childcare close.

4) Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about their plans. Discuss the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies.

5) Promote etiquette for coughing and sneezing and handwashing. Provide tissues, no-touch trash cans, soap and water, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Call SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County at 570-424-2290 to clean and disinfect any areas a sick customer or employee visited.

Five More Tips to Protect Employees’ Health

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Five More Tips to Protect Employees’ Health

Healthy employees are crucial to your business. Here are 5 more ways to help them stay healthy.

1) Plan to implement practices to minimize face-to-face contact between employees if social distancing is recommended by your state or local health department. Actively encourage flexible work arrangements such as teleworking or staggered shifts.

2) Perform routine environmental cleaning. Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces, such as workstations, countertops, handrails, and doorknobs. Discourage sharing of tools and equipment, if feasible.

3) Consider the need for travel and explore alternatives. Consider using teleconferencing and video conferencing for meetings, when possible.

4) Provide education and training materials in an easy to understand format and in the appropriate language and literacy level for all employees, like fact sheets and posters.

5) If an employee becomes sick while at work, they should be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home immediately. Call SERVPRO at 570-424-2290 to clean and disinfect areas the sick employee visited.

Top 5 Ways to Protect Pipes From Freezing

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Temperatures around East Stroudsburg are beginning to dip below freezing. With freezing temperatures comes the risk of frozen pipes.

Here are the Top 5 ways to protect your pipes from freezing this winter:

1) Pools and Sprinklers Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

2) Outdoor Valves Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

3) Home Insulation Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

4) Pipe Insulation Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

5) Pipe Relocation Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

Source: Red Cross

Top 5 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

With freezing temperatures creeping their way into Monroe County, now is the time to consider the risk of frozen pipes. Taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing is a lot easier than dealing with the mess after your pipes freeze.

Here are the Top 5 ways to prevent pipes from freezing:

1) Garages Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

2) Kitchens and Bathrooms Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

3) Faucet Drip When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

4) Thermostat Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

5) Extended Leave If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Source: Red Cross

5 Steps to Thaw Frozen Pipes

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

If you follow the proper steps to protect your pipes from freezing, then frozen pipes shouldn't be an issue. But drastic weather always has the potential to be an issue.

If you find yourself with a partially or completely frozen pipe, here are the five steps you should take:

Step 1) If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

Step 2) Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

Step 3) Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

Step 4) Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

Step 5) Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

STEP 6: SERVPRO

If you experience any water leaks or other damage from frozen pipes, call SERVPRO at 570-424-2290. We specialize in cleanup and restoration after any sort of leak, especially frozen pipes. We are available 24/7 and we are always HERE TO HELP!

COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County is working with the Pocono Mountains United Way to help provide relief during this COVID-19 pandemic. One way the United Way is helping is with their Crisis Response Fund. 

Hosted by Pocono Mountains United Way, the Crisis Response Fund is providing flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of this outbreak. Grants fund organizations that have deep roots in community and strong experience working with residents without health insurance and/or access to paid sick leave, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare and tourism workers, and communities of color, among others. The Fund is designed to complement the work of public health officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.  

The first phase of rapid-response grants is increasing resiliency in disproportionately affected communities by addressing the economic impact of reduced and lost work due to the broader COVID-19 outbreak, the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by COVID-19 related closures, the increased demand for medical information and support, and fear and confusion about the outbreak among our most vulnerable residents. We anticipate that the primary areas of need includes: Food for children out of school, housing assistance for displaced workers (renters and owners), people experiencing homelessness (shelters in Monroe County are full or no longer taking new individuals and families due to the recent crisis) and college students facing barriers.  Pocono Mountains United Way reserves the right to support other areas of need that develop from the crisis. 

Pocono Mountains United Way is administering grants from the Fund and the decision of funding is determined by a subset of the Board of Directors of Pocono Mountains United Way and other community leaders. Together we are proactively identifying potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential recipients from community advisers, and recommend final awards. Funds are being released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases. 

Top 5 Tips for Winter Pet Safety

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

As winter approaches here in the Poconos, we can't forget to keep our pets safe during the cold weather. Winter storms can pose a real hassle for us, as well as our little friends.

Here are the Top 5 tips for winter pet safety:

1) If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.

2) If the animals are outside, make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

3) If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet’s body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

4) Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.

5) Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.

Source: Red Cross

Top 10 Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

The current pandemic may be keeping us from seeing our families this Thanksgiving, but that's not going to stop some of us from deep frying our turkeys. If you fall into that group, especially if this is your first time, take a minute to make sure you are doing it as safely as possible.

Here are the Top 10 tips for safely deep frying a turkey:

1. Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
2. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
3. Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
4. Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
5. Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
7. Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
8. Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
9. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
10. Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.

Source: State Farm

Winter Storm Words to Know

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

In Monroe County, winter is coming. And with it, winter storms. You'll hear a lot about them, so it's important to know exactly what all of the commonly used phrases are referring to.

Here is a list of the top winter storm words to know:

Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground. This makes a layer of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Sleet: Rain that turns to ice before reaching the ground.

Frostbite: A medical condition when skin or body tissue is damaged from freezing. Hypothermia: A sickness when your body temperature drops below what is needed to be healthy and work properly. Winter Weather: A warning issued when conditions could cause dangerous situations (such as icy roads or sidewalks). Winter Storm Watch: A warning issued when severe winter conditions may affect your area. Winter Storm Warning: A warning issued when a lot of snow or sleet is expected in the next few hours or day.

Ice Dam First-Aid

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

A major cause of water damage in the winter is ice damming.  If you suspect you may have an ice dam on your roof, there are steps you can take to help minimize the damage.

• Remove snow from the roof. This eliminates one of the ingredients necessary for the formation of an ice dam.
• A "roof rake" and push broom can be used to remove snow, but may damage the roofing materials.
• In an emergency situation where water is flowing into the house structure, making channels through the ice dam allows the water behind the dam to drain off the roof.

The are all temporary solutions. If you are having an issue with ice damming, a long-term solution needs to be sought.

Source: UMN

Top 5 Hazards of Kerosene Heaters

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

If you are one of the many homes and businesses around Monroe and Pike County that use a kerosene heater, you should take precautions against a number of serious hazards.

Here are the Top 5

1) Fire Fire could be caused by operating the heater too close to furniture, draperies or other combustibles, by knocking over a lighted heater, or by accidentally igniting fuel when filling the tank.

2) Explosions Explosions could be caused by use of the wrong kind of fuel, or by operating the heater in an area where there are combustible fumes.

3) Burns Burns could be caused by direct contact with a heater, or by ignition of combustible clothing. Children especially should be kept at a safe distance from operating heaters. Even pets could be injured.

4) Asphyxiation Kerosene heaters consume oxygen as they burn. If they are operated in a small room or in an inadequately ventilated area, oxygen in the air could be reduced to a dangerous level. Reduced oxygen supply could lead to incomplete combustion of fuel and the production of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which in sufficient concentrations, or if breathed over a period of time, can kill without warning.

5) Indoor air pollution In addition to carbon monoxide, kerosene heaters can emit such pollutants as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Breathing these substances can create a risk, especially to such people as pregnant women, asthmatics, individuals with cardiovascular disease, elderly persons and young children.

Source: iii

Top 5 Features of Radiant Kerosene Heaters

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Radiant heaters - usually rectangular in shape - are designed for smaller areas. They also feature a wick and combustion chamber and have, in addition, a reflector which directs heat at people or objects.

1) Removable Fuel Tank Having a removable fuel tank means that the heater can stay in place. Only the fuel tank needs to be carried to where the fuel is stored. A radiant heater without a removable fuel tank must be moved for each refueling - just like a convective model.

2) (UL) Label Be sure your heater has a recognized seal of approval such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. The UL label means the heater has performed well under test conditions and meets acceptable fire safety standards.

3) Battery-Operated Lighting Device Be sure your heater has a battery-operated lighting device — it eliminates the need for matches.

4) Safety Shutoff Device Heaters should have a safety shutoff device, which extinguishes the flame if the unit is jarred or tipped over.

5) Electric Fan Electric fans will increase the flow of warm air from the heater.

Source: iii

Top 10 Kerosene Heater Safety Tips - Part 1

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Safety First!

Here is the first half of the Top 10 important safety tips to consider if you plan on using a kerosene heater this winter:

1) Wick Check the wick every week or two during the heating season. If it's dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2) Spills Wipe up any kerosene spillage at once - it's a fire hazard - and to remove dust and dirt regularly.

3) Proper Fuel Never use a substitute such as gasoline or camp stove fuel. In a kerosene heater, such fuels could start a fire or explode. Kerosene heaters require 1-K grade kerosene. When colored or cloudy kerosene is burned, it will give off an odor, smoke and cause increased indoor pollution levels because the fuel's higher sulphur content sharply boosts sulphur dioxide emissions. And kerosene other than 1-K grade can gum up the wick. 

4) Keep Your Distance Place kerosene heaters several feet away from all furniture, curtains, papers, clothes, bedding and other combustible materials.

5) Free of Fumes Do not use a kerosene heater in a room where there are flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, lacquers, gasoline, kerosene containers or any type of oil.

Source: iii

Top 10 Kerosene Heater Safety Tips - Part 2

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Safety First!

