Essential Tips for Homeowners Facing Water Damage: How SERVPRO® Can Help

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage is a homeowner’s nightmare, but quick action can make all the difference. At SERVPRO®, we’re here to guide you through every step of the restoration process and offer some crucial advice to help you manage water damage effectively.

1. Act Fast: The sooner you address water damage, the less extensive the repairs will be. Water can cause structural damage and lead to mold growth within 24 hours, so it’s essential to begin remediation immediately.
2. Stop the Source: If possible, locate and stop the source of the water. This might mean turning off your home's water supply or fixing a leaky roof.
3. Prioritize Safety: Ensure the area is safe to enter. If the water is from a sewage backup or contains contaminants, avoid contact and leave the area until professionals arrive.
4. Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the affected areas for insurance purposes. This documentation will be crucial for filing a claim and assessing the full extent of the damage.
5. Avoid DIY Repairs: While it’s tempting to tackle water damage yourself, improper handling can exacerbate the problem. SERVPRO’s trained technicians use specialized equipment to ensure thorough extraction and drying, reducing the risk of mold and further damage.
6. Protect Your Belongings: Move valuable items to a dry area if it's safe to do so. Remove any excess water from furniture and other belongings to prevent further damage.

At SERVPRO, our expert team is equipped to handle water damage emergencies with precision and care. We offer 24/7 services to address water intrusion, restore your property, and help you get back to normal quickly. Follow these tips and contact us immediately for professional assistance.

Summer Fire Prevention

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

Are you keeping an eye out this summer on potential fires hazards? Stay aware this summer with these fire safety tips that could make the difference between a summer blast, or a summer bust:

* Unless you're a professional, leave the fireworks alone. Aside from being illegal in MA, they are extremely dangerous if not handled with great care. Be safe, if you want to see fireworks, go see a local show.
* Speaking of fireworks show -- keep a close eye on children at these public events.
* When it comes to grilling, propane and charcoal BBQ grills should be used outdoors only.
* Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grill area.
* Keep your grill clean.
* Never leave your grill unattended.
* Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
* Know to properly dispose of ashes from fire pits and grills in a metal can. Make sure the coals are not still burning!

For any questions on additional fire safety: call our office at 508-999-2380 or your local fire department!

Your nose can tell a musty story!

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Ever go into your basement, or up to your attic, or basically anywhere in the house just to walk into an area that smells a bit… musty? If so, you may have asked yourself if that little patchwork is mold. 

The funny thing about mold is that it’s everywhere. Meaning the question isn’t whether or not you have mold in your home or business, but rather how much of it do you have that can potentially cause it to be a problem. 

Mold can cause health and respiratory issues if not treated properly. SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough is here for you to tackle any a mold job.  Our certified technicians set up air scrubbers to filter the air and catch any loose mold spores that can be harmful to the human body. 

If you suspect to have an unhealthy high level of mold in your home, call us here at SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough for a free estimate today!

Labor Day Flooding!

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

water damage in kitchen

The recent rainstorms have led to flooding and various water-related emergencies along the South Coast in the past few weeks. Although water-related issues can disrupt your holiday plans, they don't have to ruin them entirely. A rapid response is the most effective way to prevent costly damage to your property. In times of crisis, you can count on SERVPRO of Fall River with just a quick phone call, as we are available 24/7 to address your water restoration needs.

We are renowned for our swift response to disasters of any scale, ensuring assistance at any hour, day or night. Our technicians are highly trained specialists in water damage, equipped to efficiently restore your home to its pre-water damage condition. Utilizing advanced drying equipment and methods, we excel at extracting water, addressing concealed moisture, and even cleaning and sanitizing your residence.

For further insight into our water damage restoration process, please see the details below:

Each water damage situation is unique and demands a customized solution, yet the overall procedure remains consistent. The following steps outline our approach to a "typical" water damage emergency.

You can have peace of mind knowing that we adhere to IICRC standards when handling storm damage, ensuring that your home or office will be restored to a state where it appears as if the incident "never even happened."

Mold, Mold, Go Away!

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

mold on wall

As the weather starts to warm up and beach season approaches, something that is often overlooked is mold growth within homes. Whether you're looking to sell your home, purchase a home, or stay within your current home- mold seems to be the four letter word no one wants to hear! In this blog you'll learn where the most common areas for mold growth are, and when you'll need to call in a professional (like SERVPRO) to remediate!

Where is Mold most commonly found?

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

How can I tell if I need to call in a professional?

If the mold growth covers an area of more than 10 square feet (the size of a bath towel), you should consider calling a mold specialist. Cleaning large areas of mold can be tricky. Mold spores are airborne and very hard to keep contained.

If you think you might have Black Mold in your home or business, call the professionals today at 508-676-9100

Fireworks Safety Tips

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

Fourth of July Fireworks Show

As we get ready to celebrate Fourth of July, safety should always be top of mind when dealing with fireworks as there is always safety concerns during Fourth of July festivities. If you're celebrating at home with a cookout or just enjoying some relaxation time with your loved ones, we just need to keep safety precautions in mind when enjoying this holiday's fireworks and accompaniments.  

Follow these safety tips below.

• Ensure that whichever fireworks you plan on using are in accordance with local laws and ordinances
• Keep children and pets away from the fireworks
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
• Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that haven't fully ignited
• Keep a bucket of water/hose within arms length 
• Light fireworks one at a time
• Always use fireworks outdoors
• Dispose of used fireworks by wetting and placing in a metal trashcan away from buildings and other combustibles 

We never want a fire disaster to occur, but in the event a fire should occur we're here to help! Contact the pros and let us help!