Here is the second half of the Top 10 important safety tips for your kerosene heaters:

6) Kids and Pets Parents of babies, toddlers and young children, as well as pet owners, should be aware that touching any part of an operating kerosene heater above the open flame could result in a serious burn.

7) Safety Cages Use a safety cage to keep small children and pets at a distance.

8) Moving Never attempt to move a lighted kerosene heater. Even a carrying handle could cause a burn. Extinguish the flame and allow the heater to cool before moving it.

9) Refueling Never refuel a kerosene heater in living quarters or when the heater is still hot. Wait for it to cool.

10) Sleeping Turn off your kerosene heater before you go to sleep. Fire officials strongly urge to use your central heating system while the family is sleeping.

Source: iii

Emergency Car Kit

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

We're in the second half of October, which means that winter is right around the corner.  If you are one of the many people that may occasionally need to drive during inclement winter weather, it is a good idea to keep a fully stocked Emergency Car Kit in your vehicle at all times.

Nothing is safer than not traveling during inclement weather, but if it is necessary, having these items can save your life in the case of an emergency:

• Portable cellphone charger
• Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Tow chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
• Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
• Hazard or other reflectors
• Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares
• Road maps
• Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water

Source: CDC

Preparing Your Car for Winter Weather

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

With winter right around the corner, now is the best time to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the winter weather. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall, do the following:

• Have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze as needed.
• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Make sure the tires on your car have adequate tread and air pressure. Replace any worn tires and fill low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your car (typically between 30-35 psi).
• Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Keep your car in good working order. Be sure to check the following: heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil, and battery.

In addition you should keep an Emergency Car Kit in your vehicle at all times.

Source: CDC

Fireplace Safety

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

With the cold weather approaching, the thought of curling up in front of the fireplace seems more and more inviting. If this is something you plan on doing this winter, please make sure your are prepared.

Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one online.

Smoke Detector / Carbon Monoxide Detector

• If you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
• Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside.
• Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.

Source: CDC

5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown

1. Maintain indoor humidity as low as possible, not exceeding 50%, as measured with a humidity meter. Building managers may consider continuous monitoring of indoor humidity using a digital hygrometer, ideally more than once daily, to minimize the need to access the building.
2. After a prolonged shutdown and before occupants return, buildings should be assessed for mold and excess moisture.
3. After an assessment has confirmed that mold and moisture are not detected, OR after remediation has been completed, a building HVAC system that has not been active during a prolonged shutdown should be operated for at least 48 to 72 hours (known as a “flush out” period) before occupants return.
4. After a building is reopened and occupied, routine (e.g., weekly) checks of the HVAC system are recommended to ensure operating efficiency.
5. If no routine HVAC operation and maintenance program is in place for the building, one should be developed and implemented.

Source: CDC

From 50 Firefighters to Re-Opened

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fire at 6:00 AM

An early morning kitchen fire on Monday caused heavy damage at Tony’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, a landmark pizza shop on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg.

The fire, reported by an automatic fire alarm just before 6 a.m., not only temporarily knocked Tony’s out of business but left three apartments unlivable, and five people without a place to stay, said Fire Chief Dale Fetterly.

The fire also left a big question mark over when Tony’s neighbor, Derailed Taphouse, would reopen.

“Not sure yet,” said owner Marc Jackett, who opened the business last summer. He said it was difficult to determine what was damaged because there was no electrical or gas service to the building...

Enter SERVPRO

SERVPRO came in as soon as the scene was secure.  While SERVPRO cleaned the interior of Derailed from top to bottom, owners worked on getting electric and gas restored. After a fast and thorough SERVPRO cleaning, Derailed was able to reopen at 5:00pm that same day, less than 12 hours after the first alarm.

Source: Pocono Record

Power Strips vs. Surge Protectors

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Not All Power Strips Are Surge Protectors

"Power strips and surge protectors, also called surge suppressors, are different. 

Typically, power strips are cheap, multi-outlet products that are merely an expansion of a wall outlet. These usually have a circuit breaker (on/off switch) of some sort, but most don't offer any real "protection" from electrical issues. Some might have the barest level of protection, but they're all pretty much just like plugging into the wall direct.

Surge protectors are relatively cheap too, but unlike power strips they offer some level of protection against power spikes. How much and how well varies considerably."

Source: CNET

How To Tell

When shopping for a surge protector, make sure you are getting a surge protector, and not just a power strip.  The easiest way to be sure your are going to be protecting your electronics is to check the Joule rating of the product.  A power strip will not have a Joule rating, as it does not offer any protection.  When looking at actual surge protectors, the higher the Joule rating, the more protection you have against power surges.

What To Do With Food After A Flood

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

What To Do With Food That Has Come Into Contact With Flood Water

When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away food that may have come in contact with floodwater – like:

• Home-canned foods.
• All foods in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, cellophane (plastic wrap) or cloth.
• Meat, poultry, eggs or fish.
• Spices, seasonings, extracts, flour, sugar, grain, coffee and other staples in canisters.
• Unopened jars with waxed cardboard seals, such as mayonnaise and salad dressing. Also, throw away preserves sealed with paraffin wax.
• Throw away any fruits and vegetables that have been in contact with floodwaters – including those that have not been harvested from gardens.
• Wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers.

You do NOT need to throw away the following items if they have been in contact with floodwater:

• Commercially canned foods that came into contact with floodwater and have been properly cleaned by: labeling cans with the name of food in permanent marker; removing labels; washing cans in water containing detergent; soaking cans for at least one minute in chlorine solution; rinsing in clean, cool water; placing on sides to dry (do not stack cans).
• Dishes and glassware if they are sanitized by boiling in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach per quart of water.
• If electricity at your home has been off for long periods of time, throw away perishable foods (like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leftovers, etc.) that have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more.

Source: PA DEP

SERVPRO can sort and dispose of any non-salvageable items after a flood and even create an inventory list for you and your insurance company.

How to Prevent Sewage Back Up After A Flood

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Tips to prevent sewage back up into your home after a flood:

• Plug all drains in the basement and drastically reduce water use in your home.

• Do not use the system if the soil is saturated and flooded. Conserve water as much as possible.

• Septic systems with pump chambers can be clogged by silt during times of flooding, take measures to prevent any silt from entering the system.

• Do not open the septic tank for pumping while the soil is saturated, this can lead to silt entering the drain field.

• Avoid any work on or around the disposal field while the soil is still wet or flooded to prevent ruining the soil conductivity.

• If the septic system backs up into the house check the tank for outlet blockage, as flooding will cause fats and grease in the tank to float and potentially clog the outlet tee.

• Ensure any electrical or mechanical devices in the system avoid contact with the flooded system until it is dry and clean.

• Mud and sediment have a tendency to clog filters and aerobic plants during a flooding event, these systems will need to be washed and racked to prevent clogging.

Source: PA DEP

SERVPRO can come in to clean flood water, or a sewage back up. No matter how much or what kind of water has flooded your home, SERVPRO can clean it up, disinfect, and make it "Like it never even happened."

What To Do After Flood Waters Recede

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

What To Do After Flood Waters Recede

• Do not drink well water until it is tested. Contact your local health department.

• Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.

• Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

• Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. Check your local phone book for a list of septic system contractors who work in your area.

• If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly.

• Have the septic system pumped by a qualified contractor as soon as possible after the flood. Be sure that both the tank and lift station are pumped. This will remove silt and debris that may have washed into the system. Remember: The tank should not be pumped during flooded or saturated drain field conditions. At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes.

• Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field’s ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.

• Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity.

• Be sure the septic tank’s manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged.

• Check the vegetation over your septic tank and soil absorption field. Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover.

Source: PA DEP

Call SERVPRO immediately after any flooding or sewage back up in your home.  SERVPRO will come in, clean it up, disinfect, and make it "Like it never even happened."  The sooner you call, the faster the process can begin.

Know the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting vs. Sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

Source: CDC

We are Cleaning Experts

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County, 570-424-2290

Proactive Cleaning for Coronavirus

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

SERVPRO® franchise professionals offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

About Coronavirus

The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has spread to 60 locations internationally (as of this publication), including cases in the United States. The virus known as “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”)i is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Scope of Cleanup Protocol

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well, including:

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

Cleanup and Disinfecting Procedures

Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19.

SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.

Porous surfaces that are not water-sensitive, such as carpet and other fabric material, cannot be disinfected but can be sanitized using SERVPROXIDE™.

Use Caution After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration Information

For Homes, Businesses, Schools & More…

After the flood waters recede and the clean up has been done, most folks want to get back into their homes or businesses and start rebuilding. The problem is that wood that has been submerged in water has likely absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood and wall coverings.

Flood waters are not clean water; therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.

Caution!

• Inspect for structural and electrical damage from outside to determine if it is safe to enter.
• Electrical safety is extremely important in floods. Check for fire hazards and gas leaks. Use battery-powered light sources.
• Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
• Wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
• Be watchful for fire ants, snakes, or other animals.
• If mold is present, wear a respirator that can filter spores.

Source: Texas A&M

Insurance Claims After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Insurance Claims

If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance adjuster immediately.

• Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible. Do not wait for adjuster. Take photos for use as an inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives.
• Clean home or business so the adjuster can see the damage.
• Keep damaged materials for proof of loss.
• Leave a phone number where you can be reached when the adjuster arrives.
• The adjuster will assess damages to the house. The owner should sign a proof of loss statement. Additional damage can be added when found.
• Contact governmental offices for information.
• If you do not have flood insurance, your homeowner’s or business insurance likely will not cover the loss. If the flood has been declared a federal disaster by the President, apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).

Source: Texas A&M

Food and Water Sanitation After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Food and Water Sanitation

Until your local water company, utility, or public health department declares your water source safe, purify your water, not only for drinking and cooking, but also for washing any part of the body or dishes.

Water: Strain water through a clean cloth or filter; then boil water vigorously for a full minute; let cool. If boiling is not possible, use fresh unscented liquid chlorine bleach (8 drops or 1/8 tsp/gallon of clear water; 16 drops or 1/4 tsp/gallon of cloudy water); stir; let stand 30 minutes. Iodine and purification tablets are not recommended.

Food: Undamaged, commercially-prepared foods in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved if you remove the labels, thoroughly wash the cans, rinse them, and then disinfect them with a sanitizing solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of potable water. Finally, re-label containers that had the labels removed, including the expiration date, with a marker.

Utensils: Discard flood-contaminated wooden cutting boards and spoons, plastic utensils, baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers. Thoroughly wash metal and ceramic pans, utensils, and dishes with hot soapy water and sanitize by boiling them in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tsp chlorine bleach/quart water.

Source: Texas A&M

Electrical Safety After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Electrical Systems

Be sure all electric and gas services are turned off before entering the premises for the first time.

Download and carefully review the publication, “Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment,” by NEMA.org. This 11-page document, published in September 2019, provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water. Outlines items that will require complete replacement or that can be reconditioned by a trained professional. Equipment that is covered includes electrical distribution equipment, motor circuits, power equipment, transformers, wire, cable and flexible cords, wiring devices, GFCIs and surge protectors, lighting fixtures and ballasts, motors and electronic products.

You should always have an electrician check for grounds and other unsafe conditions before reconnecting the system.

Source: Texas A&M

Furniture and Carpet Salvage After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Furnishings and Carpets

Remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting to outdoors to be cleaned and dried (or discarded).

• Flooded carpets and rugs are best replaced since flood water may contain contaminants. Flooded carpet pads should always be discarded and replaced.
• Remove water-logged rugs, carpets, and pads within 48 hours after flooding subsides.
• If salvage is attempted, spread out rugs and carpets outdoors. Hose off. If soiled, professionally clean or work in carpet shampoo with a broom. Rinse well with a solution of 1 gallon water and 2 tablespoons liquid household chlorine bleach to sanitize (if colorfast). If carpet is wool, do not add bleach.
• Dry the carpet and subfloor thoroughly as quickly as possible. If carpet is installed damp, it can mildew.
• Carpet might shrink, but a professional may be able to stretch it.
• All upholstered furniture and mattresses contaminated by flood water should be discarded. If an upholstered furniture piece is valuable, the stuffing and upholstering will need to be replaced.  Solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored.  Hose off any mud, clean, sanitize and let dry completely out of direct sunlight.

Source: Texas A&M

Wall Drying After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Walls

Open flooded walls, even if they appear undamaged, to prevent mold, odor, and structural decay later.

• Remove water from the structure as rapidly as possible. Ventilate.
• Remove baseboards, and cut holes in wallboard to drain uninsulated walls.
• Remove the interior surface of insulated walls to a point above water height. Discard flooded drywall.
• Undamaged paneling may be propped open or reinstalled after cleaning.
• Remove and discard all wet fibrous insulation.
• Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with SERVPRO antimicrobial to kill any existing mold and fungi.
• Speed dry with dehumidifiers and fans.
• Leave walls open until they have thoroughly dried, which may take up to a month.
• Select replacement materials that will withstand future floods (such as rigid foam insulation, removable wainscoting, ceramic tile, etc.).

Source: Texas A&M

Floor Drying After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Subfloors

• Layers of submerged plywood or OSB subfloors will likely separate or swell. Affected sections must be replaced to keep the new floor covering from buckling.
• When floor coverings are removed, allow the subflooring to dry thoroughly, which may take months without a dehumidifier.
• Check for warping before installing new flooring.

Wood Floors

• Carefully remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. If boards are tongue-and-grooved, consult a carpenter or flooring professional.
• Clean and dry the floor thoroughly, which may take weeks, before replacing boards and attempting repairs.

Tile and Sheet Flooring

• If a submerged wood subfloor swells or separates, flooring will need to be removed. (Asbestos tiles should be removed only by a trained professional.)
• If the subflooring is concrete, removal of the floor covering will hasten drying of the slab, but it might not be necessary if it would ruin an otherwise unharmed material.
• If water has seeped under loose sections of sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet. Ease of flooring removal depends on the type of material and adhesive. Contact a reputable dealer to find out what product and technique (if any) will loosen the adhesive.

Source: Texas A&M

Treating Mold After Flooding

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing Mold

Aggressively control mold in the weeks and months after the flood.

• When power is available, continuously use air conditioning (or heat in winter) plus a dehumidifier, if possible, to remove humidity.
• In an unair-conditioned home, open windows and use fans to circulate air.
• Turn on electric lights in closets, and leave doors open to facilitate drying.
• Try to reduce activities that add moisture to the indoor air, and use exhaust fans when cooking and bathing.

Removing Mildew from Household Articles and Upholstery

Avoid disturbing and spreading mold spores indoors. Clean mildewed items outdoors. Learn and take precautions to minimize exposure to mold.

• Use a HEPA vacuum, if available, to remove visible mold growth. Discard the vacuum bag. Otherwise, wipe with damp paper towels, discard, and seal in plastic bags.
• Dry items in the sun, if possible.
• Sponge any remaining mildew with thick suds or a commercial cleaner designed for the type of material.
• Wipe with a clean, barely damp cloth.
• Wipe mildew-stained areas with a cloth dampened with SERVPRO antimicrobial. Dry thoroughly.

Source: Texas A&M

What Causes Ice Dams - Part I

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

What Causes Ice Dams - Part II

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Nonuniform roof surface temperatures lead to ice dams.

What causes different roof surface temperatures?

Since most ice dams form at the edge of the roof, there is obviously a heat source warming the roof elsewhere. This heat is primarily coming from the house. In rare instances solar heat gain may cause these temperature differences.

Heat from the house

Heat from the house travels to the roof surface in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is heat energy traveling through a solid. A good example of this is the heating of a cast iron frying pan. The heat moves from the bottom of the pan to the handle by conduction.

If you put your hand above the frying pan, heat will reach it by the other two methods. The air right above the frying pan is heated and rises. The rising air carries heat/energy to your hand. This is heat transfer by convection. In addition, heat is transferred from the hot pan to your hand by electromagnetic waves and this is called radiation. Another example of radiation is to stand outside on a bright sunny day and feel the heat from the sun. This heat is transferred from the sun to you by radiation.

In a house, heat moves through the ceiling and insulation by conduction through the slanted portion of the ceiling. In many homes, there is little space in regions like this for insulation, so it is important to use insulations with high R-value per inch to reduce heat loss by conduction.

The top surface of the insulation is warmer than the other surroundings in the attic. Therefore, the air just above the insulation is heated and rises, carrying heat by convection to the roof. The higher temperatures in the insulation's top surface compared to the roof sheathing transfers heat outward by radiation. These two modes of heat transfer can be reduced by adding insulation. This will make the top surface temperature of the insulation closer to surrounding attic temperatures directly affecting convection and radiation from this surface.

Heat loss by air leakage

There is another type of convection that transfers heat to the attic space and warms the roof. Air beginning inside the house and going through the penetration in the ceiling, from the light to the attic space, is heat loss by air leakage. In many homes this is the major mode of heat transfer that leads to the formation of ice dams.

Exhaust systems

Exhaust systems like those in the kitchen or bathroom that terminate just above the roof may also contribute to snow melting. These exhaust systems may have to be moved or extended in areas of high snow fall.

Chimneys

Other sources of heat in the attic space include chimneys. Frequent use of wood stoves and fireplaces allow heat to be transferred from the chimney into the attic space. Inadequately insulated or leaky duct work in the attic space will also be a source of heat. The same can be said about knee wall spaces.

So it is primarily heat flowing from the house that is causing the nonuniform temperatures of the roof surface leading to ice dams.

Source: UMN Extension

Preventing and Dealing with Ice Dams

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing Ice Dams in New Homes

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Join SERVPRO in Donating to Toys for Tots

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Toys for Tots

TOYS FOR TOTS

MISSION: The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

GOAL: The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children.

OVERVIEW: In order to better execute the Program, in 1991 the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was created at the behest of the Marine Corps.

FOUNDATION OVERVIEW: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity which was created at the behest of the U. S. Marine Corps in 1991.

FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is governed by a board of directors, all of whom are veteran Marines and successful business leaders from throughout the nation. The Foundation’s professional staff is headquartered in the Cooper Center, which is located just outside the Main Gate of Marine Corps Base, Quantico, about 35 miles south of Washington, DC.