Memorial Day Weekend Grilling Safety Tips

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

Memorial Day Weekend Grilling

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, there’s nothing better than the smell of food on the grill. Whether you're cooking up a juicy filet mignon or grilling some good ole hamburgers and hot dogs, grill safety should always be top of mind. We all love spending time with our friends, family, and having our fur babies run around the yard in the summertime heat. If you're at a Memorial Day cookout or just enjoying some relaxation time with your loved ones, we just need to keep safety precautions in mind when enjoying outdoor grilling and barbecues.

Follow these safety tips below.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area
• Always keep your charcoal, smoker or gas grill 10' away from a structural setting (garage, shed, breezeway)
• Never grill under a porch, awning or covered structure
• Keep grill away from flammable materials
• Keep 10' from railings and bushes
• Always keep your grill clean from grease or food build up
• Check hoses for leaks
• Keep the hood closed while grilling or lighting the grill
• Never leave a grill unattended
• Oil and sauce the food not the grate

We never want a fire disaster to occur, but in the event a fire should occur we're here to help! Contact the pros and let us help!

SERVPRO of Fall River

Hose Down The Heat!

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

The summer months are the best months to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and warm weather. As we enjoy doing our favorite activities during this wave of heat, we are increasing the use of our Air conditioning systems, sprinkler systems, pools and good old fashioned cool showers or tubby time for the kids to cool down a bit.  Anything to have fun but stay cool. Even outside garden hoses!

Along with this may come pipe bursts, ac line leaks, water tank leaks, sink, toilet and shower leaks, washing machine, refrigerator and overflowing sinks or tub. Maybe even a Jacuzzi overflow if you’re lucky enough to have one. Simply leaving the kitchen faucet running while cooking or running a bath for the kids and it overflows into the basement and causes squishy soggy carpets. That’s a disaster itself for mold. It can happen because we’re doing a hundred things at the same time.  Let’s face it at times we’re all just wiped out by the heat! Don’t the heat get you down!  Should a water disaster strike whatever the cause may be? Call the pros - Call SERVPRO! We’re only a hop, skip and jump away! We can save the day and ease your hassles from the damage that the unexpected has caused. 

Let’s not forget the havoc Mother Nature may drop on us any time. Torrential rains and storms can cause unexpected high ground water tables, flooded basements, overwhelmed sump pumps and even those old cracks we don't pay attention to in the foundation can cause leakage and wet areas we just don’t expect.  Act fast! Here’s some things you can do before calling the professionals.

-          Shut off the water source

-          wet vac as much water as possible

-       Never run cords or electricity through standing water EVER

-          Mop or soak if possible

 Be prepared for the unexpected and if a disaster should occur rest assured the crews at SERVPRO of Fall River are the pros for disaster clean up, restoration, and reconstruction with 24/7 Emergency Service!

Watch Out for the Heat!

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Are you keeping an eye out this summer on potential fires hazards? We're not just talking about the heat and humidity! Stay aware this summer with these fire safety tips that could make the difference between a summer blast, or a summer bust:

* Unless you're a pyrotechnical professional, leave the fireworks alone. Aside from being illegal in MA, they are extremely dangerous if not handled with great care. Be safe, if you want to see fireworks, go see a local show.
* Speaking of fireworks show -- keep a close eye on children at these public events.
* When it comes to grilling, propane and charcoal BBQ grills should be used outdoors only.
* Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grill area.
* Keep your grill clean by removing grease buildup.
* Never leave your grill unattended.
* Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
* Know to properly dispose of ashes from fire pits and grills in a metal can. Make sure the coals are not still burning!

For any questions on additional fire safety: call our office or your local fire department!

Into the Storm

6/18/2022 (Permalink)

As we approach the warmer weather there are different kinds of storms that we face. It's never too early to be prepared for such a storm. By following safety tips and precautions you can prevent being injured and prevent damages to your home and property.Should any of these storms occur and you've been affected as a result, We're here to help you in any event or circumstance. Don't go the battle alone, Let's weather the storm together. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Fall River.

Types of storms:

• Hail Storms. Many residents living in the U.S. have already experienced a severe hailstorm and witnessed the damage hail can cause to homes, automobiles, businesses and other property. ...
• Thunderstorms

• Tornadoes
• Heavy Snow / Blizzards
• Floods
• Derecho Storms

• Heavy rain
• Lightning
• Wind
• Ice Storms

If caught outside, take shelter in a sturdy enclosed building or hard top automobile immediately.

1. Avoid open areas,isolated objects, metal objects. 
2. Get out of boats and away from bodies of water.

3. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.

Take safe shelter immediately inside a sturdy building or basement away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.

• Inside tips on storm safety: 

1. Avoid using electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery operated devices instead, like flashlights.
2. Close outside doors and windows and keep away from windows to avoid lightning strikes.
3. Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last thunder has settled.
4. Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing until the storm has passed.
5. Keep battery operated flashlights and lanterns ready to go.
6. Have non -perishable foods, water and emergency supplies on hand in the event of power loss.
7. If possible, have a charged cell phone available in the event of an emergency. 

        Stay away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.

   We can weather the storm together! Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Fall River. We're here to help!