FOUNDATION MISSION: The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. This assistance includes providing day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Program, raising funds to provide toys to supplement the collections of local Toys for Tots Campaigns, to provide promotional and support material and defray the costs of conducting annual Toys for Tots Campaigns. Other Foundation support includes providing administrative, advisory, financial, logistic and promotional support to local Toys for Tots Coordinators; managing funds raised and monies donated based on the use of Toys for Tots name or logo; providing other support the Marine Corps, as a federal agency, cannot provide; and conducting public education and information programs about Toys for Tots that call the general public to action in support of this patriotic community action program.

FOUNDATION OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the Foundation are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.

For ways to donate, please visit www.toysfortots.org/donate

Join SERVPRO in Volunteering with the West End Food Pantry

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

West End Food Pantry

The West End Food Pantry needs volunteers to help unload food trucks, grow vegetables in their gardens, run their client’s carts out to their vehicles,  distribute food, and assist at one of their many fundraisers. There are a thousand and one ways to help. Please reach out to them if you or your organization would like to be of assistance. (Remember that in order to help out on a distribution day, you must attend their pantry training course.)

Volunteer at the West End Food Pantry

Also, they desperately need used winter coats, scarves, hats, and gloves.  They want to have a stash available for those in need all through the winter.

For more information, please visit their website at www.westendpantry.com

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO + Red Cross

It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen!  Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.

Are you “Ready for whatever happens?”

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 to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program.  Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company. 

By working with SERVPRO^® of Southern Monroe County to develop your personalized 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.

Call SERVPRO at 570-424-2290 Today for a No Cost Assessment 
of Your Facility!

Kerosene Heater Safety I

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

If you use a kerosene heater in your home or place of business, you should take precautions against a number of serious hazards.

These dangers include:

Fire or explosion. Fire could be caused by operating the heater too close to furniture, draperies or other combustibles, by knocking over a lighted heater, or by accidentally igniting fuel when filling the tank. Explosions could be caused by use of the wrong kind of fuel, or by operating the heater in an area where there are combustible fumes.

Burns. Burns could be caused by direct contact with a heater, or by ignition of combustible clothing. Children especially should be kept at a safe distance from operating heaters. Even pets could be injured.

Asphyxiation. Kerosene heaters consume oxygen as they burn. If they are operated in a small room or in an inadequately ventilated area, oxygen in the air could be reduced to a dangerous level. Reduced oxygen supply could lead to incomplete combustion of fuel and the production of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which in sufficient concentrations, or if breathed over a period of time, can kill without warning.

Indoor air pollution. In addition to carbon monoxide, kerosene heaters can emit such pollutants as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Breathing these substances can create a risk, especially to such people as pregnant women, asthmatics, individuals with cardiovascular disease, elderly persons and young children.

These hazards can be minimized or averted by carefully following manufacturers' instructions for use of kerosene heaters, and by adopting other common-sense safety measures.

Source: www.iii.org

Kerosene Heater Safety II

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Picking the model

There are two types of portable kerosene heaters - convective and radiant.

The convective heater usually is circular in shape. Its fuel tank is located below the wick and combustion chamber. The wick absorbs and delivers fuel to the combustion chamber.

Convective heaters circulate warm air upward and outward in all directions. They're designed for large areas or even several rooms, but never for a small, closed area such as a bedroom. Some owners report that one or two of these units can adequately heat an entire house when the temperature stays above freezing.

Convective heaters must be moved for refueling because they don't have a removable fuel tank. Generally, refueling is done with a siphon pump. Be sure a convective heater has a fuel gauge.

Radiant heaters - usually rectangular in shape - are designed for smaller areas. They also feature a wick and combustion chamber and have, in addition, a reflector which directs heat at people or objects. Some radiant heaters have electric fans to increase the flow of warm air.

Many - but not all - radiant models have a removable fuel tank, which means that the heater can stay in place. Only the fuel tank needs to be carried to where the fuel is stored.

A radiant heater without a removable fuel tank must be moved for each refueling - just like a convective model.

Be sure your heater has a recognized seal of approval such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. The UL label means the heater has performed well under test conditions and meets acceptable fire safety standards.

Also be sure your heater has a battery-operated lighting device — it eliminates the need for matches.

Heaters should have a safety shutoff device, which extinguishes the flame if the unit is jarred or tipped over.

Source: www.iii.org

Kerosene Heater Safety III

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with hazards

A well-designed kerosene heater emits no smoke or strong odor during normal operation. But you might notice a faint kerosene odor when you enter the house.

There's also a strong odor from kerosene heaters for several minutes when they're turned on or off and when they run out of fuel. Thus, it's a good idea to check the fuel gauge regularly.

But the real danger is that misuse of kerosene heaters could replace room oxygen with carbon monoxide and lead to death by asphyxiation.

Therefore, it's important to have adequate ventilation to other rooms, and a source of fresh, outside air such as a window or door open at least one inch whenever you're using a kerosene heater.

Emission of other major pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide is an extra reason why you need adequate ventilation and fresh, outside air.

Kerosene heaters could be especially hazardous in bedrooms, particularly when units designed to heat large spaces are used in small rooms.

"You need to keep an eye on a kerosene heater and if you're sleeping, you're not going to be able to do that," warns a fire protection engineer.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, a federal government agency, has recommended strengthening of voluntary safety standards by manufacturers and continued public education regarding proper use of kerosene heaters.

Source: www.iii.org

Kerosene Heater Safety IV

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Using it safely

If you purchase a portable kerosene heater, you'll have to allow time for buying fuel, fueling the heater and taking care of maintenance.

You'll need to check the wick every week or two during the heating season. If it's dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

It's also essential to wipe up any kerosene spill-age at once - it's a fire hazard - and to remove dust and dirt regularly.

Kerosene heaters require 1-K grade kerosene. When colored or cloudy kerosene is burned, it will give off an odor, smoke and cause increased indoor pollution levels because the fuel's higher sulphur content sharply boosts sulphur dioxide emissions. And kerosene other than 1-K grade can gum up the wick. Never use a substitute such as gasoline or camp stove fuel. In a kerosene heater, such fuels could start a fire or explode.

To avoid the risk of fire even in normal operation you should place kerosene heaters several feet away from all furniture, curtains, papers, clothes, bedding and other combustible materials.

Remember that kerosene heaters have a constant open flame and should not be used in a room where there are flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, lacquers, gasoline, kerosene containers or any type of oil.

Parents of babies, toddlers and young children, as well as pet owners, should be aware that touching any part of an operating kerosene heater above the open flame could result in a serious burn.

This is why safety cages - designed to keep small children and pets at a distance - have become popular.

Never attempt to move a lighted kerosene heater. Even a carrying handle could cause a burn. Extinguish the flame and allow the heater to cool before moving it.

And never refuel a kerosene heater in living quarters or when the heater is still hot. Wait for it to cool.

Fire officials strongly urge that kerosene heaters be turned off before you go to sleep. It's better to use your central heating system while the family is sleeping.

Source: www.iii.org

Kerosene Heater Safety V

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Handling fuel

With a portable kerosene heater, you'll be making frequent trips to a kerosene fuel dealer, unless you're on a delivery route.

One large convective heater operating 15 hours a day needs up to 14 gallons of fuel a week - an amount that would require three five-gallon kerosene containers. Be sure the containers are clearly marked "Kerosene."

It's dangerous to mix gasoline and kerosene - or their containers. Never use a gasoline can as a substitute for a kerosene container.

Once you get the containers back home, you'll need a place to keep the kerosene cans and to refuel the heater.

In both cases, a garage is preferable to the house. If there's no garage, a basement location distant from the central heating system or an outside storage shed are possibilities.

Resist the temptation to refuel a hot kerosene heater in a warm house - it's like playing with dynamite! And never smoke during refueling.

Follow the siphon pump instructions and fill only about 90 percent of the tank. Cold kerosene expands in a heater tank as it warms to room temperature and could overflow if there isn't enough room.
Return the heater to the spot where it will be turned on. Open at least one window slightly and ignite the heater according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Source: www.iii.org

How To Prepare for a Winter Storm - Part 1

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting your family

• Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for young children.

• Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season to decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather.

• Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.

• Install good winter tires with adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate but some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

• Keep in your vehicle: - A windshield scraper and small broom - A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats - Matches in a waterproof container - A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna - An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing.

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Keep a supply of non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.

• Service snow removal equipment before the winter storm season and maintain it in good working order.

• Keep handy a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing for each member of the household.

How To Prepare for a Winter Storm - Part 2

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting your pets & animals

• Bring your companion animals indoors. - Ensure that you have supplies for clean up for your companion animals, particularly if they are used to eliminating outdoors (large plastic bags, paper towels, and extra cat litter).
  
  
• Create a place where your other animals can be comfortable in severe winter weather:  - Horses and livestock should have a shelter where they can be protected from wind, snow, ice, and rain. - Grazing animals should have access to a protected supply of food and non-frozen water.

• Be aware of the potential for flooding when snow and ice melt and be sure that your animals have access to high ground that is not impeded by fencing or other barriers. You may not be able to get to them in time to relocate them in the event of flooding. - Ensure that any outbuildings that house or shelter animals can withstand wind and heavy snow and ice- Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting snow on roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals' feed and water.

Winter Storm Preparedness http://fw.to/WJPjQt

How To Prepare for a Winter Storm - Part 3

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting your home

• Learn how to protect pipes from freezing

• Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.

• Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.  - Stoves must be properly vented and in good working order. Dispose of ashes safely. Keep a supply of wood or coal on hand. - Electric space heaters, either portable or fixed, must be certified by an independent testing laboratory. Plug a heater directly into the wall socket rather than using an extension cord and unplug it when it is not in use. - Use a kerosene heater only if permitted by law in your area; check with your local fire department. Use only the correct fuel for your unit. Properly ventilate the area. Refuel the unit outdoors only, and only when the unit is cool. Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions.

• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.

• If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.

• Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning

• Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Winter Storm Preparedness http://fw.to/WJPjQt

How To Prepare for a Winter Storm - Part 4

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Right before a blizzard / winter storm

If you do nothing else:

• Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.

• Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.

• Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.

• Be sure you have ample heating fuel.

• If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.

• Bring your companion animals inside and ensure that your horses and livestock have blankets if appropriate and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water.

Winter Storm Preparedness http://fw.to/WJPjQt

Myths and Facts About Sprinkler Systems (Part 1)

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Sprinkler head in a commercial building

Myth: “Water damage from a sprinkler system will be more extensive than fire damage.”

Fact: Water damage from a building sprinkler system will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from firefighting hose lines or smoke and fire damage if the fire is allowed to spread. Quick response sprinklers release 8-24 gallons of water per minute compared to 80-125 gallons per minute discharged by a fire hose.

Myth: “When a fire occurs, every sprinkler head goes off.”

Fact: Sprinkler heads are individually activated by fire temperatures in excess of 155°F. Residential fires are usually controlled with one sprinkler head. 90% of all fires are controlled with six or fewer heads and a study conducted during 80 years of automatic sprinkler use found that 82% of the fires that have occurred were controlled by two or fewer sprinkler heads.

Source:  American Fire Sprinkler Association

Myths and Facts About Sprinkler Systems (Part 2)

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Sprinkler head in a commercial building

Myth: “A smoke detector provides enough protection.”

Fact: Smoke detectors save lives by providing an early warning to a smoke or fire incident, but can do nothing to extinguish a growing fire or protect those physically unable to escape on their own, such as the elderly or small children. Too often, battery operated smoke detectors fail to function because the batteries are dead or have been removed. As the percent of homes in America that were “protected” with smoke detectors increased from zero to more than 70%, the number of fire deaths in homes did not significantly decrease.

Myth: “Sprinklers are designed to protect property, but are not effective for saving lives.”

Fact: Sprinklers provide a high level of safety. Statistics reveal that there has never been any multiple losses of life in a fully sprinklered building. Property losses are 85% less in residences with fire sprinklers compared to those without sprinklers. The combination of automatic sprinklers and early warning systems in all buildings could reduce overall injuries, loss of life and property damage by at least 50%.

Source:  American Fire Sprinkler Association

Blizzard Tips

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Blizzard of 2015

A blizzard is a severe snow storm with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibility of less than a 1/4 mile for more than 3 hours.

Traveling by car or foot is highly discouraged during blizzard conditions. It increases the chance of hypothermia, accident and death.

If you must travel by car during a blizzard, it is vital to have an emergency aid kit (water, jumper cables, road flares, tow rope, non-perishable snacks) in case your car breaks down, you get into an accident, or become stuck in the snow.

To avoid hypothermia if caught outdoors during a blizzard, stay hydrated and nourished. Keep blood flowing by moving around. Also build a snow cave to block winds, which reduce your body temperature. And don't eat snow, it will make you colder! While keeping yourself safe, also think about the well-being of your animals by creating an emergency plan for your pets!

Traveling by car or foot is highly discouraged during blizzard conditions. It increases the chance of hypothermia, accident and death.

When a blizzard is in the forecast, you may receive a “Winter Storm Watch," which means there is a possibility of a storm taking effect. You could also receive a “Winter Storm Warning," which means a storm is on the way or already taking place.

As soon as you receive a storm warning, get prepared. You could lose electricity (this includes hot water and heat), so stock up on non-perishable foods, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, and candles beforehand.

How to Spot Roof Damage

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Damaged Shingles

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes can tear shingles from your roof and give your roof a beating with tree branches. Follow these steps to check for storm damage to your roof:

• Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Also, if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls, you likely need repairs or a roof replacement.

• Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Also, assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.

• Obviously, you’ll notice if a tree fell on your roof. If so, stay out of your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred. Consider hiring a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor’s license if your home suffered structural damage, as you’ll need more than roof repairs.

• If the storm produced hail, check for roof damage, as well as siding damage. Hail damage commonly comes in the forms of dimples, made by smaller chunks of hail that pound the outer layer of shingles.

• Stay safe — avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself and instead contact a professional roofer.

Source: Angie's List

Kerosene Heater Safety

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Kerosene Heater

If you use a kerosene heater in your home or place of business, you should take precautions against a number of serious hazards.

These dangers include:

Fire or explosion. Fire could be caused by operating the heater too close to furniture, draperies or other combustibles, by knocking over a lighted heater, or by accidentally igniting fuel when filling the tank. Explosions could be caused by use of the wrong kind of fuel, or by operating the heater in an area where there are combustible fumes.

Burns. Burns could be caused by direct contact with a heater, or by ignition of combustible clothing. Children especially should be kept at a safe distance from operating heaters. Even pets could be injured.

Asphyxiation. Kerosene heaters consume oxygen as they burn. If they are operated in a small room or in an inadequately ventilated area, oxygen in the air could be reduced to a dangerous level. Reduced oxygen supply could lead to incomplete combustion of fuel and the production of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which in sufficient concentrations, or if breathed over a period of time, can kill without warning.

Indoor air pollution. In addition to carbon monoxide, kerosene heaters can emit such pollutants as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Breathing these substances can create a risk, especially to such people as pregnant women, asthmatics, individuals with cardiovascular disease, elderly persons and young children.

These hazards can be minimized or averted by carefully following manufacturers' instructions for use of kerosene heaters, and by adopting other common-sense safety measures.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Mother Nature fights back

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Mother Nature must be going through "The Change" because she has brought the stormy weather to North East Pennsylvania, storm season is in full swing here at SERVPRO of Southern Monroe. The team has been running none stop with this rain that feels like it may never end. Storm damage can do devastating amounts of damage to your home or business. In a matter of minutes, the damage can go from a little rain coming in from the window to whole basements flooding out. The team at SERVPRO is trained to react and adapt to any situation. When the storm hits Call SERVPRO! 570-424-2290.

Stay informed

To follow National Weather Service reports in the Triangle, go to www.weather.gov/rah or follow your local weather service office on social media. For the National Hurricane Center, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov or find the center on social media.

Large Loss Fire Call

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

One of the main responsibilities of being a SERVPRO franchise is to jump into action and get to the job right away. The team at SERVPRO is always training and preparing for the next big loss. The team here at SERVPRO is highly trained in fire damage remediation. Last month alone the team went out to a very large fire job and handled it with ease. The team was on site hours after it was cleared safely by the fire marshall. The team jumped right in by bagging up wet and soot damaged contents. Then began the very time-consuming process of getting all the walls and other parts of the building wiped down and cleaned. The building had over 20 apartments and 10 business operating in it before the loss. The main objective for the team at SERVPRO was to get these businesses and apartments cleaned and back to normal without hindering the tenants in any way. The team worked hard and exceeded everyone's expectations on the job. 

Mold,Mold,Mold setup

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Mold M-O-L-D, The very sound of the word makes a normal person cringe. This mold is no joke. It can come in and without you noticing turn your once beautiful home into a world of bad smells and lots of coughing. Here at SERVPRO, we look at mold as more of an opportunity than a problem. The staff at SERVPRO is Highly trained in the protocols of the (IICRC). That means when SERVPRO comes to your home you can expect excellent service and even better results. The process for mold is very simple, the team comes in and first must identify the source of the loss. Once the source is found the team can begin the remediation process. First by containing the affected area by putting up a barrier usually 6 mil plastic with zippers and a clean zone before you walk into the affected area. After that its time to go to work. 

Where in the world did that water come from?

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to water loss, always expect the unexpected. What may look like just a little stain on the carpet could be a whole carpet pad and underlayment soaking. This will destroy your floor all the way down to the subfloor. When you experience a water loss you must act quickly pick up the phone and call SERVPRO. Once the team hits the site leave it up to the pros to get it done on time and on budget. The team at SERVPRO strives to support and supply great services to the area. The focus is and will always be "customer first". Once we make the customer feel comfortable with us then they can begin to relax and watch the magic happen. From extraction to the final walkthrough you will be amazed at the professionalism and cleanliness of SERVPRO's crews. When in doubt call SERVPRO and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Large Loss Fire Damage

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

One of the main responsibilities of being a SERVPRO franchise is to jump into action and get to the job right away. The team at SERVPRO is always training and preparing for the next big loss. The team here at SERVPRO is highly trained in fire damage remediation. Last month alone the team went out to a very large fire job and handled it with ease. The team was on site hours after it was cleared safely by the fire marshall. The team jumped right in by bagging up wet and soot damaged contents . Then began the very time-consuming process of getting all the walls and other parts of the building wiped down and cleaned. The building had over 20 apartments and 10 business operating in it before the loss. The main objective for the team at SERVPRO was to get these businesses and apartments cleaned and back to normal without hindering the tenants in any way. The team worked hard and exceeded everyone's expectations on the job. 

Water Certification Value at SERVPRO

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO Southern Monroe, we strive to keep our team up to date with all the most recent and most valuable certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The SERVPRO team looks forward to all of these pieces of training because to all of us at SERVPRO our main goals is to provide the best value and satisfaction to all of its valued clients. One of the main things the team learns at these pieces of training is to do the job the right wy the first time while following all OSHA regulations when it comes to safety. This ensures the customer that the team they bring in to do the work is qualified not just in the mitigation or repair but also in all the best Standards of Practice to make sure the job site is a safe environment for the team working but also anyone else on the job site.

Mold is the motive

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those things that really get peoples blood flowing. The fear that this micro-organism brings to the table scares man and women alike. It comes out of nowhere and sticks around till the fat lady sings. The team at SERVPRO loves mold! Especially our 3 CMI'S (Certified Mold Inspector.) The proper training has been put in place to ensure when SERVPRO is on the job it will always be done right the first time. The technicians are trained and certified to handle the cleaning of mold growth. We can ensure that it is done safely and thoroughly so that your home is safe again. Mold has to have moisture to grow. The source could be cooking, washing, condensation, leaks from plumbing, humidifiers, or even from the outdoors. Inadequate ventilation can contribute to levels of higher humidity and leads to condensation, allowing the mold to grow. 
 
Molds release spores as small as .3 microns into the air, so when it grows inside your home, the number of fragments and spores is usually higher than it would be outdoors since this occurs in a confined space. The first step of the mold remediation process is to contain the area where the mold is growing in your home. Doing so prevents the spores from spreading to areas of your home that are clean when we disturb them during restoration. SERVPRO technicians can also set up HEPA filtered air scrubbers to extract airborne spores and mold particles.

Fire in the house

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage is very devastating when the house or office you know and love go up in flames. The team at SERVPRO Southern Monroe works day in and day out training and mastering the craft of the aftermath of a fire loss. When the loss occurs the team from SERVPRO will be on the site once the smoke clears and the fireman says its safe to go in. The team will then conduct a full scope of the structure to find problem areas. Once the problem areas have been defined the team will then put a scope of work together. Once the team begins the process in the matter of no time your home or office will look like new. The team will work day and night to make sure you are satisfied with the work the SERVPRO team has done. When you're in a jam call 570-424-2290!

Flooded house headaches

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

One of the worst things to come home to after a long day of work is your floor flooded due to water damage. The roof leaks, a pipe bursts, the sub pump fails. Either way, you have a big issue on your hands now. The floor is beginning to get wet and the water keeps coming. Your next move should be to call SERVPRO and get a crew out there as soon as possible. The team at SERVPRO will make sure they get there on time and are ready to take action right away. Once on site, the customer can relax knowing that our IICRC certified water techs are on the job and are going to restore their house back to new in a matter of no time, When in a bind Call SERVPRO.

Commercial vs Residential

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Monroe, we have the opportunity to work with some great individuals and companies. One of the main goals for SERVPRO as a whole is to have heavy and genuine influence and presence in the communities and Counties. The franchise is able to keep that rapport with business owners and homeowners alike. Being able to access both commercial and residential accounts allows growth not just at a monetary level but also growth within the community, One of the driving forces behind SERVPRO's success is the way in which the brand converses with its clients. From being there one on one with a homeowner helping them through the mitigation process to meeting with COI's on large commercial accounts. Creating ERPS for their businesses and making them feel at ease when it comes to disaster restoration. The opportunities for SERVPRO are endless and it allows our reach of services to continue to grow and develop.

Ways To Prevent mold growth in the home.

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold growth in the home there are many options to protect your home or business. One of the first things you can do to prevent mold growth is to make sure that you have good ventilation moving throughout your house and also in your attic and crawlspace. One common misconception about mold is that the tighter the insulation the better the seal, which in turn will keep the house dry. But what is actually happening is that the lack of ventilation causes moisture in the air causing mold to begin to develop on the drywall. Mold attaches itself to household items such as drywall and paints on the walls. Having a dehumidifier in the home is always a very low-cost way to keep the moisture in your home under control. Crawlspaces or basement are another common area for mold to grow. The mold grows well with low light cold temps and high humidity so a crawlspace is like a weekend in Vegas for mold spores. 

Scoping Mold

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

One thing you learn when working at SERVPRO is the ability to adapt to any situation that is thrown at you and one of the things SERVPRO gets called for very often is to identify mold or go on mold scopes and determine the condition of the structure being scoped. When one of the Certified Mold Inspectors comes in to scope a house for mold they are very prepared for what is to come. The team goes through continues training to stay up to date on all new protocols and procedures. One of the main things that the team does is they go in and try to identify exposed mold when the source is found the team works outwards from the source. If no mold is visible the team can then execute an air-o-cell mold test. The machine draws 150 (L) of air into an air-o-cell then gets sent to the lab for further investigation. 

Nor Easter part 1.

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

North East Pennsylvania has been getting hammered with snow lately causing a lot of damage to homes and businesses alike. Over the last week and a half over 75k ppl and other electric provider users have lost power, now for some of them the power went right back on and everyone was happy. But for 80% of those who lost power are still without power. The devastation is tremendous, down power lines everywhere, trees laying on power lines and spanning across roads. This has put a lot of people in a very tight position. Some trapped in their cars for over 30 hours on the side of the road. To the gentleman, we met in Milford who had over 6 trees fall on his property. Putting holes in his houseboat and RV. Crushing his new pickup truck and ripping a high tension line right off of the house. Luckily teams of arborist and electricians have come up to help us out in our time of need.

SERVPRO jumps to help with Storm relief

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Ann dropping off supplies in the Dingmans Ferry area.

As seen in the last blog post-North East Pa has been getting slammed with winter weather from all angles. The team came together (In the dark of a powerless office) and came up with a way to give back to those helping with the rebuild but also those who to this day are still without their everyday necessitates. The team began gathering pallets of water and nonperishable food items to begin the distribution process. Donating the goods to fire departments, community buildings and also the occasional house drop off. The team is making waves in the community by showing their overwhelming support for those affected. In the last 8 days, the team at SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County has delivered over 1000 gallons of water and over 500 lbs. of food other beverages for those working to fix the issues as well as helping out all of the innocent people with nowhere to go in a time of need.  

Power outages + no sub pump = Flooded basement

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

OVER 5 FEET OF WATER!

With all the snow finally laying on the ground it's starting to cause some major flooding in crawlspaces, roads, sidewalks and even some streams are beginning to overflow. This has caused residents without power to experience so very mad conditions. in the picture attached you can see what happens when you have flooding in your basement for 7 days and the water level reaches almost 5 ft in depth. The team at SERVPRO got the call and made an emergency service call to the residency the homeowner was worried her whole house was going to be underwater in no time. The team showed up with high powered firefighting pump to begin to get rid of the water. At almost 90 gallons a minute the team pumped out over 13,000 gallons of water in under 4 hours. The homeowners were overjoyed when they saw that the basement was not flooded anymore. 

Commercial water loss

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss is something we all have to deal with. It can sneak up on you in a matter of minutes potentially causing tremendous amounts of damage to building or structure in which it has originated from. SERVPRO prides itself on continuing to set an industry high standard on the protocols and procedures used to deal with commercial water loss. From the state of the art drying software and equipment, we use to the continued training the SERVPRO staff receives to make sure that the job is not just done correctly, but done on time and done in a professional fashion. Next time you or anyone you know suffers a devastating loss call SERVPRO and they will come out and get the job done right. 

HELP OUT!

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

On the night of January 28, our family's home was lost in a devastating fire.  21 years of memories burned to ashes in front of our eyes in minutes that felt like hours.

My family lost EVERYTHING physical and sentimental - furniture, clothes, valuables, photo albums.  Our entire possessions accumulated over 21 years, a home that witnessed the growth of 9 children, gone before our eyes, leaving our family without a place to call home.

My younger siblings, Brenden (9), Sarah (11), Marissa (16), Ryan (19), and my parents, thankfully, escaped with their lives; but all that made up their lives - our lives - is buried beneath ashes and charred waste.

Fortunately, my family made it out of the house safely. We have not been able to find one of our kitties, but thankfully the other two have been found.

We are looking to raise funds to pay for clothing and other necessities that may arise.

Please, please share this message and help us raise donations in this moment of desperation.

This was an incredibly traumatic nightmare that we as a family never imagined experiencing and are not prepared for.  We are so thankful for the community's 
kindness and support.

We also want to thank all the volunteer fire departments as well as the state police for their professionalism and aid in our time of need.

We thank you for any help you can offer, by donating or sharing this page.

PFESI Training

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Over the last few months, SERVPRO of Southern Monroe has had the opportunity to rub elbows with some of Pennsylvania's finest when it comes to Fire and Ems Services. Over the weekend of 18th of November Anthony (SMR) attended the 27th annual PFESI Dinner. At the dinner, the Board of directors came up and gave awards out to some of the most influential members of the group. Also during the dinner, there was a moment of silence for those men and women we lost in the line of duty. SERVPRO is a major sponsor of the PFESI and works alongside the fire and EMS on a daily basis. One thing to take away from the event was the commitment to the community that all of our Fire and EMS members have. The really create a strong sense of community in their actions. 

Emergency Document Drying and Recovery

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

When tragedy strikes, you can lose not only your most valuable assets but also your most important documents. Sometimes this means irreplaceable assets such as artwork and letters from loved ones becoming ruined resulting in a devastating loss. Luckily, the methods for restoring documents have become more and more advanced in recent times. While no piece of paper can ever be returned completely to the original condition, the drying and recovery methods we use can greatly improve the condition of documents formerly destined for the garbage can.

Tragedies can strike at any time, and when these disasters damage our documents who do we turn to? At times like these, we need a professional who can come in and assure us that our documents can be restored. We offer our document recovery services for homeowners, business, government organizations, schools and healthcare professionals. Even items considered to be a total loss can sometimes be fully recovered using our advanced techniques.

We are a full-service restoration and document recovery firm. Our mission is to save your damaged documents from the destruction of fire, smoke, water, and moisture. Recovering your damaged documents is our specialty.

We currently are able to restore documents of nearly all types which includes but isn't limited to:

• Artwork
• Blueprints
• Books and Manuscripts
• Business Records and Documents
• Coated Papers
• Drafting Linens
• Electronic Media - Of All Forms
• Film
• Legal Files
• Manuals
• Maps
• Paintings
• Paper Money
• Parchment
• Patient and Medical Papers
• Pulp Paper
• Reference Books
• Text Books
• Textiles
• Vellum
• X-Rays

Our team of document restoration professionals is both certified as well as capable of getting the job done with years of experience and the best, most advanced training available. We combine experience, training, and state-of-the-art technology to restore and preserve your documents as close to their original state as possible given the damage to the content and available technology.

For water damaged documents there are several methods available to remove the water and any moisture from your documents ensuring that they are fully restored to their maximum potential. The process involves freeze drying, vacuum thermal drying, air drying, desiccant air-drying and other advanced techniques. If your document is capable of being saved, we're capable of doing it, and we have some of the most competitive prices in the market when it comes to the document restoration business. We can offer you direct billing or work with your insurance agency at your discretion.

Our team of highly trained professionals can handle documents damaged by smoke, fire, and water. Each type of damage presents its own unique set of challenges and problems based on the type of damage and the form of media that has been damaged. Water damage can be especially bad as it often packs an onset of problems by not only causing all of the problems associated with typical water damage but also setting up the perfect habitat for mold. Thankfully, we are well versed in stopping and preventing mold damage to documents as long as you act quickly and contact us to begin the restoration procedures ASAP.

Our document restoration service for fire and smoke damaged documents is the most thorough you will find in the industry, anywhere. We know that with this type of damage it's not only the damage you can see on the surface but also what is trapped on the inside that you can't see with the naked eye. Soot and smoke damage can wreak havoc on your media but our team of experts is able to remove even the most extensive damage.

We use the most state-of-the-art technology in the field and we keep upgrading our restoration methods as new and more improved ones become available. So you can easily rest assured any document restoration performed by us will be done while making use of the latest and the best technology available. If you have any documented damage we invite you to contact us and join our family of customers. We hope to hear from you soon!

Why you need a professional to clean smoke damage in your home or business

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

After a fire, your house is left with lingering smoke that can be harmful to your health and property. The best thing to do in such a situation is to clean smoke immediately because if you ignore it, the smoke will cause massive damage on your property which will require more money to clean than if you had cleaned it soon enough. If the smoke is not cleaned as soon as possible, the items that will be most affected by smoke are drapes, carpets, upholstery, and walls because they will become permanently discolored. Glass will become extremely etched, and metals will tarnish which will require replacement.

You might think that you can do a good job at cleaning smoke by yourself without any basic knowledge and skills on how to go about it but this can lead to you causing further damage on the items. The best thing to do will be to hire experienced professionals from a reputable company to do the cleaning and restore the home to the state it was in before the fire disaster struck.

One of the advantages of using experts to clean soot is that they have specialized tools which are crucial in eliminating smoke. These are tools such as extractors, rotary scrubbers, and wet cleaning tools. Another advantage is that they have a lot of experience in doing such work; therefore, they will know the right steps to take in cleaning hour home and preventing further damage to your property.

When they come to your home, the first thing they will do is to assess the extent of the damage and determine where the odors are coming from. They will then vacuum the whole house to remove any traces of soot. Soot is dangerous because it can cause breathing complications besides damaging property. After they finish vacuuming, they will cover the carpets and furniture to prevent more dirt from settling on them. They will also identify what can and cannot be replaced and advise you accordingly. Once they find the source of the odor they will use specialized detergents to treat it and eliminate the smell completely.

What to do after a fire

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Once in a while lady luck goes against us and we are struck by calamities such as fire. Fire can be caused by:

• Human errors such as forgotten candles
• Electrical Faults
• Cigarettes
• Home appliances
• Gases and chemicals
• Heating
• Arson

Even with smoke detectors in place, fire can raze down an entire building or parts of the building leaving considerable damage in its trail. Long after the firefighters have left the question on most house owners minds is what next? The damage is both financially and emotionally draining. Loss of personal property and disruption of regular life is frustrating. It may involve moving out to a new home while the damages are repaired and for business, it leads to an immediate loss of income.

Restoration

Once you have met with your insurance provider, you then seek a firm that specializes in restoration. You need a company that has an excellent reputation and will help rebuild your house. Not everybody that promises to bring back your premises' lost glory will deliver. When contracting a restoration company in Manhattan consider the following:

Speed

Restoration should be carried out as quickly as possible. You want to restore normalcy within the shortest time possible. If it's business, it should be up and running within a relatively short period. You don't want to work with someone that will drag the repairs for months. Speed does not mean poor maintenance. It is possible to achieve good quality renovation in a short period using the right staff and equipment.

Professional

Ensure the firm you select has experienced and qualified staff. The staff should also be trustworthy; your belongings should remain safe even as you open your home or business to 'strangers.' They should possess the modern and efficient equipment to be used in renovation and cleaning. State of the art equipment ensures a thorough cleaning and does not leave any traces behind. The staff should show empathy to their clients as they are going through a rough time.

How to Protect your home from storm damage

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Severe storms can happen throughout the year in areas all around the country. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, hailstorm, or another form of extreme weather, your home could experience significant water damage, flooding or destruction both inside and out. While you can’t control the weather, there are measures you can take to help minimize the potential damage storms could cause to your home. Some preparations, such as roof and tree inspections, are helpful not only when it comes to storms but are also good for general maintenance and upkeep. If you do experience significant damage and need help with storm cleanup, a restoration contractor can help repair your home, from water removal to rebuilding a wall that a tree knocked down.

Interior Areas of a Home

There are a number of places in a home that is more susceptible to storm damage than others, such as the roof, windows, and doors (including garage doors). Once you identify these areas, you can take measures to help protect and reinforce them, which will most likely reduce the damage and make the storm cleanup process easier. Consider hiring a professional to inspect these specific parts of your home, which will ensure that they are stable and in good shape, and most importantly can withstand the elements of most storms. While taking these precautions doesn’t guarantee your home and yard won’t endure some storm and water damage, they can certainly help minimalize the degree of damage.

WINDOWS/DOORS

Protecting your home’s openings is one of the most important steps you can take to defend against strong winds and heavy rain that can potentially compromise these entryways. Check doors for missing screws/bolts or loose hinges. Keep your windows intact with upgrades such as shutters, high-impact glass, and double-paned models to protect against storms. As an added bonus, these improvements can also reduce your energy costs because they’re environmentally friendly and help insulate your home.

Taping windows with masking or duct tape is more or less ineffective; however, applying a durable clear plastic film can help prevent glass shards from blowing into your home, in the event the window is broken by strong winds. If you have advance notice of a major storm system that’s approaching your area and you have time to take precautions, boarding up your doors and windows with plywood is an inexpensive and effective way to protect your home. In addition to plywood, panels are available in aluminum, steel, plastic and composite materials.

Consider pre-installing anchors around doors and windows to speed up the installation process, if you know your area experiences frequent storms and extreme weather. Installing a permanent shutter system—such as roll-up or accordion shutters—is an effective way to shield your windows from wind and debris. Plus, you can close them quickly before a storm arrives. There are even models for skylights, sliding glass doors and garage doors.

ROOF/ATTIC

Have your roof inspected by a professional to identify any problem areas or leaks that could lead to water damage in the event of a storm? You can reinforce your roof by having it retrofitted with certain types of brackets, bracing, clips or straps that can help make it stronger. Make your roof more wind-resistant by securing any loose shingles with a heavy-duty adhesive; if you have a roof made with tiles, fasten them with screws and wires instead of nails.

If you’re in the market for a brand new roof, consider purchasing an impact-resistant material that will stand up to extreme weather, reduce stormwater runoff, and require fewer repairs than other types of roofs that are easily affected by hail, wind and water damage.

SERVPRO Helps out with storm damage

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to dealing with Storm there can seem that there is no way out. The overwhelming feeling of your property being damaged is something that can turn anyone's stomach. That's where we here at SERVPRO come in ! We are here to help no matter of big or small the job is , SERVPRO is ready to come in ans save the day. We here at SERVPRO have all the tools and employees to get in get the job done before any more bad can happen. Our highly trained techs and crew chiefs are working tirelessly to keep up with the new and improve practices of storm damage remediation. We make it our priority to make sure when you call SERVPRO we come out and deliver a product or service that the customer is happy with. 

Protecting Your Home from Storm Water Damage

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

A heavy rain storm just swept your town, the winter seasons are finally over, either way there is a chance that you have occurred some storm damage. We here at SERVPRO have some helpful tips to make sure you are prepared for the next storm or harsh season. 

1. ALWAYS CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS!

One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they neglect to clean out there gutter. It is a easy way to make sure that rain or snow runoff goes down the drain to the earth vs. going into your walls and causing damage. By just taking a few minutes a week to make sure they are clean you will set yourself up for success down the road.

2. IF IT SNOWS HAVE A PROFESSIONAL SHOVEL OFF THE ROOF!

The the wait of the roof can cause damage to your shingles and plywood underneath. 

Water Damage and Restoration

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Repair and Restoration

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Please refer to our Water Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies

Have Questions? Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

Why Choose a SERVPRO Franchise Professional?

They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately to water emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

They're Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. They have extensive water damage restoration training with an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

They Use Advanced Water Restoration Equipment and Techniques

Their advanced equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your home and belongings. They finish the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

Learn More

The Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage situation is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 6: Restoration

Common Water Damage Scenarios

Water damage can have many sources, from loose appliance hoses to natural disasters. Regardless of the source, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster.

• Flooding and storm damage
• Leaking appliances, water heaters, plumbing, etc.
• Overflowing toilets, bathtubs, and sinks
• Flooded basements
• Tornadoes and thunderstorms
• Hurricanes and tropical storms
• Sewage backups
• Flooding from firefighting efforts

Best Ways you can avoid water damage in your home

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage you can never be too prepared. When it comes down to it if you take the right steps to prepare you will not have any problems. Some ways t protect your home from this type of devastation is to always make sure the seal on your windows is secure , by just making sure the windows are closed and locked you can avoid the possibility of a big storm opening the window  and causing water to seep into the house. Another sure fire way to make sure your house is protected is to make sure that your house is properly draining the rain water correctly. From time to time water can get underneath the roofing and cause water damage in the insulation and then that can come into your home ruining your ceiling and indoor contents

How to prevent mold after a water leak in your home

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

A massive storm just swept your area, Your water main broke while you were out to dinner, The washing machine is over flowing . Any of these things can happen at any time. To protect your house from mold you need to take action quickly, When the time comes are you ready for anything? We here at SERVPRO are here to help you. In the article we will go over what to do when these things happen. First thing to do is CALL SERVPRO! that way we can get their in a timely fashion and get the process started. By calling us right away we can begin mitigation and avoid mold spores from growing. Start to move any furniture that is in the effected area. Once SERVPRO arrives take a breather and relax . WE GOT THIS! By being proactive and getting ahead of the issues you will be fine with SERVPROS help

How does mold form in the home?

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Ever wonder how mold gets into your house, ever wonder if there s anything you can do to get rid of mold? Mold is very common this day an age and tons of people are constantly fighting to get rid of it but what people don't know is how it occurs in the first place. Mold needs certain criteria to grow. Things like a food source sounds weird but no we aren't going out for dinner with this one. Food sources for mold can include wood, drywall and cotton. Once the mold has a source it can spread. Mold a lot like people really like the heat. It also needs moisture as well. gotta stay hydrated you know? Mold likes to move in and stay as well. It takes about 24 to 48 hours to it to sign the lease and move in. 

How to reduce flood damage in businesses

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

One thing all business owners hate is for their operations to be slown down or even halted all together. One thing flood water hates is to be confined outside and not allowed in for the party in your business. Lets just say flood damage is that guy at the party who keeps tracking in mud on your new white carpet. There are ways to avoid this issue all together. One thing your business can do is Call SERVPRO when something happens. Businesses all over the globe hire maintenance departments to take care of the day to day operations. Not be the hero when flood water comes into play. SERVPRO is a company that has mastered the art of mitigation and they should be the first ones you call when these things happen. To ensure your production and operations continue to flow smoothly allow SERVPRO to take charge and fixes issues that occur. 

SERVPRO and Commercial business

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been working with Commercial accounts for decades. One thing that SERVPRO strives itself on is the fact that we can transition from a residential job to a commercial job without a problem. SERVPRO makes sure that all of its production crew members are trained and ready to take on anything. From cleaning out giant warehouses to removing mold in Hospitals SERVPRO is the with a smile and ready to go. One major factor toSERVPROS success with Commercial business is that fact that SERVPRO has built relationships to the point where it has National accounts that entrust SERVPRO to be its Sole and primary restoration company. Over the years this list of national accounts continue to grow and grow. This allows SERVPRO to grow as a brand as well. The more business we get the more the brand can grow. 

SERVPRO jumps into action for Hurricane Harvey

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a Major Hurricane at Category 4 strength on Friday, August 25 causing widespread devastating flooding and wind destruction along the Texas and Louisiana coast. After making landfall, the storm’s track continued through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, causing heavy rains and additional flooding situations.

Flooding

Unprecedented flooding occurred across Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur in Texas. Rainfall totals exceeded 50 inches in Houston.

Response Update

SERVPRO has mobilized and deployed Disaster Recover Teams to the most heavily impacted areas of Texas and Louisiana. Over 400 fully-equipped storm crews have been deployed and additional crews are being added daily.

With a disaster of this magnitude, residents and business owners are encouraged to be patient while SERVPRO makes every effort to respond to each need as quickly as possible.

Advanced Technology used by SERVPRO

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide is a specific set of practical standards that incorporate the field of psychometry, which involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers causes moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

• Air scrubbers remove airborne particles and contaminants.
• Thermal foggers and deodorization agents control odors.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Cleaning agents help to stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Potential Hazards In Your DIY Project

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

This man is restoring his drywall after it has been damaged.

The summer is here and you have decided to take on a home DIY restoration project. It is true that doing your own restoration project can save you time and money. However, it is important that you know the potential hazardous risks that can be found in your home.

When beginning a repair project it is important that you look out for the following:

Collapsing ceilings and falling objects- If the water damage in your home was caused by water leaking from the upper floor down to the lower floor this can cause the ceiling to become weak and collapse.

Asbestos and lead-If you reside in an older home it is possible that the paint found in your home may contain traces of lead and asbestos.

Mold- Mold can be found anywhere in your home depending on your homes condition.

Crawlspaces and confined spaces-Crawl spaces don't provide much room for movement and can contain toxic gases.

Chemicals-The improper storage and misuse of chemicals can cause harm.

Electrical- Wires that are exposed can cause electrical shock and potential fires.

I hope that after reading this article you are more aware and prepared to look out for the  dangers involved when taking on a restoration project and you do what is necessary to protect yourself.

Recognizing the 3 Different Types of Fire Damages

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

This fire has left smoke residues on the walls surfaces.

Synthetic: A synthetic fire is caused by the burning of oil substances. These materials include plastics and fabrics. Some examples of these materials include furniture, draperies, electronics and carpet fibers. When these products are burned a thick-black smoke often appears. If a synthetic fire takes place in your home the best cleaning method would be to first vacuum the surface. Finish up the cleaning process with a dry-chem sponge.

Protein: A protein fire can be caused by the burning of meat products. These fires will often leave behind a yellow-ish brown residue. Cleaning these fires can be very difficult due to their greasy nature. It is best that you use the proper cleaning chemical when dealing with these smoke residues.

Natural: A natural fire is caused by the burning of a wood or paper substance. These fires produce a greyish-black smoke and are one of the easiest fires to clean. When cleaning these fires use a vacuum that has a bristled brush followed up by the use of a dry-chem sponge.

Now that you are aware of the different types of fires you may encounter and how to distinguish them. You will be able to apply the proper cleaning procedures stated above.

Residents: of Monroe & Pike Counties: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

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

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Monroe and Pike Counties for mold and remediation services

  What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

  About Our Mold Remediation Services

  SERVPRO of Monroe and Pike Counties specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re-mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

  If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –570-424-2290 for mold remediation services.

Call Us For Your Next Water Damage

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

House flooded with water by a storm.

Disasters can be a very difficult time for you and your family. Here at SERVPRO of Monroe and Pike Counties our certified production team can help ease the pain in your time of hardship. Flood waters can provide hazardous risks to those exposed. It is important that you contact trained professionals that can properly restore your home while also utilizing industry standard drying equipment.

If you come across flooding in your home it is in your best interest that you do not try to handle it on your own. Flood waters are breeding grounds to some very dangerous bacteria. If you come in contact with these spores you could potentially become very ill. Here at SERVPRO of Monroe and Pike Counties we have the proper protective equipment to handle the job.

In the aftermath of a catastrophe you may feel as though your home may not recover from the loss. At SERVPRO our professionals make it their priority to provide restoration services so that your home is safe to live in. 

Does Your Monroe County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

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

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 570-424-2290

Monroe County 24-Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 570-424-2290

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

What to Expect:

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County

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

Monroe County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 570-424-2290

IICRC Certified Firm

3/8/2017 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

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

IICRC Certified Firms Must:

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

The IICRC Develops the Standards for the Restoration Industry

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

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

About SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County

SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.